Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 5th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 75
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Pages 4701 – 4761
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable Simeon Mikkungwak, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. Simeon Mikkungwak (Baker Lake)
Hon. David Akeeagok Mila Kamingoak David Qamaniq (Quttiktuq) (Kugluktuk) (Tununiq) Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Pauloosie Keyootak Emiliano Qirngnuq (Uqqummiut) (Netsilik) Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Hon. Lorne Kusugak Paul Quassa Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Rankin Inlet South) (Aggu) Minister of Community and Pat Angnakak Government Services; Minister Allan Rumbolt (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) of Human Resources (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Adam Lightstone Committee of the Whole Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (Iqaluit-Manirajak) (Cambridge Bay) Hon. Joe Savikataaq Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for John Main (Arviat South) Labour; Minister responsible for the Qulliq (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Premier; Minister of Executive and Energy Corporation Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of Margaret Nakashuk Energy; Minister of Environment; Minister (Pangnirtung) Hon. George Hickes responsible for Aboriginal Affairs;
(Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister Hon. Patterk Netser Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial (Aivilik) responsible for the Utility Rates Review Management Board; Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Council Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention; Nunavut Arctic College; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Minister responsible for the Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Safety and Compensation Commission Nunavut Housing Corporation Government House Leader; Minister of Hon. David Joanasie Family Services; Minister responsible for (South Baffin) Homelessness; Minister responsible for Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister Immigration; Minister responsible for the of Education; Minister of Languages Status of Women
Joelie Kaernerk Cathy Towtongie (Amittuq) (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Officers Clerk John Quirke
Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Michel Albert 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 ...... 4701
Ministers’ Statements ...... 4701
Members’ Statements ...... 4705
Oral Questions ...... 4710
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ...... 4726
Motions ...... 4727
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 4727
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 4760
Orders of the Day ...... 4761
A. Daily References
Thursday, February 20, 2020...... 4701
B. Ministers’ Statements
356 – 5(2): Nunavut and Protected Areas (Savikataaq) ...... 4701
357 – 5(2): Coronavirus (Hickes) ...... 4702
358 – 5(2): Educational Leadership Certificate Completed in Inuktitut (Joanasie) ...... 4703
359 – 5(2): Low-barrier Shelter in Iqaluit (Sheutiapik) ...... 4704
360 – 5(2): Task Force on Transportation in Northern and Remote Regions (Akeeagok) ...... 4705
C. Members’ Statements
557 – 5(2): Addressing Violence in Our Communities (Qamaniq) ...... 4705
558 – 5(2): Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (Main) ...... 4706
559 – 5(2): Marine Protection (Towtongie) ...... 4707
560 – 5(2): Staff Housing Policies (Lightstone) ...... 4707
561 – 5(2): Constituency Office Relocation (Ehaloak) ...... 4708
562 – 5(2): The Edmonton Eskimos (Kusugak) ...... 4708
563 – 5(2): Recognition of Aksakjuk Ningiuk (Akeeagok) ...... 4709
D. Oral Questions
761 – 5(2): Sanikiluaq Water Supply (Rumbolt)...... 4710
762 – 5(2): Unlicensed Lotteries (Angnakak) ...... 4711
763 – 5(2): Addressing Violence in Our Communities (Qamaniq) ...... 4713
764 – 5(2): Community Name Change (Kaernerk) ...... 4714
765 – 5(2): Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (Main) ...... 4716
766 – 5(2): Competition Update on Six Positions for Qikiqtani General Hospital (Lightstone)
...... 4717
767 – 5(2): Local Housing Organization Managers (Quassa) ...... 4719
768 – 5(2): Lead Floats in Water Tanks (Qirngnuq) ...... 4720
769 – 5(2): Marine Protection (Towtongie) ...... 4721
770 – 5(2): Fuel Delivery Contracts (Keyootak) ...... 4724
771 – 5(2): Pangnirtung Airport (Nakashuk) ...... 4725
E. Motions
063 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Rumbolt) ...... 4727
F. Bills
Bill 40 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2019-2020 –
Notice ...... 4726
Bill 42 – An Act to Amend the Cannabis Act – Notice ...... 4727
Bill 41 – An Act to Amend the Guardianship and Trusteeship Act – Notice ...... 4727
Bill 39 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2020-2021 – Health – Consideration in
Committee ...... 4728
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4701
Iqaluit, Nunavut when the members are in session. Thursday, February 20, 2020 Members Present: Also, before we proceed, I wish to Hon. David Akeeagok, Ms. Pat advise members that the Member for Angnakak, Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak, Hon. Gjoa Haven will be absent from the George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, House today due to personal reasons. Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mila Kamingoak, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Continuing on. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Lightstone, Mr. John Main, Hon. Savikataaq. Simeon Mikkungwak, Ms. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Patterk Netser, Mr. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements David Qamaniq, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Mr. Paul Quassa, Mr. Allan Minister’s Statement 356 – 5(2): Rumbolt, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Nunavut and Protected Areas Elisapee Sheutiapik, Ms. Cathy (Savikataaq) Towtongie. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people >>House commenced at 13:30 of Arviat, I say “good day” to you.
Item 1: Opening Prayer (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as my fellow members are aware, the Speaker (Hon. Simeon Mikkungwak) Government of Canada has committed to (interpretation): Before we proceed, I designating 10 percent of Canada’s ask Member Quassa to say the opening marine and coastal areas as protected prayer, please. areas by 2020, a commitment that has been exceeded in large part because of >>Prayer Nunavut’s Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area. very much, Member Quassa. To the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut who The Government of Canada is currently are following the proceedings, welcome establishing new targets for the 2020-30 to the Legislative Assembly’s sitting. period. Knowing the extent of Nunavut’s Also, those who are listening to the radio coastline and the limited opportunities to broadcast, please feel welcome as the create new marine conservation areas Legislative Assembly proceeds. elsewhere in Canada, we are concerned that the federal government may once I again remind Nunavummiut that when again turn to Nunavut to meet their the Legislative Assembly is in session, goals. you are always welcome here in the Legislative Assembly to observe from Mr. Speaker, members are also aware the visitors’ gallery. The seats right that Nunavut’s Devolution Agreement in behind the members’ seats are Principle was signed on August 15, designated for our elders in Nunavut, but 2019. It sets out a timeline for a final all Nunavummiut are always welcome agreement by the end of 2022, with the
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4702 transfer of authorities by 2025. There is long-term opportunities and foster also a commitment to start negotiations responsible development to benefit for an offshore oil and gas management Nunavut well into the future. Thank you, agreement for Nunavut. The creation of Mr. Speaker. any new conservation and protected areas in Nunavut would have a >>Applause significant impact on our ability to manage our lands and resources and Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ carry out negotiations for decision- Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, making, leading to potentially very Minister Hickes. serious consequences. Minister’s Statement 357 – 5(2): Mr. Speaker, while other provinces and Coronavirus (Hickes) territories in Canada have protected- areas strategies, until devolution is Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. finalized, Nunavut does not. These Speaker. I would like to take this strategies provide context and direction opportunity to follow up on the for resource exploration and questions from the member from Aggu development. We believe that new the other day. protected areas in Nunavut should only be considered once devolution of Mr. Speaker, since January there has jurisdiction over lands and waters to the been significant coverage and concern Government of Nunavut is completed, over the novel coronavirus that has been and an appropriate strategy can be identified from Wuhan, China. In drafted with complete information and response to the spread of the virus, the proper consultation with Nunavummiut. World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of Mr. Speaker, as such, until the international concern. conclusion of the final devolution negotiations and an offshore oil and gas Despite this troubling news, I would like agreement, the GN cannot support future to assure Nunavummiut that federal and marine protected areas or other federal territorial staff are working to ensure that conservation and protected areas within the risk to individuals remains as low as our territory. It is vital that we set the possible. The country has multiple foundation for future generations and systems activated and in place to prepare ensure that we do not inadvertently miss for, prevent, detect, and respond to any critical, sustainable economic potential instances of novel coronavirus. opportunities for our communities. This includes standard border measures in place to mitigate the potential risk of Our government is committed to introduction and spread of working with Nunavut Tunngavik communicable disease, and additional Incorporated, our regional Inuit screening measures implemented in a associations, and the federal government number of international airports in a way that is collaborative and throughout the country. The Government respectful of our mutual interests and of Canada maintains continual concerns. We must all look to create preparedness for public health
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4703 emergencies. Minister of Education, Hon. Joanasie.
Mr. Speaker and members, here in Minister’s Statement 358 – 5(2): Nunavut the Department of Health is Educational Leadership collaborating closely with the Public Certificate Completed in Inuktitut Health Agency of Canada and with other (Joanasie) provinces and territories to share Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): information, coordinate response efforts, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, and support informed vigilance as the Nunavummiut and members. situation evolves. Mr. Speaker and members, a special advisory committee Mr. Speaker, fellow members, providing of Canada’s chief medical officers of high-quality education in Nunavut goes health and senior public health officials beyond just the students in our meets regularly to focus on the classrooms. This is why the Department coordination of federal, provincial and of Education is committed to providing territorial preparedness and response professional development for Nunavut’s from Canada’s health system. A travel current and aspiring school leaders that advisory is also in effect, and it is will enhance their instructional and recommended that all Canadians avoid leadership skills. non-essential travel to China. This week from February 15 to 21, more At this point there are no confirmed than 60 educators from across the cases of novel coronavirus in Nunavut. territory will be in Iqaluit to attend Even so, Nunavummiut are encouraged courses as part of the Certificate in to do their part to stay healthy and Educational Leadership in Nunavut prevent the spread of any kind of program. infection by washing their hands frequently, covering their mouths with Mr. Speaker, this leadership certificate their sleeves when they cough or sneeze, program has been offered for many and staying home to rest when they are years. What is significant about this feeling unwell. week’s training is that it is the first time that all five of the required courses will Health is actively monitoring and have been delivered at least once in assessing this evolving situation and Inuktitut. This means that after this week working with the Government of Canada there will be educators receiving their to ensure that we are appropriately Certificate in Educational Leadership in prepared. As always, preserving and Nunavut who have completed their promoting the well-being of courses entirely in Inuktitut. This Nunavummiut remains the department’s morning I was able to go visit the highest priority. Thank you, Mr. educators who are here to attend the Speaker. courses. I thank them while they are here. My deputy minister participated >>Applause and it was good to speak with them.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in Ministers’ Statements. partnership with the University of Prince
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4704
Edward Island, the Certificate in The shelter operates out of the same Educational Leadership in Nunavut is a location, building 534. It is open from 8 university-accredited program that p.m. to 8 a.m. and can accommodate provides education leaders with the both men and women. knowledge and skills to lead their schools by balancing leadership history As many of you are aware, this initiative and theory with practical skills. builds upon the pilot project the Department of Family Services and the This leadership certificate program Inukshuk Guardian Society initiated in provides our school teachers and early 2019. During the pilot project, 211 educators with culturally-based, individuals accessed the shelter, effective and responsive leadership skills demonstrating a need for additional that will guide our students and staff community supports beyond existing toward a promising future. services. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This shelter model serves as an access >>Applause and referral point for those most at risk, who face various challenges, including Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ chronic homelessness, family violence, Statements. Minister of Family Services, and addictions. The model decreases the Hon. Sheutiapik. involvement of emergency and police services and acts as a preventative tool, Minister’s Statement 359 – 5(2): Low- providing safe alternatives to individuals barrier Shelter in Iqaluit who would otherwise find themselves in (Sheutiapik) vulnerable and risky situations. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Uqaqtitsijii, I would like to take this Speaker. Good afternoon. opportunity to thank the Uquutaq Society for managing the low-barrier Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) I am shelter. The society continues to play an pleased to update my fellow members on integral role in providing emergency the reopening of Iqaluit’s damp shelter supports for Nunavummiut facing this past January. homelessness in Iqaluit.
The damp shelter, known as the low- It is only through the hard work and barrier shelter, reopened on January 27. tireless efforts of community The term “low-barrier shelter” is organizations like Uquutaq that we can intended to reduce the stigma associated contribute to Inuusivut, strengthening with accessing the shelter. Many the well-being of our people and our individuals who accessed the shelter last communities. (interpretation) Thank fiscal year were not intoxicated, rather you, Mr. Speaker. they faced other barriers that made it challenging to access existing shelter >>Applause services. Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Economic
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4705
Development and Transportation, Hon. policies, programs, initiatives, Akeeagok. regulations, and market forces that can either improve our situation or make it Minister’s Statement 360 – 5(2): Task worse. When the work is complete, the Force on Transportation in task force will be bringing Northern and Remote Regions recommendations forward to the council (Akeeagok) of ministers for consideration. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week I Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased with the met with the federal, provincial and strong support my counterparts territorial counterparts at the Council of expressed for this initiative, and I look Ministers Responsible for Transportation forward to the work this task force will and Highway Safety. be completing over the coming months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) These meetings are always informative and engaging, but >>Applause the agenda is typically focused on issues the larger jurisdictions are facing: Speaker (interpretation): I have no more southern highway connections, mass names on my list. Continuing on with transit, harmonization with the United the orders of the day. Before we proceed States, and border crossings. It has to Members’ Statements, I would like to sometimes been difficult to create remind members to be cognizant of the discussions around the issues the smaller time allotted for members’ statements jurisdictions face. and be mindful of our interpreters.
