Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 4th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 37
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Pages 1967 – 2042
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Hon. George Kuksuk Allan Rumbolt (Gjoa Haven) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Whole Languages; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Alexander Sammurtok Housing Corporation (Rankin Inlet South) Pat Angnakak (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Steve Mapsalak Hon. Tom Sammurtok (Aivilik) (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Hon. Monica Ell Inlet) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. Johnny Mike Minister of Community and Deputy Premier; Minister of (Pangnirtung) Government Services Economic Development and Minister of Environment Transportation; Minister of Joe Savikataaq Energy Simeon Mikkungwak (Arviat South) (Baker Lake) Isaac Shooyook Joe Enook Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Quttiktuq) (Tununiq) Deputy Speaker and Chair of Hon. Paul Okalik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Peter Taptuna the Committee of the Whole (Kugluktuk) Minister of Health; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for Premier; Minister of Executive and George Hickes Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Immigration responsible for Aboriginal Affairs;
David Joanasie Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for the Utility (South Baffin) (Cambridge Bay) Rates Review Council Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Pauloosie Keyootak Management Board; Minister responsible for the Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (Uqqummiut) Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible (Netsilik) for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Minister of Family Services; Commission Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister responsible Hon. Paul Quassa for the Status of Women (Aggu) Government House Leader; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Officers Clerk John Quirke
Deputy Clerk Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Nancy Tupik Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simanek Kilabuk Innirvik Support Services
Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca
Table of Contents
Opening Prayer ...... 1967
Ministers’ Statements ...... 1967
Members’ Statements ...... 1969
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 1976
Oral Questions ...... 1977
Tabling of Documents ...... 1992
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 1993
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 2041
Orders of the Day ...... 2041
A. Daily References
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 ...... 1967
B. Ministers’ Statements
105 – 4(2): Accreditation of the Nunavut Arctic College Trades Training Centre (Quassa) .....1967
106 – 4(2): Conference of the Parties (COP 20) in Lima, Peru (Mike) ...... 1968
107 – 4(2): Training of Coroners (Okalik) ...... 1968
108 – 4(2): Winter 2015 Meeting of Canada’s Premiers (Taptuna) ...... 1969
C. Members’ Statements
236 – 4(2): Congratulations to Nolan Norberg of Kugluktuk (Taptuna) ...... 1970
237 – 4(2): Tribute to Rankin Inlet Hockey Organizers (Sammurtok) ...... 1970
238 – 4(2): Tribute to Jennifer Gwilliams of British Columbia (Mapsalak) ...... 1971
239 – 4(2): Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (Sammurtok) ...... 1972
240 – 4(2): Distribution of Country Food in Kimmirut (Joanasie) ...... 1972
241 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook) ...... 1973
242 – 4(2): Ilagiiktunut Fund (Enook) ...... 1973
243 – 4(2): Nunavut’s Fifth Youth Parliament (Hickes) ...... 1974
244 – 4(2): Bonnie Ammaq Debuts at Astro Theatre (Quassa)...... 1976
D. Oral Questions
388 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook) ...... 1977
389 – 4(2): Inuit Content in Iqaluit P3 Airport Construction (Joanasie) ...... 1979
390 – 4(2): Cancellation of Observer/Communicator Training Program (Sammurtok) ...... 1980
391 – 4(2): Status of Collective Bargaining (Angnakak) ...... 1981
392 – 4(2): Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (Enook) ...... 1982
393 – 4(2): Surplus Disposal Policy (Rumbolt) ...... 1984
394 – 4(2): Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (Savikataaq)...... 1985
395 – 4(2): Poverty Reduction Initiatives (Mapsalak) ...... 1986
396 – 4(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mikkungwak) ...... 1988
397 – 4(2): Review of Subsidies for Homeowners (Hickes) ...... 1990
E. Tabling of Documents
108 – 4(2): Hamlet of Baker Lake Presentation to the Nunavut Impact Review Board on the
Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak) ...... 1992
F. Bills
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Education –
Consideration in Committee ...... 1993
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1967
Iqaluit, Nunavut Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my Members Present: colleagues here with me. I send good Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, day wishes to the people of Aggu and Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. Igloolik. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Nunavut Arctic College, it is my Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, pleasure to share with my colleagues Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, news concerning the granting of a Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, temporary operating permit to the Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Nunavut Trades Training Centre in Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Rankin Inlet. This allows the centre to Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, deliver apprenticeship training as an Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie accredited institution until October 31, Ugyuk. 2015.
>>House commenced at 13:30 This ongoing process places an enormous strain on the college’s Item 1: Opening Prayer resources each time we go through the process. The next accreditation is Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) scheduled during the summer of 2015 (interpretation): Mr. Shooyook, can you and trades training staff are laying the say the opening prayer, please. groundwork for a possible three- to five- year accreditation period during that >>Prayer time.
Speaker (interpretation): Good Mr. Speaker, preparation for this afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut. requires a thorough review of shop tools (interpretation ends) Premier, and equipment as well as classroom (interpretation) ministers, members, suitability and curriculum development, visitors, our staff and interpreters, including proper use of lesson plans, welcome. syllabi, course outlines, student evaluations, instructor credentials, and Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister methods of evaluations for the courses responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, offered. Mr. Quassa. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the Item 2: Ministers’ Statements senior instructors, instructors, and staff of the trades training centre for all their Minister’s Statement 105 – 4(2): hard work and dedication in contributing Accreditation of the Nunavut to the accreditation process thus far. Arctic College Trades Training Without these dedicated professionals, Centre (Quassa) we would not be able to offer our students apprenticeship programs of the highest quality right here in Nunavut.
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The granting of the temporary operating Mr. Speaker, the Government of permit to the trades training centre in Nunavut is committed to supporting Rankin Inlet will allow them to deliver climate change adaptation initiatives the program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. across the territory to ensure the resiliency of our communities in the face >>Applause of a changing environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of >>Applause Environment, Mr. Mike. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister’s Statement 106 – 4(2): Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Conference of the Parties (COP Justice, Mr. Okalik. 20) in Lima, Peru (Mike) Minister’s Statement 107 – 4(2): Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Training of Coroners (Okalik) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to discuss a meeting I attended regarding Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): the United Nations Framework Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to Convention on Climate Change. acknowledge the work of Nunavut’s coroners and recognize their recent In December of last year, I travelled to training session. Lima, Peru to participate in the 20th Conference of the Parties, or COP 20. We currently have 23 devoted coroners During the conference, I spoke with throughout Nunavut. In 2014, 12 delegates from across the globe on coroners were appointed in various climate change and how it affects communities across Nunavut. Nunavummiut. Recruitment, training, and appointments of community coroners are an ongoing Mr. Speaker, the Government of activity. The chief coroner provides Nunavut is very concerned about the support, consultation, and guidance in impacts of climate change in Nunavut every investigation. and the potential negative impacts to our environment, culture, and way of life. A three-day specialized training session The Government of Nunavut recognizes was held in Iqaluit between January 26 the need to work with other nations to and 29, 2015 with presentations by reduce these impacts globally. Nunavut’s chief coroner, the Ontario Chief Coroner Service, a forensic COP meetings provide an opportunity pathologist from the Ottawa General for Nunavut to share Inuit Hospital, and the Major Crime Unit from Qaujimajatuqangit and set an example the RCMP “V” Division. to other nations for incorporating traditional knowledge into climate Mr. Speaker, coroners play a vital role in change decision-making. our justice system as they are at the forefront of all death investigations. I congratulate the individuals who
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1969 completed the training as it will improve in public infrastructure; establishing a the quality of service and expertise mobility protocol for apprentices required to perform their duties in each completing their certification; reducing investigation. I also give my thanks to barriers to trade and business within the coroners for their deep commitment Canada; continuing to expand to assisting members of our communities international trade; and finding solutions at difficult and tragic times. Thank you, to address challenges facing aboriginal Mr. Speaker. communities.
>>Applause Mr. Speaker, we also agreed to ongoing collaboration on seniors’ care and aging. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This file is of particular interest to me, as [Ministers’] Statements. (interpretation Nunavut respects the traditional ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna. knowledge and guidance of our elders. As such, I have committed to be a Minister’s Statement 108 – 4(2): member on the Council of the Federation Winter 2015 Meeting of Canada’s Task Force on Aging. I am confident Premiers (Taptuna) that this experience will help to shed light on issues across the country and Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. aide in finding solutions to alleviate the Speaker. Unnusakkut, colleagues, burden on elders here in our territory. Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, finally, as this is a federal Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this election year, premiers have called on opportunity to tell my colleagues about federal leaders to outline how they the winter meeting of Canada’s premiers intend to support the work of provinces on January 30, 2015 in Ottawa. and territories in addressing our shared priorities. I remain committed to being a Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to attend this strong voice for Nunavut to our federal meeting with my provincial and colleagues in Ottawa and ensuring the territorial counterparts to promote inter- needs of Nunavummiut are heard loud jurisdictional cooperation and strengthen and clear. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the Canadian economy. The agenda for this meeting centred around five main >>Applause themes: the Canadian economy and fiscal arrangements, infrastructure, aging Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. population, energy and climate change, Ministers’ Statements. I have no more and aboriginal issues. I’m sure all of my names on my list. Item 3. Members’ colleagues will agree that these are Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. issues of great importance to Nunavut as Taptuna. well as the entire country. Item 3: Members’ Statements During these meetings, premiers committed to creating opportunities for Canadians through various actions, including making strategic investments
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Member’s Statement 236 – 4(2): >>Applause Congratulations to Nolan Norberg of Kugluktuk (Taptuna) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Rankin Inlet [North]-Chesterfield Inlet, Speaker. I thank my colleagues. Mr. Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a young Member’s Statement 237 – 4(2): person from my constituency of Tribute to Rankin Inlet Hockey Kugluktuk, Nolan Norberg. Organizers (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, Nolan won a trip to see the Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Edmonton Oilers play the LA Kings in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to Edmonton yesterday, and I’m not going acknowledge several Rankin Inlet to mention the score. residents. The individuals I will mention are not all from my constituency, albeit >>Laughter they provide essential assistance to Rankin Inlet as well as to the entire Mr. Speaker, the young man, Nolan, had Kivalliq region and communities. won two hockey tickets and the airfare. Nolan had to maintain at least a 95 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, these percent attendance rate in school. Nolan individuals spend many hours living in is a grade 1 student at the Jimmy Hikok their second home, and I’m referring to Ilihakvik Elementary School in the Rankin Inlet Arena. At this time of Kugluktuk. year, the Rankin Inlet Arena hosts a tournament almost every weekend, from Mr. Speaker, to maintain a 95 percent the Atomic Atoms Cup, the Power attendance rate is a credit not only to Peewee Cup, the Polar Bear Plate, the Nolan, but to the parents, teachers, and Avataq Cup, and the Kivalliq Cup, to staff at the school, including the name a few. grandparents. (interpretation) These people are the As I have said in the House many times, individuals I want to single out today by Mr. Speaker, education is a key priority acknowledging them today in the House. and mandate of this government. Mr. Speaker, as you are all aware, it is also a (interpretation ends) Mr. Darrell Greer, major theme in Sivumut Abluqta. as many of you know, is the Editor of Kivalliq News. However, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and the House join me in this gentleman has built a legacy of congratulating young Nolan and his officials in Rankin Inlet. Darrell parents, Quentin and Laila, and of officiates, mentors, and runs clinics, course, the teachers as well as all the supervises and evaluates officials every sponsors, First Air and Advanced weekend. Medical Solutions, that made this trip possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. David Clark is the Community Recreation Director. However, he is also
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1971 a father, coach, and official, and not only the first time we are completely all in the coordinates these tournaments as part of House. his job; he gives back to the community by filling these other roles. Mr. Speaker, I want to expressly distinguish a person from the south who Mr. Noel Kaludjak is the unofficial has provided a tremendous amount of (official) photographer, always at the assistance to our fellow northerners. rink taking countless photos and sharing Although she isn’t from Nunavut, them with Kivalliq News, the Rankin nonetheless, she has vastly improved the Inlet senior men’s website, and other situation faced by people living on the venues. poverty line. She provides assistance specifically to low-income families, And then there is Cedric Autut, who is especially parents who face a daily the game announcer, spending hours in struggle to feed their children. the cold arena making sure the fans are up to date on who scored and who is I want to acknowledge Ms. Jennifer sitting in the penalty box. Gwilliams, who is a resident of British Columbia, and she created a group on Last but not least is David Ningeongan, Facebook which is called (interpretation who gives live play-by-play action on ends) Helping our Northern Neighbours local radio so that those who are shut in (interpretation) in English. Mr. Speaker, can be part of the vibrant community of this group now has over 14,000 the Rankin Inlet community. members who are all interested in assisting their northern neighbours who I know that I have only mentioned a few are faced with food insecurity and to of the key players, but I would like to provide them with essential items, such extend my sincere appreciation to these as clothing, which are collected through few individuals as well as everyone who this group and then the collected items gives their time in Rankin Inlet. are shipped out. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They have now assisted many people in >>Applause my constituency and obviously to other Nunavut residents faced with poverty, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. including other northerners. Due to that Members’ Statements. Member for reason, I wanted to specifically Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak. recognize the individual for her tremendous commitment to assisting our Member’s Statement 238 – 4(2): people in need. She found out about the Tribute to Jennifer Gwilliams of food insecurity and other issues faced by British Columbia (Mapsalak) our residents through the Internet and other media about northerners facing Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank poverty, and she created the group upon you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am learning about the hardships they face. extremely pleased, especially since all of the members are present today, and ever I ask all my colleagues to share in since we were elected, this seems to be acknowledging this individual who has
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1972 provided a tremendous amount of Technical Training Centre in Rankin support to many residents who require Inlet. assistance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. …the college’s board of governors, >>Applause facilities, instructors, and technical resources have been fundamental to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. success of the CARS program. We look Members’ Statements. Member for forward to the continued good work of Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok. the training centre and its graduates and the contribution they make to aviation Member’s Statement 239 – 4(2): safety and [reliability] in Nunavut.” Community Aerodrome Radio Stations (Sammurtok) Mr. Speaker, the government’s recent decision not to renew its contract with Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. NAV Canada has resulted in NAV Speaker. Good day to my fellow Canada selecting a company called ATS residents of Rankin Inlet and Services to operate CARS services at the Nunavummiut. 22 airports in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise It has been reported in the news that the today to speak about the issue of observer/communicator program that has community aerodrome radio stations. been delivered in the Rankin Inlet campus of Nunavut Arctic College will Mr. Speaker, in June of 2009, the close and that Nunavut students will now government announced that it had have to go Fort Smith for training. entered into a new contract with NAV Canada for a new five-year CARS Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned at this management contract. development and I will have questions for the minister at the appropriate time. Mr. Speaker, I want to quote from the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister’s Statement that was delivered in this House at that time. Mr. Speaker, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. in 2009, the Legislative Assembly and Members’ Statements. Member for the public were informed that the new South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. contract will allow the government to “operate this program through fairly Member’s Statement 240 – 4(2): valued contracts with the municipalities Distribution of Country Food in and private companies…” Kimmirut (Joanasie)
At the time, the government also Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank expressed its appreciation to Nunavut you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my Arctic College. It stated that Nunavut colleagues and the people of Cape Arctic College, and I quote, “has Dorset and Kimmirut. provided [enormous] support to the program of developing aviation Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my professionals through the CARS gratitude and appreciation to the people
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1973 of Kimmirut who shared country foods Being unconventional, I rise today to with their fellow residents. They speak about an ancient and long delivered fish caught by a team sent to tradition. I refer to Inuit go fishing and every household received Qaujimanituqangit, which is an issue some of the catch. Further, they ordered dear to me, and I will advocate for its caribou meat from our other regions and inclusion and will continue until I am this drive to supply country food was provided a complete understanding that very successful. this has been accomplished.
I imagine many residents were ecstatic While sitting as a Member of the House, to receive this food in my constituency, I will bring this issue up as I want so I want to expressly thank everyone support from my colleagues on this who was involved, although I won’t subject, as I am incapable of handling name all of them. I believe people are this by myself. Mr. Speaker, I have been especially grateful to receiving country patiently waiting for this issue to be food, and it is a source of happiness brought up by my colleagues, yet it when families share a meal together. seems I am the only advocate for This was an important event that was traditional knowledge, but this is an appreciated by all residents. issue I am very passionate about and my belief is that this has to be completed. On behalf of the residents, I wish to extend my appreciation to Monica When I was elected, I wanted to speak to Gardner, Brian Padluq, Meeka Temela, this issue. Although my colleagues have Dianne Ikkidluak, and the Mayukalik the freedom to support or not support my Hunters and Trappers Association for efforts, I want to receive as much providing the assistance to their local support as I can from my colleagues as I membership. I look forward to future attempt to start incorporating it into events of this nature that assist residents. government operations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the appropriate time, I will ask >>Applause questions about Inuit traditional knowledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook. Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Member’s Statement 241 – 4(2): Incorporation of Inuit Member’s Statement 242 – 4(2): Qaujimanituqangit (Shooyook) Ilagiiktunut Fund (Enook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow the people of Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, residents of Pond Inlet and and Grise Fiord, as well as my Nunavummiut. colleagues and our audience.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. thoughts about the agreement entered The member is seeking unanimous into called the Inuit Impact and Benefit consent to conclude his statement. Are Agreement for the project situated at there any nays? I didn’t hear any nays. Mary River and specifically how it is Please proceed, Mr. Enook. impacting the residents of Pond Inlet. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Last month, the Qikiqtani Inuit Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. Association announced that $730,000 would be awarded to community groups Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that it is from a fund called the Ilagiiktunut Fund. vital for decision-makers at all levels to The funds will be awarded to community listen carefully to the concerns and organizations in our region, including a aspirations of the ordinary people who number of groups in Pond Inlet. are most impacted by major economic development projects. It is essential for The Ilagiiktunut Fund was established the public to be provided with clear by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and information and it is essential that they the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. have the opportunity to have their voices In speaking to this new fund created by heard, as we hear that they want these the parties, I wanted to pay tribute to the projects to go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Speaker. Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation for successfully negotiating the Mary River Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have been a strong advocate for Member’s Statement 243 – 4(2): responsible economic development that Nunavut’s Fifth Youth Parliament benefits our communities and residents, (Hickes) and I have been a strong advocate for Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I constructive and respectful partnerships stand today to acknowledge the Fifth between community, industry, Youth Parliament that you had the government, regulatory bodies, and opportunity to host this past November designated Inuit organizations. and commend you for carrying on that annual tradition. Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I had the pleasure of hosting Premier Taptuna last Mr. Speaker, 22 teens from high schools summer on the occasion of his visit to across Nunavut participated in a two-day North Baffin, including a visit to the program to work and get an inside look Mary River site. at what it takes to represent their communities as if they were us. These (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would bright individuals from across our like to ask for unanimous consent to territory were selected through an essay conclude my statement. Thank you. process by a committee selected by you, Mr. Speaker.