I am pleased to say that the council, at Members’ Statements. Member for the urging of Nunavut, has formed a task Tununiq, Member Qamaniq. force to examine issues around transportation in the northern and remote Item 3: Members’ Statements regions. Member’s Statement 557 – 5(2): >>Applause Addressing Violence in Our Communities (Qamaniq) The task force will be chaired by Nunavut and vice-chaired by the Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank Northwest Territories. It will include you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my members from the federal government, constituents, my fellow residents of from all territories, and from six Tununiq, and my colleagues. provinces that have communities with similar challenges to ours. I’ll be speaking in English as I was also taught how to speak and read in English. Over the course of next year this task force will be examining the unique (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. challenges faced by remote Canadian Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the communities, including indigenous important words spoken by members on communities. It will be looking at the both sides of this House stating that
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4706
“violence in any form is unacceptable.” Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Mr. Speaker, I agree with that notion. I, Statements. Member for Arviat North- too, stand against violence and I, too, Whale Cove, Member Main. agree that it is an ongoing struggle to put an end to this kind of negative Member’s Statement 558 – 5(2): behaviour. Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (Main)
Mr. Speaker, violent behaviour can Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, appear in many situations and contexts. Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues, Factors like despair, stress, anger, and Premier, and ministers. fear can influence how we react, but no matter what we do, we must be I heard good news in the media on accountable for our actions. It is for this February 5 about major infrastructure in reason that I have been speaking in the Kivalliq. I appreciate the Kivalliq favour of methods and technologies Inuit Association, the federal which can safeguard us against acts of government, and the private sector that violence. are involved in this project, (interpretation ends) the Kivalliq Hydro- Mr. Speaker, I have asked our Fibre Link. (interpretation) It is very government whether any consideration good to see the work proceed and we can be given to Nunavut’s police force expect that it will benefit many using vehicle or body cameras. The Nunavummiut. The Government of government’s reply indicates that “the Nunavut is not mentioned in the news RCMP has determined that this release, but I am confident that our equipment was not suited to the needs of government will continue to support this the police force.” However, the use of project. body cameras or dash cameras by police may suit the needs of the people of However, I’ll read this in English. Nunavut. (interpretation ends) “The proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link involves the Concerns have been raised about violent construction of a new 1,200-kilometre, interactions between police and 150-megawatt transmission line between Nunavummiut. We have read about it in Nunavut and Manitoba. The project newspapers and seen video clips posted would deliver renewable, sustainable on social media. The concerns are real. and reliable hydroelectricity energy to the region.” It also says “Fibreoptic I urge our government to work with cabling is also included in the project.” Nunavut RCMP to reconsider and re- evaluate the option of body cameras for Later in the news release, the newly police working in our territory. At the elected President (interpretation) of the appropriate time I will be asking Kivalliq Inuit Association, Kono questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Tattuinee, stated and I’ll say it in Speaker. English, (interpretation ends) and the quote says “Inuit are proud to be driving >>Applause this transformative, national infrastructure project. Together we are
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4707 creating something that will bring lasting collaboration partners continue to find economic and environmental benefits to ways to advance important issues. One Nunavut and all of Canada.” of the problems that Nunavut is facing in overcoming the obstacles is that IQ and Mr. Speaker, this is an incredibly science are incompatible or that exciting project and I hope to see it come scientific studies attempt to replace or to reality. I will point out at this point in supplement IQ. time, despite some reports in the media, there is no federal funding that has been I believe that as Nunavummiut we need secured, to my understanding, for this to decide because of these national project. However, this memorandum of obligations, such as marine protected understanding that was signed with the areas, and local interests and acceptance Canada Infrastructure Bank is very outside of Nunavut is not acceptable, exciting, and I will have questions for such as the area of the marine protected the Premier at the appropriate time areas around all of Southampton Island regarding the Government of Nunavut’s and all of Chesterfield Inlet waters. role in this project. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the appropriate time I will be asking the Premier these questions. Thank you, >>Applause Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet Members’ Statements. Member for North-Chesterfield Inlet, Member Iqaluit-Manirajak, Member Lightstone. Towtongie. Member’s Statement 560 – 5(2): Staff Member’s Statement 559 – 5(2): Housing Policies (Lightstone) Marine Protection (Towtongie) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank Speaker. Sitting on this side of the you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me. Assembly, we are quite often required to At the appropriate time I will have criticize the government, but today I questions on marine protection around would like to stand to applaud our Chesterfield Inlet and Southampton government’s efforts, and particularly Island. I appreciated it when our Premier the Department of Human Resources, said that the Government of Nunavut is the Department of Finance, and the not in support of this through Nunavut Housing Corporation on their negotiations. Unfortunately I will be collaborated effort in amending the staff voicing my concern in English. housing policies.
(interpretation ends) All partners in any Mr. Speaker, I fully understand the need co-management system face some and the importance of staff housing with difficulties in fulfilling their mandate recruitment and retention of hard-to-fill and sometimes it is because of human positions, but it is also unfortunate that resource capacity and financial. Despite the staff housing subsidy is highly these challenges, in Nunavut, concentrated among the professional,
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4708 middle management, all the way up to Speaker (interpretation): Members’ the executive-level positions. In fact Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet two-thirds of the highest paid positions South, Member Kusugak. are in staff housing, and not to mention the fact that only 25 percent of staff Member’s Statement 562 – 5(2): The housing is allocated to Inuit employees. Edmonton Eskimos (Kusugak)
Regardless, I appreciate the revision of Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): the staff housing policies and Good day, my fellow Inuit. Mr. Speaker, particularly the policy which will allow I am proud to rise today as an Eskimo. departments to prioritize staff allocations (interpretation ends) I am proud today to in the interest of reaching Inuit be able to stand up as a true Eskimo. employment goals. I hope that this new policy will allow more Inuit to receive >>Applause the generous staff housing subsidy as well as a more equitable distribution Mr. Speaker, let me give you a bit of between employees that need it the most. history. In the early ‘70s, not going that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. far back, Rankin Inlet had its first television set that you could watch, and >>Applause one time we had the TV on in the house and I was cheering away. My mother Speaker (interpretation): Members’ came. It was small house, but she came Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, to see the front of the TV and she was Member Ehaloak. asking what I was watching.
Member’s Statement 561 – 5(2): I said I was watching this game called Constituency Office Relocation football, not knowing what a first down (Ehaloak) was, not knowing the difference between Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): first and ten and third and five. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Nonetheless, I was watching football. I ends) Good afternoon, Nunavummiut couldn’t explain the game to her and she and good afternoon to my fellow MLAs. said, “Well, why are you cheering?” I said, “I’m watching the Edmonton Just some information for my Eskimos play the Saskatchewan constituents in Cambridge Bay, the Roughriders.” She said, “The Eskimos?” constituency office, my MLA office has Knowing as much about football as I now been moved from the NCC did, she sat down and started cheering building, which was on No. 1 Kamotik with me. Road to the Ikaluktutiak Co-op on 20 Omingmak Street. We are in the process >>Laughter of setting up our office right now. We have no email, but we do have phones, I asked her, “Who are you cheering for?” so please bear with us. Thank you, Mr. She said, “The Eskimos because I’m an Speaker. Eskimo too.”
>>Applause >>Laughter
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Mr. Speaker, there was absolutely no Speaker (interpretation): Thank you for offence taken to the word “Eskimos” in making that play of words. Continuing the ‘70s, and I assure you the meaning of on. Members’ Statements. Member for the Eskimo hasn’t changed from the ’70s Quttiktuq, Member Akeeagok. to today. Everybody just needs to slow down and take a breather, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 563 – 5(2): Recognition of Aksakjuk Ningiuk Mr. Speaker, I found out recently that (Akeeagok) the Edmonton Eskimos have decided to Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): keep the name Eskimos. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavut’s elders are recognized biennially by the An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Inuit Heritage Trust. I am very pleased that Aksakjuk Ningiuk from Grise Fiord Hon. Lorne Kusugak: I was proud of was recognized. He’s our elder in Grise that, Mr. Speaker. Fiord and he can only speak in Inuktitut.
>>Applause He grew up in Tununiq. His father worked as an RCMP member on Devon Mr. Speaker, today I know what a first Island at a detachment in Craig Harbour and ten looks like, I know what a third and retired in Grise Fiord in 1959. When down is, and I know losing the Grey Cup he was a young man, Grise Fiord was is not fun. not widely known as it was not a traditional settlement. They had to look >>Laughter for good hunting areas for fish and other food. He discovered a lake that we still But the Eskimos have won more than use for fishing. their share of the Grey Cup over the years. When he was older, he started working for the Government of the Northwest An Hon. Member: Like the Habs. Territories as a housing maintainer and he also became a layperson. He has been Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Like the Habs. a layperson from 1964 to today. That was his calling. Although he doesn’t Mr. Speaker, I’m proud that the speak English, when heavy equipment Edmonton Eskimos will keep the name. broke down, he would observe it Everybody else who thinks it is carefully and then fix it. Now that he is offensive, settle down, take a Valium, an elder, he spends most of his time at and don’t be so sensitive. home.
Mr. Speaker, the game lives on. I am I would like to congratulate and thank hoping this summer will be the summer I him very much for the huge actually get to go watch the Eskimos contributions he has made to our play live at the Commonwealth Stadium. community of Grise Fiord. Grise Fiord Thank you, Mr. Speaker. would have been a very different place if Aksakjuk Ningiuk wasn’t there. I thank >>Applause him for being our elder up there and I
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4710 also thank the individuals who community. Can the minister update me nominated him to be recognized. Thank today on where this work now stands? you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Community and Government Services, Speaker (interpretation): We Minister Kusugak. congratulate Aksakjuk Ningiuk, and we are also proud of our elders in Nunavut, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. every single one of them. Speaker. I thank my colleague for the question. Mr. Speaker, I was anticipating Continuing on with the orders of the day. a question from my colleague in Returns to Oral Questions. There are Sanikiluaq in terms of the water issues none. Continuing on. Recognition of there. Mr. Speaker, the work continues Visitors in the Gallery. There are none. throughout Nunavut in trying to improve Continuing on. Oral Questions. Member water services. Mr. Speaker, I had for Hudson Bay, Member Rumbolt. spoken with my colleague, I believe, at the last session. I was talking to him Item 6: Oral Questions about finalizing the business case for that community. I’m glad to report that Question 761 – 5(2): Sanikiluaq Water the business case is now complete and Supply (Rumbolt) we’re just looking to share that document with the Municipality of Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sanikiluaq, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Good afternoon to the people of Sanikiluaq. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Member Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for Rumbolt. the Minister of Community and Government Services. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that information. Mr. Speaker, the minister took some I think I should note that the effects of questions the other day about the water the bad water in our community go far situation in Nunavut’s most northerly beyond the human consumption. There’s community. I’m sure he’s not surprised also the issue of the hot water heaters in that I would have some questions our houses lasting probably half the concerning the water in its most southern lifespan they should because of the community. salinity in the water.
>>Laughter Mr. Speaker, when I last raised the issue of Sanikiluaq’s water supply during our When I last raised the issue of fall sitting, I noted that the minister had Sanikiluaq’s water supply during our fall previously indicated to me that the sitting, the minister indicated that work department would be receiving Green was continuing to determine the best Stream federal funding to improve water options for water treatment in the security in three communities:
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4711
Sanikiluaq, Iqaluit, and Grise Fiord. Can the minister explain why the maintenance of reverse osmosis units in Can the minister update the House today private homes does not get the same on how much federal funding has been level of service as those in public provided in relation to Sanikiluaq’s housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. needs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister Kusugak. Speaker: Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s no reason why they Speaker. I don’t have that level of detail shouldn’t be the same. Mr. Speaker, this in terms of a breakdown of how much of is news to me. I will look into it and this funding is going into Sanikiluaq. Let ensure that they are dealt with at the me get that detail for him and I would be same level. Mr. Speaker, I’ll go further more than happy to share it with the than that and I will look into seeing if it House at that time. Thank you, Mr. is possible for us to put out that service Speaker. so that it is dealt with locally. I commit to that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Your second and final supplementary question, Speaker (interpretation): Oral Member Rumbolt. Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Member Angnakak. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, when I last raised the issue of Question 762 – 5(2): Unlicensed Sanikiluaq’s water supply during our fall Lotteries (Angnakak) sitting, the minister also indicated that the community would continue to Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. require desalinization equipment. Speaker. Good afternoon, everyone.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that My questions are for the Minister of the local housing organization performs Community and Government Services maintenance checks every three months and they concern the issue of unlicensed on reverse osmosis filters that have been lotteries. installed in public housing units and changes filters at least once every six Earlier this week the minister’s months, and more frequently in the case department issued a public service of units with high rates of water announcement in which it warned consumption. Nunavummiut that “Conducting a lottery event without a licence is a Criminal However, when it comes to private Code offence.” homes, it is my understanding that the Iqaluit-based contractor that has been Mr. Speaker, we have all been talking a hired to perform maintenance checks has lot in this House recently about serious not been to the community since July of crimes, including the violent sexual last year. abuse of children. We know that the RCMP is already stretched pretty thin, as
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4712 is evidenced by their recent decision to other Canadian jurisdictions? Thank stop conducting driver’s tests in our you, Mr. Speaker. communities. Speaker: Minister Kusugak. My first question for the minister is this: can he indicate how many residents of Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. the territory have been criminally Speaker. Our department and our prosecuted within the last 12 months for division that is working with the offences related to unlicensed lotteries? Lotteries Act is constantly monitoring Thank you, Mr. Speaker. where we need to make improvements and thus the public service Speaker (interpretation): Minister of announcement that was put out recently Community and Government Services, to remind people that there are laws out Minister Kusugak. there that regulate what you can and what you can’t be doing legally, and we Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. will continue to do that. Speaker. I’m not aware of any of those offences in the last 12 months, Mr. In terms of the second or third part of Speaker. Thank you. her question, Mr. Speaker, in doing that, in working with that, we constantly Speaker (interpretation): Your first assess whether this division is more supplementary question, Member appropriate in our department or in any Angnakak. other department, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will be very Speaker (interpretation): Your second much aware, the Lotteries Regulations and final supplementary question, under the territorial Lotteries Act were Member Angnakak. inherited upon division in 1999 and have only been amended a few times. It is Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. clear that the regulations have not kept Speaker. I’m glad that the department is pace with the times, especially when it assessing and maybe it will come comes to some new forms of fundraising forward to the House for amendments to that community groups are using, such the legislation. as the popular “Chase the Ace” events that are doing great things for our Mr. Speaker, I completely agree that school. individuals should not be allowed to run lotteries or other forms of gambling in Will the minister commit to undertaking order to pay for their Vegas vacations or a full review of the legislation and will buying a new truck. I also agree that he also commit to looking at the issue of fraudsters and scammers should be whether the regulation of lotteries and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the other forms of gaming in the territory law. However, when it comes to would be better situated with the liquor desperate people who are looking to and gaming commission, which is a raise a few dollars to help with funeral- regulatory model used in a number of related expenses or travelling to be with
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4713 a dying relative, we need to take a more are delivered in Nunavut and whether human approach and recognize that she would be willing to address the issue prosecuting someone in these of police body and vehicle cameras circumstances is not in the best use of when she next negotiates a new our government’s time and resources. territorial policing services agreement This is my position on the issue. What is with the Royal Canadian Mountain the minister’s position on this issue? Police. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Speaker: Minister Kusugak. Justice, Minister Ehaloak.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Speaker. I believe it is my right not to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation state an opinion on this issue, Mr. ends) Thank you, Mr. Qamaniq, for your Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question. Regarding the cameras and our shared directional statement with the Speaker (interpretation): Oral RCMP, the Department of Justice and Questions. Member for Tununiq, the RCMP have renewed their shared Member Qamaniq. directional statement for 2019-2021.
Question 763 – 5(2): Addressing The shared directional statement is based Violence in Our Communities upon priorities identified by (Qamaniq) Nunavummiut and with the Government Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank of Nunavut and the RCMP. These you, Mr. Speaker. My apologies. priorities are: promoting public trust and (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. confidence with Inuit; promoting Speaker. I would like to direct my accountability for government in the question to the Minister of Justice. communities; supporting communities at risk; and enhancing crime prevention Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to and reduction initiatives in our thank the minister for her reply to my communities. The model of policing question on October 31, 2019. I had provided to Nunavummiut is based on asked the minister whether she and her service delivery and strives for department would consider a pilot excellence and is customized to the project where our police force would use specific needs of the territory’s residents. vehicle or body cameras. The minister’s response indicates that the Royal Regarding the cameras on RCMP Canadian Mounted Police has officers or on vehicles, you’re right that determined that Nunavut’s “V” division the RCMP and the Department of Justice would not be undertaking this pilot at this time will not be looking at those project. options, but there is the Kativik Regional Police Force in Nunavik who will be I would like to ask the minister whether doing a pilot project in their territory. the Government of Nunavut has any say Once that pilot project’s results are under the Territorial Policing Services received, we will be looking at their Agreement about how policing services results and the research, and the pilot
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4714 project itself and we will be reviewing (interpretation ends) I believe that ours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. making individuals accountable for their actions is an important step towards Speaker (interpretation): Your first changing their negative behaviour. The supplementary question, Member use of body cameras, with the ability to Qamaniq. review events as they occurred instead of relying on people’s memories, would be Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank a good means of ensuring accountability you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I for their actions. don’t think as Nunavummiut, the Nunavut government has jurisdiction Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to over Nunavik’s Kativik Police Force. reconsidering and reviewing the possibility of Nunavut’s police force Anyway, as I mentioned in my using body cameras and reporting back member’s statement, we must stand to this House on the results of her together to prevent violence in all its review? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. forms. Does the minister agree that reducing the number of violent incidents >>Applause between police and Nunavut residents is an important part of reducing violence in Speaker: Minister Ehaloak. our territory? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Speaker: Minister Ehaloak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Department of Justice and the Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): RCMP will continue to explore Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation equipment and storage options. Thank ends) The Department of Justice you, Mr. Speaker. believes that working with the RCMP to ensure that violence between the RCMP Speaker (interpretation): Oral and an individual community member… Questions. Member for Amittuq, . If a community member feels that they Member Kaernerk. have been treated unfairly by the RCMP, they have the option to report this and it Question 764 – 5(2): Community will be investigated and they will be Name Change (Kaernerk) assisted. I, like everybody else in this room, don’t condone violence. I totally Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank agree that violence should not be you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my fellow tolerated in any form. Thank you, Mr. Nunavummiut. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Speaker (interpretation): Your second Community and Government Services. and final supplementary question, Member Qamaniq. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, residents of my home community voted Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank last year in a plebiscite to decide you, Mr. Speaker. whether or not to change the official
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4715 name of the community to its traditional and signage will have to change. Can the Inuktut name, which is Sanirajak. Mr. Government of Nunavut help the Speaker, we had a low voter turnout, but municipality pay for the name change? I want to thank those who voted during Can the Department of Community and the municipal plebiscite. Government Services help the hamlet do this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the municipal council recently wrote to the minister in order to Speaker: Minister Kusugak. request that the name change be officially approved by the territorial Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): government. My question for the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t know if minister is: can the minister confirm the name change would incur a large when the official name change will be expenditure or how much it would cost. made? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the hamlet doesn’t have the funds within their budget, then we can look Speaker (interpretation): Minister of into that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community and Government Services, Minister Kusugak. Speaker (interpretation): Your second and final supplementary, Member Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Kaernerk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking that question. Mr. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank Speaker, after the municipal plebiscite in you, Mr. Speaker. It is good to hear that Hall Beach, the hamlet’s SAO wrote to they can probably get help financially. me, asking me to proceed with this matter. I replied by saying that I approve This is my final question to the minister. of the decision that the municipality It is my understanding that the residents made to change the name. We will of Cape Dorset also voted in favour of a exchange correspondence and once the community name change to Kinngait. hamlet council makes the appropriate They had their own plebiscite. Does the resolution, it will proceed from there. It minister know how many official should be going through cabinet in the community name changes are in the next few days. Correspondence has been process of being approved? Thank you, sent between the Mayor of Hall Beach Mr. Speaker. and my office regarding the matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister Kusugak.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): supplementary question, Member Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t know Kaernerk. how many communities’ names have been changed, but Hall Beach and Cape Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank Dorset are doing it basically at the same you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the time. We have been corresponding with minister for clearly explaining that. I’m the residents of Cape Dorset. Once we sure the hamlet has expectations about have them all listed, we will be able to the name change and all the documents tell you how many there are, but I don’t
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4716 know how many communities have had ministers in Ottawa to inform them on their names changed back into the the benefits of this project in many Inuktitut name. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ways: environmentally, economically, and socially even. So far that has been Speaker (interpretation): Oral the extent of our involvement in those Questions. Member for Arviat North- early stages. Whale Cove, Member Main. As I said, it is an Inuit-led project, but if Question 765 – 5(2): Kivalliq Hydro- this project were to come to being and be Fibre Link (Main) successful, then the GN would be one of the anchor customers as we are a large Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, user of power in the five communities Mr. Speaker. I rise to ask questions to that this power line would hook up. the Premier in regard to what I spoke to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. earlier about the hydro-fibre link project in the Kivalliq. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Member Main. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the news release from February 5 lists the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Canada Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My Infrastructure Bank, and Anbaric second question is just requesting Development Partners. The Government clarification on two matters. I would like of Nunavut is not listed on the news to understand whether there has been release and I will note that neither is the significant funding provided to this Government of Manitoba. project as it was on the front page of a local newspaper recently. I believe that My first question to the Premier; it’s was maybe a typo, but I’ll just ask for obvious this is a project with huge clarification on that and whether the potential benefits to the government and Government of Manitoba has indicated residents in the five communities. What their support. Government of Manitoba is the government’s role at this stage in or Manitoba Hydro, I’m not sure who supporting this project? (interpretation) the body involved would be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Clarification on those matters, if possible. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Premier of Speaker. Nunavut, Premier Savikataaq. Speaker (interpretation): Premier Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Speaker. I’m glad I have been given the opportunity to share information here. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the signing of the MOU Mr. Speaker, this project is an Inuit-led with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, I project by the Kivalliq Inuit Association. was present at the ceremony there, About a year ago when the project was although I was not part of the signing. I starting to pick up steam, I was a part of was present there and I can tell the the delegation that was lobbying member that there were no financial
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4717 commitments on behalf of the federal Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. government to fund this project. The Speaker. The Kivalliq Inuit Association MOU was to the Canada Infrastructure got a $1.6 million grant from CanNor to Bank. We will be working with the do a feasibility study. Currently right Kivalliq Inuit Association on their now the feasibility study is still being feasibility study to make sure that the worked on. It should be completed financial end of it is proper and is being within a short time frame now. I’m not worked on. part of the study, so I can’t say, but this feasibility study will be able to tell us I read the newspaper article the member what the price will be at the end, what is talking about too and the news article the Arviarmiut will pay at the end when was misleading and not true in the fact the power goes from the telephone pole that it stated that the federal government into their house. The feasibility study is willing to fund the $1.6 billion. I’m will be able to tell us that then. looking forward to the day when we do see that announcement being made by We all hope and it makes sense that the the feds, but I’m sorry to inform power rates should go down, but I can’t everyone that today is not that day yet, say anything about what the power rates but it’s a good project and we support it. will be with the hydro line. Once the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. feasibility work is done, we will have a much clearer picture on what the prices Speaker (interpretation): Your second would be for Arviarmiut, not just and final supplementary question, Arviarmiut; Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Member Main. Chesterfield Inlet, and possibly even Baker Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for Speaker (interpretation): Oral that clarification. At this current Questions. Member for Iqaluit- junction, the parties are preparing the Manirajak, Member Lightstone. initial feasibility plan outlining the required work and they’re making Question 766 – 5(2): Competition considerations. If that is the case, to use Update on Six Positions for Arviat as an example, will the residents Qikiqtani General Hospital of Arviat receive lower electrical bills as (Lightstone) a result of this linkage? (interpretation Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. ends) Just for clarification, I think the Speaker. My questions are in relation to billion dollar question is: would this my member’s statement earlier and are project mean lower power bills for the for the Minister of Health. My questions communities that stand to be connected are in relation to the advertisement of six to this hydro line? (interpretation) Thank housekeeping assistant positions that you, Mr. Speaker. were advertised with staff housing and restricted to Nunavut Inuit. Speaker (interpretation): Premier Savikataaq. First of all, I would like to thank the minister for taking this initiative. In fact I was so pleased to see this that I shared
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4718 the job ad on social media. The public individuals had applied? Thank you, Mr. was just as enthusiastic and pleased Speaker. about this post, and it was so well liked and shared that my social media post had Speaker: Minister Hickes. over 12,000 views. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. I would like to ask if the minister would Speaker. I don’t have that level of detail. be able to provide us with an update on There are over a hundred job this competition. Thank you, Mr. competitions and actions that are going Speaker. on right now just in the Department of Health alone. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health, Minister Hickes. With regard to how many applicants, again I don’t have that information. The Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. reason that the posting was taken down Speaker. I can’t take all the credit. This meant that there were enough applicants is a shared priority across the that they felt they would be able to fill government with our staff housing the six positions that were advertised. allocation committees on how job Whenever an advertisement is made competitions go out with housing. I wish open until filled, when the HR process I could take sole credit for it, but this has comes into play where there are enough been obviously a team effort. applicants to fill those positions, then the ad is pulled down. That’s why I said it Mr. Speaker, with regard to that was closed on Monday. Thank you, Mr. competition, it was open until filled, the Speaker. six positions in there, and to the best of my knowledge it just closed on Monday. Speaker (interpretation): Your second Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and final supplementary question, Member Lightstone. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Member Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Speaker. I fully understand that the minister would not have that amount of Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. detail on hand at the moment, but I hope Speaker. I had also noticed that the job he would feel free to provide me with a ad is no longer posted. We all know that return to oral question at a later date. the hiring process is lengthy. In fact the most recent Public Service Annual For my last question, Mr. Speaker, I Report indicates that the average time to would like to ask if the Department of fill a job from the date it is advertised Health had utilized the new Staff until the job offer is signed has reduced Housing Policy which allows down to 141 days. I’m quite surprised departments to request that the allocation that this job ad was only advertised for committee depart from their particular such a short period of time. I would like housing allocation categorization or to ask for more specifics. How long was criteria to enable the Department of this job advertised, and how many Health to advertise this position with
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4719 staff housing restricted to Inuit Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): employees. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for the question. I think you’re Speaker: Minister Hickes. talking about the managers of the housing organizations. When they’re Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. looking for an office manager, they Speaker. Yes, that’s the human resources select someone who they believe is process. We can’t, as a department, go qualified for the job. The successful out and put an advertisement out with candidate then starts working for the housing or certain conditions on it organization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. without the cooperation of the Department of Human Resources. We Speaker (interpretation): Your first follow their procedures. Thank you, Mr. supplementary question, Member Speaker. Quassa.
Speaker (interpretation): Oral Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Questions. Member for Aggu, Member Mr. Speaker. As the housing Quassa. corporation, we realize that you assign certain authorities to each local housing Question 767 – 5(2): Local Housing authority. In some situations there are Organization Managers (Quassa) letters from the community written to the managers and the managers don’t always Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, respond clearly. How is the process set Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the up? For example, if they are not satisfied residents of my community and my with the performance of the housing colleagues. organization manager, what happens then? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Speaker: Minister Netser. the Housing Corporation. Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Now, the housing corporation is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. According to responsible for making funding available what I understand, we have an MOU in to the local housing organizations for place and we have a management operations and maintenance expenses as agreement that each authority will be well as equipment. Each housing choosing their staff; (interpretation ends) association or authority has a manager. in this case, (interpretation) their They all have a manager. I would like to managers. If any of the authorities are ask the minister: who are the managers not satisfied with the performance of and how do they get chosen in the their manager, they can remove their process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. employee. We don’t deal with them specifically. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Speaker (interpretation): Your second Corporation, Minister Netser. and final supplementary question, Member Quassa.
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Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, story recently about the lead water level Mr. Speaker. I think we all understand instrument that was in the water tank for and I believe that’s the case. We all many years, as lead can be ingested with know there are policies in place for each the food they eat, from the water they local housing authority and they identify drink, and it can accumulate in the body. which policies they want to produce. I’m It really makes you wonder. just wondering if the Nunavut Housing How worrisome is it to a person? I’m Corporation has a unified policy in place asking the Minister of Health because I for each authority that must be followed. want to know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is there such a thing in place? Is there accountability that is followed and their Speaker (interpretation): Minister of policies and by-laws? For example, these Health, Minister Hickes. kinds of things occur and different situations can happen. Is the housing Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. corporation involved in those kinds of Speaker. I appreciate the question from things? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the member. It is a perfect follow-up to his questions to the Nunavut Housing Speaker: Minister Netser. Corporation.
Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, as soon as the Department Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a of Health became aware of this, we did memorandum of understanding recently contact and work through the Nunavut and we work closely with each local Housing Corporation to identify housing authority or association. Thank communities and residences that were you, Mr. Speaker. impacted by these lead floats in there. People in those units either have been Speaker (interpretation): Oral contacted or will be contacted by the Questions. Member for Netsilik, Nunavut Housing Corporation and it will Member Qirngnuq. be recommended that they go to the health centre for blood testing. Question 768 – 5(2): Lead Floats in Water Tanks (Qirngnuq) From early indications, we are not aware of any specific examples where it has Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank had a health impact, but we do want to you, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy that you make sure that people do get tested at the finally reached me. health centre, and then if any treatment is necessary, then it can be followed up Mr. Speaker, yesterday part of my with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question is what I want to move forward with today, related to the Nunavut Speaker (interpretation): Your first Housing Corporation which I queried the supplementary question, Member minister on yesterday. I wish to ask the Qirngnuq. minister the secondary question who is responsible for Health. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the This is related to the Taloyoak news minister for clarifying that for our
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4721 information. Although only the one the satisfaction of Nunavummiut to household was identified in the news ensure it doesn’t slip through the story, it still wasn’t discovered for over Department of Health again? I would 20 years and this makes one wonder if like to understand that, hence my there are other issues that we haven’t question on the matter, Mr. Speaker. discovered yet. Thank you.