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These leaders of tomorrow, hosted by Deanne Barrieau, representing Gjoa you and your staff, took part in a tour of Haven; the Legislative Assembly, workshops to learn the role of MLAs, assume the roles Vincent Inukpak, representing Baker of Speaker, Premier, cabinet, and regular Lake; members, draft Members’ Statements, Oral Questions, and Ministers’ Joyce Arreak, representing Tununiq; Statements, finishing with a full sitting day here in the Legislative Assembly Tyson Palluq, representing Uqqummiut; that was broadcast as our proceedings are. Elizabeth Aglukark, representing Arviat North-Whale Cove; Mr. Speaker, along with yourself, Premier Taptuna, several ministers, I and Nicole Amagoalik, representing Iqaluit- other regular members, and even our Manirajak; Commissioner, Edna Elias, sat in the gallery during those proceedings on their Apphia Kullualik, representing Iqaluit- sitting day and listened with much Sinaa, and both of them have paged interest to the topics and issues that were in this House, Mr. Speaker; discussed. Adam Nattar, representing Rankin Inlet If members will indulge me, I would like North-Chesterfield Inlet; to bring attention to these youth that so outstandingly represented us: Jenny Klengenberg, representing Kugluktuk; Joshua Haulli, representing Amittuq, who was the Speaker; Tundra Kuliktana, representing Netsilik;
Michelle-Tristen Sammurtok, Rankin Michel Oolateeta, representing the Inlet South; constituency of Aggu;
Willie Onalik, representing South Colleen Nakashuk, representing Baffin; Pangnirtung; and
Nolan Kiguktak, representing Quttiktuq; Genevieve Lafrance, representing Cambridge Bay. Ashley Cummings, representing Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu; Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to especially acknowledge Ted Nattaq for Dora Kavik, representing Hudson Bay; representing Iqaluit-Tasiluk in my place.
Alissa Matoo, representing Arviat South; I took the opportunity to spend a bit of time with Ted during his two days in my Anita Kopak, representing Aivilik; role and can say that I was very impressed by him. I’m sure his family is very proud of him, as we should all be.
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As I told him at that time, I will look Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. forward to maybe him sitting here in the Members’ Statements. I have no more House on a longer term, but as my work names on my list. (interpretation ends) is not done here yet, I hope he chooses a Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item different riding in Nunavut than the one 5. (interpretation) Recognition of I represent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Hickes.
>>Applause Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Aggu, Mr. Quassa. As was done to me during the youth parliamentary session that was hosted here in the Legislative Assembly where Member’s Statement 244 – 4(2): he recognized me during their formal Bonnie Ammaq Debuts at Astro sitting, I would like to recognize Mr. Theatre (Quassa) Ted Nattaq. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): >>Applause Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. I wish to announce to my Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. colleagues about an event occurring (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors tonight at seven o’clock at the Astro Hill in the Gallery. Mr. Sammurtok, Theatre. They will be screening a film representing Rankin Inlet and produced in Igloolik, and for the life of Chesterfield Inlet. me, I can’t remember the name. However, these films are produced in Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Inuktitut and we are all aware that the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to film producers in Igloolik have a history recognize a visitor to the gallery, my of producing great films. paternal nephew, Paul Sammurtok. Thank you. As a reminder to my colleagues, the screening will commence at seven >>Applause o’clock. There will be an Igloolik resident, Bonnie Ammaq, at the theatre, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. who was part of the production team as Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. well as portraying one of the characters Member for Baker Lake, Mr. in the film. This Igloolik film production Mikkungwak. will showcase Inuit culture and it will be at the (interpretation ends) Astro Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Theatre. (interpretation) Again, this is to Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I remind my colleagues if they are send good day wishes to the people of interested in the viewing the film. Thank Baker Lake and Nunavut. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize an individual >>Applause sitting in the gallery who is now living in
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Arviat, but he has relatives from Baker Mr. Speaker, I didn’t quite grasp the Lake. Please welcome Hugh Nateela to question the member asked, but he can the gallery. Thank you very much, Mr. perhaps narrow down the question, Speaker. although I did understand his reference to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and that his >>Applause question revolves around this matter.
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to Back then, the government of the day in the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in 2003 began restructuring the the Gallery. I have no more names on departments with an eye towards my list. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in for Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook. their departments and associated departmental boards or committees. We Item 6: Oral Questions have been doing so since that time. We have been incorporating Inuit Question 388 – 4(2): Incorporation of Qaujimajatuqangit in each of the Inuit Qaujimanituqangit departments. (Shooyook) Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank If I understand the question correctly, you, Mr. Speaker. My question is that’s the response I can provide at this directed to the (interpretation ends) Hon. time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister (interpretation) responsible for Inuit Qaujimanituqangit. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. I have asked repeated questions in Shooyook. previous sessions and I would like to get further clarification on the issue of Inuit Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank traditional knowledge. I have been told you, Mr. Speaker. Let me make this that the various departments are going to completely clear, (interpretation ends) consult on the issue and respond to my Hon. Minister. (interpretation) This is question accordingly. I have yet to hear a just one area of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit response on this issue, as I have never I would like incorporated into seen that question answered. Has your government operations. department begun plans on this matter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Traditional Inuit societal rules for spouses, traditional rules related to Speaker (interpretation): Minister of societal interactions, and traditional Inuit Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk. laws to apply towards the justice system are areas that present the biggest hurdles Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): to Inuit, as it results in the apprehension Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I of children, especially within social also thank my colleague for asking that services. question. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut. Due to these western societal values overriding Inuit and in light of the fact that I read a passage in one of the
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1978 documents stating that Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Qaujimanituqangit had not been found Your final supplementary, Mr. for that particular subject or considered Shooyook. not to be applicable, is that written statement for real? This is what I am Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank asking about today. you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t understand the answer, although I get that the written I have raised questions repeatedly and statement that I read which I put faith the rote answer is “Let me look into that into states that it hasn’t been and I will respond with the information incorporated into some areas. at a later time.” Well, I have not received any responses to date. What is the In the educational system, elders are purpose of this language the bureaucrats now fully engaged in teaching skills and continually spout? There is flowery our language is protected by law, with its language about incorporating traditional own Languages Commissioner, yet Inuit Inuit knowledge, yet many times the are kept from being fully engaged in department refuses to implement this societal interactions I referred to earlier. knowledge. I know that I won’t really receive a clear answer and that part I understand. As the Minister of Culture and Heritage, will you first conduct a thorough review At another appropriate juncture, I will of this issue and then work towards rise to ask further questions about Inuit actually implementing facets of Inuit Qaujimanituqangit as I understand that Qaujimanituqangit into these areas? other than the committee providing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. advice to this government, why is the language stating that Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Qaujimajatuqangit or Inuit societal (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of values will be incorporated into Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kuksuk. government in that strategy document there when it isn’t being incorporated? Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): What is the reason for the lack of Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As implementation? Based on my per my earlier response, this statement understanding, there is nothing that is was initiated in the year 2003 by a implemented related to Inuit societal directive from the government to start values. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the departments. Further, there is a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. governing IQ committee that provides Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. advice to several departments, such as Kuksuk Justice, Health, Culture and Heritage, and Education. Mr. Speaker, the IQ Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): committee deals with the task of Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit again thank my colleague. He will into the departments. That is the only remember that this was brought up when answer I can provide with respect to the a Full Caucus retreat was held. However, question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. some of the principles we discussed have
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1979 yet to be moved forward, although employment requirements? Thank you, progress is coming. Some questions Mr. Speaker. remain, for example, shall that department require an IQ committee. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Once the situation has been sorted out, Minister of Economic Development and the next steps will have to be deliberated Transportation, Ms. Ell. on and that is how I understood it. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Nevertheless, up to today, most of the you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member work stems from the 2003 directive that for asking about this. What he created different committees within the mentioned under Schedule 24 is that areas dealing with heritage, health, they went outside of this and made an justice, education, and Inuit culture agreement on Inuit employment as part while other departments have elder of the airport construction project. They advisors working with the operational wanted to use more Inuit firms. As this staff. As the department responsible, we project started last summer, they have implement their work and we work with been gathering data. I want to say that the elders on this front. This is what I during our upcoming spring session, I can say today. Thank you very much, will be able to provide this data as they Mr. Speaker. are doing a report up to March 2015. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for South Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
Question 389 – 4(2): Inuit Content in Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Iqaluit P3 Airport Construction you, Mr. Speaker. Schedule 24 also (Joanasie) indicates that a necessary requirement Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank for the project is to implement you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are “strategies for the successful recruitment directed to the Minister of Economic of Inuit Beneficiaries” and “the Development and Transportation. successful retention and promotion of Inuit Beneficiaries.” Mr. Speaker, the Iqaluit International Airport P3 Improvement Project began Mr. Speaker, when Inuit Impact and construction last summer. Benefit Agreements are signed for resource extraction projects, there are Schedule 24 of the Iqaluit International often provisions for neighbouring Airport Improvement Project Agreement communities to benefit from addresses Inuit content. It indicates that employment and training opportunities. the “Cumulative Inuit Labour Requirement for the Construction Can the minister clarify if the Inuit Period” shall not be less than 15 percent. Engagement Plan for the Iqaluit Airport P3 project is being extended to Can the minister update the House on neighbouring communities, including the current status of the project’s Inuit
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Cape Dorset and Kimmirut? Thank you, NAV Canada, or ATS Services? Thank Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Minister of Economic Development and Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell. Transportation, Ms. Ell. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. In regard to CARS in for that question. The Inuit content and Rankin Inlet, we are reviewing how we training portion is directed to all Inuit, can proceed with the no matter where they are coming from. observer/communicator training course Thank you, Mr. Speaker. in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Your first supplementary, Mr. Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok. Sammurtok.
Question 390 – 4(2): Cancellation of Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Observer/Communicator Training Speaker. Earlier this year, all MLAs Program (Sammurtok) were advised by the minister that the Government of Nunavut had intended to Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank continue the CARS you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for observer/communicator training the Minister of Economic Development program. MLAs were advised by the and Transportation. minister that the GN planned to sign a new agreement for this work. Can the (interpretation ends) For many years, minister explain how this plan fell Nunavut Arctic College has offered the through? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. observer/communicator training course at the Kivalliq Campus in Rankin Inlet. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This course was intended to train (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Nunavummiut hoping to pursue careers of Economic Development and at community aerodrome radio stations. Transportation, Ms. Ell.
CBC News has reported that the Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank government’s decision to end its you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the agreement with NAV Canada for the member for his question. This training administration of CARS services has was offered through Arctic College and resulted in the cancellation of this funded by NAV Canada. The funds for program, which will result in the loss of this course were transferred to a at least one job in Rankin Inlet. community in the NWT which offers the exact same course. They determined Can the minister clarify whether this their funding would go to this course, decision was made by the government, but as a government, we are still looking
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1981 at ways to offer that training in Rankin Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Energy Corporation. Your final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. It has been reported that employees at the Qulliq Energy Corporation have Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank voted overwhelmingly for a strike you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the mandate. minister for her response. (interpretation ends) It has also been reported that I have three simple questions for the Nunavut students will now have to travel minister. to Fort Smith to take this training. Can the minister indicate what support will When it comes to QEC’s collective be provided to Nunavut students who agreement, who determines the now have to travel outside of the employees’ negotiating mandate? QEC’s territory to pursue this training? Thank board of directors, the cabinet, or the you, Mr. Speaker. Financial Management Board? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Economic Development and (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Transportation, Ms. Ell. responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. for his question. Right now, we are Speaker. I thank Ms. Angnakak for the working with the Minister responsible question. Mr. Speaker, we’re in for Nunavut Arctic College and their collective bargaining. As I said to one of staff. Our staff has been consulting with our colleagues yesterday, it’s a statutory the college to see what can be done so freeze. I know the union folks are that the training can continue in Rankin probably encouraging people to ask Inlet. When Nunavummiut go for questions. I have cautioned people not to training, there is always some assistance ask questions during collective available for travel and their books, and bargaining and that’s what we’re in. the assistance would be the same from They voted and they are in a strike what I know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. position. We’re negotiating an essential service agreement. I really don’t have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. much to say beyond that. Thank you, Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Mr. Speaker. Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 391 – 4(2): Status of Your first supplementary, Ms. Collective Bargaining (Angnakak) Angnakak.
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Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. information is that it is back in the hands Speaker. I think what I’m talking about of the union to review our edits. It is is approvals. I’m not asking for details. back and forth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just saying: who has the authority to approve the mandate? Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Question 392 – 4(2): Community Energy Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Aerodrome Radio Stations (Enook) Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker. I again thank Ms. Angnakak for Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the the question. Mr. Speaker, the collective Minister of Economic Development and agreement with QEC employees expired Transportation. a bit more than a year ago. I think they met in February. We made a very I have been asking questions for almost generous offer and they decided they a year about the government’s decision wanted to go to mediation. Mediation to end its agreement with NAV Canada broke down in December. We are concerning the administration of following the process as outlined in the community aerodrome radio stations in collective agreement and the Public Nunavut. This decision has resulted in Service Act. Mr. Speaker, I can’t say any NAV Canada entering into a single more than that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. contract with a private company, ATS Services, to provide CARS services at Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut airports. Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak. CBC News has reported that the GN is eliminating three positions as a result of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. this decision. Can the minister clarify Speaker. Perhaps the minister can which positions are being eliminated and answer this question: does QEC have an can she assure me that the affected essential services agreement in place employees will be guaranteed with the union? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. employment elsewhere in the government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. responsible for the Qulliq Energy Minister of Economic Development and Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Transportation, Ms. Ell.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Speaker. The Public Service Act you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank provides that they can’t go on strike until my colleague for that question. There are an essential service agreement is in three employees who held positions with place. The agreement has been back and NAV Canada using funds, with two in forth, being finalized. My latest Rankin Inlet and one in Kugluktuk. The
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1983 title of the positions is (interpretation ends) NAV Canada (interpretation) ends) aviation program officers, employees operating it. The situation (interpretation) with one called the now is that these arrangements are all (interpretation ends) coordinator. different. (interpretation) I also want to inform my colleagues that my officials are working In the past, apparently (interpretation with them to determine which positions ends) NAV Canada made a public these people can be transferred to. Thank announcement that this agreement which you, Mr. Speaker. had been in place for many years would be coming to an end. Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. Mr. Speaker. Nunavummiut deserve to know the reasons for why the GN is Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, ending its current arrangements with Mr. Speaker. Can the minister clarify NAV Canada for the provision of CARS whether or not the new contractors will services at our territory’s airports. Can be hiring people from Nunavut to the minister clearly explain why the provide CARS services at Nunavut government made this decision? Thank airports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Minister of Economic Development and Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell. Transportation, Ms. Ell.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member asking about that service. The for his question that is relevant to this organization which is called issue. (interpretation ends) ATS Services (interpretation ends) NAV Canada (interpretation) had entered into an (interpretation) is responsible for the agreement with (interpretation ends) CARS program. NAV Canada (interpretation) and this is set to expire on March 31 of this year. Currently, the issue is that many What I can state about this issue is that communities have various arrangements, many communities have existing ATS with some of the municipalities employees. I believe there are currently operating the program through an seven under that agreement and these agreement while other communities have seven communities have agreements entered into agreements with with ATS. In those cases, the employees (interpretation ends) ATS are local. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) that provides the services with other communities with private Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. contractors operating the program and Oral Questions. Member for Hudson some communities have (interpretation Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
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Question 393 – 4(2): Surplus Disposal Community and Government Services, Policy (Rumbolt) Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): I would like to direct my questions to the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This review Minister of Community and Government will be wrapping up shortly and I will Services. provide that information to my colleagues once the review is completed. As the minister will recall, I asked him Thank you. questions on November 3 of last year concerning his department’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. administration of the government’s Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. Surplus Disposal Policy. At that time, I noted that the policy had expired on Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. September 30 of 2014, and the minister Back in November, I raised two informed me that the policy was under concerns with the policy; one was the review. significant length of time it can take for surplus to go through the public tender Can the minister indicate if a revised process and the other with the order of policy has now been finalized? Thank preference for the disposal of surplus you, Mr. Speaker. assets. Can the minister indicate what his department has done in response to my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. concerns? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community and Government Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Services, Mr. Sammurtok. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. As of now, we Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): have started our preparations and the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe I issue the member asked about is still responded to the member at that time. under review. Thank you. (interpretation ends) However, many of these assets are controlled by other Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. departments. In the meantime, what we Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. have done is we have asked departments to let us know of any surplus equipment Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that they would like to declare as surplus Considering that the policy is still under so that my department can go through review, I wonder if the minister can the process of disposing of these assets. update us today on the status of this review and at what stage it’s at and when Our preferred recipients of these, of he expects it to be completed. Thank course, would be depending on what you, Mr. Speaker. asset it is. For example, if it’s an ATV or a snowmobile, we would like to see Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. those go to search and rescue (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1985 organizations in the communities. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank South, Mr. Savikataaq. you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. With respect to the Question 394 – 4(2): Community issue enquired about, currently, the NAV Aerodrome Radio Stations Canada program which operates the (Savikataaq) CARS services in the 22 communities Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. was under this agreement, but that Speaker. My questions are for the agreement with NAV Canada will Minister of Economic Development and change starting on April 1, 2015, with Transportation, and I welcome her back only one agreement with (interpretation to the House. As you can see, we have ends) ATS Services (interpretation) that missed her. will govern this program.