Within the community, if more tenants Speaker: Minister Hickes. face this issue, they will inform the tenants about that problem. I would like Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. to ask what lessons have been learned Speaker. Lead levels in the blood are from this event that became quite obviously a concern when they’re concerning after finding out the details. elevated and any portion can have Mr. Speaker, I am asking the minister impacts, but I think the first step, and I’ll this question. Thank you. commend the Nunavut Housing Corporation on this, is to remove those Speaker: Minister Hickes. floats. Any lead levels in the blood system do deteriorate once that source Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. has been removed. That’s the first step Speaker. I agree with the member. It is of getting the lead out of the water very important that people are aware that system or the resupply. if they have had these floats in their tank, they be notified and the Nunavut Again, anyone who is contacted by the Housing Corporation is doing that. Nunavut Housing Corporation, I do suggest that they follow up with their Again, we can’t mandate people to go in health centre in the community. There is, for testing, but to make sure that there like I said, a very easy test. It’s a simple are no concerns health-wise, anyone who blood test that can determine the lead is contacted by the Nunavut Housing levels in the blood and make sure that Corporation, I do recommend that they they feel comfortable with their health take the opportunity and go to the health and with the actions from the Nunavut centre. It is a fairly simple blood test that Housing Corporation as well as the can be done to analyze their levels and health centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. then follow up with their health professional. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet Speaker (interpretation): Your second North-Chesterfield Inlet, Member and final supplementary question, Towtongie. Member Qirngnuq. Question 769 – 5(2): Marine Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Protection (Towtongie) you, Mr. Speaker. This news article was noted by many residents as it was Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank broadcast widely and it impacts many you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the people potentially throughout the Minister of Environment. territory. How will this be resolved to
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First of all, I say “good day” to the Speaker (interpretation): Minister of people of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Environment, Minister Savikataaq. Inlet. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Also, my husband, it’s your birthday and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is under I miss you. Enjoy your day, Harry the purview of the federal government. Towtongie. This falls under parks or conservation areas, so harvesting will be allowed, but >>Applause certain activities are prohibited. The federal departments responsible for this, I am quite concerned in light of the according to the information provided, Oceans Protection Plan that the federal just visited Coral Harbour, and discussed government announced on April 26, the issues with the representatives of 2019. The protected area would prohibit Coral Harbour, the HTO, and the public certain activities in the oceans via a meeting. However, we as the GN surrounding us under (interpretation did not attend these meetings. Thank ends) the Oceans Protection Act, you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) where the protected area includes the seas offshore of the Kivalliq Speaker (interpretation): Your first and adjacent to Chesterfield Inlet, which supplementary question, Member concerns the people of Chesterfield Inlet. Towtongie. They have plans for fisheries and they have studied it because Chesterfield Inlet Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank doesn’t have too many jobs. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Minister of Environment. However, I According to my understanding, the believe it’s imperative that the mayor and David Vinnie Aggark, David Government of Nunavut is involved Kattegatsiak, and two officials from from the onset. When I was recently in Arctic College identified how they Chesterfield Inlet, an elder told me that wanted to proceed in Chesterfield Inlet the minister, in his role, should travel to and at the Ottawa Northern Lights Chesterfield Inlet and hold a hearing Festival. Looking through what you said, with the residents. I gladly invite you to you said it was a federal government Chesterfield Inlet and I want you to decision. commit to going if able, and I know you can make time for this meeting. I would like this information with details from the Government of Nunavut, when What I am concerned about is the Inuit discussions commence with Canada, knowledge aspect, and when scientists upon completion of a devolution are reviewing their scientific data, it can agreement where 2025 is the target date. conflict with Inuit knowledge. When 2019 is already done. Is the Government they started looking at university-related of Nunavut having discussions with the research or when western scientific data people of Chesterfield Inlet or Coral is referenced…hold on, I will speak Harbour and the local hunters and English here. trappers organizations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) When there is
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4723 scientific research being done, hearings on any wildlife matters, we sometimes they are incompatible with look at both the scientific research and the Inuit IQ. There are opposing views. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit knowledge that Once the research has been done, how is there and presented. If it is going to much weight is given to the Inuit IQ and the Nunavut Wildlife Management how much weight is given to the Board, they hear all that and then the scientific research? There has been Nunavut Wildlife Management Board research in the bay of Chesterfield Inlet would make a recommendation to for scallops and there is potential in Environment on what they hear on both Chesterfield Inlet for the fishing industry sides. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to develop. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker (interpretation): Your second Speaker (interpretation): I remind you and final supplementary, Member that I am the Speaker. Minister of Towtongie. Environment, Minister Savikataaq. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for letting me know Chairman. Mr. Chairman… . Sorry. that you are not “Mr. Chairman.” I apologize. Iikuluuqpunga. >>Laughter According to what the Minister of Mr. Speaker… Environment is telling me, there is improved consultation and collaboration >>Applause between scientists and the Inuit traditional knowledge holders. If we are Mr. Speaker, sorry. I apologize. I am going to use scientific research to further listening too much. territorial goals such as the scallop industry, what is the process for >>Laughter developing a scallop industry? Do you do scientific research or do you combine Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify to the both scientific research and… ? member that marine protected areas are a federal government initiative. The That is because the Chesterfield Inlet federal government does the community has a decent plan, as you consultations. The Nunavut government yourself know, how their future will does not do the consultations on marine evolve in terms of economic protected areas; the federal government development using the natural resources. does. We would like to be part of the Has there been a combination of process, but the federal government is in scientific research and Inuit? If so, there charge of the consultation process. has to be further consultation and further collaboration with the local community. Going back to the member’s other Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and scientific research and when it is Speaker: Minister Savikataaq. weighed, in the Department of Environment when we have any
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Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide Speaker. We know that there are details on the various petroleum scallops outside of Chesterfield Inlet. contractors and whether their invoices There has been a test fishery done for are paid on time? Are the contractors scallops in the past. It was probably paid in due course or on scheduled about 15 years ago. There are scallops dates? Can the minister provide this just offshore from Chesterfield Inlet. level of detail? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
If Chesterfield Inlet wants to do a Speaker (interpretation): Minister of scallop fishery, my recommendation Community and Government Services, would be that they work with Economic Minister Kusugak. Development and Transportation because that is where the Fisheries and Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Sealing Division will be after April 1. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the fuel They can do a test fishery. I highly contractors have to submit an invoice recommend that if the hunters and and identify what they have done, such trappers association or any other information as how many litres they organizations or individuals would like have sold and so on. Those have to be to do some test scallop fisheries, then submitted to the government before they can write a proposal and hand it they’re paid for the services that they over to my counterpart and it will be provide. Usually it’s paid on time. Thank looked at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Oral Speaker (interpretation): Your first Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, supplementary question, Member Member Keyootak. Keyootak.
Question 770 – 5(2): Fuel Delivery Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Contracts (Keyootak) you, Mr. Speaker. This has been of a concern, especially in my two Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank communities. Last year we ran out of you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct aviation fuel because we did not get a my question to Minister of Community refill. We waited quite long and the only and Government Services. time that an airplane could come in was when the weather was very nice. The Mr. Speaker, many communities individual who had a contract could not contract out the petroleum delivery get the aviation fuel tanks refilled and contracts to businesses and independent that’s not the only situation. There was bodies that deliver fuel and provide fuel another contractor who was concerned services, and in some communities it is about not being paid on time even usually the local Co-op that is contracted though they had submitted a detailed to provide this service while other report on what services they provided to communities have independent the community. Thank you, Mr. contractors who provide these fuel Speaker. services. Speaker: Minister Kusugak.
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Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): been spending this funding? Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the Mr. Speaker. aviation fuel that he is talking about, I would like to have a meeting with the Speaker (interpretation): Minister of member outside of the House to find out Economic Development and exactly what happened in that Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. circumstance. Usually the contractor provides a detailed report on what they Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): have sold and what services they Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the provided. At times the review takes a member for asking that question. Yes, little bit longer than normal. Usually that it’s a longstanding issue for the is done before they are paid. community. This $512,000 capital carryover is still there. We have not There are various reasons as to why expended any of this money because we there is a delay in payment at times. know that it’s going to cost a lot more Usually it is the forms that have to be than $512,000. We will have to deal filled and they have to be filled with this issue carefully. That’s where correctly. We have to make sure that the government stands at this time. everything is in order before the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. contractor is paid, but I hear what you are saying and I will look into the Speaker (interpretation): Your first matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. supplementary question, Member Nakashuk. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Member Nakashuk. you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that the Government of Nunavut submitted a Question 771 – 5(2): Pangnirtung proposal to the federal government Airport (Nakashuk) under its National Trade Corridors Fund, and I share the minister’s Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank disappointment that the federal you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I say government has not approved our “good day” to the people of Pangnirtung. request for the necessary funding to relocate the airport, which the minister This afternoon my questions are for the has publicly estimated at between $100 Minister of Economic Development and million and $150 million. My question Transportation. to the minister is: can the minister indicate if he is planning to resubmit this The minister is well aware of the need to project to Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. find a long-term solution to problems Speaker. with Pangnirtung’s current airport. In June 2019 the Legislative Assembly Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. approved a $512,000 capital carryover for the Pangnirtung Airport relocation Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): project. My first question is: can the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister clarify how his department has member for asking that question.
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In regard to the National Trade Corridors Pangnirtung and Grise Fiord. Just Fund, I’m sure that we will get another recently I asked the staff if it would be request because we would like to set possible to build an ice runway because aside another $450,000. We will look at there is a possibility there. We will look how much we can make a request for at the different options, and I have asked and I will make sure to talk to the the staff if it would be possible to build members and to other entities and as a an ice runway and whether there would cabinet to see which pots of money be challenges involved. We know that it we’re going to be making a request to. I is not going to be relocated right away don’t want to say what we’re going to be because of the huge associated costs, requesting for, but the Pangnirtung especially in Pangnirtung. With the Airport has to be relocated. Thank you, terrain there, there are very few places Mr. Speaker. that we can relocate the runway to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Your second and final supplementary question, Speaker (interpretation): Members, Member Nakashuk. please note that the time for question period has expired. Continuing on with Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank the orders of the day. Written Questions. you, Mr. Speaker. I understand exactly There are none. Continuing on. Returns where the minister is coming from. This to Written Questions. There are none. is a major concern to the people of Continuing on. Replies to Opening Pangnirtung because it’s right in the Address. There are none. Continuing on. middle of the community and in the Replies to Budget Address. There are spring and summer it is also of a concern none. Continuing on. Petitions. There are also with the planes landing and none. Continuing on. Responses to deplaning with the dust flying all over Petitions. There are none. Continuing on. the community. It has a health effect on Reports of Standing Committees on Bills the residents. Again, we would like to and Other Matters. There are none. urge the minister to access funds. Tabling of Documents. There are none. Continuing on. Notices of Motions. My last question to the minister is: as an Notices of Motions for First Reading of interim measure, will the minister Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister commit to examining the feasibility of Hickes. extending the airport’s runway or have they considered any other solutions? Item 15: Notices of Motions for First Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Reading of Bills
Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. Bill 40 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2019- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, they look 2020 – Notice at different options, especially the relocation in Pangnirtung and Grise Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Fiord. There are slight discrepancies, Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, especially with the relocation in February 21, 2020, that Bill 40,
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Supplementary Appropriation I move, seconded by the Hon. Member (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that the Speaker be 3, 2019-2020, be read for the first time. authorized to set such sitting hours and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. days as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House Speaker (interpretation): Notices of during the winter 2020 sitting of the Motions for First Reading of Bills. Legislative Assembly. Minister of Finance, Minister Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bill 42 – An Act to Amend the Cannabis Act – Notice Speaker (interpretation): The motion is in order. To the motion. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, An Hon. Member (interpretation): February 21, 2020, that Bill 42, An Act Question. to Amend the Cannabis Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): All those in favour. All those opposed. The motion is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. carried. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Minister of Justice, Minister >>Applause Ehaloak. Continuing on. First Reading of Bills. Bill 41 – An Act to Amend the Continuing on. Second Reading of Bills. Guardianship and Trusteeship Act There are none. Continuing on. – Notice Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. With Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Member Rumbolt in the Chair and they Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation will deal with Bill 39. ends) I give notice that on Friday, February 21, 2020, that Bill 41, An Act Before we proceed to the Committee of to Amend the Guardianship and the Whole, we will take a 20-minute Trusteeship Act, be read for the first break. time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sergeant-at-Arms. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Continuing on. Motions. Member for >>House recessed at 15:15 and Hudson Bay, Member Rumbolt. Committee resumed at 15:40
Item 16: Motions Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Motion 063 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Matters Hours and Days (Rumbolt) Chairman (Mr. Rumbolt): Good Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. afternoon, members. I would like to call the committee meeting to order.
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In Committee of the Whole we have the Chairman. To my right, your left, following item to deal with: Bill 39. Deputy Minister Ruby Brown, and to What is the wish of the committee? Mr. your right, my left, Greg Babstock, Main. Executive Director of Corporate Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to continue with Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. the review of Bill 39 and the 2020-21 Welcome to your officials. When we left Main Estimates for the Department of off yesterday, we were on page H-4 of Health. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the Department of Health under Directorate. It had a budget of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Are $56,384,000, and the next person on my we in agreement that we first deal with list for questions was Mr. Quassa. Mr. Bill 39? Quassa, please go ahead.
Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome. I’ll be Bill 39 – Appropriation (Operations & switching back and forth between Maintenance) Act, 2020-2021 – Inuktitut and English as usual. Health – Consideration in Committee First of all, what drew our attention yesterday was that you’re requesting Chairman: Thank you. I would now new PYs. We all know that within the like to ask Minister Hickes if he has any Nunavut government, there are many witnesses that he would like to appear positions that are still vacant and many before the committee. Minister Hickes. of these positions have ever been filled.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. I’ll ask the minister a question in Chairman. If the committee will allow, I English. (interpretation ends) Your would. Thank you. department plans to add a number of PYs in 2019-2020 despite growing Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. difficulties in filling positions that Does the committee agree to let the already exist. A number of new positions witnesses enter the Chamber? appear to be funded by third party agreements. What new positions are Some Members: Agreed. being added? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- Arms, if you could please escort the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. witnesses in. Minister Hickes.
Thank you. For the record, Minister Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Hickes, if you could please reintroduce Chairman. Thank you for the question your witnesses. Minister Hickes. from the member from Aggu. Twenty- nine of the new positions are new Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. positions that are Vote 4 funded, so third
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4729 party funded and that’s the oral health Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. positions in every community and then Mr. Quassa. the four coordinators. We have created Baffin into North Baffin and South Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Baffin and then one in the Kivalliq and Mr. Chairman. If I understood correctly, one in the Kitikmeot. maybe that position is related to dental health. I don’t really know what the With regard to the other ten positions, situation is now, but people used to be four of them being here at the hospital in sent to Churchill for dental purposes. Iqaluit, the member is correct, Health There were many people who used to be does have a number of positions that are sent down there. I don’t know if that is vacant and I’ll kind of qualify that on still running or how it is running, but I paper. One of the concerns or one of the would just like to ask this question: will issues that Health, like I had mentioned more dental work be done here in yesterday, is a little bit of a different Nunavut now? Thank you, Mr. beast than other departments, where the Chairman. 493 positions, I think, that are vacant right now, about 415 of them are Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. actually filled with casuals. Minister Hickes.
Our vacancy rate on paper looks Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. dramatic, yet the majority of the Chairman. I’m hoping with these positions are currently filled because of positions that there will be less dental the necessity of providing health care. work in Nunavut. These are oral health We don’t have a choice in a lot of care workers. They work with parents circumstances. It’s not like you can be and children on preventative dental short a finance clerk or something for a hygiene and those are locally hired period of time and then be able to deal positions. When we were talking with a backlog. When you are dealing yesterday about targeted Inuit positions, with health professionals, we don’t have these are all targeted Inuit positions, one the option of leaving positions vacant for for each community. It is on a long time. preventative oral hygiene. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yesterday I did speak to the overall government’s objective, and the exercise Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. that we undertook to avoid new PYs was Mr. Quassa. to look at vacant positions, re-profiling, re-advertising, and taking opportunities Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, at direct appointments where available. I Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The am very proud to say that year to date 2020-23 business plan indicates that we have accomplished 19 direct there will be a significant increase in appointments for the Department of funding to the Directorate Branch in Health in numerous communities. I hope 2020-21. Can you describe what that responds to the member’s question. additional programs or resources will be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. provided with this new funding?
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(interpretation) Thank you, Mr. volatility in that division which has Chairman. hampered some of our previous processes, I guess you could say. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Minister Hickes. That being said, there have been a number of improvements and I will take Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. this opportunity to kind of celebrate the Chairman. When I talked in my opening Department of Human Resources now, comments about the compensation and where there is a clearer link and clearer benefits back in, I’m trying to remember processes in place, and more focused my numbers now, I think 2010, where energy, I guess you could say, from that departments were directed to fund from aspect. within with the NEU increases, this is bringing us back into balance. We have I am not sure if I am answering the been able to absorb some of the member’s question fully, but I will stop increases over the years, but we are at a there and if he has anything further, let point now where it is literally $8 million me know. that we have been falling behind in our salaries and benefits for the incremental Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Nunavut Employees Union increases. Mr. Quassa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Mr. Chairman. With regard to medical Mr. Quassa. travel, there were questions about medical travel yesterday from my Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues. It is very important and we Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The have witnessed or seen things happening 2020-23 business plan indicates that the where medical escorts are refused. implementation of updates to the Sometimes an escort is refused for departmental human resources plan someone who has to go to the hospital to continues to be deferred. What are the have major work done on them like biggest challenges currently facing surgery and so on. human resources development in the Department of Health? (interpretation) You stated that this would be reviewed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What is your position on this matter right now? Do you agree that things Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. need to be changed? There are some Minister Hickes. people that want to go as escorts that are refused right away and then they end up Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. calling us as MLAs to tell us what Chairman. I apologize on the hesitation happened. Is your department going to on my response. It is circumstantial or be looking at other ways to improve this different circumstances within the HR situation? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. process. Staffing has been an issue. We have recently had a new director of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. human resources start. We’ve had some Minister Hickes.
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Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. impact in our communities. There are Chairman. As the member well knows, big concerns about this in our he has forwarded me some concerns communities when people have to go on from constituents and the majority of medical travel. members have also over the years of medical escort policy, appeals, and We also know about people who go for a concerns. It is very complicated. When diagnosis in their community. They go we look at our medical travel budget, to the nursing station if they are sick, but close to 40 percent of it is spent on then they keep being told that there is escorts. We are continuously over in our really nothing wrong with them. Some budget expectations and forecasting for people we know end up paying their medical travel. We have to be very own way to go to Iqaluit or if they live in cognizant of how often and under what Iqaluit, they pay their way to Ottawa, or conditions we are sending medical wherever they live in Nunavut. People escorts out. who have paid their own way for medical reasons who are then diagnosed That being said, where there is a clinical only to find out that yes, they have this need identified, typically escorts are illness or disease, can they make a approved. There can be some request to be reimbursed? communication errors with the case management or the local staff. Maybe We know that there are people in the physician didn’t recommend an Nunavut who end up paying their own escort, but if a client feels that they need way for a (interpretation ends) second one, there is a process and that is where opinion (interpretation) from a doctor. they don’t necessarily have to involve With that happening, is there any way the members or myself. They can that they can get their money back when contact patient relations directly to they have paid for their own ticket and appeal any escort decisions that are then they find out that they do have an made. I do strongly recommend that if illness? This is after they have paid their anyone has a concern, they act on it right own way to get a medical diagnosis. away. There is a process in place where How are they dealt with? Thank you, they have to do a review of the person’s Mr. Chairman. clinical needs, on whether they need an escort or not, of what services that are Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. available. Minister Hickes.
I hope that answers the question. Thank Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak to this. It is a rare Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. occurrence. It doesn’t happen very often Mr. Quassa. and to be frank, I don’t recommend this as a path. There are other options; again, Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, going through the Office of Patient Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I Relations or speaking to your health care believe that you understand the situation provider in the health centre to get a now a lot better because it has a huge second opinion or to elevate, make sure
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4732 that when the next physician visits, there has already been asked, I apologize and could be an appointment made. In a case I’ll change my questions, if you could let where it does happen, where there is an me know, Mr. Chairman. identified medical need, that person can contact the Department of Health and With regard to the grants and submit a claim. It would be investigated contributions being made available by at that point and, if warranted, the minister’s department, there is an reimbursement would be available. allocation of $250,000 to be used for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. community-based health committees of council. If I’m not mistaken, he will Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. clarify it. The hamlets already have Next on my list, Mr. Qamaniq. committees. Are the funds being requested for health committees of Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank council under the hamlet? I would first you, Mr. Chairman. In the minister’s like to know if it is directed to them or to opening comments, I believe it was on other committees. If the minister can page 5 where he mentioned that 29 respond, what activities are supported by indeterminate PYs will be staffed by the this funding? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Department of Health and there will be a children’s (interpretation ends) oral Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qamaniq. health coordinator. (interpretation) I Minister Hickes. can’t say it in Inuktitut, but he has identified there will be two coordinators, Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. one in Iqaluit and also one in North Chairman. The member is correct; this is Baffin. Has the community in the North for the health committees on hamlet Baffin been identified? That is my first councils. We provide $10,000 to every question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. community. What that does is it gives the council the resources to be able to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qamaniq. put proposals together for other Minister Hickes. community wellness projects that they want to implement in their community Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. so that they can apply for further Chairman. Both the North Baffin and funding. It gives the hamlet council South Baffin coordinator would be some resources to be able to do the work located here in Iqaluit. They work with behind that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. our dental program to make sure that it is all coordinated. That being said, we Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. can’t start any of the human resource Mr. Qamaniq. recruitment process until this budget is approved. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. minister for his response. If the budget Mr. Qamaniq. goes through, I will remind my fellow members that in my home community, Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank they can also apply for this type of you, Mr. Chairman. If my next question funding. Thank you for that.
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My next question, as you’re the Minister I would like to ask in English. of Health, one of the Department of (interpretation ends) How does the Health’s priorities listed in the draft Department of Health monitor and 2020-21 business plan is to proceed with measure the success of tobacco a legislative process to amend the reduction strategy? (interpretation) Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Places Act. What I’m talking about is: what are the types of amendments that Chairman: Thank you. Minister Hickes. you’re considering in your department? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s a good question and I Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qamaniq. commend the member for quitting Minister Hickes. smoking. It is a challenging task.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. One of the things that obviously we try Chairman. With this Act, we don’t to promote with our tobacco reduction necessarily have proposals right now. are the free services in health care on That’s part of the consultation process to tobacco reduction or tobacco cessation see from other stakeholders or products, but I do want to celebrate a individuals or corporations or other little bit with our tobacco reduction government entities that have team. With the measurements that they suggestions to make. The criteria that use, they do surveys, the information we’re looking through the legislative that they’re getting, working with kids in proposal, there are four main themes and schools to make sure that people don’t that’s to protect Nunavummiut from start smoking, too often we see young second-hand tobacco smoke, to prevent children starting to smoke or chew in people, particularly children and youth, some communities. I don’t have the from using tobacco, to reduce the information right at my fingertips, but visibility of tobacco products, and to there was recently a national award that regulate emerging products. The intent is was presented to our tobacco reduction with the recent influx of vaping products team and I’ll be speaking to that a little to be available. We don’t have bit more later on in this session. established recommendations at this point. That’s part of the consultation With regard to the activity of that team, process which will help frame our they go around to the different further legislative work. Thank you, Mr. communities, they travel to different Chairman. schools, and they work with the community wellness coordinators on any Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. smoking cessation programs or any Mr. Qamaniq. proposals that come forward. I hope that answers the member’s question. Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My next question is Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. still regarding tobacco control. I did I think the best way to quit smoking is to smoke one time, but I did try to quit and promote never starting smoking, and I it was very hard and challenging to quit. have never smoked in my life, which is a
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4734 good thing. I always encourage kids not that will be eliminated. You are going to smoke. from 32, I think, to 31 positions. In terms of the capacity at the senior >>Applause management level and turnover, I wonder if you can give us an update or a Thank you. Mr. Qirngnuq, do you have snapshot of where the department is at. another question? Please go ahead. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think this is my last question Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. for today. The Department of Health Minister Hickes. works with the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on the Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Northern Wellness Contribution Chairman. Without getting too deep into Agreement. How do the programs and the weeds, there has been turnover. At the initiatives funded through this the executive level in the last 18 months agreement integrate with community there has been 100 percent turnover. wellness plans in Nunavut communities? Obviously Deputy Minister Brown has Thank you, Mr. Chairman. been here for a little over a year now. Both ADM and the associate DM Chairman: Thank you. Minister Hickes. positions have also changed.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. When we look at the workload that it Chairman. Basically what it does is it puts on the different directors of the gives us money that we can add to the different divisions, it creates…I guess money that we are already contributing volatility is not really the perfect word, to the program that people can submit but it kind of suits the purpose, I guess. proposals for. They contribute to that With any organization, especially fund so that we can offer more something as complex as health with the programming across more communities. clinical demands and operational Thank you, Mr. Chairman. requirements, you need stability. We’re still adjusting to that, but I will say and I Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main, you will take this time to publicly commend have questions? Please go ahead. all the directors, including Mr. Babstock sitting beside me, for stepping up the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, plate. We didn’t see a lot of speed Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I do bumps with the transition that we’re still have questions, I don’t know if they’re experiencing. any good, but thank you for asking me. I have questions about executive and I know that doesn’t really get into the senior management of the department. meat of the question and I don’t have The minister mentioned earlier that there that level of detail on that one PY. I has been some volatility in terms of one think it might have been an interim of the divisions. I’m looking at your position, but I’m not positive on that. Inuit Employment Plan and I note that Maybe if the member could either there is one senior management position rephrase so I can look at the Hansard
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4735 and maybe get back to him, or I’ll take a are quite important to operating the look at it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. department. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Hickes. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. apologize; it was kind of a broad Chairman. I apologize for wasting the question, so I’ll be specific. Looking at committee’s time with my lack of your Inuit Employment Plan, page 158 comprehension. I get it now. of the business plan, you are projecting that at March 31, 2021 you will still I’m just trying to think how to phrase have two vacant executive positions, and this appropriately. It is not that we are I find that a bit troubling. You are not trying to. There have been, again, projecting to fill one of your three vacant some recent developments with a couple executive positions in the next fiscal of the positions. I can’t get into a lot of year. I want to know what the reason for detail of where we are looking at filling the inability to fill two of three vacant them in more permanently with acting executive positions is. (interpretation) members of our service right now in Thank you, Mr. Chairman. those positions. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Minister Hickes. Mr. Main.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I apologize for the confusion. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. Maybe I do not understand the question (interpretation ends) They are acting properly. I do apologize, Mr. Chairman, persons in the executive positions. Are and to the member, but I’m not fully there any senior management or understanding what the question is. executive positions that are being filled by contract at the moment? Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main, if you (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. could clarify your question, please. Chairman.
Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) On Minister Hickes. page 158 of the business plan under “Executive Positions,” it shows “Total Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Vacant Executive Positions” as of Chairman. No. I will say our chief public September 30, 2019, three vacant, and health officer is on a contract basis. the projection at March 31, 2021 is two Thank you. vacant positions. I’m just wondering why you’re not projecting to fill all three Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. of those vacant executive positions Mr. Main. because, as the minister mentioned, they
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Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, understand it would be a constant thing Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We because you are constantly coming are on directorate, I understand that, and forward with supplementary for that reason, I am asking kind of appropriations, but just to return to my broader questions. question: is there a new cost-cutting initiative? Is there increased emphasis on Within the senior management and cutting costs in the current fiscal year executive level, I’m looking at the and going forward into this next fiscal priorities under directorate and I don’t year which we are considering, or is see anything specific to cost control, there nothing new in terms of the cost- budget control, “finding efficiencies” is control measures within the department? what I think they call it. Is the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. department going through an internal Chairman. cost control or cost-cutting exercise at the moment? (interpretation) Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Chairman. Minister Hickes.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Minister Hickes. Chairman. Let me put it this way: pretty much every time I do a tour of a health Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. facility, the topic of the direction that Chairman. I’m going to answer this in they have been given on financial kind of a weird way. I’m going to ask responsibility gets brought up. I know Mr. Babstock what direction he has been that message is getting out there. That is given on fiscal responsibility as a why I wanted Mr. Babstock to respond director within the Department of to the initial part of the question. Health, if the Chair will allow. It sounds like it is just like an ongoing, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. another-day-at-the-office, “Let’s try to Mr. Babstock. save some money here and there.” I can assure you that the direction that I have Mr. Babstock: Thank you, Mr. provided through Deputy Minister Chairman. It is a prevailing thought that Brown and the direction she is passing we always are looking to accrue on down the ladder is we need to get a efficiencies, looking for best practices, very strong grasp of our fiscal situation, always looking for ways to save money our forecasting, and our budgeting and be efficient and still continue to process. Health is a challenging one deliver effective health care to all because it is so demand-driven. Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That being said, maybe I will call it a renewed focus. It might be a better word. Chairman: Mr. Main. It has always been a focus of the Department of Health, but gone are the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, days where you can just blindly sign off Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) on things and not worry about the Thank you for the response and I financial accountability if it. Deputy
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Minister Brown is doing, I am going to earlier, I want to take the time to say, a pretty diligent job on keeping all celebrate them because they are they the divisions to task. Thank you, Mr. glue that’s holding everything together Chairman. with some of the turmoil that has been going on. I do want to take the time to Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. thank them. I appreciate the member’s Mr. Main. question. Thank you.
Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m Mr. Main. trying to tie these two topics together: the lack of stability at the senior Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, management and executive level, the Mr. Chairman. I will move on to vacancies at the senior management something else. On page 148 on suicide executive level, and the need for cost prevention, (interpretation ends) Quality control. Within the department, is there of Life, (interpretation) it talks about any evidence to show that the emphasis how the budget has been cut from $11.7 or the renewed focus on controlling costs million to $11.5 million. It is not a very is harming retention and/or staffing big amount; it is cut by $200,000. I efforts at the senior management and would like to know why you are executive level? (interpretation) Thank requesting a smaller budget even though you, Mr. Chairman. it is a very important issue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would say no. These are Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. professional positions. These are people Chairman. I appreciate the diligence that that know that that’s part of their job the members are taking with our budget. description. Unfortunately until It is a $265,000 decrease. Those were somebody gives us a blank cheque, we expenses that were incurred during the do have to worry about cost controls. start-up of the Quality of Life Division. Now that the division is in place, those One of the benefits that we do have, initial start-up costs are no longer even though there are vacancies, the needed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. people that are backfilling are very competent. When you look at an ADM Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. level that has a number of directors Mr. Main. reporting to them, it is the directors of each division that has oversight, and Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, then the ADM and then ultimately the Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) On DM have different levels of oversight. the long-term suicide prevention action plan mentioned on page 149, and The competency of the staff that are in implementing that plan, which I have the positions like I had mentioned here as a priority for the upcoming fiscal
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4738 year, and so going through the plan, it is (interpretation ends) Under this a very thorough document and its very Inuusivut Anninaqtuq Action Plan, the ambitious, I will say. The priority is to Department of Health is not the only implement this plan, but my question is: party. There are all kinds of partner by implementing this plan or if the organizations. There are other department tries to implement this plan, government departments, Nunavut do you need more money to implement Arctic College, Culture and Heritage, it? Basically that’s what I’m asking. Do and Inuit organizations. To date, on this you have the money in this proposed suicide prevention action plan, when it budget to implement the actions that are comes to the other partners, have there assigned to Health under this suicide been any issues encountered in terms prevention action plan? (interpretation) of… ? I guess I’ll ask it like this: are the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. other partners pulling their weight? Is everybody still bought into this plan or is Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. the action plan getting stale and maybe Minister Hickes. losing momentum among the partners? (interpretation) That is my last question. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. With a lot of the recommendations from the strategy, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. there are shared responsibilities, Minister Hickes. different divisions within the Department of Health and other Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. departments that are responsible for it. Chairman. Yes, they are pulling their Would more money help? Obviously. It weight. Some actions within the plan, if might help accelerate some of the issues, you look through all the different but we have made quite a bit of recommendations, are fairly movement on a number of the issues, a straightforward and some are very lot are a work in progress and some are complicated. Will I stand here and say more challenging than others. that every communication channel is working perfectly? Probably not, but we I think there were 149 recommendations, are working very well with our partners if I recall correctly. It is ongoing work and our partners are working very well and it is going to be continually with us. I get regular updates on the evaluated. If it is ever determined that items that are in the recommendations. more funds can be justified, then a business case would be brought forward. Because the Quality of Life Division is With what we have right now, we feel it still fairly new, we are still building a lot is sufficient for the work that we are of the capacity and maintaining the doing right now. Thank you. momentum that was created by developing that arm of the department. It Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. even just took a while to get the office Mr. Main. all staffed up, which they are now. There are some really great people that are Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, doing a lot of good stuff out there. Again Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the response and
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I hope he keeps the pressure on us to health care is delivered, it might be make sure that we keep the momentum funded through the jurisdiction, through going on these initiatives. Thank you, the province or territory, but they have a Mr. Chairman. number of different health authorities that are responsible for providing health Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. care in a certain geographic area. Ms. Angnakak. In Nunavut obviously it is government Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. run. We provide the health care. It is not Chairman. I want to touch on what was parceled off to a number of different discussed a little bit yesterday by my health authorities. Even look at the NWT colleague, Mr. Lightstone. where they have the Stanton Health Authority. I think they renamed it As the minister is aware, over the last recently. If we were to put a health few years I have raised the need for a authority or a health board here in Iqaluit health board to be implemented in to have the responsibility for health care Nunavut. Nunavut is the only here, having that transition from the jurisdiction without a health board and I different community health centres, have also seen some motions in the past having the transition from southern that call on the government to create one health care, it would add another layer of and in support of. To date there has been bureaucracy that I just don’t think is no development in this area. I know the necessary right now. minister did propose an advisory board, but in my opinion, without the decision- To be honest, I have never received any making powers, the board wouldn’t be other correspondence from any other able to make their own decisions, party that wants to go that route and if especially if they contradicted the somebody brings me a legitimate department. argument on a value to it, I will take a look at it again. Thank you, Mr. I’m wondering if the minister can Chairman. explain to us what specific reasons have led to this decision not to create a health Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. board so that all of us here and Ms. Angnakak. Nunavummiut, including the regional Inuit associations, know why their Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. requests for a health board is not Chairman. I thank the minister for his followed through on or is denied, if you response. Can the minister tell us if his can explain why. Thank you, Mr. response is based on a report or Chairman. consulting work or something that has been figured out? Has somebody Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. actually gone and figured this out or is Minister Hickes. this something that the department feels would not be a good idea? I would like Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. to know if there is substantial evidence Chairman. I will respond this way: when that actually proves that as well. For you look at other jurisdictions the way Nunavut, we always say we are unique,
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4740 so in some ways maybe something could started off with a strong base of be worked out. If you do have a report or community health with primary health documentation, is that something that care that directs our actions and our you could share with us? Thank you, Mr. hospitals are the supporting structures to Chairman. that. It’s sort of a different set-up.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. The value added may not be there at this Minister Hickes. time. As the territory grows, it warrants another look at it. The provinces also did Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. that to standardize because they Chairman. No, there is no report or operating in silos. Every hospital was anything. There is advice from internal doing their own thing, every community of different professions within the clinic was doing their own thing, so they Department of Health. wanted to standardize. Our process, the way we operate is standardized already With the Chair’s indulgence, Deputy and so we wouldn’t gain any benefit Minister Brown actually used to work from that, and there are no efficiencies. for a health authority, so she would The other thing was to bring it under one know very well the intricacies of administrative umbrella and so it created working with government through a efficiencies for them. We already are health authority and maybe might be small enough to be connected and be able to bring that insight to how it would efficient. or would not be relevant to working here in Nunavut, with the Chair’s indulgence. For those reasons and from my experience and my connection with my Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. colleagues in the national organizations Ms. Brown, please go ahead. that look at structures and functions, Nunavut is not in a position at the Ms. Brown: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. moment, from my view, to benefit from I have worked across Canada in various that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. provinces with provincial and regional health authorities. They are all struggling Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Brown. Ms. with what is the ideal structure to fulfill Angnakak. all the needs and functions. I can tell you that when they were formed, it was Ms. Angnakak: Thank you. Thank you because the hospital systems were stand- for your response. My feeling is that we alone and they were not incorporating used to have a health board and I can’t the full, holistic component of remember when and which Assembly community care, long-term care, and so dissolved it, and the reason was purely on. They were amalgamated under one money is what I understand, but umbrella. Nunavummiut have really missed that.
The set-up in the provinces is very The way it stands now, all the power is different than we have in Nunavut. Our in the department. You guys decide backbone to our health care system is the everything. You decide on behalf of community health centres. We have everybody else. There’s no real way and
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4741 if you tell me, “Oh, well, we have a I do want to ask a question in regard to health representative in every your priorities to establish a community,” that’s not really working. development team for the Nunavut People want to be able to sit around the recovery centre. This is to work on table representing their community to be addictions and trauma. Can you provide able to have some kind of say in how an update on what steps have been taken health care is delivered. Right now you to establish this team and which areas don’t have that, so it works very well for are they working in? Thank you. you. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Not everybody on the street has that kind Minister Hickes. of money to go and do their own justification of why a health board would Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. be good to argue against what the Chairman. To date we have hired a department is saying. People don’t have project manager to oversee the that. Maybe Inuit orgs and that do, but development of the addictions and this is not something that a lot of people trauma program, but without the further in the communities could do. Like the resources, we have been working with minister said, if you could present him NTI and the federal government to with an argument to go against what the develop a plan, a strategy. This is why department’s position is, then maybe he we’re here looking for this budget, to would look at it. further that process with money. Thank you. I think that having a health board would back up the minister’s statement as the Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Minister of Finance yesterday or the day Mr. Lightstone. before when you did your Budget Address where you say it’s the people’s Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. government. That really perked my ears Chairman. I would like to return to the up because I like to hear that. I think letter we received from the minister and that’s the right direction to go, but I also I would like to note that it appears as feel that we have to give opportunities though the HR Division within the for people to be involved with their Department of HR is fully staffed and it government in a meaningful way. That’s seems that almost all of the positions are why I keep raising this all the time. I feel filled, whether it’s an indeterminate, it’s something that would benefit. casual, term, or someone on a transfer assignment. I just want to point out, I would really like to see an independent looking at the business plan over the last review done by the department to look at 12 months, the department has increased this and to go out to the communities capacity or filled positions from 650 to and talk to health care service providers, 680, meaning that the department was talk to communities, talk to elders, talk able to fill 30 new positions within a 12- to the people who use your service. month period, I guess net. That’s my advice and I guess a request, but I’m going to leave that topic. When I think of the workload that senior management has, specifically directors,
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4742 and I have heard that as much as 80 administrators from their HR loads, percent of their time is devoted to HR- where people understand their rights related issues and the remainder of their from both sides, from the employer and time is devoted to running their specific employee. I’m really hopeful that when programs. Given the fact that your HR Human Resources comes forward with department is fully staffed yet it seems their budget ask, that portion gets like the department is having trouble approved. I think it is going to be a key filling these positions, are managers component of dealing with this issue of receiving enough support to help begin the HR burden on managers and the hiring process? Thank you, Mr. directors. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone. Minister Hickes. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the response. I Chairman. I would say it would depend wish the minister and the Department of where and how often the management Health and all the senior managers the team gets together and what training and best of luck in filling these vacant what experience they bring to the table. positions. One of the biggest challenges we have with staffing isn’t the HR process; it’s Moving on to the next item in the the availability of housing. That’s one of response from the minister, on the fourth the biggest limiters of the numbers that page or so, there is a section devoted to we’re putting out. I do appreciate you community-based mental health worker putting in “net” in there because there is programs. It states that the department obviously volatility. Positions come and has collaborated with job evaluation to go. create entry-level positions specifically for Inuit, in which they can progress When we look at the cultural through a laddered professional competency training or orientations development system. I just wanted to when new staff come online, I have point that out because I feel that it’s a often said that there needs to be a little great idea and it’s really great to hear HR component with anybody that has that the department is working on this any supervisory positions. It’s not as initiative. Once again I just want to easy as even I think it is. It’s something I applaud your efforts on your Inuit have been talking about for a couple of employment initiatives and I really once years now. again wish you the best of luck in achieving that. With the new Department of HR, I am really looking forward to some of the I’ll move on to my next topic, budget- training opportunities that are going to related issues. I don’t want to put too be brought forward and even with the much blame on the Department of new division that HR is proposing on Health because I know that it is a employee wellness. I think that will reoccurring issue with several alleviate a lot of the burden on departments, not just the Department of
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Health, but it is the issue that I brought The word has gone out, I guess you can up before and it is recycling of budgets. say. Again, from my other hat and Looking at the information that was obviously having the responsibility for provided to me in written responses, the Health, I want to make sure that Health breakdown of budget down to the is one of the leaders of that campaign. It section level and it is obvious that so is a little bit more challenging because it many sections, almost…a really high is so big and cumbersome, if you want to percentage are just mirrored from one call it that, but we are doing better. year to the next. Thank you.
Without getting into too much detail, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. there are just two questions under the Mr. Lightstone. directorate that I would like to pose. The first question is: given the fact that there Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. has been a lot of recycling of budgets Chairman. Thank you, Minister Hickes. over the prior years, have there been That’s good to hear. Looking at the some adjustments in this upcoming information that was provided, I would budget? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. like to highlight the budget for telehealth. Last year this item lapsed 53 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. percent, $1.2 million of the budget, and Minister Hickes. it looks like in prior years a million dollar lapse in this area has been the Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. average. I have two questions for that Chairman. The bulk of the changes in specific line item, telehealth. Why has the budget are, especially in this branch, that budget lapsed a significant amount to do with the catching up, if I could be year over year? Is it due to telehealth allowed to call it that, on the salaries and being underutilized or just that it is over- benefits. There has been work done. I budgeted and will it be corrected in the know I spoke to it in the past wearing upcoming fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. my other hat on how important it is that Chairman. all departments deal with the actuals and work on better forecasting models. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Hickes. Health is, I am going to say it again, a little bit of a different beast where it is Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. obviously the largest department in the Chairman. Just before I respond to that government, not just money-wise but question, I want to touch on my last PYs as well too, and the complexities of response; just to add to it a little bit. The having the three regions and then the executive directors from the regions are headquarters and coordinating in town this week, and I was just everything together. I am sure Mr. informed that this morning was their Babstock can attest that getting all that budgeting exercise training component. I data together from across the territory is can tell you this is as of today even it is a challenging at the best of times and continual work in progress. making sure that it is correlated. I will say that it is a positive work in progress. With regard to the budget for telehealth,
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4744 one of the biggest components that were Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. leading to the surpluses, I guess, was Chairman. Thank you. It is quite staffing. That division is staffed better interesting that it is now the medical now and we are not anticipating any of professional strategy. It is good to know that money being surplused this year. that it has been expanded. Thank you. My next question is: for the upcoming Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. fiscal year, is the budget for that line Mr. Lightstone. going to remain constant at $4.7 million, and do you anticipate it being fully Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. utilized? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Thank you for the response. The next item I would like to highlight is Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. the nurse recruitment strategy. This Minister Hickes. section has had a budget of over $4 million for a number of years. Last fiscal Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. year 93 percent of that was lapsed; over Chairman. We have remained with that $4 million of that budget last year was budget and we are hoping to get more lapsed. Could you tell us a little about utilization of those funds this year than the nurse recruitment strategy, which has we did last year. Thank you. this substantial budget, and why so much of that is being or has been lapsed year Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. over year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Nakashuk, you had questions? Please go ahead. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Hickes. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. I have a few questions on positions Chairman. We don’t call it the “nurse within the department and I wanted to recruitment strategy.” It is the medical first ask a question in terms of the professions recruitment, so we have mental health positions in the actually expanded it to encompass other communities. I am curious to know if health professions. Basically the reason there are mental health workers in all the that there was money not being utilized communities in Nunavut and, if not, in the last year, and it is being utilized which communities don’t have mental more this year, again I go back to health supports. (interpretation) Thank staffing as one of the issues but also just you. building it up. Because we have changed the design and the model of it, it takes a Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. little while to get our feet off the ground Minister Hickes. and get running. I don’t know what else I can add to that. Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I was just looking for the detailed information. I know all Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. communities do have mental health Mr. Lightstone. coverage. I believe a couple of smaller
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4745 communities, Resolute Bay and Grise Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Fiord, may have a shared resource. I’m Chairman. Absolutely yes, that’s with just going by memory on that one. I part of the written response that Mr. don’t have…now I do have the Lightstone brought positive attention to information. the department on.
If we are looking through the We have taken our mental health and communities here in the Qikiqtaaluk as addiction worker program and actually an example, the only two communities, split it into three different categories so like I said, were Resolute Bay and Grise that we can get more people involved in Fiord where they use a shared resource. that field with lower requirements at the All the other communities in the entry level. Every time they achieve a Qikiqtaaluk have a mental health different level of whether it be academic professional or paraprofessional. There or experience levels, they can increase are a few communities in the Kivalliq their professional profile. That to me is and none in the Kitikmeot that are totally going to be a critical component and the empty right now. Thank you, Mr. member is absolutely correct that we Chairman. need more people in the communities working in the mental health field. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Ms. Nakashuk. One of the challenges I repeatedly hear is that the mental health professionals in Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank the health centres, there’s too much you, Mr. Chairman. Looking at the turnover where people have to go over mental health workers, they have huge their story over and over and over again responsibilities, especially because they and for some people with their mental help people with addictions or people health issue, that’s re-traumatizing them who are having too hard of a time with right there. It is something that we’re their minds and some of them are more cognizant of and that’s why we have critical than others. There are some taken the step to break the mental health others that can be dealt with by the and addiction worker program down into Department of Family Services. They those three categories so we can get usually ask for someone who can speak more Inuit into those positions and in Inuktitut and a lot of times when develop them into higher level positions. there’s just an English-speaking social worker, they won’t go to that place. Hopefully some of the local employees will further their education even more The question I have is: has there been and go in to get their social work degree any thought to put Inuit social workers or psychiatric nursing or whatever their or mental health workers for the own goals and their own vision has. communities? Thank you. That’s my Thanks, Mr. Chairman. first question. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Ms. Nakashuk. Minister Hickes.