>>Laughter I was informed that the current agreement was entered in January 2014 Mr. Speaker, as a private pilot myself between the Department of Economic and as one who uses the services of Development and Transportation and NAV Canada, I want to begin by paying NAV Canada. This contract is set to tribute to many of the hard-working expire on March 31 this year. people across Nunavut who keep the flying public safe. There are different reasons for this development. Yes, the differences in the Mr. Speaker, in June of 2009, the communities run the gamut with government announced the signing of a communities that have NAV Canada five-year contract with NAV Canada for employees while others have private the management of CARS services. At contractors, others are under the ATS that time, the government indicated that contract, and the remainder operated by this would “allow us to continue to build the hamlet administration. on the success of the first contract and of the training school for airport There are also other aspects to that, such observer/communicators in Rankin as training, which is something we will Inlet.” My other colleagues have continue to work towards as a elaborated on this and my questioning is department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. closely the same. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister describe what specific Your first supplementary, Mr. concerns led the current government to Savikataaq. end its previous contractual arrangement with NAV Canada? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I didn’t hear the minister’s answer. I think the minister didn’t answer my question. What I asked was:
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1986 what specific concerns did Arctic not and whether it is cost-effective or Airports have not to renew their contract not. They are not part of the contract or with NAV Canada? Thank you, Mr. arrangements at all now. It’s between Speaker. NAV Canada and ATS Services. How will the government and Arctic Airports Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. know if there are any safety issues? (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Transportation, Ms. Ell. you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question. With respect to CARS Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank services, with the current developments you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member we have and the way it is operated, it for his question. I believe it started with seems to be the most convenient way to NAV Canada’s wish to start using a this government as the priority is related (interpretation ends) one-window to (interpretation ends) safety approach (interpretation) in English (interpretation) at the airports and safe within Nunavut. NAV Canada is the air transportation, as that is Nunavut’s primary agency responsible for public main mode of transportation. Thank you, safety as it pertains to CARS services. Mr. Speaker. We have faith in NAV Canada’s ability to provide a safe environment in this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. area within Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Your final supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Savikataaq. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Speaker. If I understood the response Mapsalak. from the minister, I think the safety concerns and money concerns that Question 395 – 4(2): Poverty Arctic Airports had is the reason they Reduction Initiatives (Mapsalak) didn’t renew their contract or maintain their contract. That’s the answer I heard Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank anyway. If that is the answer, I guess it you, Mr. Speaker. I will direct my took 10 years to figure that out because question to the minister responsible for that is how long the previous contract poverty, Ms. Ugyuk. was. Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, a person Since Arctic Airports is not part of the created a group to provide assistance to agreement now between NAV Canada northerners due to her awareness of the and ATS Services Ltd., I would like to plight faced by residents living below ask the minister what kind of mechanism the poverty line and of the extreme high is in place that will allow the costs of food in the communities. government and Arctic Airports to monitor the situation whether it is safe or
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Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the minister: I have directed my officials to have clear as we know that she personally worked directions written in the plan designed in this field and has most likely by elders called Inunnguiniq related to deliberated on this issue for the past year the proper way to rear a child so that as or more, what is the status of the work they get older, they can be self- by this government on the Poverty sufficient. This spring, we have planned Reduction Strategy? What has the another meeting, but we have yet to government done to start combating decide the location as this meeting will poverty? Let me start with that question revolve around social assistance first, Mr. Speaker. benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Your final supplementary, Mr. responsible for Poverty [Reduction], Ms. Mapsalak. Ugyuk. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): you, Mr. Speaker. I had thought the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the earlier supplementary question was the member for his question. Is the question minister’s request for clarification. regarding those who are on income support or is it regarding poverty? Thank Mr. Speaker, let me then ask my last you, Mr. Speaker. question. Indeed, it is becoming quite noticeable and obvious that the number Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of residents requesting assistance is Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. growing.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank With that being the case, when groups you, Mr. Speaker. To date, what has the offered assistance, the clear result was government done to assist our residents that the airlines increased the rates for under the Poverty Reduction Strategy particular cargo based on the growing and what plans are in place? Has any number of packages being sent from work been done that is identified in the outlying areas. Once the airline plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. companies saw the opportunity open for more cargo sales and once the residents Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of Baffin saw the caribou harvest (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister moratorium take effect, the airline responsible for Poverty Reduction, Ms. companies foresaw the demand for Ugyuk. country food growing and a corresponding increase in country food Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): rates was implemented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand his question a little clearer now. In terms Has the government reviewed these of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, there gouges by airlines on these types of are interagency meetings that occur with assistance packages sent from the representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik outside or where country food is Incorporated and the local communities. ordered? This will result in further
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1988 poverty, as options are closed for people and the ever increasing cargo rates, has already living on the poverty line. Thank the government considered enacting you, Mr. Speaker. some sort of subsidy this winter to assist people to meet the increased costs? Has Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the government looked at any assistance Minister responsible for Poverty to offset these rising costs? Thank you, Reduction, Ms. Ugyuk. Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Minister responsible for Poverty colleague for raising several questions Reduction, Ms. Ugyuk. regarding air freight for assistance packages on country food rates. We are Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): collaborating with the Department of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my Health on a (interpretation ends) food colleague for that question and concern. coalition strategy. (interpretation) We The (interpretation ends) Nunavut Food meet on this issue and they are part of Coalition (interpretation) is where we the food coalition working group. The meet with other representatives, Department of Health also has a worker reviewing the six recommendations on this file. Our department sits in on related to lowering the cost of country these meetings and they discuss various food, the cost of food in the stores, life matters related to decisions. There is skills training, and community-specific also a body within the government actions. There is work underway to start whose title I can’t recall, but it reviews implementing the recommendations. all the factors that impact our residents. This includes ways to incorporate the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. There is still a lot of work Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I required and that is the only way I can just want to recognize that under your respond to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. first supplementary question allocation, the minister requested clarification, so Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you may ask one final question, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mapsalak. Mr. Mikkungwak.
An Hon. Member: How enviable! Question 396 – 4(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mikkungwak) Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for my final question Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): and your allowance for it. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Indeed, that is the situation we face. I Economic Development and want to ask my last question on this Transportation. matter, as it is connected to people who are living on the poverty line in Repulse (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as Bay. The numbers have increased members are aware, the Department of drastically. With that reality facing them Economic Development and
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Transportation’s capital estimates indicates that a priority for the 2014-15 include $2.5 million for small capital fiscal year has been to “Update [the] 20- projects and minor capital for airport year capital needs assessment for mobile equipment. (interpretation) Mr. Nunavut airports.” Can the minister Speaker, it is important that airports in confirm when she will table this Nunavut are properly equipped. important document in the House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Baker Lake’s municipal council passed a resolution last month Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. regarding my community’s airport (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of grader. There is concern that the current Economic Development and grader, which has been in use since Transportation, Ms. Ell. 1981, needs to be replaced. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Can the minister explain how her you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member department prioritizes funding requests for that question. The objective is to for new airport equipment? Thank you, have a comprehensive plan and it is at Mr. Speaker. the (interpretation ends) draft (interpretation) stage. It would be called Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the first draft and we are deliberating on Minister of Economic Development and the options on how to make this Transportation, Ms. Ell. available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member Your final supplementary, Mr. for bringing his concern up. Many Mikkungwak. communities in Nunavut are faced with the challenges of replacing and repairing Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, the airport infrastructure and the runways Iqaluit International Airport P3 project themselves. My department is aware of was initiated before many of us were the many challenges we face in this area elected to this House. I continue to and we have begun a complete review of receive concerns from Nunavutmiut in the 24 community airports, especially my constituency and region regarding related to public safety. Safety is our the scale and expense of this project. utmost priority. Also, we have begun a Many are worried that this project might 20-year plan into the future that sets out reduce the department’s ability to the work required to meet the address the important airport needs of challenges. My department has begun the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions. the plans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what assurances can the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. minister provide communities in the Your first supplementary, Mr. Kivalliq and Kitikmeot that their airport Mikkungwak. infrastructure requirements will be met? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department’s business plan
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson. Transportation, Ms. Ell. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Speaker. I think Mr. Hickes already you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member answered that question when he said that for that question. With respect to the I’m not fond, so I’ll say that I’m not Iqaluit International Airport, we are prepared to make that commitment. pleased that this is a P3 project. This Thank you, Mr. Speaker. project is financed not only by the Government of Nunavut, but the federal Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. government is contributing to this Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. project along with private companies that are partners in this project. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for holding to his The communities aren’t an afterthought history. due to this project, as we have other funds we can access to finance the plans Also going through the Blues, the for the communities, which is why we minister mentioned yesterday that he had have begun the review of all municipal some recollection of the Department of airport needs and this plan will Finance doing a review of this program. encompass all of our communities. At that time, he was unclear on whether Thank you, Mr. Speaker. he was able to confirm that or not. Has the minister’s recollection improved Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. since yesterday? Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Speaker. Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 397 – 4(2): Review of (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Subsidies for Homeowners Finance, Mr. Peterson. (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. would like to direct my question today to Speaker. I thank Mr. Hickes for the the Minister of Finance. question. As you can appreciate, there is a lot to remember when you’re the Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I had asked him finance minister, HR stuff, QEC, and some questions regarding the review of everything else I’ve got here. I have a lot subsidies for homeowners. In our of paper on my desk, but not enough discussion yesterday, I was looking over room on my desk for all the paper I have the Blues. I know the minister is not to look through here. fond of making commitments, but I would like to get a commitment from the I did check with my deputy minister and minister on whether this subsidy will be he confirmed that it will be part our a part of the program review that is comprehensive tax review. I think we going to be initiated by the Department have been talking about that since last of EIA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. year. It will be part of that through this
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1991 mandate. I believe that in the new fiscal entitled to all provisions of the year, we will get to that. Thank you, Mr. Collective Agreement from the first day Speaker. of his/her employment.”
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I would like to ask the minister again, Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes during their review of this program and through discussions maybe through the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department of Justice or within their So the minister was able to commit to own regulations or legislation, whether something. they will take a look at including long- term casual employees into this program. Yesterday, I was also speaking into this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. benefit with regard to casual employees. I spoke to the minister after my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. questions yesterday and apologized for (interpretation ends) Hon. Minster of some of the terminology I may have Finance, Mr. Peterson. used with my wording during my question. I did not mean in any way or Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. form to insinuate that the minister did Speaker. I sort of anticipated that Mr. not respect members of our public Hickes would come back to me today service and I apologize if it came across with this question. that way, Mr. Speaker. It is very clear in the household Mr. Speaker, when I’m looking at, as I allowance on the Department of Finance mentioned yesterday, the criteria of the website. It says, “The Household household subsidy program, it is Allowance is a subsidy of $400 per available to all eligible indeterminate month and available on a per household and term employees of the Government basis. It is available to all eligible of Nunavut. indeterminate and term employees of the GN, a Public Agency or the Legislative Mr. Speaker, when I look over the Assembly and who are not already collective bargaining agreement with receiving a similar allowance.” NEU, it speaks that “The Employer may hire casual employees for a period not to That being said, term employment is one exceed four (4) months of continuous option of the Human Resource Manual employment in any particular division or section 513. It is quite clear what is a department. term employee. “Term employment is one option to meet temporary business Where the Employer anticipates the needs. Term employent is for a fixed period of temporary employment to be in period at the end of which an employee excess of four (4) months,” which we ceases to be employed,” and then there have all acknowledged that there some are provisions. Through the process for people on term CSAs for numerous term employment, the departments have years, some as high as six or seven to submit a job action request and it has years, to continue, “the employee shall to go through a competitive employment be appointed on a term basis and shall be opportunity for a fixed duration longer
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1992 than four months. Although some of the Tabled Document 108 – 4(2): Hamlet casuals do go beyond four months, they of Baker Lake Presentation to the would not be considered eligible for this Nunavut Impact Review Board on program. the Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak) Mr. Speaker, I would be prepared to help Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hickes out. We will look at this Speaker. I wish to table today a copy of household allowance going forward and the Hamlet of Baker Lake’s presentation see if it’s nessescary to make some to the Nunavut Impact Review Board changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. concerning the proposed Kiggavik project. I encourage all members to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. review this document with care. Thank The time for question period has expired you, Mr. Speaker. and we have to go to Item 7 in the Orders of the Day. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 14. Tabling of Prior to going to Item 7, I just received a Documents. Item 15. Notices of news item which I want to share with Motions. Item 16. Notices of Motions you, as it was brought up in a Member’s for First Reading of Bills. Item 17. Statement about the screening tonight. (interpretation) Motions. (interpretation The title of the film is (interpretation ends) Item 18. First Reading of Bills. ends) Nowhere Land. (interpretation) Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. Item The member forgot the title and I am 20. Consideration in Committee of the sharing that with you. This was given to Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills me just now. 14, 15, 16, and 18 with Mr. Akoak in the Chair. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. (interpretation ends) Returns to Written In accordance with the authority Questions. (interpretation) Item 9. provided to me by Motion 9 – 4(2), the (interpretation ends) Replies to Opening committee will stay in session until it Address. (interpretation) Item 10. reports itself out. (interpretation ends) Replies to Budget Address. Item 11. Petitions. Item 12. Before we proceed to the Committee of Responses to Petitions. Item 13. Reports the Whole, we will take a 20-minute of Standing and Special Committees on break. Bills and Other Matters. Item 14. Tabling of Documents. Mr. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. Mikkungwak. >>House recessed at 15:13 and Item 14: Tabling of Documents Committee resumed at 15:37
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Item 20: Consideration in Committee Minister, please introduce your staff. of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With me to Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Good my left is Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister afternoon, Inuit and Nunavummiut, of Education, and to my right is Mark (interpretation) the listening and viewing Rose, Comptroller. Thank you, Mr. audience. (interpretation ends) It’s good Chairman. to be back at home. Chairman: Thank you. We were on I would like to call the committee page G-4. Directorate. Education. meeting to order. In Committee of the Branch Summary. Directorate. Total Whole, we have the following items to Operations and Maintenance, to be deal with: Bills 14, 15, 16, and 18. What Voted. $1,241,000. Agreed? is the wish of the committee? Mr. Rumbolt. Some Members: Agreed.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Now we are on Branch Chairman, and good afternoon. Mr. Summary. Education. Policy and Chairman, we wish to continue with the Planning. Mr. Mikkungwak. review of the 2015-16 Main Estimates of the Department of Education, followed Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. by the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Chairman. Welcome back. My first Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question will be to the Minister of Education. A number of Nunavut Chairman: Thank you. Are we in communities have expressed the need agreement that we continue with the for more daycare spaces. Does your main estimates for the Department of review of early childhood education Education? programming address this need and, if so, what considerations have been given Some Members: Agreed. to providing more support in this area? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Chairman: Thank you. My apologies. Education – Consideration in We’re on G-5. Minister Quassa. Committee Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman: Is the committee agreed that Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my the minister’s staff go to the witness colleague for that question. Early table? childhood education is very important for children who haven’t gone to Some Members: Agreed. kindergarten yet. Early childhood education planning is under review and Chairman: Iqsuktii, please assist the we are trying to see what we have and staff to go to the witness table. where the gaps are. We will be looking at different things in the review to see
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1994 how many childcare spaces are needed, Obviously, there are participants who are who is still waiting for daycare space, enrolled throughout Nunavut in the and what other support we need to bring (interpretation ends) early childhood to them. education (interpretation) classes and we have a program offered here in Iqaluit. I We are all aware that more child care have seen students at these programs, spaces are necessary. In Iqaluit, we have including in other communities, and I seen a greater need for the infant spaces. am very appreciative of that and we take We know that they require more space pride in these programs, especially since for the infant daycares. The reviewers, we need more programs everywhere. caretakers, and teachers are only allowed to care for four infants per daycare. If we Now, with respect to early education look at the preschools, they can handle teachers who will work in these up to eight infants in the daycare. We programs, there is an application form know of these things and this is all part they can use, as this is part of the normal of our review, which is quite hiring practices where candidates apply comprehensive. Thank you, Mr. for positions at the place of employment Chairman. they are interested in and this process would follow that practice. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. It seems obvious to me that if they are residents of Baker Lake and there is Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): room for this program to be housed in, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman I then these proposals can be screened know in Baker Lake, the daycare centre carefully. Additionally, the position that is always full because it’s too small. I we have continued to voice as the know that people in Baker Lake have Department of Education is whenever a been trained in early childhood new school is identified for construction education and we’ve had some people or if an existing school gets an addition, take those courses. space will be set aside for daycare centres. These are our future Now, those people who have completed workspaces. those courses will eventually need a job. After they complete their courses, they We are aware of the current situation in may end up getting workspace in schools Baker Lake as there is only one daycare in the future. Where are the trained early at this time. We know that there are 20 childhood educators going to be spaces for normal daycare provision and working? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. four infant spaces in the existing daycare in Baker Lake. We know that is the Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. current number of spaces. As per my earlier statement, the students who took Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): the (interpretation ends) early childhood Thank you, Mr. Speaker or I mean Mr. educators (interpretation) program will Chairman. I’m sorry, but I will be saying have to apply towards the positions in “Mr. Chairman” for the time being. their community, but we do urge them to
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1995 succeed in their chosen profession. design has to include daycare spaces. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That will also occur in Baker Lake.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Further, I am just repeating this because Mikkungwak. again, our students in that course have to have positions in the schools to utilize Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): their skills. We want to see that in Baker Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Lake and we encourage them to apply, This daycare centre in Baker Lake is as they can also be (interpretation ends) constrained as it is too small. The substitute teachers (interpretation) when children cared for in this space are the need is there. Even with the ECE running out of space and this is without certification only, they can apply for the meeting current local demand for space. other positions.
Has the Department of Education ever When a new daycare is opened, as we taken into consideration the number of know there is currently only one daycare students in the higher grades, as some in Baker Lake, they can apply for the students bear children while in high positions. That is all I can detail at this school? I believe the students at the high time. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, school have spaces set aside, but I Mr. Chairman. wonder about work placement or high school child care training courses and if Chairman: Thank you. We are on the Department of Education has ever Branch Summary. Education. Policy and given thought of that as a potential Planning. Total Operations and course in the high school. Maintenance, to be Voted. $1,669,000. Agreed? Can these courses only be taught outside of the school system for the child care Some Members: Agreed. workers? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Now we are on Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Education. Branch Summary. Corporate Services. Total Operations and Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Maintenance. Mr. Hickes. Chairman. (interpretation) Let me reiterate this statement regarding Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. students in the (interpretation ends) early I believe I just have one question under childhood educators (interpretation) this category. In the government’s Inuit courses. If they can’t get a position at the Employment Plan, it discusses the need daycare centre, then they can also apply for Inuit teachers and other education to the high school as teachers. That is staff. one possibility. In the letter to the chairperson of the Based on my earlier comment, there is a standing committee on oversight of new high school in the works for Baker government operations on the OAG Lake and obviously, based on those report on the implementation of the comments, any new school construction Education Act, the letter from the
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 1996 department stated that they’re having developed in three phases and this is some challenges getting data. It states, scheduled for delivery in the summer of “Without this data, it is difficult for the 2015. department to assess the number of bilingual teaching staff we need in order Currently, some NTEP graduates are to successfully implement language of teaching in English, so we can’t assume instruction.” that Inuit are teaching in Inuktitut. This is some of the information that we would Can the minister maybe describe what want to ensure is very clear to us. some of those challenges are in (interpretation) I hope I answered the accessing the correct data? Thank you, question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. I thank the minister for that response; it Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you for did answer my question. posing that question, my colleague. (interpretation ends) I’ll just switch to Within that same letter that I received as my English language. chair of the oversight and government operations and public [accounts] Right at this time, we don’t have that committee, there is a second bullet under information. Our human resources that that talks about developing a department does not do that at this time. reporting tool to help assess the currently I think that that type of information is level of language of instruction valuable and we certainly need a more implementation. It talks that that tool efficient database to reflect our will identify what percentage of employees’ skills and work history. instruction time is being provided in Certainly, the database is an integration each of the languages of instruction for of the existing teacher certification each of the grades and the number of database with an in-house developed HR staff providing instruction in a bilingual database. Certainly, the newly created context. database will host data for both teaching NTA staff and our NEU staff. Maybe the minister would be able to update this committee on how that Again, for example, it can provide us reporting tool development is with data on language usage with respect progressing. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to the bilingual bonus and who on our staff is proficient in Inuktitut, which was Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. one of the main items of the Office of the Auditor General, which indicated Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): that it felt that my department did not Thank you, Mr. Chairman. adequately address. (interpretation ends) Again I would just like to thank the member for giving us As you know and I can inform the House that question. that the HR database is now being
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Right now, by using the human resource Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, database to collect, analyze, and Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, synthesize information on qualifications, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. grade level, specializations, professional (interpretation) I would like further and non-professional educational elaboration on your department’s Inuit experience, and retention statistics in Employment Plan, more specifically the order to better understand a variety and need for Inuit teachers. This issue has possibilities of career paths for Inuktitut been in the forefront for years, yet we teachers, I think the project for this one can’t seem to solve this challenge. is on track for completion in early 2015. Perhaps I wasn’t paying attention when you responded to a question earlier that I Again, the issue on evaluation of believe was raised. language of instruction, implementation from kindergarten to grade 3 for 2014- Has it become clear what exactly seems 15, we didn’t quite complete that yet, but to be the barrier keeping us from solving it enhances our Student Information this challenge? What hurdle is the System to include information on harbinger of this failure of retaining Inuit courses and the percentage of time teachers? Perhaps the reason why I ask students are instructed in Inuit the question is that we have had the languages. The use of this data is to NTEP program for a long time and now track compliance within our schools and available through Arctic College and across the territory. We would review further, the number of communities data at system, regional, and school where the course is offered has increased levels. Certainly, the usage of this data is with students in their home community to target and plan growth where taking this program. required. Back then, we always stated that in order (interpretation) I hope I responded to the for students to succeed, more question. (interpretation ends) It will homegrown courses would result in also provide training to school-based more graduates of the courses, and we administrators on how to input and track held firm to that belief. I believe it to be language of instruction information to truthful; at least I personally place faith ensure data is accurate and reliable in that position. What is this last hurdle across the territory. We also assist where keeping us from reaching our objective? the Nunavut Teacher Educator Program If my question was comprehensible, that will be. is. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Those are the areas, I believe, is what the Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. question is about. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed, Chairman: Thank you. We are at firstly let me start with this statement: as Education. Branch Summary. Corporate the Department of Education, we are Services. Total Operations. Mr. Enook. continually searching for teachers, obviously recruitment matters.
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Additionally, what I can also say at this them from doing so. We can’t tell them, point in time is that we now have ten “You must remain a teacher.” It is up to communities that are offering the NTEP each individual. program with students taking the courses. Some communities have offered Again I doubt I have answered your this course for four years with some question. My deputy minister here was a students on their fourth year while others past teacher, but she has moved into the may be in their second year and others administration circles and now works as just starting the program. The students a deputy minister. This is just an aren’t all at the same level. example of how we lose some Inuit teachers and recruit more. As well, the NTEP program for the courses specific to this teaching program To date, on a personal level, I am in Nunavut, as we all know, we now gratified with the numbers we have, as have 108 students enrolled in the 108 students are a fairly significant (interpretation ends) Bachelor of number who will be able to speak in Education (interpretation) program and Inuktitut. Another matter I can raise here as I stated earlier, this is happening in is that sometimes when the students ten communities. This is something I reach the schools, as I mentioned earlier, take pride in. Although the total may some of the teachers have to teach their seem insignificant, the figure is still 108. courses in English, although they are Inuit teachers. The other factors we need to know about relate to the current situation as we have These are the issues we face. Inuit teachers already in our system with Nevertheless, we will continue to push some on the verge of retirement. That is to attain that objective within our the situation we face everywhere with department. I am very pleased that we workers retiring. We also have had Inuit see a lot of Inuit teachers in our schools. teachers who have gone on to other Thank you, Mr. Chairman. careers as with any other profession. Our employees have the freedom to move Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Enook. onto other careers, either within the government bureaucracy or elsewhere, Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, and this situation continues to play out Mr. Chairman. If I’m out of line, please as well to date. let me know, Mr. Chairman.
With respect to your actual question, I A question I asked earlier was: what are doubt I can describe the hurdles, but your challenges? You didn’t respond to what I can tell you is that one of our top my question because I’m sure there are a priorities is to hire Inuktitut-speaking lot of challenges out there, but have you teachers. Here I refer to bilingual ever thought about our teachers, teachers versed in two languages and if especially the Inuit teachers, and the lack that is our goal, then we need bilingual of support they receive from the teachers for that. I can’t really answer education system? I hear that all over your question, as teachers are also free to Nunavut. There seem to be no changes move to new careers and we can’t stop to provide better services or support for
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Inuit teachers in providing them with the for that type of assistance. We provide it proper resources and tools. We don’t to our teachers. seem to be giving them resources as a government. Another issue I have been bringing up is literacy, which is new. As I mentioned in I can use an example where our deputy the past, we are working on that issue. minister used to be a teacher. I’m sure We are talking about a literacy coach she knows exactly what it is like as a who could help our teachers, so we are teacher without the proper support and focusing on that. These people are there resources. Is that one of the challenges to provide support and resources to our that teachers are facing? We give them a teachers. lot of work to do, but we don’t give them the support and services. Have you heard Last year, there was $1.06 million that about such comments being made out will be used for three years to produce there? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Inuktitut curriculum. We are using other resources out there to fund, to provide or Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. to produce what is missing in the school system right now. We are requesting Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. additional funds to fill in the gaps for Chairman. (interpretation) With those Inuktitut curriculum. comments regarding challenges or the lack of support, I don’t know what those I don’t know whether or not I responded challenges are or if they’re receiving the to your question. Thank you, Mr. proper support or resources. Chairman.
We discussed resources in the school Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Enook. system, especially Inuktitut resources. In the past, some of the challenges included Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, not having an Inuktitut curriculum or Mr. Chairman. Yes and no. Ever since necessary resources. That was a Inuktitut teaching started, maybe I was challenge and we are asking for too young at that time, but to date, it has additional funds so that we can provide never been properly set up and the adequate Inuktitut resources or resources have never been enough. It curriculum. We definitely have to focus always seems to be on the backburner in on that and we are looking at new your department. monies to acquire Inuktitut resources. That was one of the challenges we had in I remember there used to be a divisional the past. They did not have an Inuktitut board of education in Qikiqtaaluk and curriculum or resources to work with. other regions. This issue was brought up and they responded that they were We should also know that our teachers, producing Inuktitut story books and whether they are Inuit or others, have the curriculum. At that time, we knew that proper support. In English, they are people were really happy. However, ever provided professional help. They are since we got our Nunavut, everything available for our teachers when they ask stopped. They stopped all these
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2000 programs because they said it is costing The Education Act also clearly states money. that the local district education authorities are the recognized local body We are saying Inuktitut teaching is very to promote Inuit language and culture important, but when we got our own within their communities. They already government, these programs were exist. delayed in the process. A lot of times, people don’t believe the government, I can’t speak to what transpired in the even though we talk about these things, past and how it looked operationally, as because it seems whatever the that is historical. We are looking at the Nunavummiut want are being cut. No future and trying to move forward. wonder we are not being believed in. We work with the DEAs and support My question is, during 1970 or 1980, them in their work and avail ourselves Inuktitut was one of the priorities on the for any further assistance they may list. Why is it today, (interpretation ends) require. Also in the Education Act, the Hon. Minister, (interpretation) that over DEAs have responsibilities clearly laid $1 million will be used for literacy? out. This includes the funding of their There have been 25 to 30 years that this annual operating budget and they are Inuktitut curriculum is very important, indispensable to the system. but nothing seems to be happening Furthermore, within the Education Act, today. Why is that? Thank you, Mr. the (interpretation ends) coalition of Chairman. DEAs (interpretation) was created to represent all of their members. We also Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. collaborate with this body to meet our challenges locally in terms of DEA by- Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. laws, operating budgets, and so on. Chairman. (interpretation) The regulations related to bilingualism are I don’t really know how the district quite clear and they have to use Inuktitut education authorities were running in the as well as English. This is laid out past. We’re using the Education Act clearly in the (interpretation ends) today. That’s the only way I can Education Act. It’s very clear. respond. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Further, in the Education Act, the preamble language speaks to the Chairman: Thank you. All members, I need to have Inuit beliefs, culture, and ask that you keep your preambles short language as the foundation. It clearly and please try and get to your detailed states that the foundation has to include questions and answers. Thank you. Mr. Inuit Qaujimanituqangit and these are Enook. the pillars of our current education system. This will not change. That is Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, quite clearly stated. Additionally, our Mr. Chairman. It behooves us to try and goals and objectives are adhered to in keep our preambles short, but when you our schools. ask a direct question, the officials rarely grasp the gist of it and sometimes you
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2001 feel obliged to provide a complete I wonder why, when NWT was split into background, especially with these fluffy two and Nunavut was created, successful types of responses. programs were cut completely and where kept, they were reduced to I don’t know any person in Nunavut who basically nothing. I imagine your typical wants to move backwards operationally answer will include the fact you yourself and I am in that boat as well. We all wasn’t involved, but your departmental want to move forward, but I hold firm to officials have that corporate history. a belief that we have to recall our Many long-serving education officials historic programs or experiences that are got their start there and we still have still applicable and pertinent for today. them working in that department. Why did we stop these Inuktitut language To provide this example, during the days programs when Inuit are adamant about of the Baffin Divisional Board of protecting the language? Thank you, Mr. Education, numerous books were Chairman. produced in Inuktitut designed for our children. Wasn’t that a success? I Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. personally thought it was extremely successful. Yes, it may be old and Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): antiquated in some bureaucrats’ eyes, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank but the material is still useful for this day my colleague because we are very and age, that is, if we are committed to concerned about education, so I am very bilingual education and education in pleased about his question. Inuktitut. With respect to actual programs cut or Another factor I place faith in is the reduced, I don’t really know about that DEAs and I used to be a previous aspect of it. However, the end result was member on one and yes, they have that the process was slowed down, but I authority on paper. That is absolutely don’ think it was completely cut. where it ends and I am telling the truth. Other than the fact that it is written on With respect to the DEAs, these boards paper, when a DEA actually tries to are all elected locally. Our department exercise that authority, barriers doesn’t appoint the representatives as it immediately pop up. I have experienced is laid out clearly in the Education Act. this first hand, as I have been involved in DEAs are comprised of elected educational boards for many years. representatives and obviously, the representatives are required to be taught Let me ask this question then. With the the intricacies of the education system majority of our people believing in this upon election. This is an ongoing precept of having Inuktitut protected, an process as it is with other elected boards. advocate like me and many of our fellow Inuit in Nunavut believe that offering Also, regarding Inuktitut language books education in Inuktitut is extremely to be used in the school curriculum, I beneficial. I know you stated that your have to briefly state it in English. department will expend over $1 million (interpretation ends) For guided reading on this initiative. (interpretation) that you referenced totals
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$1.06 million, this is new funding we Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): have requested for the fiscal year 2015- Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I 16 specifically for producing more believe we are on page G-6 of the Inuktitut language books. English version. In reviewing the numbers under your main estimates Additionally, this isn’t the only funded specifically under Corporate Services, in initiative. We have to remember that any comparing the figures, the amount has book destined to teach students in increased by approximately $700,000. Inuktitut through (interpretation ends) What is your department’s substantiation guided reading, guided writing for an increase of this magnitude? Thank (interpretation) that I tried to explain you, Mr. Chairman. yesterday to one of our colleagues will be translated from English to Inuktitut Chairman: Minister Quassa. and geared towards Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Nunavut relevant Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. resources, (interpretation) with that Chairman. (interpretation) I can answer principle in mind, as well as the that question and it is an excellent curriculum offered in our schools, which question, so thank you for raising it. I most members are aware of, is the know you want to understand the Aulajaaqtut curriculum. Some of these reasoning and it is always simpler when books are destined for that course. With you are clear in your comprehension. those types of examples, I hope it shows some initiatives won’t be stopped. These are the items included in that $700,000 funding increase from fiscal As well, we have to follow the year 2014-15 to 2015-16 and these are Education Act that speaks to Inuktitut the following changes: $694,000 is one and English languages being the line item and I can break that down for foundation or (interpretation ends) your benefit, my colleague. $237,000 is bilingual education. (interpretation) I allocated for literacy and book appreciate the member for raising that production, as we have literally matter. We are committed towards that thousands of books. As a matter of fact, I goal obviously and herein lies some of went to see the storage facility [shack]. the reasons why Inuit fought for Nunavut, to protect and preserve the >>Laughter Inuktitut language and culture wherever possible, particularly in our schools. I didn’t mean to use that local nickname. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was referring to the (interpretation ends) warehouse (interpretation) housing Chairman: Thank you. Before I proceed our materials, as that amount is quite to the next member, I want to remind all high, the $237,000. Further, $170,000 is members that we are here to review allocated for O&M costs associated with proposed departmental budgets for the the purchase of computers and related upcoming 2015-16 fiscal year. I technology. I believe it is called the encourage all members to focus your (interpretation ends) Student Information questions on the proposed budgets. System (interpretation) that these funds Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. are for. $126,000 is towards the
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2003 employee in this line item and to be Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. specific, it is for the (interpretation ends) education technology coordinator. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): (interpretation) Additionally, we have Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean Mr. set aside $77,000 for the training Chairman. My apologies, sometimes materials we will receive from with different dialects, the terms can (interpretation ends) Pearson become confusing. (interpretation) College, as we have requested more materials. Obviously, As I understand it, yes, definitely, it is this will include the salary of the going to be available to all the schools in position that has resulted in this increase Nunavut and directed to all under (interpretation ends) salary and communities. Everything that is in the benefit costs. warehouse, some different reading material that is in Inuktitut, some in (interpretation) We have those items and English, it is going to be directed that comprises most the increases. towards the younger children. Even for Perhaps Mr. Chairman, my deputy preschool kids, for example, there are a minister can elaborate further at your lot of (interpretation ends) “Tell Me a discretion, Mr. Chairman. Story” (interpretation) books in storage to be sent out to the communities. Chairman: Of course, you can. Ms. Okpik. There are resources available towards computer literacy and new material. We Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, are expecting some more new books in Mr. Chairman. Just to provide a bit more Inuktitut that are going to be available in detail on the figures under the $237,000 the near future. Everyone will benefit; allocated towards storage space, it is to all the communities in Nunavut will house our books and this is new funding benefit. I went to go see it myself. It is a we have requested. The rest of the big, open space, but it’s completely full additional funds towards this will be with a lot of material in Inuktitut. I was funded through the regular O&M budget quite proud of the material that is of the Department of Education. Thank available. (interpretation ends) you, Mr. Chairman. Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much. I believe you Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In have some storage that is in the Sivumut Abluqta, education is the warehouse within Nunavut for all the priority. You said that there are schools. Are they going to be available resources and they are warehoused. If I for elementary and high schools, and understood correctly, you expect them to when is this going to role out to all the be sent out to elementary and high schools? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. schools. Is that happening in this fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): I thank the minister for his brief response. Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Therefore, I’ll ask a very brief question. Chairman. (interpretation) There are 43 The ones that are going to be rolled out schools in Nunavut in total and they will and for those that are dropouts, are they be directed and eventually shipped out to going to be part of that program if they every single school in Nunavut. There return to school? Thank you, Mr. are going to be resources in that Chairman. warehouse at all times. It will come and be shipped out as needed. We will Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. always have reading materials and computer literacy materials in stock, and Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. we are expecting more. It will be a Chairman. (interpretation) continuously cycle of materials flowing Unfortunately, I don’t completely in and out of the warehouse. As soon as understand your question. Perhaps you we know the shipping dates, the can clarify your question, (interpretation materials will be sent out to the schools. ends) Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Mikkungwak, the minister is asking for clarification. Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mikkungwak. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Chairman. I’ll rephrase my question Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. using my bilingual knowledge. With this Because of the increase in funds, if I new Student Information System, will may say it in English, (interpretation the integrated system have information ends) the Student Information System, regarding students that were in school (interpretation) you’ve had an increase and then dropped out and are wishing to in that. With regard to the Student go back to school? Thank you, Mr. Information System and computers, are Chairman. you going to be providing new computer systems for all the schools in Nunavut or Chairman: Minister Quassa. do they all have new computers? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you for Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. clarifying your question. I can say yes, the Student Information System, what Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): we call (interpretation ends) SIS, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to (interpretation) is a great way to keep give a very short response. Yes, all track of information with regard to your schools have that. Thank you. question. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Chairman: Thank you. The next name Mikkungwak. on the list, Mr. Shooyook.