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Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank communities have more disabled people you, Mr. Chairman. It’s good to hear that than others and there are elders who there can be some planning done to have need more help too. Considering them, more staff in the communities that can do all communities have workers that work on people with mental health can help people with disabilities or issues. The question I have is: which elders who need more help? What sort of communities are being looked at to have training do they need in order to get a workers like that or what is your plan to job like that in the communities? Thank slowly get these in all the communities, you, Mr. Chairman. to get them trained? Which communities are going to be first? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are positions…again I Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. apologize. I’m not hesitating on the Chairman. Some communities already response; I’m just trying to find the do have mental health and addiction correct wording. There are individual workers in them. Obviously the priorities circumstances, so each case is different. would be the communities that don’t. There may be home care involved. There One of the other success stories that I’ll may be personal care workers involved. take the opportunity to bring attention to If there is an elder facility in the is our paraprofessional program as well community, there are also personal care too, where we’re taking local employees workers that are employed there. and giving them training opportunities to further their own education and We do work with Nunavut Arctic experience so that they can move into College on different programming. more impactful positions, if I can kind of There are different modules for personal use that term. care workers so that they can assist, whether it be family or as a career. We Ultimately we do have mental health and want to make sure that those addiction worker positions in all opportunities for training are there. communities, so this is a territory-wide That’s one of the purposes when we look campaign, but like I said, I would expect at medical escorts is so that when they’re the initial focus to be targeted on the speaking to the health care provider, communities that currently do not have they are learning how to take care of the any mental health and addiction workers. person that they are escorting. One of the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. conditions of needing an escort is if you need to communicate and help train or Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. work with the family to make sure that Ms. Nakashuk. their needs are being met.
Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank I hope that answers the member’s you, Mr. Chairman. Another question I question. Thank you. would like to ask is people who help people with disabilities, some Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes.
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Ms. Nakashuk, please continue. extended period of time, as long as the health care needs can be met in the Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank community, we do bring people back so you, Mr. Chairman. I had this question that they can spend time with their regarding individuals who might be in a family in lieu of sending family down to position to be able to become trained to them because we do have limitations on help deal with family members who are how many family members or how many disabled that have to travel because we trips that people can take. have a lot of empathy for people in that position. Where the care level is appropriate and available, we do send people back to We know that some situations require their home communities, whether it be rushed matters where they have to for a visit, an extended visit, or even suddenly travel to go see their family at, repatriating where… . Let me go at it let’s say, Embassy West in Ottawa. this way. One of the benefits that we There are situations where they have to have when somebody is in a facility is travel quickly to get out. Also, families they get better care than what was are not able to travel as a whole group provided. That’s why they had to go to and only some people can travel to go the facility. In some cases they even see a family member. improve to the point where they can move back home indefinitely. There are Are there resources within the success stories in this process as well. department where an elder could be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. repatriated to their home community to see the other family members, their Chairman: Thank you, Minister grandchildren, their family, so that they Hickes. Ms. Nakashuk. could see their loved ones? I want to know if there is such a program in place Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank or if it has ever been considered. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is good to know you, Mr. Chairman. that there are possibilities of visiting home for a bit. There have been some Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. people who have come back to Minister Hickes. Pangnirtung. When a loved one leaves, it is like you never see them again. It is Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. that type of situation. If there could be a Chairman. I thank the member for the plan in place within the year that they question. That actually happens fairly could be scheduled visits to see their regularly. I wouldn’t say every day, not loved ones, it would be nice. like that, but again, it depends upon the level of care that needs to be provided to We have experienced this personally. the patient. They may not be able to be My uncle and my aunt both passed away cared for at home full time, hence at the facility within the past two years needing to be in a facility. without ever going back home. I have seen and experienced this myself. I If they can go home for a couple of know that they wanted to go home for a weeks and visit with family or for an bit, but they were not able to go home.
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It’s regretful when people don’t get to any questions or any concerns that they see their relatives again. have about their loved ones. That is what they are there for is to help provide that This should be looked into again. There level of comfort knowing that your are people who are homesick. Maybe family member is being taken care of they can be brought back home for a properly. Thank you. short time all at once. There are not that many Nunavummiut down there. If some Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. of them are able to go, then the rest of Ms. Nakashuk. them should be able to go as well. Can this be looked into further so that those Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank who have been away from home for a you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for very long time can be brought home for clarifying that. I will go to something a short time? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. else. One of the things that are continually discussed is the Office of Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Patient Relations. I would like to get Minister Hickes. more information on that office and to get clarification. We are usually Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. informed by our offices of people who Chairman. With our care and continuing require more assistance and we direct or home care and continu…Home and them to the Office of Patient Relations. I Continuing Care Division, you would have been involved a number of times in think I know the title of that one, with trying to assist individuals to redirect the communications that they have with their questions. I would like to ask this family members, and first of all I… . question. When they have a complaint, how far is it looked into? Are there a lot Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Basically I’m of employees who look into complaints? going to say that there are ongoing Thank you, Mr. Chairman. communications with family members. If any family member feels that their Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. communication lines aren’t as open, Minister Hickes. typically most families have a designated contact person. That is one of Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. the avenues to make sure that when you Chairman. I will say that they track have an elder or a loved one that is in a every issue that is brought to their facility, whether it be in-territory or out- attention. Every case that is brought to of-territory, that family member is their attention, I will say, is followed up specified to be a contact person for the with. whole family. It alleviates a lot of the confusion and potential mixed That being said, the volume is messaging going out. increasing. I’m trying to remember the exact numbers and the number of cases. I do want to assure anyone who is out I know it has been steadily increasing as there watching and people in attendance more and more awareness…we have here to communicate with the Home and done some public service Continuing Care Division if they have announcements. You probably heard
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4749 them on the radio, in newsprint of looking at expanding outside of Iqaluit. “Contact Patient Relations if you have The access to the medical services and any concerns,” and I strongly encourage personnel is a lot easier done by being people to contact that office. located here. We will continue to monitor the volume of activity in that Typically the initial response is division. That is one division that I very dependent upon the complexity of the strenuously want to maintain and make case, but the goal is at 48 hours, there sure that they have the resources to be should be at least some type of a able to function. We will continue to response or acknowledgement that the monitor the volume of cases that are issue is being looked at. Thank you, Mr. going through that office and, if Chairman. necessary, we will bring forward any additional supports proposals. Thank Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Nakashuk. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank I’m going to give Ms. Towtongie an you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) opportunity to ask questions and I’m In terms of the volume increasing, I’m going to cut it off at that. We’ve had 12 curious to know how many. Are there a people with lines of questioning on this lot of patient relations officers in each particular page. We will move on to the territory or where are they located? Are next. Ms. Towtongie. they here in Iqaluit and how many are there? (interpretation) Thank you. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My questions are on public Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. health and I thought we were on H-5. I Minister Hickes. would like to be the first one when we go to H-5. Thank you. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe there are currently >>Laughter four PYs and they’re all located here in Iqaluit. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. We’re on page H-4. Health. Directorate. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Ms. Nakashuk. Voted. $56,384,000. Agreed?
Ms. Nakashuk: I guess in terms of Some Members: Agreed. expansion, are they planning to increase more of those positions in the different Chairman: Thank you. Moving on. regions? (interpretation) Thank you. Page H-5. Public Health, with a total operations and maintenance budget to be Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. voted of $24,563,000. Ms. Towtongie. Minister Hickes. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll be nice and short. Chairman. At this time we’re not
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With public health, my question to the I will say that within our health centres minister is I’m very concerned about we we have reproductive and sexual health have the highest birth rate in Canada, at programming with our health care least one thousand times, and we have professionals in there. It can be difficult, increased our population from 27,000 like the member states, but as a health when Nunavut was created by 35 percent example, when a child goes into the to 39,000. To me this is not good news. health centre, it is not always easy to The birth of a baby is great news, but have that conversation in front of their what are they all going to do? parents. That is why our health staff get trained on how to get messages from the We have a chronic housing shortage and kids if they want to meet with the health we do have a social net income support, care professional by themselves. There but into the long-term vision, when I ask are different practices at different health Nunavummiut, I get concerned because I centres. I don’t know the exact see children becoming parents while parameters of it, but there is some they’re children and being unable to training that has gone on, on how to ask parent at that time and getting into a child whether they want their parents relationships when they’re not prepared. or not without the parents being able to say “No, I’m going in” type of thing. My question to the minister is: has there been any outreach to the schools to hold It is a very important part of the sexual off on pregnancy, hold off on health and sexual well-being and relationships, complete your education, confidence. As kids mature, they have and do some type of family planning more and more questions, and if there is instead of catering to their needs and not a family member that is comfortable “You can have daycare subsidy, you can having that conversation, that is where, have child tax credit”? That becomes a whether it be the health care staff or the means of having money, having babies. health care professionals in the health We have to be realistic as the population centre that can work with the child to of Nunavut that if we are not preparing, help educate them on reproductive and we are going to be hit like a tsunami. I sexual health… . I had a little starter apologize for using that, but we have to there for a second. think in terms of 10 years what these parents and children are going to all do. I hope that answers the member’s Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question. With regard to what all these kids are going to do when they grow up, Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. that might be a better a better question Minister Hickes. for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will say upfront I’m not sure >>Laughter on what the sexual health curriculum that the Department of Education puts Thank you, Mr. Chairman. forward. That might be a more appropriate question for the Minister of Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Education. Ms. Towtongie.
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Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. bringing resources forward like “I Chairman. I think it is not specifically to Respect Myself” program that we offer, each department. I think, as leaders and it’s teaching kids that it’s their body, that as a government, we should take the they’re in control of their body, and leadership, each department and myself that’s a very important message, I think, responsible. to promote, promoting safe sex. There are condoms or female…I’m tongue-tied I have seen or heard young girls got one right now; I can’t even think of the right baby and then a year later they got word…contraception. They’re also another child, and she is counting the available through the health centres. economic cost. She told me, “I got $400 for the first child. Now I can have $800 a Those are discussions that I encourage month.” That is dangerous. That is the young adults to have those conversations type of thinking we are producing across with health care professionals, but it’s Nunavut: the more children you have, also a family conversation that needs to the more income support and child tax happen as well too. I know with my credit you will get, but the cost of living daughters, as they matured, we continue is high. Let me put it this way: I’m not to have these dialogues and it’s not a saying giving birth is bad. I’m saying a taboo topic and it shouldn’t be a taboo lack of planning for the future is topic. Those are the types of parenting horrible. skills that we want to promote. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The new Public Health Act came into force this January 2020. What new Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. activities will be initiated as a result of Ms. Towtongie. the new legislation and regulations? That’s the conversation we should be Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. having. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Thank you for listening to my comments because to me it’s a serious Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. and troublesome aspect for young Minister Hickes. children producing children. That’s the fact across Canada; Nunavut does have Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. the highest birthrate, very high. Chairman. With the new Public Health Act it is more of a regulatory, to make I would like to say that more sure that the accountability from health presentations at the schools should take care professionals has a structure to it place, even from the elders. The reason and defined parameters. Also, we want why I say that is I know there’s a lot of to make sure that the communication abortion across Nunavut, but an elder lines are open. You bring up some valid said to me, “You can tell when the points where planned pregnancy is doctors are keeping abortion obviously a preferred practice where confidential. We can tell who has had people can set themselves up and be abortion because the body continues as if ready for a family. it’s producing and the loss of hair tells us this child has had an abortion.” When we’re looking at strategically
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And then the elders told me, “These for the Minister of Education on related children are producing children when topics to Ms. Towtongie’s questions their body is not physically mature days and weeks to come. I believe that enough to give birth.” I think that type of some of the curriculum that we’re Inuit IQ should be part of the education discussing is seriously outdated by curriculum. I believe that the frontline decades, but we will get confirmation. health workers should start approaching schools and giving discussions. My first question is I wanted to request Otherwise, ten years, even five years we data similar to what was provided about will have a very unhealthy young a year ago by the department. The population. department provided a letter and they gave a breakdown of the community I don’t really have a question. I just wellness program funding as well as wanted to bring that up and say my breakfast program funding. Whether the piece. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minister would be able to commit to providing this at a later date to the Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. committee is my request. (interpretation) Mr. Hickes, you wanted to comment on Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that? Please go ahead. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Hon. George Hickes: I do. Thank you, Minister Hickes. Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity. When I talked about “I Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Respect Myself” campaign, there’s also, Chairman. Yes, I can do that. Thank through the Inuutsiarniq Literacy you. Program with the Department of Education, they have an “About Me” Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main. campaign and it’s age appropriate. At different grade levels they’re introduced Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, to different concepts of contraception, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’ll puberty, healthy relationships, consent, just keep asking ‘til I get a no. story lines are developed to help align with the Department of Education’s The issue that Ms. Towtongie touched reading program. There are some on in terms of population growth and the programs. You might be able to get Department of Health, I note that in the some more detailed information, my letter provided on November 21, this apologies for the Minister of Education, was following one of the annual during his appearance or through another supplementary appropriation exercises. forum. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The department mentions, this is on the third page of the letter, “Nunavut’s high Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. birthrate affects medical travel expenses, Mr. Main. as almost all women must travel outside of their home communities to give Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, birth.” It also mentions that infants Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I typically have the highest per capita assume that we will have some questions medical travel costs and they require
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4753 special treatment for illnesses. have across the territory.
In terms of what my colleague was I know I’m not giving a condensed lens asking and taking a government-wide answer because it is numerous look at this and the impact it has on the departments are all interrelated bottom line, and the topic of family depending upon the specific topic. I planning and planned parenthood, wouldn’t say Health is directly become a parent but make sure it responsible nor is Family Services nor is happens when you’re ready for it, whose Education. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. responsibility is that within the government, planned parenthood? Is it Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. the Department of Health? I don’t think Mr. Main. it’s the Department of Education. Is it simply something that families and Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, parents have to deal with? Does the Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The department have a position on this minister mentioned earlier access to planned parenthood heading? birth control, condoms, and other (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. methods. I’m going to ask about birth Chairman. control, the pill, or whatever you want. It can be a needle now too, I believe. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Hickes. For young women who want to access contraception, is there a way for them to Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. access it where they don’t have to step Chairman. I’m not looking at passing the foot into a health centre at the buck because I don’t think that’s community level? The reason I ask that appropriate. We all have somewhat of a is that small communities, the gossip is responsibility. That being said, we do terrible and it’s really harmful for young partner together on initiatives. Like you people if they’re trying to access health say, it’s not the Department of Health. services, specifically I’m talking about It’s not the Department of Education. sexual health. Is there a way for young It’s not the Department of Family females or any female for that matter, I Services. It’s all of us depending upon guess, to access birth control without what topic is up. entering a health centre and, if so, how do they access it? (interpretation) Thank When we’re talking about sexual health you, Mr. Chairman. and sexual well-being and respecting your body, and identifying different Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. consent, we partner with the Department Minister Hickes. of Education. When you’re talking about some of the social service needs of foster Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. care and awareness on those sides, then Chairman. Not that I’m aware of. I know Family Services steps up to the plate. there are community health workers in From a health standpoint, that’s those the community that maybe a local young reproductive or sexual health or woman would feel more comfortable communicable disease programs that we speaking to, maybe in a private manner.