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Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank be excellent tools for parents as well. you, Mr. Chairman. I understand what is That’s how I can respond to the member. going on, but I would like some Everything begins at home. Thank you, clarification on some of the things Mr. Chairman. regarding education. Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) I have a question for the minister with (interpretation): Thank you very much. regard to children. We tell them that we Mr. Shooyook. need to speak in Inuktitut to our children, but they are now speaking a lot Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank more in English. When the parents are you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to state speaking in English to their children in what I have experienced. I am an Inuk the home, is this a hindrance to our and although I only speak one language, children in how they learn in the I understand and can read a bit of schools? Parents are speaking English to English. My wife and I are full-blooded their children. Is that a factor in how Inuit and our children were raised by us they are getting schooled later on from and our children have children. the home to the school when there is a transition? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When we see small children speaking in Inuktitut, because these children are not Chairman: Minister Quassa. listening to their parents when they speak in English, they’re only used to Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): speaking Inuktitut and I am very proud Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank you of that. for your concerns. I believe that the education authorities have also I know that some of my grandchildren encouraged everyone that learning your have lost some of the words. The young language begins at home. The parents child, who was a fully Inuktitut-speaking are the first instructors of the child as to child, now speaks to the mother in how they are going to learn everything English since they moved here and I in the world. We encourage that as well, understood that. as we firmly believe it begins in the home and I agree with Mr. Shooyook. I know that we can’t control other Definitely, in our schools, the children people, but if we want to preserve the start learning Inuktitut in kindergarten. Inuktitut language, as parents, we hold Also, when their parents are speaking to that responsibility. We need to them in Inuktitut, we are encouraging encourage households to start speaking that and I agree with my colleague. Inuktitut. That is what I would like to see in the future. Thank you, Mr. I also want to say that the reading Chairman. material is an excellent resource and this is what we’re planning and what we’re Chairman: I take that as a comment, but seeing. Unikkaarvigilaunnga is another if the minister wants to respond, book and it’s a way of saying to their Minister Quassa. parents, “Please tell me a story.” These are the kinds of books that are going to
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Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Education. K-12 School Operations. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) I believe what Enook. you just stated. Yes, we have to start educating our children at home. We keep Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, saying that we believe that, especially Mr. Chairman. I know and remember with the first born. We can start that the Chair encouraged us to start teaching. They start learning when they asking questions according to the page are first born and that’s when the we are on. If you allow me, I’ll be learning starts. We believe in that. asking some questions on the line item, but I have a brief question with regard to That’s why I talked about the reading school operations. material for early childhood programming, reading material called As Members of the Legislative Unikkaarviginnga. They could be used Assembly, we usually get invited to the by children to the age where they can schools and the students like to hear actually speak. They will also be used at what we do. They ask questions to the daycare centres. The Inuit language members and when we are at the is to be used at the daycare centres. schools, we try to encourage the students That’s our priority to strengthen the use to stay in school so that they can be of the Inuit language. better than us. Have you ever noticed or is it just me that notices within the We do various reviews as the schools, students seem to be given too Department of Education. Before the much freedom? Maybe it’s just me, but students become of school age, if they when I’m invited to the schools, some of are proficient in either language, we the students are talking, eating, drinking know right away, but Inuktitut is our pop, or doing whatever. Here I am trying priority in Nunavut. According to the to be serious while I’m speaking with Education Act, it is a bilingual education them. and that is what we are working on. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, Mr. I know you probably won’t be able to Chairman. respond to my question and I know it’s probably impossible to respond, but I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you believe having too much freedom is not very much. Do you have additional a good way of learning. I believe I’m questions? You are done. Thank you being old school here. Why is it that way very much. (interpretation ends) We are and why can’t we change it? Is it on Education. Branch Summary. because teachers are not given enough Corporate Services. G-6. Total authority or is there more authority given Operations and Maintenance, to be to the students that the teachers are not Voted. $4,014,000. Agreed? allowed to advise the students? Can you elaborate on that, (interpretation ends) Some Members: Agreed Hon. Minister? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Moving on to the next page. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. very much. Mr. Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): I hope I responded to your question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my Thank you, Mr. Chairman. colleague for being involved with the schools. It’s very beneficial for students Chairman (interpretation): Thank you when they see the work of Members of very much. Mr. Enook. the Legislative Assembly. It encourages the students to stay in school. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that it has been a In Nunavut, we talk about education concern everywhere. I have been told objectives and goals, but I believe it they realize that they can make their impacts Inuuqatigiitsiarniq and the policies within their community. I do not school has to be receptive to the public understand why they don’t make the and to the students. We need to rules. The DEAs will now know that encourage and try to encourage the they can make policies that, such as student peers to help each other, to be there is no pop allowed in the schools or careful, and to eat nutritional food. no students are allowed to just walk out These are the things we do in school. We of the school during school hours. I encourage the students to be proud and didn’t realize that the DEAs can make respectful of others and to respect such policies. Thank you for informing property. the DEAs on this policy-making. I believe some DEAs think they cannot As we all know, in Canada, compared to make any rules or policies. when we used to go to school in the past, the school system has now changed, not However, I believe we all want the just in Nunavut but within all provinces students to stay in school and I believe of Canada. We now have computers and we all have a part to play to keep the IT, so these are new things that we now students in school. Some work has to be use in the school. Like I said earlier, how done to really help the students. For can we strengthen the Inuktitut language example, eating junk food in the school in the schools? It has to start from the is not associated with providing a proper home. Like drinking pop and eating education. If a student is allowed to walk unhealthily food, the parents can out at anytime, it results in a less-than- encourage their children not to eat too stellar example of proper education. much junk food. That’s where it has to start from the home. Has the department ever considered enacting territorial-wide restrictions, Within the school itself, they make their such as specific types of foods not own policy, what they are not supposed allowed in any of the GN schools? For to do and what they are supposed to do. such rules as no junk food, no walking They make those rules. Student councils, out, has your department considered principals, and students work together to writing the foundation or the base for write their own rules. We have no such policy? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. standardized rules to be used within the schools. Each student can make their Chairman (interpretation): Thank you own rules. very much. Minister of Education, (interpretation ends) Hon. Paul Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. students. Some schools also have Chairman. (interpretation) I can just (interpretation ends) lunch programs or respond generically. Yes, policies or (interpretation) things like that related to rules, and here I mean (interpretation particular programs where students are ends) rules, (interpretation) similar provided with food. Perhaps that is what Inuktitut terms are kind of confusing as the member witnessed with students we interchange rules, legislation, or eating food during either the policies and dialectal differences can (interpretation ends) breakfast program also lead to confusion when you are or lunch program (interpretation) trying to think in English. depending on our fine schools.
Yes, the DEAs have been informed Nevertheless, students are not allowed to about their mandate and roles in making just walk out of the school during rules specific to their schools in their classes. This is a definite rule, perhaps communities. Some communities have policy in this case. Anyone who is a three schools while others have two student can’t walk out without prior schools and the minority with only one permission. As an example, if a student school. Local district education has to go out, they have to go through authorities can make their own policies the (interpretation ends) principle and regulations particularly by using the (interpretation) or alternatively, by the foundation of “living in harmony” and DEA office, but no student is allowed to we explain what rules and policies can just walk out. That is part of our policies. be enacted by the DEAs who would Thank you, Mr. Speaker. develop them collaboratively with the school principle and it would be Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Thank you. Mr. applicable to teachers and students in the Enook. school. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. Now, regarding your question on I guess I will then just bring this subject enacting rules, it is already laid out in up briefly. When our parents recall the our legislation governing the DEAs’ past, which is their perception of the authority and ability to manage certain educational system, Inuit felt the areas. To date, the department hasn’t put education system stole their children and a lot of thought into that. We do know in that colonial era, Inuit parents meekly that schools are specifically for watched and lost the stewardship of their educational purposes. That is the children. In that era, Inuit had absolutely foundation. The issues such as eating no choice, as some children were junk food or pop aren’t really in that actually taken from their parents. mandate. Nevertheless, the repercussions reverberate today. One thing we should recall here is that many of our schools have (interpretation The question I am posing may not be ends) breakfast programs. answerable, as parents nowadays should (interpretation) We do allow students to know by now the absolute necessity of eat in the school through the breakfast education and why Inuit need education program. This is for the younger to succeed. We should be past that
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2009 cultural perception today because the that apply in school and life. How can majority of parents have grown up we surpass the barrier to grab back our entirely within the communities. We parental authority? I realize it may be ought to know the significance of impossible to answer, but as a parent, I education. should be the one answering that question. One of the things I deliberate upon is your statement about everything The issue is sensitive, but if you think beginning at home. I, as the father, have you are able to share your perceptions on to advise my children certain rules, such this matter and feel like commenting, as “Don’t do this activity in the school, please do so. Thank you. don’t eat there, don’t argue with your teachers, and don’t speak back,” parental Chairman: Minister Quassa, feel free to responsibilities. answer how you feel.
Too many have abandoned their parental Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. responsibilities and we have to repatriate Chairman. (interpretation) I would like that stewardship of our children. At a to thank my colleague for talking about bare minimum, let us grab back the this. I believe in what he is saying too. authority our parents felt they lost and We need to hear this more as parents and not be content to being a passive parent do more things about it. How can we by not being engaged in the education have more parental engagement? We system and publicly state that we, as will really try to utilize that and get parents, have now retained our parental parents more involved. responsibilities and tell our children particular rules to follow in the schools. We could talk about parental and family engagement and use that as a goal. We I believe that as parents, we should be can raise those questions to the parents. supporting common sense rules and be What else would you like to do as engaged in our children’s education and parents? We can engage them like that not place all the responsibility on the or meet with them and have a round- education system. I recall one of your table discussion with them. There are statements about parental engagement. many options like that. We will always What else can we do to get past this push for parental engagement. cultural barrier against the education system? I doubt this is easy to answer, as Ensuring that children are well rested, we are aware of (interpretation ends) our properly fed before school, and if they responsibilities (interpretation) as cannot eat at home, then they know they parents and how it relates to education. have a breakfast waiting for them at the school, there are things like that we can A teacher is only trying to teach a child do. We will continue to ask, “What else about certain subjects under the can we do? What else can we help you curriculum. As parents, we have to with?” support that through teaching them life skills and social rules, specifically the Thank you for bringing this subject up. rules we have to remind our children of If we keep bringing it up, it is very good,
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2010 as we are members for our constituents giving a letter of authority to meet the as they hear us when we speak here. needs and the mandate of language of Thank you. instruction within our schools. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. We are on Branch Summary. Education. K-12 Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. School Operations. Ms. Angnakak. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regard to letters of Chairman. It’s finally my turn. authority, have the numbers changed from last year? Actually, I’m not Last year, we made some references or familiar with how many teachers were the department made some references to operating under letters of authority last some teachers were teaching without year, but perhaps you can tell us that. certification standards and I know that What is it this year? Is there any change? issue was going to be addressed. I’m just Thank you, Mr. Chairman. wondering if you can tell us where you are on that. Do we still have teachers Chairman: Minister Quassa. teaching without the proper certification? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. Right now, we don’t have the Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. numbers at this time, but we would be more than happy to get back to you on Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. the numbers that you are enquiring Chairman. (interpretation) I thank the about. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. member for bringing this up so that Chairman. everyone will understand where things are. Yes, this is still going on. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak.
Let me switch to English. (interpretation Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. ends) We do still provide the letter of Chairman. I’m going to go on to authority. (interpretation) That is still something else now. Can you tell me continuing. (interpretation ends) At what your position is or what the times, it is a good move for us to use that department’s position is on assessing letter of authority when we don’t have students who may have learning enough Inuktitut teachers. For example, disabilities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. if we need an Inuktitut teacher right there and then, this letter of authority Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. gives us that (interpretation) flexibility. It makes it easier to function. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did not see Sometimes we use the letter of authority the little red light. today for language of instruction. (interpretation ends) Language of The question is timely and I want it instruction is so vitally important that we answered properly. (interpretation ends) do and we have used that privilege of Mr. Chairman, (interpretation) if you
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2011 don’t mind, I will ask my deputy have the expertise on working with minister to speak to this matter, children with special needs and (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman. disabilities. In every school, there is a student support teacher as well who Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Okpik. draws on support from the regional level. Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The At the school level, we have student whole issue of assessment is very support assistants that are identified important for us. Right now, it is timely directly to work with students, some one because we are just expecting a report on on one. For example, if we have a child inclusive education that will look at what that has an extreme need, there will be our existing resources are currently and, that one-on-one support. Currently, in I think also, to identify what the gaps our system, we have over 100 student are. support assistants across the territory to work with children with special needs. We know what our gaps are and one of We have American Sign Language the biggest gaps that we have is interpreters, for example, that provide determining learning disabilities. One that. We also have a school team. thing I have been in discussion with the deputy ministers of Health and Family We use what we call student support Services is the whole regime of plans. First and foremost, it’s a teacher assessment when it comes to learning that would determine what supports that disabilities. Currently right now, a parent child will need. It might be a behaviour has to get a referral to an educational plan. It might be a learning plan. It might psychologist to determine what learning be a plan in terms of does that child need disability a child may have. extra supports, whether it may be something for physio, whether it may be You also have to understand that we do a device to assist them, that type of come from an educational culture of thing. That plan clearly identifies also non-labelling and not labelling children. some of their learning objectives and That is the philosophy of inclusive their outcomes depending on the need. education. Regardless of what physical We also supplement currently what or learning disability a child may have, Health provides for us, so we also the system is inclusive to include them provide what we call PT or speech in the system and to be able to provide therapy and those types of things. the supports to that child. That is the current system we have in However, right now, the support system place right now, but we are really that we do have in place, previous to the looking forward to seeing that external implementation of the current Education review take place. We know they will be Act we have, it was never in legislation. identifying what those gaps are in order Now it’s in legislation. We also have to better provide more assistance to our what we call student support consultants. students. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. There are staff that are at the regional Chairman. level. They are experienced and they
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Chairman: Thank you. Just to remind holding the busing contract and it will everyone that we have translators and now revert to the (interpretation ends) they want to keep up. Ms. Angnakak. regional school operations. (interpretation) The amount that would Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. have accrued to the DEA has been Chairman. Thank you for that answer. I transferred to the (interpretation ends) know personally someone who really regional school operations struggled with their child in school. (interpretation) as well. The $96,000 There were no assessments being done amount is for that bus contract. and she really had to go out of her way and get her child assessed on her own, We are also in the process of moving and then the additional material that was $126,000 to (interpretation ends) grants given to her to address this learning and contributions from the DEAs to the disability, she had to do herself at home. RSO, or regional school operations. (interpretation) There is an amount of I think the department is going in the $40,000 for the Kivalliq (interpretation right direction in recognizing that we ends) science educators’ program. need to address problems and the only (interpretation) $78,000 is for the way you can do that is to identify what (interpretation ends) National Arts they are. I understand about being Centre. (interpretation) The remaining inclusive and all of that, but at the same $8,000 will be moved to other divisions. time, I think the department needs to That’s why we see that decrease with the know what they’re working with. amount of dollars that were directed to DEAs. They are now moved to the Just to go on a bit, I want to go on to (interpretation ends) regional staff something else here. It appears from the operations. grants and contributions line of K-12, the School Operations Division, the (interpretation) Perhaps if we look at last amount of funding allocated to DEAs year… . Although I said that I don’t like would decrease in 2015-16. Given that looking back, sometimes we need to DEAs have significant responsibilities look back on occasion and what my under the Education Act, what accounts colleague said was entirely truthful in for the decrease in the DEA funding? that regard. It’s just the administrative Thank you, Mr. Chairman. service realignment to ensure smoother operations, but it results in a seemingly Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. smaller DEA budget in our main estimates (interpretation ends) Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. We can break Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. those figures down for you, as that is an excellent question. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to keep on this The reason for the decrease is primarily topic of DEAs. What kind of assistance due to the priorities of the Rankin Inlet do DEAs receive when it comes to DEA. They have decided not to continue making some very important decisions
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2013 on behalf of preschool and school aged Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. children? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman. Thanks to the minister for that answer. I think you were very Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): informative in your reply. Thank you for that question, my colleague. There are different sources of I want to go to something that is related funds that we provide for the local to the DEAs. I would like to ask a DEAs. There are different funding question about the coalition. Perhaps we methods. can start off by the minister explaining what the mandate of the coalition is. As a matter of fact, within the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. department, we have dedicated support staff for various operations, such as Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. financial bookkeeping, administration of funds within the community, items such Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. as drafting by-laws, pertinent Chairman. (interpretation) The regulations, or interpretation of coalition… . I’ll respond in English if regulations. In the Early Childhood it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman. Education Division, we have two dedicated staff for that. Those are the (interpretation ends) As outlined in the types of support services that are Education Act, the DEA coalition does provided to the DEAs by way of early have an important role to review the childhood education. funding process for DEAs and make recommendations to the minister. The As I stated earlier, we make sure that we Education Act also requires that my staff are readily available as a department to meet with the DEA coalition at least the DEAs. We write to them on a regular once a year to assist the department in basis to ask them about what types of long-term planning for the education support services they require. In our system. The DEA also has an laws, it clearly indicates in section 17 opportunity to be included in the hiring that the DEAs are responsible for the panel for senior regional staff of the Early Childhood Education Program, department. especially fluency in the Inuktitut language and in the Inuktitut culture. The Education Act also authorizes the That is one of the responsibilities. coalition to request a structured dialogue with the minister concerning direction To date, that is how the Act outlines it. It that the minister has given to the DEAs defines what roles and responsibilities or the education staff. We also see the the DEAs have and what types of DEA coalition as a support to the district support services should be provided to education authorities and of course, the DEAs. I hope I answered my which is why we often work together to colleague’s question. Thank you, Mr. develop the support material like the Chairman. DEA administration manual or the
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2014 family engagement resources that were reports that can be tabled? Thank you, recently released. Mr. Chairman.
Yes, it is quite clear. Although it’s not as Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. detailed under the Education Act, these are the main areas that the coalition of Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Nunavut DEAs does or is supposed to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. do. (interpretation) Those are some of (interpretation ends) Yes, they provide the core responsibilities. (interpretation financial audited statements and we also ends) Certainly, this department works require, in their contribution agreement, very closely with the coalition of that they submit their annual report work Nunavut DEAs to ensure that we are plan, (interpretation) requirements of following the Education Act. that nature. (interpretation ends) We do (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. review their annual financial statements Chairman. and of course, compare the results against the annual budget submitted in Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. the contribution agreement process. There is that. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can the minister tell us how I also wanted to add a bit, the fact that many times he has had these structured our DEA development coordinators do dialogues with the coalition since he meet regularly with the executive became the Minister of Education? director of the coalition of district Thank you, Mr. Chairman. education authorities. I just wanted to add that a bit, but yes, we do expect and Chairman: Minister Quassa. we do review their annual financial statements. That is the reporting process Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): that we have with the coalition. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Since I (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. became a minister, I have probably met Chairman. with them twice. When they have an annual report, I am in attendance. I’ve Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. had dialogues with them two or three times since the time I became minister. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I’m just going to go on now to a different topic, school operations, Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. and I’m just looking at your business plan on page 86 where it says that the Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. regional school operations office Chairman. Are there any activity or provides services and support to DEAs, similar reports that can provide school staff, and so on. Where are these information in detail of what kind of offices located? Are we talking about services they provide? I know that you three regions here? Thank you, Mr. have listed under the Act what their Chairman. responsibilities are, but are there any Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. community, right? They always have to Chairman. We have offices in fly from Pond Inlet and then back up to Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Qamanittuaq Clyde River, and that. Does that mean (Baker Lake), (interpretation) and that the staff are in Iqaluit more than Kugluktuk. Those are the three they are in Pond Inlet? Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) regional offices. Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa.
Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. Hon. Paul Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr. Chairman. Not really. Again I can say Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. that our superintendents are on the road Chairman. It says here in your business quite a lot, especially from our Baffin plan that they provide support and regional office. Again, in the past, the training supervision to 43 schools. Can executive director was in Iqaluit quite a you tell us, being where they’re located, while acting ADM while we tried to fill does this pose quite a challenge to be those positions. There are some able to work with all the schools? Thank challenges, of course, and we expect you, Mr. Chairman. that. Again, we have to carry out our responsibilities and mandate. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Pond Inlet, for example, if you want to Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): go to Clyde River, that’s the only Thank you, Mr. Chairman. community that you can practically fly (interpretation ends) From my direct from Pond Inlet to Clyde River. understanding and from what I have (interpretation) That’s the only route. seen, I believe Pond Inlet would be the (interpretation ends) Otherwise, yes, office that has the most challenging part you’re right, that you have to go through because it has to cover the whole Baffin Iqaluit most of the time. region. To go from Pond Inlet down to Sanikiluaq is quite a task and just trying I have seen and we have seen that our to reach Sanikiluaq or to travel to the superintendents are on the road quite a High Arctic. You’re going to have to fly bit. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. down here first and then up. Pond Inlet Chairman. may be the one that has the most challenging in terms of travel logistics. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. (interpretation) That’s all. (interpretation ends) Otherwise, it’s still very Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. functional. (interpretation) Thank you, Chairman. I would like to go on now Mr. Chairman. about curriculum. In your business plan on page 86, it says, “Ensure consistency Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. in curriculum across Nunavut…” How will this oversight be carried out? DEAs Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. currently have the responsibility for Chairman. In Pond Inlet, they do have to language of instruction. What impact go to Iqaluit before they go to any other will this have on providing curriculum
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2016 that is consistent across Nunavut? Thank being reviewed. Maybe we can look at you, Mr. Chairman. this again because there are different little items. Chairman: Thank you. Sorry about that. It’s in the next branch, but if the minister Just to add to that, if the Chairman would like to answer the question, doesn’t mind, my deputy minister could Minister Quassa. give more details so that our colleagues could have a clearer understanding. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Okpik. Chairman, for reminding us that yes, indeed, it’s on the other one. Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As I can say that… . (interpretation) I lost the minister stated, the DEAs can my train of thought and what I was about request to the minister local to say. Regarding your question, I really programming, but that request has to want to ensure it is absolutely clear and I come directly to the minister for totally lost track. approval. It is considered local programming. However, on a year-by- >>Laughter year basis, the minister is the only one who can authorize and set the standard In light of my past statements outlining for what curriculum will be used across the need for more consistency in our the board, across the territory. All schools, (interpretation ends) consistent, teachers and schools are mandated to use (interpretation) yes, you are correct that that curriculum that the minister sets out. the DEA has to identify how the language of instruction will be used. We are in the process right now of There are three types of decisions that ensuring that the curriculum list is going they can make within the school to be put online so that parents and regarding Inuktitut instruction in our educators can see the full gamut. It’s schools. One model is called Qulliq. In probably about a 50-page document. We Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge look at it on a year-by-year basis Bay, the languages can be used at the because we also use the Alberta system. same time. In Kugluktuk and other There are courses that are continually communities, they have the dual model. either expiring or being replaced by There are three models for language of different courses, so we have to maintain instruction that can be used. If the DEA and update the course list on a year-by- wants to use a particular model, I can year basis. We’re hoping in the next only approve them and sign them as the little while that the course list will be minister. I pretty well know what they online. are going to be using. Once the minister sets that direction, the Looking at the future, I’m just schools receive the full list outlining wondering how we can review this. what changes have been made for the Please note that the Education Act is current upcoming school year.
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(interpretation) Thank you, Mr. anecdotal feedback from school staff Chairman. about the process. One of the most common complaints from the school Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. staff is the fact that this process must be done by school administrators or by Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. teachers. In some cases, these Chairman. I would like to go on to talk individuals are either ill-equipped or ill- about the complete implementation of informed and are unable to provide the the revised career and program planning support that our students require. program for grades 7 to 12. Can you just (interpretation) That’s the response I give us a brief description of what this could give you. all means? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) What do other Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. jurisdictions do to support students? Again, just look at other systems. Many Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): jurisdictions have full-time professional Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank guidance counsellors in their schools my colleague for that question. that are typically formal educators (interpretation ends) I can give you the themselves and have specific training as following answers and what the process guidance counsellors. Sometimes these is used for. The career and program individuals often have Masters of planning process is designed to support Education in guidance counselling and students and their parents so they may are able to provide advice about issues select courses during secondary school ranging from time management, that will enable them to meet their own planning for the future, applying for jobs goals and assignments. When does this or post-secondary education, and student process take place? The program financial assistance. actually begins before the school begins. When we will review this process is the In secondary school in grade 10 and next question. My department had middle school, students are able to originally intended to review the support obtain opportunities to learn about for students over a year ago, but planning for their future by taking resources were diverted to respond to the courses, such as creating a career and Office of the Auditor General of Canada program plan, which is a one-credit recommendations, such as safety in career and trades skills course. Again, schools. Despite this delay, my officials during each year in secondary school, intend to conduct a review of this each student’s plan is to be updated. process during the 2015-16 fiscal year (interpretation) Is that understandable? and are to present to me the options that (interpretation ends) Who is responsible? I would consider. Principals are responsible to ensure that the students’ course selections allow (interpretation) I believe those were the them to graduate. main questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. How do we know this process works? Currently, the department receives
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Chairman: Thank you. Before I call you Rankin Inlet. In the Kitikmeot, we don’t again, I would like to apologize. I was have guidance counsellors per se. corrected. It’s on the next branch, but it’s also mentioned in the business plan. As I was saying earlier, even though that You’re right. Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. may be the case, we do have our teachers at times because again, for most Ms. Angnakak: Thank you. That’s schools that do not have guidance okay. counsellors, it’s because they choose to use their teachers in the classrooms to I just have one last question and that’s to provide as many course options as do with school counsellors. Can the possible. That is the situation we are in minister tell us: does every high school now. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. have a school counsellor? Thank you. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman: Thank you. I have five more names. At this time, we will be taking a Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): 10-minute break. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also can provide a quick answer. No, not all An Hon. Member: Thank you. schools have them. This is due partially to what I briefly mentioned about the >>Laughter ratio for teachers and students, (interpretation ends) the student- >>Committee recessed at 17:47 and educator ratio. The counsellors are part resumed at 18:04 of that system. We’re saying that not all high schools have those guidance Chairman: I would like to call the counsellors. committee meeting back to order. We’re on page G-7. Branch Summary. Again, as I said, the Nunavut student- Education. K-12 School Operations. The educator ratio determines the overall next name on the list, Mr. Shooyook. teaching quota for our schools. You will see some high schools that don’t have Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank them, but again, it doesn’t mean that you, Mr. Chairman. I want to ask a there is no guidance within our schools. question regarding K-12 School At times, there are. We have teachers Operations. I have a concern, so I want and others that do provide some of those to ask a question to the minister. services if there is no guidance counsellor within our schools. The biggest problem that we see is to allow the kids to complete their For example, if I look at it region by education. Are you able to explain the region, in the Qikiqtani region, we have attendance of students in Nunavut? Are 1.5 guidance counsellors, one in Iqaluit we able to push or encourage proper and half a position in Pond Inlet. In the attendance in schools? What are your Kivalliq, we have two guidance thoughts on this? I believe that a lot of counsellors, one in Arviat and one in students are falling behind in their attendance, so we are also finding a big
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2019 problem when that happens. When The way I understand it, from my own students drop out, it becomes a big issue. experience, there is a gymnasium, for Can you explain what your thoughts are example, in our community and the on this? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. hours are open until 11:00 p.m. I think sometimes staying out late is a problem Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. because they want to sleep in. We know nutrition is a factor and that if they don’t Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): eat properly, it becomes a factor in their Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the schooling as well. member for raising this concern. I had mentioned earlier and I guess I can We have to go back to what customs and respond this way: it also is the parents traditions that Inuit had, to take back that need to push their kids to stay in control of our children, such as nurturing school and to attend school. The them within our homes and not to be responsibility falls on parents. defended improperly by the system. If we take control back, it will help their We all know that some kids aren’t going education improve. Now as we live to school and there are quite a number of under these conditions, we can be found students who have a problem with to be criminal under false situations. We attendance. Across Nunavut, when we have to go back to the way we were to look at the 2011-12 year, we could see nurture our children, as this will help that the attendance was at about 71 them and their education. I bring this up percent. In 2013-14, there was an as a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. increase to 75 percent attendance. There was an improvement in that year. Chairman: Thank you. He said that was just a comment. If you want to add, Also, if a student is not attending school, Minister Quassa. they’re missing out on school activities and school curriculum. If a student is Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): attending 75 percent of the time, they are Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don’t have actually losing three years of schooling too much to add. Back in the old by the time they get to grade 12. This is Education Act, there was reference to how we can look at it. parents being charged if their children did not go to school, but this was taken I’m trying to be brief, but I can reiterate out and is no longer being used as we that learning and pushing kids to go to have a newer Education Act. To school falls on the responsibility of reiterate, yes, parents at home have the parents. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. freedom to nurture their children as they like and to keep improving our situation. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Shooyook. It starts at home. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is the case and Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Shooyook. as parents, we try our best. There are complications in the home and problems Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank arise. you, Mr. Chairman. I ask now: as the old
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Act was in place, was this useful or did it I guess I would like to get the or did it not improve attendance? If it department or the minister’s thoughts on was useful, then it could be used. If it how those two are linked together and didn’t work, we don’t need it too. Thank how are they moving forward together. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The old Chairman. I can only say that certainly, I Education Act that contained that was can admit that we can do much better. not very effective and many did not like Like anything else, I think we all strive that it charged parents for children to do things better and certainly that is missing school. It was not popular and it part of our role to do. was not very effective for the department, so it was removed. This is in The other factor, of course, is that we’re response to your question. Thank you, all pushing for our students to be at the Mr. Chairman. school on a daily basis and certainly, attendance does play a role in this area. Chairman: Thank you. The next name We are always striving to see what we on my list, Mr. Hickes. can do better and I believe that that is something that we can only do to Mr. Hickes: Thank you. Mr. Chairman. ensure… . We want the best within our I would like to pick up a little bit where schools and I believe it is our my colleague, Ms. Angnakak, left off responsibility to always look to see what with regard to the consistency and else we can do. quality of curriculum, but I would also like link that in with the career and (interpretation) That’s how I can respond program planning, program for grades 7 briefly. I hope you understood me. through 12. The reason I’m linking these Thank you, Mr. Chairman. two together is that I feel that they go hand in hand. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes.
Proper career and program planning for Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. our youth enables students to take the I thank the minister and I do agree with programming needed to be able to you. I think the onus, like you say, is on achieve their educational goals. We have the parents to make sure their children all heard the innuendoes and comments are at school, but it’s also on the children that Nunavut’s education isn’t as good as and the school system itself to make sure other jurisdictions. Personally I kind of that the options are available to them to argue that point. I think some of the achieve success. decisions of the courses that are being taken by some students don’t help them Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but I achieve real educational success. don’t think all of our high schools, as an example, have a science lab because probably not enough students are taking
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2021 the Chemistry 300 or whatever it’s balanced literacy, just to start it off. called nowadays to go into the advanced Certainly, the school resources go sciences or advanced math to really directly to the schools. challenge themselves and to challenge the system to provide the infrastructure Again, the literacy resources were that is necessary to be able to achieve purchased from Scholastic Education. pure academic success. We also purchased from the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System We have all heard great stories of and Pearson Canada. Again, this is to students coming from Nunavut that have support the balanced literacy initiative. gone on to post-secondary careers, medical professions, legal professions, To make the answer short, yes, we do and many other professional activities. deliver them directly to the schools. I That’s why I stated earlier that I don’t believe that is the question. believe the system itself is at fault. I (interpretation) Did I answer the think we need to take further steps to question? (interpretation ends) I don’t provide our children with the right know. (interpretation) I probably didn’t choices and the direction to make those answer the question, Mr. Chairman. I’ll right choices. just stop there for now.
I guess I don’t really have a question in Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. there, Mr. Chairman, I’ll leave that as a comment, but I’ll go on to my next Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question. In your opening comments on I appreciate the information on the page 5, it talks about the balanced material itself, but where I was getting at literacy approach and the guided reading is: how are they provided to the schools? resources that have been provided, the Was it through the DEA? Was it through levelled literacy intervention resources the teachers’ professional development? that have already been provided to Was it through the principals? What type schools. How are those resources rolled of training [is provided] to utilize those out to the schools? Are they through the resources? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. DEA? Through teachers? Through the principals’ conference? What type of Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. training was associated with it? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. (interpretation ends) Again, the teachers and the principals did receive training on Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): these resources in September and Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the October of 2014. The schools have member for that excellent question. I’ll already started implementing the respond in English, Mr. Chairman. resources in this school year, with full implementation expectations in the (interpretation ends) To date, I can say 2015-16 school year. that my department has spent a total of about $831,910 on resources for
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However, the Inuktitut balance literacy Chairman: Minister Quassa. resources are still in the works. So far, we have trained 150 teachers and all the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): principals in all our schools, the regional Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As a staff, and the regional school operations department, we are very proud that it staff. That is the training we have done was successful in Aqsarniit School here so far. The regional school operations in Iqaluit and when it went to Cape are developing a literacy action plan for Dorset, it was also successful. Now we their regions. The CSS and RSO, or are looking at Arviat to start next. This is regional staff operations, are working coming from Cisco. The Cisco people together to identify anything that is are very supportive and we appreciate required for each school to move the them very much. They are very proud of literacy initiative forward. Again I can this. Cape Dorset and Arviat are the two say that not every school is at the same communities that have this. Thank you, place or needs the same support. We try Mr. Chairman. and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our schools. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes.
So far, as I said, we have trained 150 Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. individuals within our schools and yes, Now, I understand the Education Act is they are delivered directly to the schools. under review right now and we are both (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. a part of that process. Chairman. One of the things that I would like to get Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. a little bit more information on is the option for a full-day kindergarten. It has Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. been brought up a few times recently in I thank the minister for that information. the media and I believe a representative Just to stay with literacy, in May of last from your department had some year, the minister announced that there comments in the paper that there has was pilot program in Cape Dorset with been some preplanning work on the the summer literacy camp. I know the feasibility of introducing full-day minister and I have spoken about this kindergarten to Nunavut. I understand outside the House a couple of times and one of the challenges is the infrastructure the feedback has been very positive on and a lack of classroom space for some that pilot. communities with large classes.
There is curriculum and partnership with I’m wondering if one of the things that ITK, an education group in Cape Dorset, the department is looking at is maybe a and Frontier College to put on that phased-in approach where, if it gets program. I’m just wondering, with the approved through the review of the success that was achieved last year, if Education Act, there could be more the department is looking at expanding broader wording in the Act to allow for that program to other communities. full-day kindergarten where DEAs can Thank you, Mr. Chairman. provide the infrastructure and if the department would support adding
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2023 teaching positions as necessary for that. Certainly, that is an ideal situation that Thank you, Mr. Chairman. we would want to see.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Certainly, we would need more kindergarten teachers. We would need Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): more classrooms, as I said. There are a Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is a very lot of other areas that we would have to good question because we are now look at and review before the idea of considering this. (interpretation ends) I full-time kindergarten ever comes can say that there is certainly going to be around. Certainly, our curriculum would a lot of further work that has to be done have to change also. There are a lot of on this idea. Certainly, a lot more other factors that we would have to consultations will be needed before any consider. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. decisions or timelines or moving onto a Chairman. full-day kindergarten is considered. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Certainly, as I said, there are a lot more ripple effects if that decision did ever Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. come around. The Department of I thank the minister for that very detailed Education would have to do, as I said, a response and I acknowledge all of those more thorough review of the impacts of challenges. full-day kindergarten, including looking at other jurisdictions like Ontario. We At the same time, there are schools in have to look at how they operate first Nunavut that would be able to transition before we can even consider it. to full-time kindergarten basically with adding the extra half of a PY. The Certainly, there would be impacts for classroom space may already be our students as well as licensed child available. The teacher is already there. care facilities. We would definitely need It’s just a matter of going from a half a lot more kindergarten teachers if we day to a full day. I’ll leave it at that. I ever considered full-time kindergarten. think the minister knows where I’m Certainly, school classrooms, we would going with this. Hopefully, through the have to relook at the whole structures of review of the Ed. Act, we will be able to our schools because as you know, all of really identify some of these needs. our schools only carry half-time kindergarten. Therefore, classrooms I just have a couple of other quick would have to be relooked at. questions. A couple of days ago, we were talking about the NCAP program The Education Act, of course, is another and the funding in Nunavut. One of your area that we would have to look at. responses was mentioning that DEAs, Certainly, it will have an effect on the like the CAP, is a society, a legal entity education budget and main estimates. under the Societies Act. Can the minister There are a lot of other areas that would confirm that all DEAs across Nunavut have to be considered and looked at are also in good standing with Legal prior to actually deciding if we were Registries? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. ever to have full-time kindergarten.
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Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. by the individual boards within their communities. We only do provide to Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): those who have good standing, as the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s a good Financial Administration Act implies us question. (interpretation ends) Now, the to do. Some issues are again with the DEAs are government entities. The CRA. Tamajjagalaummata. There are DEAs are under Schedule A public different issues. Yes, you’re right, there agencies as determined by the Financial are some that are not operating; some Administration Act and the Education are. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Act. DEAs are not societies; they are a Chairman. public agency within the government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. We’re on G-7. Branch Summary. Education. K-12 Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. School Operations. Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Thanks for that clarification, Minister you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, minister Quassa. I must have misunderstood your and your officials. I want to start off response when we were talking about with more information to understand the that other question. reasoning here. (interpretation ends) For K-12 School Operations, (interpretation) Along the same lines, though, we’ve got I believe this number will be increased daycare societies across the territory, to 53 PYs. I believe that there will be 43 which are not public agencies from what educational assistants. Perhaps the term I understand. Are all the daycares that in English is (interpretation ends) are operating in Nunavut in good learning coaches. (interpretation) With standing as well? Thank you, Mr. 43 of them, this includes the six Chairman. (interpretation ends) regional literacy coordinators. (interpretation) With the Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. additional six positions, that is a total of 49 PYs with four left over. What are Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): these four other positions? Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, for the Mr. Chairman. younger children, the program we call (interpretation ends) early childhood Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. education, (interpretation) each organization has to apply for society Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): status and I know some daycare centres Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my that are not operating because their colleague for that question. Let me society status is not in good standing. elaborate. There are 49 new positions and it’s not over that number. What our (interpretation ends) I can say that there colleague just highlighted is absolutely are some that are not in operation correct and if you break it down, there because of that situation where they’re in are six regional literacy coaches. bad standing with the Societies Act, but we do encourage them. These are all run
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Out of the 49 new positions, once they again? It was on page 87 in the English get 59, 10 of them will be internal to the version. department. I can use an example of a breakdown. If we look at three teachers It states, “Strengthen Inuit language for Iqaluit, one for Aqsarniit, one in comprehension...” They are trying to Inuksuk, half a day for Joamie School, make sure that they start to use a and half a day for Nakasuk School, it is standardized language. What has the based on where the kids are. There are Department of Education done in 49 literacy coaches. (interpretation ends) adopting (interpretation ends) There are five student support assistants. standardization (interpretation) in all the (interpretation) If we use Cambridge schools in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Bay as an example, there are 2.0 Chairman. positions. Kugluktuk has 2.0 positions and there is 1.0 in Gjoa Haven. That is Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the breakdown. The coordinator would Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. be for (interpretation ends) teacher Minister. induction and mentoring and team leader. (interpretation) That would be Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): sort of like the coordinator position for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you the literacy initiative programs. for asking that question. I describe it like this: all of our schools, and there are 43 I hope I answered his question, Mr. of them in Nunavut, we want to make Chairman. Thank you. sure that they have more standardized curriculum in all of Nunavut. If I say it Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): in English, we want them to be Thank you, Minister. Mr. Joanasie. transparently the same.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank With regard to your other question, I you. Do I understand that there are believe I can describe it like this: we are actually 59 new positions all together? working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and Nunavut Tunngavik to develop a literacy-based program. I would like Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. everyone to know that I will be (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. announcing it here in the House at a later date. My department has met with ITK Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): The about language and literacy to see if we simple answer is yes, Mr. Chairman. can use a standardized writing system. Thank you. With the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit group, or the Inuit Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Language Authority, we were able to His response to your question was bring that up. At the Inuugatta simply a yes. Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) conference last week, ITK and NTI representatives were Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank there. This was a major topic of you. That is clear now. One of your discussion. priorities for 2015-16… . Where was it
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Right now, we have been approved to be ready in the winter of 2015. I’m see what exactly we have in the schools wondering: what is the biggest challenge and what kind of literacy programs we in ensuring that a safe and inclusive are lacking. Will we have adequate environment is achieved for all students personnel that will be able to adopt the and staff? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. newly adopted standardized writing system? We are looking into all of those Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, at this point in time when it comes to Mr. Joanasie. Minister Quassa. literacy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you Minister. Mr. Joanasie. for requesting information on that. I can say that we have developed manuals and Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank we are starting to send them out to the you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister schools. It is basically a manual they can for the response. The Inuugatta use to do what your question is based on. Language Conference you were talking We have distributed that information out was very interesting to hear as an Inuk now to all schools. and I would really have liked to attend that, but unfortunately, we could not go We consider the (interpretation ends) there because of our session here. I was safe schools initiative (interpretation) able to go and watch the minister make a very important because schools have to speech about the fact that the language is be completely safe for the staff in our our strength and that our identity is schools, which is part of the operations. based on it. It is also our uniqueness and In English, it’s the (interpretation ends) we should be proud of it. emergency preparedness and crisis response manual. (interpretation) We Even though we have different dialects, worked in collaboration with the we can work harder to preserve it. That Department of Community and is my position. I’m just trying to Government Services to develop that encourage the minister to keep on doing manual. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. this, even though it is very challenging to try and set up a standardized language Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that they have to work on. If I can Minister Quassa. We are on G-7. Mr. support this in any way, I want to try and Mikkungwak. support the minister towards this objective. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask a question, if I say it On page 87 of the business plan, the first in English, it’s related to the question I have is with respect to one of (interpretation ends) safe schools the priorities for 2015-16, the third initiative. Resources and materials to bullet, “Continue implementation of implement the safe schools initiative Nunavut-wide bench mark assessments have been under development for some to assess student literacy in language and time. According to the draft business numeracy skills.” Have you set this up plan, finalized hard copy manuals will consistently throughout Nunavut? We
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2027 are dealing with three different regions, has to be perfect and has to be able to be Kitikmeot, Baffin, and Kivalliq. Have used properly in the schools. you done this consistently throughout Nunavut, throughout all the regions? In the 2014-15 year, we had a group Thank you, Mr. Chairman. called the Inuit advisory group and that group is made up of Inuit teachers who Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Thank you. have been teachers for a long time in our Minister Quassa. schools. They work on Inuktitut curriculum that will be used in the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): schools. They put that together and they Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Even though are going to include performance we have three different regions, we try to standards in it as well. It will be used by look at Nunavut as one. All the schools different grades. They just completed it have to use the same standardized recently from kindergarten to grade 6. material, so we try and make sure they That was the first phase and it mostly all have the same thing, even though has been completed. Now they are they are in different regions. Yes, to working on performance standards for answer your question, we did it that way. grades 7 and 8 students. They will be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. doing the same thing for the English literacy standards, which are very high. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. The Inuktitut literacy standards will have Mikkungwak. to be just as high.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): To date, we use the Inuktitut syllabics. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I We have been talking about slowly thank the minister for that response. changing over to using the Roman Also on page 87, one of the priorities for orthography and syllabics in some part. 2015-16 in the sixth bullet states, For your information, in 2015, we are “Strengthen Inuit language going to be putting them on our website. comprehension by continuing to adapt We would like to get feedback from the and create curricula in Inuktut.” general public about this. Thank you, That looks like a very hard job. Even as Mr. Chairman. an Inuk, we know that our writing systems are different as people from the Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kivalliq, Baffin, and Kitikmeot regions. Mikkungwak. When you look at all three different regions, what have you done in this Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): I regard within the Department of thank the minister very much for that Education? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. response. When we’re looking at the usage of Roman orthography and Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. utilizing the Inuit advisory group, my question is: how many Inuit sit on the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Inuit advisory group and which Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Anything that community do they come from? Thank has to do with education is difficult; it you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Quassa. with interest that the majority of our students are enamoured with computers Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): and the Internet and they are very adept Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just for your at using them. information, I don’t know who sits on the advisory group or where they come Another initiative we have developed is from. However, as I indicated earlier, with (interpretation ends) SMART they are long-time teachers who know a boards (interpretation) that can be lot about the education system and they plugged into computers and that is the are Inuit. I apologize if I can’t tell you technology we use now in our schools. who they are or which community they These are the SMART boards for our come from. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. computers and students are eating it up, producing good results. We are trying to Chairman: Thank you. Mr. ascertain if we can utilize more of this Mikkungwak. type of technology. That is part of our deliberations. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much. When the Another initiative revolves around the information breakdown is available, I gymnasiums in our schools, with earlier would appreciate a copy for my records. opening times to see if that can increase our student attendance. In some schools, I would like to move to another subject. we have breakfast programs to increase Many of my colleagues, including the number of students coming to myself, as a parent, are quite passionate school. We are also looking at the about the education system. The attendance records to increase question I want to ask now relates to attendance in the schools. student attendance and initiatives to further that in every school in Nunavut. The DEAs are taking those initiatives in What is the department studying to order to improve the attendance records. increase the numbers of student The DEAs are provided funding based attendance or does your department on the number of students that go to know which initiatives for increasing school. That is how they get their student attendance produce the most funding. It depends on the total number results? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of students attending. We are looking at different options in order to increase Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. school attendance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank Chairman: Thank you. Mr. the member for wanting details on that Mikkungwak. subject and I am proud of him for that curiosity. Mr. Mikkungwak: I guess this would be my last question. In the Priorities There are different types of initiatives (2016-17) on page 88 of your business related to increasing student attendance plan is “Ensure consistency and quality we have undertaken, and we have noted in curriculum across Nunavut that will
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2029 enable student success, not only in There are just a few things I would like Nunavut, but in Canadian jurisdictions.” to get a little more detail on. When Ms. My question to that would be: how is the Angnakak was asking about the letter of Department of Education working on authority, the minister replied that a lot that to ensure that secondary school of the letters of authority are used for students are graduating from their high Inuktitut teachers or so teachers can school? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. speak Inuktitut. In my mind, it implies that you don’t have to be a qualified Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. teacher to teach Inuktitut. Is that the message this is sending? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the member for that question. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa We are always looking at improving the school system in terms of attendance and Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): so on. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for asking about this. Many Just recently, in May 2014, I entered into times in the communities, we have a an agreement from kindergarten to grade hard time finding certified teachers that 12. In 2014-15, we’re looking at speak Inuktitut. Using the letter of standardizing where, if they complete authority, it makes it easier to find grade 12 here, for example, they can Inuktitut-speaking Inuit, not just enter any other school anywhere in teachers, but Inuktitut-speaking teachers. Canada. We would like to see students In the communities, it is sometimes hard completing grade 12 and enter into to find Inuktitut-speaking teachers. We higher education. We are focusing on do run into this situation from time to literacy and other programs so that we time. The (interpretation ends) letter of can notch up the education system with authority (interpretation) is one avenue math and so on, which are being we use to meet our needs. Thank you, matched up nationally. Mr. Chairman.
I hope I answered your question, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. We are on Chairman. (interpretation) If I Branch Summary. Education. K-12 understand this correctly, if an Inuk School Operations. Mr. Savikataaq, go teacher can speak Inuktitut, he or she can ahead with your one or more questions. teach Inuktitut, but if they if want to teach in English, they need a teaching >>Laughter certificate and have the proper education. Is that the way it is? Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Most of the questions I had Chairman. have been gobbled up by my counterparts, so I won’t be long. Chairman: Minister Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): or even have a Bachelor of Education Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, it is like and we are always pushing this agenda. that. Due to that, I am pushing the I wanted to add that, even though his Nunavut Teacher Education Program question was not directly on this, but he and support this program and I want did ask earlier. more people to take this program so that we can have a larger pool of teachers Yes, we use that formula to know how and not have to rely on this current many teachers we will need the situation. It is desirable to have certified following year and school attendance is Inuit teachers teaching Inuktitut. I used. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. encourage our youth to take this program and become certified teachers. Thank Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman. I would just like to ask the minister if there are any provisions set Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. up for… . Let’s say a community was Chairman. I thank the minister for really successful in bringing back a making it clear that the only whole bunch of students that are of qualification you really need to teach student age to enter the school and Inuktitut is to speak Inuktitut, which is people have moved in and the number of sad, but I guess that is the reality of the students has really risen, and the number way it is. of teachers in a school is always decided a year before. Are there any provisions To go on a different subject here, I know to hire more teachers if the DEA or the that the teacher-student ratio is used to community got a whole lot more decide the number of teachers a school students to enroll in that year? Thank will get the following year, if I’m correct you, Mr. Chairman. in that. I’ll start there. That is for the following year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Minister Quassa. Chairman. I think we have to look at the budgeting process. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, that is Normally, as I said earlier, under the the case. To decide the number of student-educator ratio system that we teachers, we use that formula to use, you’re right, we follow the SER by determine the number of teachers for the 13 here in Nunavut, where we’re fifth in school season. To answer his question, Canada at a ratio of 13:1 students per yes, it is like that. each educator while the national average is 13.8. We are doing very well. However, I would like to add that we don’t just hire teachers if they can speak I can say that for the budget year, we Inuktitut. We want them to be certified would have already decided how many teachers would be in that particular
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2031 community or in that particular school assessment framework will address all following the SER ratio. That is what forms of assessment, including would stick for that school year. Again, formative during the unit and summative as I said, the budget process always gets after the unit has concluded. There is a affected too if we’re going to change different process for these systems. within that school year. There are different factors for following the (interpretation) So that my colleague can findings of the SER within that school, have a clear understanding, my deputy whatever community it may be in. can explain in detail some parts of the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. question or make addition to the Chairman. response, if that is okay with you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Opik. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for that Ms. Opik (interpretation): Thank you, response and clarification. Mr. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Our Mikkungwak asked about this, but I minister approved the new assessment would like to ask about it in a little bit of framework for Nunavut schools in a different angle. On page 87 of the March 2014 of last year. This included business plan, it says, “Continue five strategies to begin in the 2014-15 implementation of Nunavut-wide bench school year. mark assessments to assess student literacy in language and numeracy We have been talking quite a bit about skills.” Is that benchmark a Nunavut the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark benchmark? I assume this means you are Assessment System for reading and this testing the students to a certain level. would be specifically for the English Are you testing the Nunavut students language and the balance literacy piece with Nunavut-based standards or of that. Canada-wide standards? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have also adopted, for grades 7 through 9, the common assessments. Chairman: Good question. Minister Summative means a year-end Quassa. assessment. Just to give a bit of context, formative means ongoing assessment Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): throughout the year, and then the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That was a summative assessment would be sort of good question my colleague asked. The like a year-end. A departmental exam, ratio is not totally followed simply in for example, would be a form of Nunavut. My assistant has to say summative assessment. This would be something sometimes. for reading, math, and science.
With regard to the student assessment The other thing is that we have started to framework, there are different types of look at the adoption and adaptation of an assessments. (interpretation ends) For early years’ evaluation tool. Often, we example, I’ll just state in English that the focus at the end for departmental exams,
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2032 but we know that we need to start at the You have to have one book, that’s the beginning to see where children are at. assessment piece, and then a second For example, we are looking at this tool book where the child has never seen that within kindergarten that would identify book to determine the full assessment what are the strengths of the child and and reading level. That’s what we’re what are some of the weaknesses most excited with. potentially so that we can better inform parents. If there is a gap within language We hope to show the members the books or reading or that type of thing, then we that have been developed very soon. We can better inform the parent. have been advised by Pearson Canada that the Inuktitut guided reading piece In March of last year, we did purchase far exceeds the quality of the English the Fountas & Pinnell system for all our piece because it is built right into the schools, and then in September and teacher resource book as they begin to October of last year, we had all our provide that modeling to students and principals and a combination of 200 that assessment for students. people who participated in four training (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. events on the benchmark assessment Chairman. system. The training took place in Iqaluit in two separate sessions, Baker Lake, Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. and Cambridge Bay. We also had Nunavut Arctic College and the teachers Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. association attend the training events. Chairman. I thank Ms. Opik for the long explanation. I understand about There is quite a bit of information here benchmark for Inuktitut speaking and all that talks about this, but I think that we that, I mean the testing, because you can say that we’re really excited about it. can’t compare it with anything down We have been talking quite a bit about south. My simple question would have the balanced literacy piece and the been: benchmark testing, if you test English piece of balanced literacy. You someone in grade 6 math in Nunavut, can buy it off the shelf. That has all been will it tell you whether it’s on par with developed and it’s already being utilized grade 6 math in Ontario or Alberta? by many jurisdictions in Canada. That’s the simple question that I ask. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What we are most excited about is the development and creation of our guided Chairman: Minister Quassa. reading benchmark assessments in Inuktitut. That has been our major focus Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): for book development. If you look at Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With your kindergarten and grade 1, to be able to permission, I’ll have my deputy minister know exactly where a child is in their respond to that question. Thank you. reading development, we have to develop 26 reading books, for example, Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Okpik. and then you have to create two assessment books that determine where Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, that child is at and at what reading level. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2033 minister talked about adopting the K-9 The question raises some interesting English Language Arts from the ideas we can think about. On another Northwest Territories. We know that the front, many communities have summer K-9 English is based on Alberta, so we projects. With respect to the idea of know there’s that standard that has opening the school is something to already been established. consider, but as of now, we haven’t considered it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When the benchmarks are being conducted and because we know that the Chairman: Thank you. We are on page benchmark system that we’re using with G-7. Branch Summary. Education. K-12 Fountas & Pinnell is used in multiple School Operations. Total Operations and jurisdictions across Canada, we would Maintenance, to be Voted. know that if a child is reading at a grade $169,532,000. Agreed? 6 level, it is equal to any other grade 6 level across Canada. (interpretation) Some Members: Agreed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: G-8. Education. Branch Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Summary. Curriculum and School Services. Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for the clarification. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. On a different matter here, it’s almost in Chairman. In your business plan, you the same topic as full-day kindergarten. talk about curriculum reflecting realities This might seem out of the blue, but has in the arctic and who we are as any consideration been given to summer Nunavummiut. Who exactly is doing school for students that might be just that work and how do you approve that missing a course or two to get onto the what they develop is an accurate picture? next grade? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the colleague for that question. This is a member for that question. If you look at very good idea to take into the curriculum used, the Aulajaaqtut consideration. However, we have to take curriculum is designed specifically for notice of the workload of our teachers, Inuit, but we are always aware of the including the financial repercussions of relevancy for our Nunavut students. If I using the summer months, as all of our were to say it in English, (interpretation teachers take a summer break when the ends) Nunavut relevant, (interpretation) schools are closed. These are some of subjects that are relevant to the the factors we need to take into circumstances here and we are quite consideration, but other issues would aware of what the needs are for Nunavut. surface. The resources would be relevant to Nunavut. We are quite aware of that because we live in Nunavut. If we look
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2034 at our wildlife, our plant life, and all through the Qallunaat perspective… . I these things that are used within the will ask it in English. schools and that can be taught in the school, if we look at all Nunavummiut, (interpretation ends) As the Department they require the knowledge from of Education in Nunavut, when you look Nunavut, so we realize this too. Thank at this… . My colleagues, I’m taking a you, Mr. Chairman. whole different perspective here. As a department, are you championing the Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. education curriculum in Nunavut on a positive note? Thank you, Mr. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Who is developing this material and is this something that is Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. done on a regional basis? Nunavut is a large area and people have different Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): ways of doing things. Maybe the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can say yes, minister can elaborate on that. Thank I believe in this and I believe in our you, Mr. Chairman. process. Of course, yes, for sure. That is how we look at it and our schools. It’s a Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. way for them to move forward. If we didn’t believe in this, we would not Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): move forward, of course. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe the resources are made from two I could see development happening in communities, one in Arviat and one in the schools and we want more Iqaluit. Those are the two communities development for a positive environment that come up with the curriculum as for in the schools. Of course, our students teaching materials that are relevant to are our priority and we want them to be Nunavut. That’s what I can say. Thank able to use these resources. We want you, Mr. Chairman. them to be able to understand what is being taught and that is our baseline. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. That is how we are looking at it and we Mikkungwak. believe in that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Chairman: Mr. Mikkungwak. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Here in the business plan under page 91, Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): my colleague had asked about it, but I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the want to add a little bit and perhaps flip it minister for that response. As over. The way I see it is as an education Nunavummiut, with our goals and authority, the first thing I see… . I objectives, we have to be aware why we believe my colleague mentioned this became a territory. We have to keep earlier that as the Department of reminding ourselves and we sometimes Education, are you saying with your can get sidetracked, so we have to also goals and objectives that education… . realize that we are in Nunavut and we When you take it in and if you look at it can come up with our own solutions.
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Also in your business plan on page 89, if Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): you look at your documents, the Auditor Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Perhaps to General had mentioned the educational ensure the member comprehends the system using the bilingual approach with answer completely, I will provide what Inuktitut and English and that it has to seems to be a partial response. improve drastically. The Auditor Nonetheless, we can provide more General noted that in his report. With clarity on the exact status. respect to the bilingual teachers listed on page 89 of your business plan, the Some of the funds were transferred to budget is roughly a third of what it was another area in the budget. In order for in the previous year. What is your the member to understand this issue, this reasoning for this? Do you feel it is now is under (interpretation ends) education sufficient to meet our bilingual teacher training (interpretation) and this has needs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. been transferred resulting in what appears to be a decrease. It was Chairman: Minister Quassa. transferred to another line item and that is why you note the difference which Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): looks like a reduction. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is an excellent question, but perhaps I didn’t I hope I responded correctly, but we can grasp his question due to my dialectal add to that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. limitations, as I don’t think I quite got the terminology he used. Did the Chairman: Thank you. We’re on member ask if the budget was Education. Branch Summary. decreased? What exactly did the member Curriculum and School Services. Total ask about, Mr. Chairman? Thank you. Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $16,779,000. Agreed? Chairman: Mr. Mikkungwak, clarification. Some Members: Agreed.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. G-9. Branch Chairman. I’ll rephrase my question. Summary. Education. Early Childhood Last year, looking at documents and Education. Ms. Angnakak. using documents, the report of the Auditor General had indicated that Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. bilingual education has to enhance. Chairman. My first question is in regard When you look at the business plan on to daycare grants and contributions. I page 89, Inuit Educational Leadership noticed that the budget, $2,150,000, from 2014, $618,000, and then it seems to be consistent throughout. I’m substantially drops by the funds to wondering: being that the need for $139,000. Is there reasoning for the daycare space in Nunavut is so high, is it substantial decrease? Thank you, Mr. to do with the budget or why is the Chairman. budget the same and do you have a strategy in place to address this need? Chairman: Minister Quassa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Minister Quassa. materials or through education geared to early childhood. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can start off The DEAs are the ones that are supposed by saying that every year, the budget we to be moving these along. Sometimes appropriate isn’t always expended, but they are not always used up. We give within the new budget, we have them the funding and they are kind of identified $300,000 for this six-year like the go-between in the community. period. It’s going to be identified to be The DEAs are kind of like our middle used for the early childhood education people. Sometimes the money is not all facilities for the pre-kindergarten age used up. (interpretation ends) That’s the group. It’s for resources like reading challenging part of what we have seen so materials. It is going to be allotted for 15 far (interpretation) and we want to try to kids. It’s going to be used for materials do something more about this. Thank and resources. I could say a little more you, Mr. Chairman. on that for your first question. Sometimes we don’t use up all of our Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. funds. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. Chairman. Can the minister provide us with an idea of how much of this Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. funding is “surplused” every year? Chairman. In keeping with early Thank you, Mr. Chairman. childhood education, once again in your business plan, I’m referring to page 94. Chairman: Minister Quassa. $1 million is a contribution that is provided to DEAs for the administration, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): For resource development, and delivery of example, if we look it annually for all community-based early childhood the DEAs and also for the early education. What are the challenges childhood fund in total for fiscal year associated with this budget? Thank you, 2014-15, it was just a little over Mr. Chairman. $511,281 and approximately half of it was not spent. That’s how it is. Thank Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question. $1 million is directed Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. toward the DEAs and also for the early Chairman. That’s a lot of money. We childhood group. We have also noticed also have a need for after school in the communities that it’s not all used programs. I’m wondering if the minister up. Even though we provide the DEAs has thought about a strategy there. How funding in the amount of $1 million, if can we address the need for after school you look at 2014-15, they should be programs? In Iqaluit alone, I think we utilized as directed with Inuit language have over 100 children waiting on the waitlist. What is the Department of
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Education going to do about that? Thank yes, I’ll be able to provide an you, Mr. Chairman. explanation.
Chairman: Minister Quassa. For breakfast programs, early childhood education programs are not connected, Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): but I am very pleased to say that up to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The funding $10,000 per school, there will be funding here is totally different from what we made available to all the schools. With had just alluded to. The DEAs can apply the assistance of the Department of for funding from that line item in regard Health, we’re able to come up with that. to after school programs, but the budget They could be used for various things, that you just mentioned is totally such as buying breakfast food items or different from this line item. small appliances, such as pans, or storage bins, or if they need to use a As a department, our objective is to stove. It could be used for various provide support to the licensed daycares things. It’s $10,000 per school that will or early childhood programs. As I stated be allocated to date. Thank you, Mr. earlier, the Department of Education can Chairman. work with the communities. If they want to have an after school program, we can Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. provide support when they draft up their policies and when they want to fill out Ms. Angnakak: Thank you very much, application forms. I know that you can’t Mr. Chairman. That is wonderful news literally fill out that document. Also, we to hear. I think that’s definitely a step in can provide support with financial the right direction. I’m wondering now: matters and the DEAs can apply for will this funding for breakfast programs funding. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. be ongoing or is this a one-time thing? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. Chairman: Minister Quassa. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to a slightly different Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): topic, over the last two years… . Well, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To date, this since we have been elected, I have raised is our first year and this is a one-time the fact about children going to school fund, but as the Department of hungry and I have often spoken of the Education, we’re looking at how we can need to provide funding for all schools keep this continually and we’re looking so that they could have a proper at options. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. breakfast program. Can you tell us what the status of this request is? Thank you, Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Quassa. I just have a couple of quick questions under this line item. I guess I’ll start off Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): with, earlier you were talking about the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Of course, $300,000 in new funding each year for
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2038 six years for the development of last year, I asked you some questions resource and learning materials for early regarding the Young Parents Stay childhood education. For kids who aren’t Learning and the amount of the in a formal daycare setting or a licensed subsidies. You don’t have to go into facility, how would this material get each level of subsidy again; I still have rolled out to stay-at-home children? those numbers, but I see an increase in Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the budget allocation by about $30,000, or a little over 20 percent from last Chairman: Minister Quassa. year’s budget. At the time, you said that you’re going to fully review the amounts Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): and look at the costs. I was wondering: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, what my is that the purpose of the increase or is colleague said is true because not all there an uptake in the increase and the children go to early childhood facilities numbers are still the same, or how is that or daycares. As I keep stating, a child review going? Thank you, Mr. begins learning at birth. As we are Chairman. aware, even though these children are not in the early childhood program, they Chairman: Minister Quassa. are able to go to school. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): With that, how can we prepare a child Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the before they enter the schools? I know member for that question. I’ll try to not that the children, even at home, can be go into that level of detail with the taught. We are now reviewing the subsidies. (interpretation ends) I can say communities that have operating daycare that the department has seen an increase centres and we’re looking at how we can in applications for Young Parents Stay provide support to the parents when their Learning, which is very encouraging. children don’t go to daycares. I know We have already approved about 75 that their children will enter the school applications this year. This is already an when they become of age. increase over last year. We’re still receiving applications for the new Even though the children are not in semester in schools. daycare, they will be provided with the Unikkaarvigilaunnga (Tell Me a Story) I could say that the increase is mainly books to provide them with reading due from… . There are more materials. They will be providing that to (interpretation) applications from the the parents with children who are not Kivalliq region, (interpretation ends) even in daycare centres so that they can which is very encouraging for us, to say provide that support at the home. Thank the least. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hickes.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Sorry, Mr. Chairman. I just Last year at this time or around this time have one more. I’ll leave that one alone when we were going through the budget for now.
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Again, it was another question I had DEAs in the community if we have asked last year and one of the concerns suggestions or recommendations, but that I had with this program that has when it comes to adult learning, as been brought to my attention is a number ordinary citizens, it seems like we don’t of these young parents who have had have room at the community level to children while they were still of school make suggestions. age themselves undertake summer student activities, yet the coverage under I know that there’s a board of directors this program is only during the school for Arctic College, but at the local level, year. it seems like an ordinary citizen doesn’t have any opportunities to make During this review that’s going on, suggestions on what kind of curriculum would it be realistic for me to request they should be taking on. I just want you that you take a look at, as long as the to let me know if I’m lacking student is registered in the upcoming information on that. Many members of year, maybe some assistance could be the public think that sometimes, even provided during the summer if they’re though they have suggestions, they don’t employed for the summer? Thank you, know where to go in regard to adult Mr. Chairman. learning programs. I just want to get further clarification on that. Thank you, Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, anyone who is working makes money and that Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): person would be making money. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I am the Minister of Education, I can’t really Chairman: Sorry. Thank you. We’re on respond to that. However, if I put on my Branch Summary. Education. Early other hat, I may be able to respond to Childhood Education. Total Operations that properly. It may be better if you ask and Maintenance, to be Voted. me that question when Nunavut Arctic $7,408,000. Agreed? College officials are here, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Mr. Enook. Chairman: G-10. Education. Branch Summary. Adult Learning and Mr. Enook (interpretation): I thank the Educational Initiatives. Mr. Enook. Minister of Education for that response. We will get to that. Perhaps you can tell Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, the Minister responsible for Nunavut Mr. Chairman. I just want to get Arctic College to expect questions about clarification, but I’ll go into the budget this matter. Thank you. line items later on. We’re talking about adult learning here and I just want to get >>Laughter clarification. If you want to talk about school curriculum, we can talk to the
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Chairman: Thank you. We’re on wanted to express my appreciation to my Education. Branch Summary. Adult officials and everyone who works in the Learning and Educational Initiatives. Department of Education. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $2,085,000. Agreed? Lastly, I just want everyone here to completely understand the reasoning Some Members: Agreed. behind the (interpretation ends) literacy coaches. (interpretation) I believe the Chairman: Go back to G-3. Department meaning is now clear to all members. Summary. Education. Detail of Our teachers do occasionally require Expenditures. Total Operations and refresher courses and all of our teachers Maintenance, to be Voted. don’t have generic knowledge, as some $202,728,000. Agreed? positions are quite specialized. Some teach only certain subjects. In that light, Some Members: Agreed. the (interpretation ends) literacy coaches (interpretation) will be geared more Chairman: Thank you. Is the committee towards teaching. We can provide more agreed that the Department of Education details. I want to refer to a source of is concluded? great information which I have with me, and anyone can request a copy of a DVD Some Members: Agreed. outlining this information.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa, I would like to say “thank you” again closing comments. and have a good night, everyone. All the things we want to initiate, we will want Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): to progress with them this coming year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me start Thank you, Mr. Chairman. off with thanking my colleagues for being passionate about education in light Chairman: Thank you, Minister Quassa. of the priority placed on it by this I thank you and your staff for answering government. Additionally, every questions. Iqsuktii, can you escort the question raised in this review will result guests. Thank you. in further improvements in the educational system as we move forward Thank you. I would now like to ask Mr. in advancing it. Kuksuk to proceed with his opening comments for the Nunavut Housing Also, I want to thank my departmental Corporation. Mr. Enook. (interpretation ends) policy planners (interpretation) in Education, along with Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, my officials who have sat with me in this Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I review. Education inherently involves move to report progress. many different branches and interconnected issues. My officials are Chairman: We have a motion on the tireless in dealing with these many floor to report progress and the motion is issues, as they are dedicated and not debatable. All those in favour of the committed to their work in this area. I motion. All those opposed. The motion
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2041 is carried. I will now rise to report 4. Returns to Oral Questions progress. 5. Recognition of Visitors in the
Speaker (interpretation): Item 21. Gallery Report of the Committee of the Whole. 6. Oral Questions Mr. Akoak. 7. Written Questions Item 21: Report of the Committee of 8. Returns to Written Questions the Whole 9. Replies to Opening Address Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 10. Replies to Budget Address Your committee has been considering Bill 16 and the main estimates, and 11. Petitions would like to report progress. 12. Responses to Petitions (interpretation) Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee 13. Reports of Standing and Special of the Whole be agreed to. Thank you, Committees on Bills and Other Mr. Speaker. Matters Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 14. Tabling of Documents There is a motion on the floor. Mr. Mikkungwak is the seconder. 15. Notices of Motions (interpretation ends) The motion is in 16. Notices of Motions for First order. All those in favour. Opposed. (interpretation) Thank you. Reading of Bills (interpretation ends) The motion is 17. Motions carried. 18. First Reading of Bills Item 22. Third Reading of Bills. Item 23. 19. Second Reading of Bills (interpretation) Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk. 20. Consideration in Committee of
the Whole of Bills and Other Item 23: Orders of the Day Matters Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Just a reminder for tomorrow Bill 14 morning, there’s a meeting of the Bill 15 Standing Committee on Legislation at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom. Bill 16 Bill 18 Orders of the Day for March 5: 21. Report of the Committee of the 1. Prayer Whole 2. Ministers’ Statements 22. Third Reading of Bills 3. Members’ Statements 23. Orders of the Day
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Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 19:59