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Again, that puts a lot of onus on those speak with students or consult with care workers outside of their work hours. them, or does that not really exist and the nurses or the professionals stay in the The thing that concerns me about the health centre? (interpretation) Thank question the most from Mr. Main is that you, Mr. Chairman. it is like mental health. We’ve got to break down these taboos. Who cares Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. why somebody is going to the health Minister Hickes. centre? Maybe they’ve got a sliver under their fingernail they can’t get out. It is Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. nobody’s business why they are in there Chairman. It is actually a good point. I and I know rumour mills are rampant, am not aware of any specific guidelines but people need to, for one, mind their or conditions or parameters where they own business. We have pretty strict are supposed to be in there for certain privacy legislation for workers. topics. I know audiology goes in and Unfortunately we can’t enforce that out dental or oral hygiene and that, but when with members of the public sometimes. it comes to health care professionals, usually it is by invitation. I do know of I think we’ve got to get past some of some health centre staff that have gone these stigmas. There is nothing wrong into schools and had discussions on with going to see a health care different topics, usually through professional and it is nobody’s business invitation. That would maybe be why you are there, in some cases even something worth talking about with the your parents’ business why you are supervisor of health programs in the there. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. health centre and maybe the DEA or the principal of a school specifically to look Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. at what options can be available. I’m Mr. Main. sure the health care staff would be open to it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. agree it isn’t anybody’s business, but Mr. Main. trying to change that behaviour and tell people to stop gossiping or stop being Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, nosy is going to be pretty difficult. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you, minister. I just put it out You look at young people in the school. there as a suggestion. Speaking to the It is under your business plan here on oral health coordinator, if that is his page 150 where it mentions “Population position, in my home community he was Health” and it says “School Health.” saying it is location, location, location. How often are health professionals…I’ll You go to where the young people are say nurses for example. How often are and then the services. That really stuck they available inside the schools in the with me, so I hope that you can look into community? Is there a program where a that. nurse will be assigned to visit a school, be given a private area where they could On page 151 of your business plan, your
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4755 priority for the upcoming years says, cannabis. From what people tell me, it “Use reporting from the sexual health sounds like it’s a hard drug almost program to inform future program because you only need a very small priority areas.” It is kind of like you amount to get intoxicated. Does this have a priority where you are going to cannabis programming and the training set priorities. I just want to know what include these new things that people are that means and maybe an example of doing? Is this something that is still what would happen under that one. going to be worked on in the upcoming (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. fiscal year? It is very concerning and it’s Chairman. not staying the same; it’s changing. The drugs are changing. (interpretation) Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Minister Hickes. Chairman. I was just getting some reading material here. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is one of the challenges One of the examples is like health when we identify these types of protection where we talk about the STIs, programming, when we are looking at the education component there. I guess it whether it be training or whether it be is a plan to have a plan to a certain education, or whether it be just degree, but it depends on which topic information sharing, media campaigns, that you are going into and how you different awareness programs that you develop the information and how it is put out there. We’re trying to promote going to be dispersed, I guess would be safe use of legal substances. When you the understanding out of that. Thank are talking illegal substances, it opens you, Mr. Chairman. the door to a very complicated avenue, then where do you stop? You get into Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. methamphetamines or cocaine or heroin Mr. Main. or different hard drugs and over-the- counter prescription medications are a Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, big issue of using inappropriately. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Also on page 151 one of the priorities for the I am speaking very anecdotally here, but current fiscal year was developing sometimes giving information about cannabis programming and under the things that aren’t available right at their status it says training was delivered, and fingertips sometimes creates that then I don’t see anything about cannabis curiosity. I am hoping through this on the priorities for this upcoming year program that people are aware of legal and so it is concerning. and safe methods of consuming cannabis, as an example, and that’s People are using a substance which is given. There is a danger going into the called shatter. I am told it is very popular illicit side of things where, like you on the street now. It is a very mentioned, you know it’s happening, concentrated version based from you see it’s happening, and that’s where
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I think where the justice system needs to the breakfast programs. This is public step in and take a very serious look of health. Is there a trend or does the health what the dynamics of a community is department have data on going on, what’s available, and due malnourishment among children in diligence on how to mitigate that. Nunavut? Food security is a huge issue. I know that Health can’t solve it on their From a health standpoint, we’re not in own, but if a child comes in to the health the enforcement business; we’re trying centre, for example, and it is identified to promote safe use of legal substances. I that they are not getting enough food, it know that is not giving the member the is an issue. response he is probably looking for, but that is our responsibility. Thank you, Mr. Is there a protocol in place? I know that Chairman. there are protocols in place for things like sexual abuse. In the school system, a Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. protocol happens and the teacher has to Mr. Main. tell somebody. The student tells the teacher and the teacher has to tell Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, somebody. Around malnourishment in Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m children, is there any protocol existing not sure if this substance would be legal within the department? (interpretation) or illegal. I think that the next phase is Thank you, Mr. Chairman. concentrates and it might be classified as that. I am not sure. It is cannabis-based. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. This cannabis programming work is Minister Hickes. going to continue in the coming fiscal year. I just want confirmation on that Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. from the department. (interpretation) Chairman. Yes, that is reportable. As a Thank you, Mr. Chairman. health care professional, if you suspect malnourishment, you take a blood test Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. which would identify levels like vitamin Minister Hickes. D and things like that which would justify reporting. Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Yes, this is continuing. We do have shared cost recovery on that. We Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. put in money through Vote 1. We also Mr. Main. get money through Vote 4 funding on this as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) In Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. the letter to the committee that will be Mr. Main. provided, would the minister be able to include as much information as possible Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, on that malnourishment topic? I’m not Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I trying to create too much additional requested information on the work for the department, but I’m trying Community Wellness Agreement and to understand whether there is a
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4757 measurable trend in this occurrence. health.” In thinking of that, does the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. chief medical officer of health have staff Chairman. under him so that they accomplish what they were set out to do? I want to get Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. clarification, hence my question, Mr. Minister Hickes. Chairman. Thank you.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Chairman. We can provide the Minister Hickes. information that is available. I will have to look into how that is tracked, how Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. many occurrences, and if it is a very Chairman. I appreciate the question. small number, I wouldn’t be able to When we talk about capacity and the report, especially locations. Typically, if workloads some people take on, it can be it is under five cases on almost any concerning. I do want to alleviate the health issue, we don’t report on it. As far member’s concerns with regard to our as the information on how the reporting chief public health officer position. For structure works, I will definitely make one, he’s doing a very good job. There is sure that I share that with the members. a team behind him. He does have Does that suffice? Thank you, Mr. different responsibilities under his Chairman. watch. Ultimately I think there are 125 PYs that report through his division Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. through public health and everything. I Mr. Qirngnuq. hope that alleviates the member’s concern. We have consistently met all Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank standards of practice. Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, minister and your officials. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Mr. Qirngnuq. On page 150 of the business plan there’s a description for the chief medical Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank officer of health. It “provides leadership you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, that’s clearer and expertise to population health and now. Nunavut is still quite young when health protection programs.” The thing you think of it. Are the number of people that comes to mind is that the chief who are in bad health being reduced or medical officer must have a pretty heavy have any diseases been mitigated or workload. Perhaps the health care made fewer? That’s my question, Mr. positions under that officer can’t deal Chairman. Thank you. with the entire workload. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. In thinking of what is written there under Minister Hickes. Health Protection, the second paragraph, they work on public health and safety. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. The environmental health officers Chairman. That’s a really good question. “inspect and monitor activities and When you look at dietary information premises that may affect the public’s and health information as it matures,
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4758 there is more and more knowledge. with young people going to health People are living longer in better health. centres. When you’re a young person, I would say the health indicators are you have a lot of freedom these days and obviously improving in that regard. we all know that. However, with the department of heritage under the One of the biggest concerns that we have language division, I don’t think it’s across the territory is the levels of going to work out the way they intend smoking. We have by far higher levels because we try to base our lives with our of smoking than anywhere else in the ancestors as a foundation. I think it country and it’s who is smoking are very would be good to say that in the future concerning. We work with as many as a government, we will be progressing groups as we can to bring awareness. with our work to make sure that we run things properly for our Inuit. It is not a We have dieticians that work with our real question; it is more of a comment. I facilities to make sure that menus and have other comments to make as well, dietary requirements are followed and Mr. Chairman. Thank you. adhered to. There are different clinics that are put on within the health centres. Chairman: Thank you. I’ll take that as a comment. We are on Public Health. Mr. There’s mental health, obviously, the Kaernerk. impact that it’s having. The rates of people accessing mental health services Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank are increasing more and more, which is you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, one of the reasons why we are minister. We can be proud that you are requesting to increase that aspect of our going to be creating jobs for Nunavut. budget this year and why we had to go We are proud of that. On page 7 of your for additional funds last year. More and comments, the Department of Health is more people are becoming more aware always going to be checking to see the that not just physical health is important most efficient way of running things for but mental health is as well. Nunavut.
I hope that answers the member’s Have any considerations been given on question. this matter or have you forgotten about midwifery? One of the MLAs stated that Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Nunavut is apparently producing the Mr. Qirngnuq. highest number of children in Canada. Have you checked to see if you can hire Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank or create midwives that can do some of you, Mr. Chairman. Part of my question the birthing in Nunavut? Is it still under was answered. It’s very hard to ask the consideration by the Department of right question to get the right answer. If Health? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. more questions are posed about this, then we will get more information, but Chairman: Thank you. Minister Hickes. I’ll move on to something else. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. This was asked earlier about concerns Chairman. Currently we have 10
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4759 midwifery positions across the territory. rolling that out in the Kivalliq as well Not all of them are filled right now. too of having the midwives go out to the Mostly with CSAs, we’ve got a few outlying communities where they can positions in Cambridge Bay, Rankin work with expectant mothers. Inlet, and here in Iqaluit. Like I said, some of them are stilled being filled and The challenge that we have, obviously some are being covered by casual and especially in the smaller staffing actions. communities, is having the midwife stationed there. You can’t have one That being said, this is the year of nurses person on-call 24/7, 365. We have to and midwives. It is a very important take a look at multiple postings in a component, not just from a safety community. We have worked with our standpoint. We want to make sure that two regional communities and then people are in safe circumstances, but obviously with the capital city here. We midwives are so important, not just for have a little bit more work to do, but it’s the delivery part of things. That is one of something that I am very passionate the misconceptions, I think, that is put about myself. You kind of took over my out there. You look at the role of reigns of when I was a regular member. I midwives and doulas across the world think I was the only member that ever and it is the prenatal care, dealing with asked about midwifery and you have the expectant mother, making sure that taken up the challenge and I hope you healthy habits are being formed, and keep it up. with the post-delivery, you are looking at making sure that the breastfeeding and The Midwifery Program itself is making sure that… . It is very something that I would like to see challenging, especially for a new mother grown. I have said many times that who has never been a mother before, women have been having babies for a especially if you are in a community and long time. My father was delivered by a maybe not around your own mother or midwife. It’s a very important part of our aunts or other women to help you culture. I applaud the member for raising throughout it. it again. I don’t have much movement on it as of now. Especially I know where We use Inuit maternal workers here in you’re going of getting midwifery into Iqaluit, as an example. I understand the your communities. I do look forward to a importance of the service. I also day where we’re going to achieve that. understand the complexities of it. When There’s going to be a lot more we were doing a pilot project in the groundwork and capacity building is Kitikmeot, as an example, that were going to need to be accomplished before taking the midwives from Cambridge we can actually fulfill that. Thank you, Bay where they are stationed and Mr. Chairman. sending them out to outlying communities to work with expectant and Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. new mothers and bringing those services Mr. Kaernerk. that I was just talking about a minute ago, and we are seeing some positive Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank results already on that. We are looking at you, Mr. Chairman. I always urge you to
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4760 create this. The medical travel expenses Hon. George Hickes: I didn’t really are too much. It’s over $70 million. If hear a question there, but I do agree with we look at all the communities where the member in the majority of what he’s they can be helped by creating jobs, if saying. I think it’s a very important part the government is not spending so much of our health care delivery that we do money and creating jobs in the need to further work on and I’m going to communities, it’s a win-win for continue to champion it as much as I everybody. can. Thank you.
Husbands can go along with their wives, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. but the children are left behind and they Mr. Main. have to be babysat. I have seen a case where a person had to go on a particular Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, day and the due date was too far. The Mr. Chairman. At this time I move a lady finally left very close to her motion to report progress. Thank you, birthdate so that she doesn’t have to wait Mr. Chairman. so long. I would like this looked at further. We also have to consider the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. children without supervision being left There’s a motion on the floor to report behind and they change their behaviour progress. The motion is not debatable. when they don’t have their parents All those in favour. Opposed. Motion around. carried. Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could please escort the witnesses out. I will In your opening comments in the last now rise to report progress to the part, (interpretation ends) “The Speaker. Thank you. department envisions a health care system that embraces Inuit societal Speaker (interpretation): Report of the values and empowers Nunavummiut to Committee of the Whole. Member live a healthy life.” (interpretation) Rumbolt. Listening to that statement and as you stated earlier, nobody can work 24 hours Item 20: Report of the Committee of a day or be on call 24 hours a day. the Whole
Maybe if you do it this way: young Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. people are giving birth while still in It has been a long day. school. Maybe they can help with midwifery or on sexual health work. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been Perhaps you can work with the considering Bill 39 and would like to Department of Education and create this report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move and start it where young people still in that the Report of the Committee of the school are taught more about sexual whole be agreed to. Thank you, Mr. health. I’ll end there for now. Thank Speaker. you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker (interpretation): There is a Chairman: Thank you. Minister Hickes. motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Minister Kusugak. The motion is in
Thursday, February 20, 2020 Nunavut Hansard 4761 order. To the motion. 17. Motions
18. First Reading of Bills An Hon. Member: Question. Bill 40 Speaker (interpretation): All those in favour. All those opposed. The motion is Bill 41 carried. Bill 42
Third Reading of Bills. Continuing on. 19. Second Reading of Bills Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. 20. Consideration in Committee of
Item 22: Orders of the Day the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Orders of the Day for February Bill 39 21: 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 4. Returns to Oral Questions Thank you.
5. Recognition of Visitors in the >>Applause Gallery Speaker (interpretation): In accordance 6. Oral Questions with the authority provided to me by 7. Written Questions Motion 63 – 5(2), this House stands adjourned until Friday, February 21, at 8. Returns to Written Questions 10 a.m. 9. Replies to Opening Address Sergeant-at-Arms. 10. Replies to Budget Address 11. Petitions >>House adjourned at 17:57 12. Responses to Petitions 13. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 14. Tabling of Documents 15. Notices of Motions 16. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills