Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
3rd Session 4th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 5
Monday, October 26, 2015
Pages 199 – 256
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Hon. George Kuksuk Allan Rumbolt (Gjoa Haven) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Whole Languages; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Alexander Sammurtok Housing Corporation (Rankin Inlet South) Pat Angnakak (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Steve Mapsalak Tom Sammurtok (Aivilik) (Rankin Inlet North- Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Chesterfield Inlet) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. Johnny Mike Deputy Premier; Minister of (Pangnirtung) Joe Savikataaq Economic Development and Minister of Community and Government Services; (Arviat South) Minister of Environment Transportation; Minister of Isaac Shooyook
Energy (Quttiktuq) Simeon Mikkungwak
(Baker Lake) Joe Enook Hon. Peter Taptuna Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Tununiq) (Kugluktuk)
Deputy Speaker and Chair of Premier; Minister of Executive Hon. Paul Okalik the Committee of the Whole and Intergovernmental Affairs; (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Minister of Health; Minister of Justice; Minister Minister responsible for George Hickes Aboriginal Affairs; Minister (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for responsible for the Utility Rates Immigration David Joanasie Review Council (South Baffin) Hon. Keith Peterson (Cambridge Bay) Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk Pauloosie Keyootak Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial (Netsilik) (Uqqummiut) Management Board; Minister responsible for the Minister of Family Services; Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Homelessness; Minister responsible for the Status of Hon. Paul Quassa Women (Aggu) Government House Leader; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Officers Clerk John Quirke
Deputy Clerk Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Nancy Tupik Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simanek Kilabuk Innirvik Support Services
Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca
Table of Contents
Opening Prayer ...... 199
Ministers’ Statements ...... 199
Members’ Statements ...... 201
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 209
Oral Questions ...... 210
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 234
Tabling of Documents ...... 234
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 235
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 255
Orders of the Day ...... 255
A. Daily References
Monday, October 26, 2015 ...... 199
B. Ministers’ Statements
014 – 4(3): Qikiqtani Inuit Association 40th Anniversary (Taptuna) ...... 199
015 – 4(3): CITES Animal Committee Decision on Polar Bear Trade (Mike) ...... 200
016 – 4(3): Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (Ugyuk) ...... 200
C. Members’ Statements
042 – 4(3): Baffin Fisheries Coalition 2015 Test Fishery (Shooyook) ...... 201
043 – 4(3): Converting Children’s Group Home in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ...... 202
044 – 4(3): South Baffin High School Graduates of 2015 (Joanasie) ...... 203
045 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s Table Tennis Team (Rumbolt) ...... 203
046 – 4(3): PRIDE Celebration in Iqaluit (Okalik) ...... 204
047 – 4(3): Successful Environmental Clean-up in Constituency (Keyootak) ...... 204
048 – 4(3): Opening of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (Quassa) ...... 205
049 – 4(3): 40th Anniversary of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (Ell-Kanayuk) ...... 205
050 – 4(3): Impact of Codeshare Agreement (Enook) ...... 206
051 – 4(3): High School Graduates in Whale Cove (Kuksuk) ...... 207
052 – 4(3): Nunavut Tourism Event in Iqaluit (Mike) ...... 208
053 – 4(3): Happy 75th Birthday to Johnny Lyall (Peterson) ...... 208
D. Oral Questions
047 – 4(3): Nunavut Suicide Crisis Announcement (Shooyook) ...... 210
048 – 4(3): School Bus Inspections (Joanasie) ...... 211
049 – 4(3): Converting Children’s Group Home in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ...... 213
050 – 4(3): Status of Fuel Price (Sammurtok, T) ...... 214
051 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou and Polar Bear Studies (Keyootak) ...... 215
052 – 4(3): Inspections of Domestic Heating Fuel Tanks (Angnakak) ...... 217
053 – 4(3): Medical Examinations to Obtain Driver’s Licences (Hickes) ...... 218
054 – 4(3): Status of Sanikiluaq’s New Sewage Lagoon (Rumbolt)...... 219
055 – 4(3): Update on Arviat’s Water Pump Station (Savikataaq) ...... 221
056 – 4(3): Swimming Pools in Nunavut (Mapsalak) ...... 222
057 – 4(3): Need for Improved Adult Basic Education (Akoak) ...... 223
058 – 4(3): Tax Policy (Mikkungwak) ...... 225
059 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou (Enook) ...... 226
060 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou (Shooyook) ...... 227
061 – 4(3): Baffin Island Caribou (Keyootak) ...... 230
062 – 4(3): Status of Hospital Board of Management Review (Angnakak) ...... 231
063 – 4(3): Status of Nunavut-wide Strategy on the Responsible Use of Alcohol (Mikkungwak)
...... 232
E. Tabling of Documents
017 – 4(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Proposed New Construction List for 2016-2017
(Kuksuk) ...... 234
018 – 4(3): Photograph of Chesterfield Inlet Air Terminal Building (Sammurtok, T) ...... 234
F. Motions
006 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) ...... 224
G. Bills
Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2016-2017 – Nunavut Housing Corporation –
Consideration in Committee ...... 235
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 199
Iqaluit, Nunavut Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this Monday, October 26, 2015 opportunity to offer my congratulations Members Present: to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, on their recent milestone anniversary. As Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe you know, QIA represents over 14,000 Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Inuit from the Qikiqtani region, from Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. Quttiktuq to Sanikiluaq. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon On October 6, QIA hosted a feast and Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. concert at Inuksuk High School here in Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. Iqaluit to mark their 40 years as a strong George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. advocate for Inuit rights and values. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Mr. Speaker, QIA was formerly Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, registered with the Government of Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk. Northwest Territories corporate registries in 1975 as the Baffin Regional >>House commenced at 13:30 Inuit Association. Since that time, they have worked tirelessly to promote social Item 1: Opening Prayer policy and lands management, as well as community and small business economic Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) development and corporate development (interpretation): Good afternoon. Mr. in the Qikiqtani region. Quassa, can you say the opening prayer, please. Mr. Speaker, the work of Nunavut’s regional Inuit organizations is >>Prayer fundamental to the economic development and self-determination of Speaker (interpretation): Good our territory and our people. The afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut. Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, and Qikiqtani Inuit Members, ministers, and (interpretation associations and Nunavut Tunngavik ends) Premier, (interpretation) welcome. Incorporated are all partners with the Government of Nunavut in working Going to the orders of the day. together to make our territory a success. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation It’s through our shared goals and hard ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna. work that we will make Nunavut a better place for our future generations. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements I ask my colleagues to please join me in Minister’s Statement 014 – 4(3): congratulating QIA on their first 40 Qikiqtani Inuit Association 40th years, and wish them all the best in the Anniversary (Taptuna) years ahead. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unnusakkut, colleagues, >>Applause Kuglukturmiut, and Nunavummiut.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. To be clear, this recent decision made by Ministers’ Statements. Minister Mike. the CITES Animal Committee does not preclude a third attempt at uplisting Minister’s Statement 015 – 4(3): polar bears in 2016, but it does give CITES Animal Committee strong support to our position that trade Decision on Polar Bear Trade is not harmful to polar bears. (Mike) Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Canadian Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back. stakeholders, including Nunavut, NTI, I’ll be making a statement on the CITES ITK, and the federal government, as well animal committee decision on polar bear as our neighbouring jurisdictions, have trade. Mr. Speaker, today, I will discuss collectively and successfully opposed an important determination that has been previous attempts to list polar bear on made regarding international trade in Appendix I of CITES. (interpretation polar bear parts. ends) It is our intent to use the decision of the CITES Animal Committee to (interpretation ends) Under the successfully oppose a possible third Convention on International Trade in attempt in 2016. (interpretation) Thank Endangered Species, or CITES, a group you, Mr. Speaker. of international experts called the animal committee determines the impact of >>Applause trade on a species. The animal committee recently conducted a review Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of the trade in polar bear parts. Their Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation conclusion was that trade is not a threat ends) Hon. Minister, Ms. Ugyuk. to polar bear conservation. (interpretation) This is welcome news Minister’s Statement 016 – 4(3): for Nunavummiut. It confirms what we Senior Citizen Supplementary have known and been saying for many Benefit (Ugyuk) years. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, in both 2010 and 2013, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, attempts were made to uplist polar bears Nunavummiut. to Appendix I of CITES. This uplisting would have effectively ended Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce international trade in polar bear parts. that the Senior Citizen Supplementary Department of Environment staff Benefit has increased from $175 to $200 worked actively with co-management per month. This increase is based on the partners to oppose these proposed current consumer price index and changes to CITES. (interpretation ends) became effective April 1, 2015. The attempts to uplist polar bears are unwarranted and would have negative As of September, 521 eligible seniors impacts on the livelihood of harvesters are receiving this monthly benefit. who rely on the economic value of a Pensioners who are receiving the federal polar bear hide to supplement their Guaranteed Income Supplement or harvest activities.
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Spouse’s Allowance will receive the vessels are Qikiqtarjuaq, Arctic Bay, Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit. Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay through the Arctic Fishery Alliance. My department would like to encourage all Nunavummiut to complete their This past summer, the Kiviuq did an federal income tax return so the Senior exploratory fishery in Arctic Bay waters, Citizen Supplementary Benefit will be a place called Akuliaqattaq. They did a automatically applied to their monthly sea-bottom survey looking at shrimp and allowance. snails. Mr. Speaker, there are things on the bottom of the sea that we didn’t Strong support for our elders is a know were there. We had some people cornerstone of Family Services, and the from our community learning how to supplement increase ensures that our work on the ship called the Kiviuq and elders can continue to enjoy a we’re proud of that. They were left with comfortable standard of living without 25 buoys and if they want to, they can sacrificing any of their basic needs. use them after the ice forms. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like unanimous consent to >>Applause conclude my statement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Going back to the orders of the day. The member is seeking unanimous Members’ Statements. Member for consent to conclude his statement. Are Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook. there any nays? I didn’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Shooyook. Item 3: Members’ Statements Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Member’s Statement 042 – 4(3): you, Mr. Speaker. My statement is Baffin Fisheries Coalition 2015 almost done. Test Fishery (Shooyook) The Kiviuq also helped when people Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank were hunting beluga or narwhals on the you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my other side. There was bad weather and colleagues, the television audience, and they got stuck. There were children there all the people of Nunavut. and they had run out of milk. The Kiviuq was able to go during a big gale to I rise today to talk about very good news deliver help to those people and that ship that has helped Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, in really helped us. my community of Resolute Bay, the HTO co-owns the Kiviuq fishing ship. We have been very grateful to the ship They are very happy in the community called the Kiviuq. There was a third right now because they got good help. instance where they took five hunters to Mr. Speaker, it is co-owned by four Devon Island. Mr. Speaker, the Kiviuq communities that own two ships called has helped Arctic Bay a lot. We don’t the Suvak and the Kiviuq. The have any caribou and that really helped communities who co-own these fishing
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 202 us. We even had a feast of shrimp from will be needed to actually renovate the the Kiviuq. building.
The Kiviuq is run by the HTO in Arctic It is not clear to me that this mental Bay and benefits the HTO and the health transition facility is a capital community. It also helps because freight priority based on an urgent and well- rates are really expensive now. If I want defined need. Mr. Speaker, Rankin Inlet to buy a boat or a snowmobile, the is in desperate need of an elders home. Kiviuq can bring it up for free. People At the moment, there are six Rankin ordering don’t have to pay any freight at Inlet elders living in facilities outside of all. That really helps our community. the community and they want to be home. We have a well-established need For Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, the for a known group of clients. The Kiviuq can bring up things for the stores children’s group home would be a and the prices don’t have to be further perfect facility to convert into an elders increased. We’re buying frozen food too home. and that really helps. We’re really grateful to the Kiviuq. Thank you, Mr. In addition, the need for a medical Speaker. boarding home in Rankin Inlet has long been recognized. I have also raised this >>Applause issue with the Minister of Health a number of times. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Speaker, the government needs to Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Alex invest its resources where they are most Sammurtok. needed. I appreciate that future plans for the Rankin Inlet Elders Facility may be Member’s Statement 043 – 4(3): in the works. However, the need is there Converting Children’s Group now and the opportunity to meet that Home in Rankin Inlet need exists. (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, I encourage the you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to government to reconsider its plans to encourage the government to reconsider renovate the children’s group home in its plans for the children’s group home Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. in Rankin Inlet. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you Members’ Statements. Member for will recall, this Assembly approved $1.5 (interpretation ends) South Baffin, Mr. million to renovate the former children’s Joanasie. group home in Rankin Inlet into a mental health transition facility. To date, no work has been done on this project, except for a consultant’s site analysis, which indicates that even more money
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Member’s Statement 044 – 4(3): South >>Applause Baffin High School Graduates of 2015 (Joanasie) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to everyone here and those listening and watching Member’s Statement 045 – 4(3): the proceedings. Sanikiluaq’s Table Tennis Team (Rumbolt) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and congratulate six constituents of mine and good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I rise who attained their high school diplomas today to recognize the Sanikiluaq Table this year. Tennis Team, which travelled to Iqaluit to compete in a tournament from Mr. Speaker, in Kimmirut, two young October 15 to 19 of this year. men, Brian Padluq and Allan Kolola, completed their grade 12 requirements Mr. Speaker, as you know, travel from this spring. It was an honour to celebrate Nunavut’s remote communities is with them and the community in June, extremely expensive for our athletes and shortly after our spring sitting. sports teams. It is a testament to their passion and dedication to their sport that, Mr. Speaker, after the high school on top of their training and ensuring that graduation ceremony, we were treated to they have good equipment, uniforms, some marimba music. It was very good and other gear, our athletes work very music, courtesy of the staff and students hard to raise the funds to enable them to at Qaqqalik School. I thank you all for a travel and compete, which is no small wonderful event. feat in itself.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, four Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize individuals from Cape Dorset finished the table tennis team of: their high school studies. Carmen Rowsell, Arnakadlak Pootoogook, Quetin Sala; Taiann Hayward, and Josephie Sila Johnassie Sala; celebrated with school staff, friends, Eli Sala; community members, and family. We Jimmy Mickiyuk; had a great celebration. That was just Mina Mannuk; days before the Peter Pitseolak School Alicia Arrarutaniaq; caught fire and we were able to do that. Betsy Audla; and Martha Novalinga I’m glad we were able to come together and commemorate these individuals’ The chaperones were Noah Emiqutalak achievements and I look forward to and Dora Kavik. joining future graduate celebrations in the years ahead. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, after all their hard work, Speaker. Sanikiluaq’s table tennis players did well. I would like to congratulate
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Johnassie Sala, who came in third, and Mr. Speaker. Betsy Audla, who came in fourth in the tournament. Both of these players are >>Applause listed as alternates for the Arctic Winter Games to be held in Greenland this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. coming March. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. >>Applause Member’s Statement 047 – 4(3): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Successful Environmental Clean- Members’ Statements. Member for up in Constituency (Keyootak) Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Member’s Statement 046 – 4(3): you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to PRIDE Celebration in Iqaluit congratulate and show my appreciation. (Okalik) As we know, in our community, Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): especially near Qikiqtarjuaq, they were Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back. cleaning up for many years on Inuit owned lands. When we signed to (interpretation ends) This past Saturday, become Nunavut, there were huge parts I was honoured to be invited for the of lands that needed cleaning up, Iqaluit PRIDE and celebration event at especially DEW line sites. There are the Storehouse. The event was the many of these sites around Qikiqtarjuaq. celebration of how far we have come as Qikiqtarjuaq is surrounded by DEW line a territory and as communities. sites and there were some near Clyde River. Those clean-ups have been I was very proud to be standing on the completed. stage with Jack Anawak, who was my colleague when we were discussing and Mr. Speaker, I would like to show my debating the Nunavut Human Rights appreciation to those who performed the Bill. I was very proud to reminisce how clean-up. They also trained heavy far we have come. equipment operators. Many people were trained on those machines working for When we were celebrating at the those companies. They cleaned up very Storehouse, a lot of people couldn’t even well. They built a bridge in Clyde River make it in. There were too many people and they built a road to where Clyde that wanted to come. I was very proud to River residents have cabins. They did be taking part in the celebration for some work around Qikiqtarjuaq and they everyone, as our territory is rather built more roads within the community. young, but at the same time, we’re very They left behind HF repeaters and these welcoming of all those who come our were items that were needed in the way. community.
I want to thank the organizers of the I truly appreciate them and I am proud of PRIDE celebration and all those who the people who returned the land to its took part. (interpretation) Thank you, natural state. There were huge tracks of
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 205 land that were contaminated and a lot of >>Applause it has been completed today. The contaminated soil has been cleaned up Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. along with the many old barrels. This Members’ Statements. Member for was a huge concern within our Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell- community. Kanayuk.
I rise here today to show my Member’s Statement 049 – 4(3): appreciation to the people who are now QIA’s 40th Anniversary (Ell- trained in heavy equipment operation. Kanayuk) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. >>Applause Speaker. I would also like to show my appreciation for the Qikiqtani Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Association for celebrating their 40th Members’ Statements. Member for anniversary here in Iqaluit recently. Aggu, Mr. Quassa. Three people were recognized and I was Member’s Statement 048 – 4(3): one of the people who collected the Opening of the Office of the award on behalf of my late father. I Representative for Children and wanted to show my appreciation to my Youth (Quassa) late father, Siusaarnaaq, who was one of the people recognized. The late Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Pauloosie Kilabuk was also recognized, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to as was Simon Nattaq. They were given welcome you on your return. I say recognition awards for their help to “hello” to the residents of Aggu and my Inuit. colleagues. Last weekend, we commemorated the Friday night, I was able to attend the ice that stuck around Iqaluit for a long opening ceremony of the new office of time this summer. A lot of us were only the (interpretation ends) representative able to get out by boats in the water in for children and youth. (interpretation) August. When my father’s old boat, We met the staff and there are nine “Black Jet,” was launched last weekend members. We celebrated with them for in Iqaluit, I wanted to announce it. That being able to open the new facility. boat helped a lot of people in Iqaluit, and I am extremely proud and happy that I would like to show my appreciation they were able to feed a lot of walrus to with my colleagues as this office is now Iqaluit residents over the weekend. I open and it’s obvious that they will be appreciate the hunters, although I won’t going to do their job. Minister Peterson mention their names, as well as the HTO has worked hard on this project, and I that organized the event, as there were celebrate with him that we were able to very many. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. open the office facility for the representative for children and youth. >>Applause Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. “create immediate benefits for our Members’ Statements. Member for Northern customers.” Mr. Speaker, I Tununiq, Mr. Enook. must say that I haven’t seen any benefits myself. Member’s Statement 050 – 4(3): Impact of Codeshare Agreement Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent (Enook) to conclude my statement. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back. Before I go Speaker: The member is seeking to my statement, (interpretation ends) let unanimous consent to conclude his me begin by giving my belated birthday Member’s Statement. Are there any wish to our colleague, Mr. Rumbolt, nays? (interpretation) I didn’t hear any who claims to be 36 all over again. I nays. Mr. Enook, please proceed. don’t know about that, but I would like to wish him all the best. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. (interpretation) Good afternoon to the people Pond Inlet and Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, I have heard numerous concerns from my Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the constituents and fellow Nunavummiut impact that the recent codeshare about the different ways in which the agreement between the northern airlines codeshare agreement has actually made has had on my constituents in the life significantly more difficult for community of Pond Inlet. ordinary people.
Mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying that As recently as yesterday, somebody told all of us understand perfectly well that it me a story that all the passengers is very expensive to run an airline, and it arriving from Rankin Inlet to Iqaluit is particularly expensive to run an airline were not allowed to take their suitcases. in the north. We fully understand that Is that a benefit? I don’t think so. They airlines, like any private concern, have to were probably coming here to work and make a profit to stay alive. to attend meetings, but not one was allowed to bring a suitcase. Where in At the same time, many of my Canada does that happen? In Nunavut, colleagues have joined me in pointing they do that to customers. out the need to clearly acknowledge that air service is not a luxury; it’s a Mr. Speaker, I am going to highlight necessity, which is why we need to some of the most critical areas today. I identify the problems that codeshare has will be speaking mostly about Pond caused for our communities and Inlet. constituents. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Mr. Speaker, when the codeshare frequency of flights between Pond Inlet, agreement was launched in July, one of Iqaluit, and Ottawa has been severely the major airlines publicly claimed that reduced as a consequence of the the new schedule would, and I quote, codeshare agreement. This has had a
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 207 ripple effect on everything from medical Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I asked a travel to cargo. number of questions to the Minister of Health earlier this year concerning the (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, residents of government’s contracts for medical Pond Inlet travelling to and from Ottawa travel and duty travel. The hon. minister for medical treatment used to be able to is also affected because he has already get there and back in a single today. The mentioned that it needs to be looked at recent reduction in service frequency again. now means that many of my constituents have to spend extra time in Iqaluit while Mr. Speaker, although Nunavummiut in transit. Is this a benefit to customers? recognize that the government does not I don’t think so. directly control the airline industry, we also recognize that the tens of millions Mr. Speaker, this, in turn, results in of dollars that the government spends increased medical travel costs for the each year on essential air travel gives us government, and we all know that this is an important stake in this issue. I think an area that is already under severe that the government needs to be able to pressure. talk on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also note the concern and I have been told about medical supplies and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. samples not being transported in a timely Members’ Statements. Member for manner or they’re delayed, and these are Arviat and Whale Cove, Mr. Kuksuk. daily requirements. Does this benefit the customer and my community? I don’t Member’s Statement 051 – 4(3): 2015 think so. High School Graduates of Whale Cove (Kuksuk) Mr. Speaker, I cannot identify a single way in which codeshare has benefited Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): my constituents or any resident of Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s Nunavut. good to see you back. Good afternoon, my fellow residents of Arviat, We talk about the importance of food Nunavummiut, and residents of Whale security and poverty reduction, but cargo Cove. costs are through the roof for everything since this codeshare agreement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the graduates in Whale Cove at Inuuglak We talk about the importance of tourism School. (interpretation ends) I am very as a sustainable source of economic proud of them for this accomplishment. growth. We get a lot of tourists in Pond Inlet, but how can we expect tourists to Mr. Speaker, I also want to say “thank visit our communities when it costs less you” to their families and to their to fly to Europe than it does to come up teachers and staff at the Inuuglak School north? It’s way less. for their support.
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(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will say >>Applause the names of the graduates in Whale Cove: Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Blandine Qijuk; Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson. Vanessa Siturak; Kayla Jones; Member’s Statement 053 – 4(3): Jolene Adjuk; and, Happy 75th Birthday to Johnny Marsha Qaugaarjuk. Lyall (Peterson)
(interpretation ends) Uqaqtii, I know it’s Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. not always easy today for our youth. I Speaker. Good afternoon, constituents in really want to say “good job” to these Cambridge Bay. young people for all their hard work and I wish them all the best in their future. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. milestone birthday for a very dear and (interpretation ends) Thank you. good friend of mine that I have known for what seems like most of my life, and >>Applause it is Mr. Johnny Lyall. He celebrated his 75th birthday earlier this month. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for >>Applause Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike. The interesting thing about Mr. Lyall, or Member’s Statement 052 – 4(3): Johnny, as most of us know in Nunavut Tourism Awards (Mike) Cambridge Bay, is even though he has reached this milestone, he is still Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): working. He’s probably one of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also hardest working guys in Cambridge Bay. like to thank you for the opportunity. Over his 75 years, he’s had many Good afternoon to the people of careers. I know of some of them. He has Pangnirtung and Nunavut. been an Inuit special constable in Nunavut. He has been a fishing guide. This Saturday, the Members of the He has been on the hamlet council. Legislative Assembly were invited to an When I was mayor, he was a councillor event organized by Nunavut Tourism. I giving me some good advice on things. would like to thank the Minister of He’s a taxi driver now and you can Economic Development, Minister Ell- always see him driving around town. Kanayuk and her husband for inviting us. We also had Hunter Tootoo, the new A few years ago, Johnny came to me Nunavut MP-elect, our Commissioner, with an important initiative in the Member for Baker Lake, the member Cambridge Bay to recognize Inuit for Niaqunnguut, and the member for special constables from our community. Tasiluk. At that time, we had discussions We didn’t have RCMP headstones. We and a feast. I am very grateful, Mr. worked together on that project. Of the Speaker. Thank you. four names that we identified, we got
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 209 headstones for three of them. It’s very (interpretation) and please rise when I nice to drive by the cemetery and see say your names: those headstones there. I would like to thank Johnny for that support. Clara Akulujuk, Madison Cormack, I wish Johnny a happy birthday and to Celina Kalluk, the elders in Cambridge Bay and across Jimi Paton, Nunavut who will celebrate their Geela Reid, birthdays this month. If you’re still Megan Ungaalak. working and you’re 75, I hope your boss gives you a day off. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Of course, their Speaker. instructor is Margaret Pearce.
>>Applause These students are currently taking the sociology of the family course and using Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. as a resource, Arnait Nipingit: Voices of Members’ Statements. I have no more Inuit Women in Leadership and names on my list. We will move on. Governance. (interpretation) I ask the Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. members to join me in congratulating (interpretation ends) Item 5. Recognition these individuals. Thank you, Mr. of Visitors in the Gallery. Speaker. (interpretation) Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. >>Applause
Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to Gallery the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit- Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk. Speaker. (interpretation) I would like to recognize Cindy Twerdin. Welcome to Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk the House. Cindy works at Canadian (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. North and she is my constituent. Speaker. I would also like to recognize an individual that was recognized >>Applause already, my sister-in-law, Jimi Paton. Welcome to the gallery. Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in >>Applause the Gallery. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa. Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. the Gallery. I have no more names on Speaker. I would like to recognize the my list. Moving on. Item 6. Oral Nunavut Teacher Education Program Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. students and their instructor from Isaac Shooyook. Nunatta Campus. In the visitors’ gallery are the following students,
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Item 6: Oral Questions Your first supplementary, Mr. Shooyook. Question 047 – 4(3): Nunavut Suicide Crisis Announcement (Shooyook) Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank the Premier very much. Suicide is of you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased great concern to the territory of Nunavut today and I have to make some and it’s crucial that we set up some comments today. I would like to direct suicide prevention programs in Nunavut, my questions to the Premier. both in the larger and smaller communities. I am very pleased that the Mr. Speaker, this past week, we had Premier has already taken some discussions on suicide and I heard initiatives. something that I really liked. You said that suicide was in crisis in Nunavut We also have to think about the elders now. I would like to ask the Premier and their participation in the programs. about the plans he has for suicide There are Inuit out there who have never prevention in Nunavut. participated in any training programs, but they do know the traditional social What usually happens is that any skills and know how to deal with things program that’s started is usually started such as suicide prevention. I would like in the larger communities. What about to ask the Premier if he is going to have the smaller communities? Is it only when the elders participate. Thank you, Mr. programs are set up in the larger Speaker. communities that you will start thinking about suicide prevention programs in the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. smaller communities? I hope you (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier understood my question. Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. Chairman. Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As we set up (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. the committee, we will have elders on Taptuna. the committee as well. As soon as we find out how much it’s going to cost to Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): put this committee together… . Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking a question about that. (interpretation ends) Regardless of Mr. Speaker, the other day, I stated that which community, we want to include as soon as we meet in the next few days, all the communities in Nunavut. Mr. we will know the chair and we will work Speaker, as I indicated, once the on suicide prevention. It’s not only in committee is set up and the coordination Rankin Inlet. We hope to meet with the person has been set up, we will people in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge endeavour to ensure that all participants Bay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. within the committee participate.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
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When it comes to training, we’re starting Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. the process of training the GLOs in the Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you for ASIST program and we intend to do that that question. In the coming year, as throughout. Again, once the committee soon as we find out the funding and once is set up, we’re going to include elders. we have identified the processes and For that very matter, we have included action items for Nunavut and for those culture within the committee. who are having difficulties within our communities, we will look into this very Of course, the committee is going to be carefully. In 2016, we will let you know chaired by the Minister of Health. From for the people of Nunavut… . there, once everything is identified, we’re going to be inclusive to all age (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, once groups and to all communities of we have identified the processes and Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, action items through the Mr. Chairman. recommendations of the suicide inquest, we will certainly announce to the House Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. during our winter session in 2016. Thank Your final supplementary, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Shooyook. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Oral Questions. Member for South you, Mr. Chairman. It is something Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. that’s crucial and I’m very excited that we’re taking the initiative to start Question 048 – 4(3): School Bus working on suicide prevention. Of Inspections (Joanasie) course, we have to factor in the cost, but it is of high importance to set up that Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank program. We can’t keep deferring it you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I because there are going to be suicides in would like to direct my questions to the the coming years. Minister of Education today.
I would like to see in the year 2015 some Mr. Speaker, this summer, a suicide prevention and awareness Government of Nunavut public service programs during your term as Premier. I announcement addressed the issue of would like to see this crisis dealt with as school bus inspections. The soon as possible. There are a lot of us announcement stated, and I quote, “The who have lost loved ones and relatives to Government of Nunavut is ensuring suicides. I am urging the government to school buses are safe.” set up programs in the year 2015. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the public service announcement indicated that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. district education authorities would have (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. to submit completed school bus Taptuna. mechanical inspection certificates to the Motor Vehicles Division of the
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Department of Economic Development own their own school bus, how many and Transportation. school buses are owned by the Government of Nunavut, and how many Can the Minister of Education confirm school busing services are contracted to that all district education authorities private companies? Thank you, Mr. were able to submit the appropriate Speaker. certification and, if not, what assistance does his department provide to ensure Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, that the appropriate documentation is Mr. Quassa. obtained and submitted? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. thank the member. It varies in different Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa. communities. In some communities, for example, in Iqaluit, R.L. Hanson Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): operates the school buses. They have the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also contract. As I stated, the communities like to thank the member for that are different. In some, the DEAs are question. This last summer, on August 4, operating the school buses. 2015, the Motor Vehicles Division from the Department of Economic In Cape Dorset, for example, the DEA Development did inspections on all has the contract for providing school buses and they said that they would busing services. In the majority of complete a certificate inspection. This communities, the DEAs hold the decision was made and I believe the contract for busing services. The member is asking in regard to that. In minority of them are operated by private Cape Dorset, I know that there are two businesses. As I stated before and using school buses. The smaller bus is used for Iqaluit as an example, the busing people with disabilities and the other bus services are provided by R.L. Hanson. In is regular. As I stated, they will require a Pond Inlet, it is the Tununiq Sauniq Co- certificate in order to be on the road. op that has the contract for providing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. school busing services. In Pangnirtung, Qijuk Construction Ltd. provides busing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. services. In Kimmirut, the community Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. runs their own school busing service.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Let us be aware that if the communities you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to require a bus, they need to have a proper thank the minister for his answer. Mr. space for buses. They have to estimate Speaker, busing services are provided how many students there are and how far differently in different communities. In the school is in the community. Those fact, in the community of Cape Dorset, are the criteria we use. I can also say that the principal had a very hard time we are looking at which communities finding out which entity actually owned have older buses and we are doing a the school bus. Can the minister provide comprehensive review so that we can an update on how many communities start planning for who will need new
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 213 buses in the future. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) Member for Rankin Speaker. Inlet, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok.
Speaker (interpretation): If you have a Question 049 – 4(3): Converting question, please ask one question at a Children’s Group Home in Rankin time during question period. Don’t ask Inlet (Sammurtok) more than one question at a time. Thank you. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Member Joanasie, please proceed. my question to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as I you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to mentioned in my Member’s Statement, thank the minister for his response. Mr. this Assembly approved funding to Speaker, the public service renovate the Rankin Inlet Children’s announcement I spoke of stated that the Group Home, but to date, no government will ensure school bus construction work has been done. Can safety. I would like to ask the minister if the minister provide an update on the he can confirm that this government is current status of this project? Thank you, committed to paying for the repairs and Mr. Speaker. maintenance necessary to keep our buses safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of Health, Mr. Okalik. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa. Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I had Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated looked into this. The estimates were not before, the contracts vary from exact, so they are now trying to produce community to community. Sometimes a more accurate estimate to convert the the DEAs are responsible for providing children’s group home into a mental school buses. In those cases, they need health transition facility. Thank you, Mr. to monitor the condition of their buses. Speaker. All the buses should be maintained properly and should be safe. If we are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. using their buses, they have to be Your first supplementary, Mr. maintained and they have to be safe for Sammurtok. the children to use. That is our policy. As I stated before, the contracts for Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. providing busing services in the Speaker. Rankin Inlet is in desperate communities vary, and the buses have to need of an elders home. Six Rankin Inlet be safe in all communities of Nunavut. elders are living in facilities outside of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. their community and they want to come home. Can the minister clarify what Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. steps would be required to convert the (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 214 children’s group home into an elders assistance when they’re dealing with home? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. mental health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Sammurtok. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They already have a plan to make sure that this will be Question 050 – 4(3): Status of Fuel used for mental health and we will Price (Sammurtok, T) continue to proceed with our plan in that regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. ends) My question is to the Minister of Your final supplementary, Mr. Community and Government Services. Sammurtok. (interpretation) On October 21 of last Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. year, the Legislative Assembly was Speaker. When it comes to infrastructure informed that the price of fuel would be priorities, the community of Rankin Inlet remaining stable. The annual fuel needs an elders group home and a resupply season is coming to an end. The boarding home for medical travel clients. world price of oil has dropped. When Will the minister commit to reviewing will the minister be announcing this the plans to renovate the Rankin Inlet year’s fuel price? Thank you, Mr. Children’s Group Home and consider Speaker. converting it to an elders group home or a boarding home instead of a mental Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. health transition facility? Thank you, (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Speaker. of Community and Government Services, Mr. Mike. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): of Health, Mr. Okalik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for that question. I would also Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): like to thank him when he was the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated minister. The global fuel price went before, the facility will be used for down and he pre-purchased the fuel at a mental health transition. Mental health is cheaper price. Yes, we’re moving ahead very important and we need to move with that and the delivery of fuel to the forward with mental health programs. communities is coming to an end. We This Assembly made mental health a can say and we understand that we still priority and we are doing our part to have leftover fuel from last year and support it. We will continue to work to we’re still using the old price for that. achieve our target for a mental health For the new fuel and diesel being transition facility and we need to provide delivered to the communities, once we support to the people who require know how much we have left over from
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 215 last year, we will come up with the price. Nunavut for jet fuel will increase or Thank you, Mr. Speaker. decrease over the coming year? Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Sammurtok. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Community and Government Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Services, Mr. Mike. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, I was going to say to my fellow residents of Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my they are in my thoughts as we have lost a colleague for that question. Yes, we will loved one. have to do that. Once we know all the information that we have to know, we (interpretation ends) In recent years, the will have to announce the prices for this Petroleum Products Division of the coming winter, if not this fall. Thank Department of Community and you. Government Services has worked to reduce the price that consumers pay in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut through such strategies as pre- Oral Questions. Member for purchasing supplies, as the minister Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. indicated in his first response. Can the minister indicate how much money the Question 051 – 4(3): Baffin Island government has saved over the past year Caribou and Polar Bear Studies through this strategy? (interpretation) (Keyootak) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. directed to the Minister of Environment. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Mike. Today, we are aware that caribou hunting has been under a moratorium, Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): and we know that animals are studied. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From our Caribou and polar bears in particular understanding, around $30 million has have been studied on our lands. Has been saved through pre-purchasing. It’s there been any planning or is there going by buying cheaper fuel from last year. to be another caribou survey due to the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. lack of caribou in the Baffin region? Have you made any plans to do another Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. survey? That is what I would like to ask Your final supplementary, Mr. the minister first. Thank you, Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. minister clarify whether or not the price that consumers and airlines pay in Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation):
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my airplanes or helicopters are used for that colleague for that question. When there purpose. I can look into what he is was a caribou hunting moratorium, talking about regarding the two-bladed NWMB was planning to hold a hearing helicopters. As to when that information and people were asking questions about came out, I will check to see if they are the moratorium. We went through the used or not. I can bring that information moratorium and we had always told to the House once I get it. Thank you, people that there would be another Mr. Speaker. caribou survey in the Baffin. The survey started in September and that’s how it is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank direct answer, Mr. Minister. Last year, you, Mr. Speaker. When there is a they used snowmobiles to conduct their survey or a study going on, they study. At that time, it was about caribou normally use helicopters to count in the Baffin region. Will that be utilized animals. We are worried about that. again, doing land surveys along with air Many people are worried about the use surveys or will this just be an aerial of helicopters to do surveys. The ones survey? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that are used are extremely loud. Stories have been told where polar bears that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. were surveyed by helicopter had Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. bleeding ears from the loudness of the helicopter engines. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for Mr. Speaker, the two-blade helicopters that question, Member for Uqqummiut. that they use are very loud, but three- Since this spring, I have been saying that blade helicopters are not as loud. Can we the 2015 study, which started last month, make sure that the two-blade helicopters will continue in October. There haven’t are no longer used because their been many snowmobiles used because of propeller noise is a lot louder than the the conditions. three-bladed ones? They make animals’ ears bleed. Will the same helicopters be What I’m saying is that the caribou used for wildlife studies? Thank you, survey is just continuing in the Baffin. Mr. Speaker. We were thinking more along the lines that caribou tend to herd in early fall. As Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I am the minister, I thought it would be (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister the best time before they spread out all of Environment, Mr. Mike. over the place. Right now, they’re in herds. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Worrisome Doing surveys on land by snowmobiles things that are used for studies like that, usually takes place during the winter.
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After we see how the survey is going included in that program. Thank you, and once we get indications of how Mr. Speaker. many caribou there are in the Baffin, we will give you more information as to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. next part of the survey. Thank you, Mr. Your first supplementary, Ms. Speaker. Angnakak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Speaker. I thank the minister for his Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. response. In April of this year, a resident of Iqaluit was required to pay a Question 052 – 4(3): Inspections of significant amount of money to address a Domestic Heating Fuel Tanks spill that occurred due to a (Angnakak) malfunctioning fuel tank. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Mr. Speaker, I recognize that under the Minister of Environment. We will keep current legislation and regulations, him in the hot seat today. homeowners are responsible for “ensuring that heating oil tank and On May 29, 2015, the minister tabled his accessories are kept in good working department’s 2014-15 report on its order and are in compliance with current administration of the Environmental environmental and other regulations and Protection Act. According to this report, codes of practice.” However, not all the department completed 364 fuel tank homeowners have the expertise to inspections in Nunavut during the 2014- inspect and recognize specific 15 fiscal year. malfunctions within a heating oil tank system. Can the minister clarify if these inspections were only performed on I also recognize that the department government owned buildings or if his offers and provides free inspections of department also performed inspections fuel tanks at the request of the on fuel tanks owned by homeowners homeowner. within the territory? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister indicate if his department will consider performing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. regular inspections of domestic fuel (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister tanks to prevent costly oil spills from of Environment, Mr. Mike. occurring, on a regular basis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. colleague for that question. That Act is (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister for that purpose, for people’s homes. It of Environment, Mr. Mike. includes private homes as well. That program continues. Private homes are Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 218 environment has to be protected and your question. I once went home and homeowners are responsible. My staff there was a notice saying that I had to went ahead and completed their work contact a certain person and it had a this summer. We have to be aware of the phone number and address on it. Those environmental risks and homeowners are notifications of what we’re talking have to help because not everybody about. knows what’s happening. The community HTOs or hunters or As to the situation you were talking conservation officers can help along in about in 2011, I can look into that and this regard as well and they have helped respond to you once I get that in the past. In your constituency, people information. I know that environmental have had trouble with their fuel tanks, protection is considered very important but this program has been running for and the Environmental Protection Act the purpose of protecting the has to be adhered to properly. I will look environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. into the guide the department issued in 2011 that you were talking about. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Speaker. I thank the minister. It’s encouraging to hear his response. In Question 053 – 4(3): Medical 2011, the department issued a guide and Examinations to Obtain Driver’s I have a copy of it here. This guide is for Licences (Hickes) homeowners. I guess it’s to look at their heating oil tanks for homeowners in an Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I effort to reduce the number of spills would like to direct my question today to from domestic heating oil tanks. the Minister of Health.
Can the minister indicate what other Mr. Speaker, for motor vehicles special initiatives his department is undertaking licences in classes 4 through 1, a medical to inform homeowners of their legal exam is required for eligibility to receive responsibilities regarding heating oil a special class licence. I would like to tanks and spills? Thank you, Mr. ask the minister if the same medical Speaker. exam and parameters are used across territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People have to Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): be well aware of this. I can use myself as Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation an example. I own my home and it has a ends) From what I understand, where garage separate from the house. I there is a medical requirement, the received a letter about that garage and person that is requiring the licence
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 219 usually arranges it with the company Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. involved and the company bears the cost Maybe while the minister is reviewing of those exams. As to how they are the matter and the differences in cost and administered, I can’t answer that right if there could be some way of now. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. standardizing this cost across the board Speaker. so that the costs are fair for all Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response. I Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): caught most of it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I cannot predetermine what the From what I understand, there is an costs will be for each instance, so I will agency that establishes the costs and that review it thoroughly and make sure that was kind of where I was leading to, Mr. we consider all options. (interpretation) Speaker. I recently had the opportunity Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of helping a constituent navigate a little bit through the process here in Iqaluit. In Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. my research, I found that there is quite a Oral Questions. Member for Hudson substantial difference in costs of these Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. medical exams across the territory. Question 054 – 4(3): Status of An example, here in Iqaluit, it is $64 to Sanikiluaq’s New Sewage Lagoon get this medical exam, yet in Arctic Bay, (Rumbolt) it is $390, which is more than six times Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the cost it is here in Iqaluit. I was I would like to direct my questions to the wondering if the minister would be able Minister of Community and Government to explain the difference in costing from Services. community to community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that the department received Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. correspondence from the federal minister (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for transportation concerning of Health, Mr. Okalik. the new sewage lagoon location in Sanikiluaq. This correspondence Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): indicates that the new sewage lagoon Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation project is not exempt from the ends) I would like to get more details on Sanikiluaq Airport Zoning Regulations the difference, so I will review this and that the department will have to look matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. at other locations for the project. Speaker. As the minister is well aware, the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. community of Sanikiluaq is located on Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. the northernmost area of Flaherty Island,
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 220 with the ocean in front of the community Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and the community’s freshwater source Minister of Community and Government is directly behind the community. There Services, Mr. Mike. doesn’t appear to be many locations where a sewage lagoon can be Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): constructed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I just want to reiterate the first Can the minister indicate the extent to answer I have was that CGS is re- which the zoning regulations will limit evaluating the planning for this project possible locations for the new sewage and conducting a thorough technical, lagoon in Sanikiluaq? Thank you, Mr. operational, and needs analysis as well Speaker. as regulatory review to determine the appropriate scope of work and the path Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. forward. Also, we are working with the (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister hamlet and we have informed the hamlet of Community and Government as we progress with this project. Services, Mr. Mike. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. colleague for that question. Yes, this required quite a bit of work because of Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. transportation rules in Canada. My As the minister is aware, this sewage department is further reviewing this lagoon project has been on the books for issue on what is being planned regarding many years and has faced many delays. his question, especially on how it would operate and exactly what would be Given the recent information provided needed to follow regulations. Moving by Transport Canada, can the minister forward from the project start, there will indicate when his department plans to be… . Mr. Speaker, that’s my answer. begin and complete the construction of Thank you. this new sewage lagoon? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of Community and Government I’m not sure if it was lost in translation Services, Mr. Mike. or not, but I did not really understand the answer that the minister gave. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated Can the minister confirm if his earlier, we’re doing a further review. On department is currently working with the July 27, 2015, the Department of Municipality of Sanikiluaq in seeking Community and Government Services possible locations for the new sewage worked on the sewage lagoon in lagoon in Sanikiluaq? Thank you, Mr. Sanikiluaq and how we can do Speaker. something on the side because it was
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 221 refused by Transport Canada before. It’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. moving forward right now. Once we (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister have a definite answer, I can provide it of Community and Government to the member as soon as possible. Services, Mr. Mike. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Oral Questions. Member for Arviat, Mr. member from Arviat for asking that Savikataaq. question. Yes, I know the residents of Arviat have been concerned about water Question 055 – 4(3): Update on delivery for a long time. The water pump Arviat’s Water Pump Station station is really slow and we have found (Savikataaq) that out. There was a study done on it Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. that identified that this pump station Speaker. I would like to keep the same needs to be replaced so the problems can minister on the hot seat. I would like to be rectified. Right now, I can state that direct my questions to the Minister of the study results on how it would be set Community and Government Services. up and the options available to the hamlet council are available now. Thank Mr. Speaker, on a number of occasions, I you, Mr. Speaker. have raised concerns about Arviat needing an additional water pump Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. station at its water treatment facility. To Your first supplementary, Mr. date, Arviat still has only one pump Savikataaq. station, a slow one at that, which does not accommodate the demand for water Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. delivery in the community. Speaker. I asked the minister when a new water treatment plant will be Mr. Speaker, the municipality previously installed and I didn’t receive an answer had all of its water truck tanks filled at at all. He stated that he knows there’s a the end of the day in order to begin problem, he’s talking to the hamlet, the water delivery as soon as possible in the hamlet knows there’s a problem, and the morning and for backup for the fire people who never get their water in a truck. Now, to make matters worse, the day know there’s a problem. What I municipality has recently been informed asked him was: when are they going to that these trucks must remain empty get a new water pump station? overnight. As a result, municipal services often are not met in a timely I have in my hand a letter from the manner, and the amount of water that minister stating that, and I’ll quote him, needs to be delivered in a day is not “A planning study was completed in possible. 2015, and the design of a new or upgraded water pump station will Can the minister provide a clear date by commence this fiscal year for anticipated which the department will install a new tender in March of 2016.” I’ll ask the water pump station in Arviat? Thank minister: is this tender going ahead by you, Mr. Speaker. March 2016 for delivery of the new
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 222 water pump station by the summer of Hon. Johnny Mike: Thank you. Mr. 2016? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker, I said that the design will start this year, 2015-16. When the design is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. completed and the funding is available, Minister of Community and Government the project will be tendered for Services, Mr. Mike. construction. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I only mentioned that the CGS Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. has consulted with the hamlet council Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. about the feasibility study and presented Mapsalak. the design options to the hamlet to make sure the upgrades will meet their operational needs. (interpretation) With Question 056 – 4(3): Swimming Pools respect to what the state will be during in Nunavut (Mapsalak) the 2015-16 fiscal year, once that study has been completed and if funding is Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank going to be available, the request for you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct proposals will be made public during my questions to the (interpretation ends) this fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Community and Government Services. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, it is Savikataaq. important for the well-being of our communities and youth that residents Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. have access to recreation facilities. This Speaker. I still didn’t hear an answer for is an issue that I have brought up on my question from the minister. I heard a more than one occasion because I response and I think his response said believe that the construction of that the work will go ahead if there’s swimming pools would provide youth in money. For clarity, I just want to know Nunavut with more access to recreation because the people of Arviat need their activities during the summer. Access to a water like everyone else and we just swimming pool would also allow can’t do it anymore with the pump that’s communities to develop public safety there. It’s very hard. Is the minister programs to teach youth and adults to stating that the tender is going to go out swim. in March of 2016 for a new water fill station if the money is in the budget? On March 10, 2010, the minister of the Thank you. day tabled the department’s Swimming Pool Access Review, which provides Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. information on the feasibility and costs (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of constructing swimming pools in of Community and Government Nunavut. Services, Mr. Mike. Can the minister indicate if his department is currently looking into the
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 223 possibility of constructing new Will the minister commit to delivering swimming pools in Nunavut? Did they more pre-employment training programs do a feasibility study and costs of in Gjoa Haven this year? Thank you, Mr. constructing swimming pools? Is it still Speaker. in the works with your department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (Interpretation) The Hon. Minister Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Paul Quassa. of Community and Government Services, Mr. Mike. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): member for that question. There are 10 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Nunavut, other communities that have the NTEP swimming pools are in operation in program and they used to have the some of the communities. Since this was NTEP program in Gjoa Haven. We do brought up in 2010, I can’t really answer keep urging Arctic College to make sure your question, but I will look into it and they deliver the programs. Sometimes take this question as notice. Thank you, we ask for particular programs, but we Mr. Speaker. are unable to provide them due to a lack of instructors or some other deficiency in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the program. We would like to see more (interpretation ends) The minister has Inuit teachers in Nunavut. We don’t taken the question as notice and I will close the programs. They are open and move to the next member on my list. accessible in all communities. Thank (interpretation) Oral Questions. Member you, Mr. Speaker. for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Tony Akoak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 057 – 4(3): Need for Your first supplementary, Mr. Akoak. Improved Adult Basic Education (Akoak) Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Literacy is a critical issue for Nunavut. Good afternoon to Uqhuqtuurmiut. Mr. Studies have shown that more than half Speaker, I would like to direct my of Nunavut’s working age population question to the Minister responsible for struggles with serious literacy Nunavut Arctic College. challenges. Can the minister describe what kinds of literacy and adult basic Mr. Speaker, a key focus of the education programs could be offered at government’s Sivumut Abluqta Mandate Nunavut Arctic College’s community is education. However, it does not seem learning centres to help Nunavummiut to be a true priority. Nunavut Arctic meet the minimum levels required for College’s community learning centre in them to get jobs? Thank you, Mr. Gjoa Haven has empty classrooms this Speaker. fall with very little planned to follow the recently completed NTEP program. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 224 responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quassa. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Mr. Quassa. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank the member for asking this Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): very important question regarding Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for literacy in Nunavut. It is one of the lobbying the government regarding adult priorities of our department and education and literacy, which is Nunavut. We are currently reviewing our important. I urge all communities, as programs at Nunavut Arctic College and they all have adult learning centres, to what is available and how we can provide more options for Arctic College improve them. We are looking at other students to utilize the programs that are options and avenues currently not being made available. It’s open to anybody in used. It is very true that literacy is a the community. We will be doing critical issue and this is high on our promotional work in order to use the priority list in the department. adult learning centres.
I would like the members to be well Also, Arctic College centres usually ask aware that literacy is one of the top the residents about what types of priorities. You have to be able to read programs they would like offered in their and comprehend in order to be able to community. They ask those types of access jobs. There are different programs questions so that they can facilitate what being provided. There is adult basic is needed at the community level. They education, which is a priority in the would like to see what the priority is and programs if they’re going to be what the needs are. They are available. furthering their education. I would like Arctic College is very open in all to reiterate that literacy is a critical issue communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. within our department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Akoak. Motion 006 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Far too many Nunavummiut do not have Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, the minimum level of skills, such as pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move, numeracy and literacy, required for them seconded by the Member for Tununiq, to participate in a modern knowledge- that the time allotted for Oral Questions based economy. What commitments can be extended. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the minister make to the residents of Gjoa Haven to improve their Speaker (interpretation): Thank you opportunities to receive the kind of (interpretation ends) The motion is in training and education that they need to order and is not subject to debate. All help them get jobs? Thank you, Mr. those in favour. (interpretation) Thank Speaker. you. (interpretation ends) Opposed.
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>>Laughter Speaker. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for the motion to extend question period to The motion is carried and question get at me. period is extended for an additional 30 minutes. (interpretation) Going back to Mr. Speaker, the new government was the orders of the day. Oral Questions. only elected last week. It hasn’t been Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simeon sworn in yet and I don’t know who the Mikkungwak. Minister of Finance will be. That particular issue isn’t something that’s on >>Laughter my radar.
Question 058 – 4(3): Tax Policy As I have explained before in the House, (Mikkungwak) for these large mining companies, Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. multinational, international mining Speaker. My questions today are for the companies, their head offices are located Minister of Finance. elsewhere and it’s very difficult for us to collect corporate taxes. One of the As the minister is aware, we have a mechanisms that we do have to use is producing gold mine near Baker Lake, a payroll taxes, which we have been producing iron ore mine near Pond Inlet, availing ourselves of over the years. and a new gold mine coming into Thank you, Mr. Speaker. production, we hope, in the near future near Rankin Inlet. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Earlier this year, the minister delivered Mikkungwak. his annual Budget Address and released the government’s annual set of Fiscal Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. and Economic Indicators. This Speaker. The minister just flowed right publication stated, and I quote, “It is into my next supplementary question important to note that mining firms here. Can the minister provide the House themselves will likely not pay much today with a rough approximation of income tax in the short term, as how much revenue has been raised by Canadian law provides significant the Government of Nunavut in corporate flexibility in terms of when and where income taxes paid directly by mining mining companies pay taxes.” companies over the past five years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister indicate whether or not he will be lobbying his new federal Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. counterpart to change this aspect of (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister federal tax law? Thank you, Mr. of Finance, Mr. Peterson. Speaker. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I can’t provide that level of Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson. detail right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 059 – 4(3): Baffin Island Your final supplementary, Mr. Caribou (Enook) Mikkungwak. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Speaker. The government’s annual set of Minister of Environment. My questions Fiscal and Economic Indicators also will be based on the Blues for Friday, indicated, and again I quote, “As the October 23. I know the Blues are not the sector continues to develop we expect final Hansard, but I will base my the firms in Nunavut that support mining questions on page 21 of the Inuktitut (construction, logistics, transportation, version. etc.). will generate higher profits and tax revenues.” Can the minister indicate We are all aware that in Nunavut, in the whether he is presently considering Baffin region, we have had problems making changes in his 2016 budget to with caribou hunting and there’s a the corporate income tax rates paid by caribou moratorium. We would all like companies operating in Nunavut? Thank to know what the future holds for that. you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to a question a member asked Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. on page 24 in English and on page 21 in Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson. Inuktitut Blues, Mr. Hickes had asked a question regarding the caribou Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. moratorium or caribou harvesting. Let Speaker. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for me read the response. Minister Mike the question. Mr. Speaker, as the responded by saying, and I quote, “We member knows, the Government of have been working on wildlife Nunavut, all departments and territorial legislation in regard to caribou on Baffin corporations are currently working on Island.” Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask our budget projections and have been the minister: what is that trying to say? working on them for several months and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. we will continue working on them. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I assure the member that we will be (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister taking a close look at all the taxes that of Environment, Mr. Mike. we collect from our various tax programs to see what taxes we will be Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): getting from corporate taxes, payroll Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t really taxes, personal taxes, tobacco taxes, fuel remember Mr. Hickes’ question in taxes, and all other kinds of taxes. I can detail. I didn’t re-read the Hansard and I assure Mr. Mikkungwak that we’re don’t remember exactly what the working on all of those areas. Thank question was. Therefore, I don’t you, Mr. Speaker. remember the response I had given.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I believe what I was trying to say was Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, that the caribou moratorium was Mr. Enook. initiated before the new Wildlife Act or
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 227 regulations were enacted. After the new caribou. Once the tags have been regulations or legislation was enacted on depleted, if there was no change in the July 1, for the first time in Nunavut, we decision, the new fiscal year begins on started enacting and using the new July 1 and then at the end of the fiscal wildlife legislation. At the time when I year, there will be another 250 tags announced the caribou moratorium on available at that time. Thank you, Mr. January 1, we were using the old Speaker. Nunavut legislation. I believe that at that time, I was trying to allude to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut legislation, the new Wildlife Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. Act. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, However, I can’t really recall in detail Mr. Speaker. So we’re all on the same what question was posed and I page and so we will all have the same apologize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. understanding, once the 250 caribou tags have been depleted, if there’s no other Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. decision made prior to July 1, we will no Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook. longer be able to harvest caribou. Is that what the minister is saying? Who is Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, going to make a decision? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps I’ll ask it from a Mr. Speaker. different angle. In the Baffin region, we have 250 TAH for caribou. My question Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. is: once the 250 TAH has been depleted, Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. what occurs after that? Is there going to be another moratorium on caribou? Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier when there was a question posed Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. in regard to caribou management, since Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. last month, we have been doing a study or survey and once we get the results, we Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): will have a better idea. They’re going to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my analyze the survey results. Once we colleague for that question. The Nunavut finish analyzing the survey or report, Wildlife Management Board held they can make a decision prior to July 1. hearings in regard to Qikiqtaaluk Thank you, Mr. Speaker. wildlife and they consulted with the Baffin region people in March. We work Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. with other co-management partners in Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, wildlife. They considered 250 tags for Mr. Shooyook. the total allowable harvest of caribou. That was the recommendation made by Question 060 – 4(3): Baffin Island the Nunavut Wildlife Management Caribou (Shooyook) Board. They didn’t state if they will make any more tags available, but the Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank total allowable harvest was 250 for male you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to ask
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 228 another question. I believe today is the harvest male caribou. That’s how the Minister of Environment’s day, so I decision came to have an all-male TAH would like to direct my question to him. of 250 caribou. The recommendation Though I understood Mr. Enook’s was made to my department from the questions, I do have an additional Nunavut Wildlife Management Board question on the same topic. through the hearing process. I believe that the figure and the decision came out I understood what the minister said. I through that process. Thank you, Mr. know that we are only are allowed to Speaker. harvest male caribou. Why did they set that rule? Elders were not considered Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. when they made that decision and I am Your first supplementary, Mr. not very pleased about that because we Shooyook. harvest the caribou and we like to have caribou that the elders crave. Who made Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank the decision to harvest only male you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister caribou, and why is it that we only for his good response. I have a “but.” harvest male caribou? Does the Although I understand it was based on department believe that when we harvest the people who made the female caribou, their population would recommendation or decision, according start declining? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to Inuit traditional knowledge, we shouldn’t be overly concerned in regard Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to caribou management in the Baffin Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. region. Prior to me being born, there were no caribou for the first 15 years of Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): my life. There were no caribou in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Nunavut and we didn’t eat caribou meat colleague for asking that question. As I for all those years. stated before, during the hearings of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board on There’s one thing as a government that Qikiqtaaluk caribou, the Nunavut we should take note of. I have seen old Wildlife Management Board invited the female caribou. They have very good knowledge-holders of caribou, which are meat, but now during the mating season, elders. They were invited to the caribou they start losing their fat and the meat management hearing. The HTOs of the will not taste as good. The old female Baffin region and the RWO of caribou will be nice and fat, and they are Qikiqtaaluk were invited. Government very delicious. Sometimes they’re so old officials were also invited as well as they have very good antlers, like the bull representatives from NTI. They all went caribou. to the NWMB hearing. For that reason, what I would like to see I believe and I trust that the Nunavut is when the TAH of the 250 caribou Wildlife Management Board followed have been depleted, perhaps include the the comments or the submissions that harvest of dry cow caribou and put a were made by the other parties because TAH on that so that we can provide they recommended that they only good food for the elderly who crave it,
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 229 or get them to actually harvest calves. the first groups to be notified when Would we be able to harvest those kinds there’s a concern about wildlife, and of caribou before the moratorium is that’s in the land claims agreement. lifted? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because of that, that’s the way it is and that’s why I am saying that. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. I totally understand what the member is saying. However, as a government, we Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): cannot make our own decisions now Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for when it comes to that kind of issue. explaining that, my colleague. From my Thank you, Mr. Speaker. late father, I have heard about the previous caribou moratoriums. They Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. were told in those years not to harvest Your final supplementary, Mr. females. That was before I was born, Shooyook. obviously. We have heard that from many years ago. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. Today, when we work under As a government, we try to work very agreements, the Nunavut government hard for the people that we represent, but cannot make rules for animals on its own then there is the Nunavut Wildlife now. We can say and do all sorts of Management Board and we have to things, but then we have all these follow their decisions too. Let’s consider agreements, including the land claims this very carefully in the future. agreement, that we have to adhere to. As a government, we are no longer able to I am not concerned about the depletion do things on our own as to what kind of of caribou at all. They’re not going to be caribou should be harvested. That’s depleted. I can even say that on this because of the land claims agreement issue, animals fall from heaven when that was agreed to by Inuit. we’re in these kinds of situations. Let’s take good care of the issue and while There was a hearing this past winter in you’re the minister, make sure you think March, and obviously Inuit about and consider the people’s Qaujimajatuqangit about caribou and concerns. If things need to be fixed, wildlife was considered and applied. involve the people of Nunavut and There were people who went to the facilitate it as the minister. Thank you, hearing and spoke, and what they said Mr. Speaker. was considered. There were elders there that went to speak. Let us be more aware Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I that in your own communities, whenever didn’t hear a question. Going back to the there is going to be a hearing scheduled orders of the day. Oral Questions. or a consultation on Wildlife Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. Regulations, I want to hear about it. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank With concerns from the communities, it you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask to is NWMB that is supposed to be one of
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 230 go back to Item 5 before I ask my were female and calves? Are the caribou question. that have been harvested all male? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): The member is asking… . I’m sorry. Due to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. extension of question period and the lack (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of time, I have to turn you down. Do you of Environment, Mr. Mike. have a question? Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From what I Question 061 – 4(3): Baffin Island know from my office, it’s only 61. Caribou (Keyootak) That’s the only number. There’s no indication of other sexes other than Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank male. I expect them all to be male. you, Mr. Speaker. Part of the question I Thank you, Mr. Speaker. wanted to ask was already posed, but this aspect was not asked and I’m Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. directing it to the Minister of Your final supplementary, Mr. Environment. Keyootak.
We’re talking about caribou Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank management today and the comments you, Mr. Speaker. People out there are that were made about caribou are listening. Many of them are very understandable. I would like to ask the interested in hearing about the caribou minister: how many of the 250 tags that are being harvested. We have been taken for the male caribou that were told that we’re only allowed to kill the supposed to be harvested have been males. The people listening right now harvested? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and watching on TV are really interested in hearing how many males have been Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. harvested. Can’t you give us that Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. information at this time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last notice Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I was given was that 61 caribou have Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. been harvested to date and they were mostly harvested in South Baffin. Thank Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our wildlife co-management partners, the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and the Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. community HTOs, allocated the 250 tags and nine communities can get 30 and Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank one community can get 10. It’s taken you, Mr. Speaker. Of the 61 caribou that care of inside the communities and also have been harvested, how many were by QWB and they are keeping track of male caribou and how many of them the caribou that are being harvested. The
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 231 communities hold the tags and only one Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. community has 10 tags while the others Your first supplementary, Ms. have 30. It is being handled by QWB Angnakak. and once I have newer information, I will be able to inform the House. Thank Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank the minister. That is a wonderful response to hear. I’m very Speaker (interpretation): Oral glad to hear that and I think we all look Questions. Member for Iqaluit- forward to seeing that report. Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken at length in Question 062 – 4(3): Status of Hospital this House regarding the importance of Board of Management Review improving quality of care for those (Angnakak) receiving medical services in Nunavut. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Can the minister update this House on Speaker. I would like to direct my how his department works towards question to the Minister of Health. assessing, evaluating, and improving the quality of care at the Qikiqtani General Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, Hospital? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. almost exactly one year ago, the Minister of Health committed to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. undertaking a review of the merits and (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister benefits, logistical, administrative, and of Health, Mr. Okalik. financial aspects of a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Hospital. That review was to have been Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation completed by the fall of 2015. Will the ends) I believe there is a body that is minister be tabling the results of that established to accredit hospitals and they review during the current fall 2015 did a study not long ago. I’m very sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. pleased to see that they gave us wonderful marks on how we’re doing at Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the Qikiqtani General Hospital. I hope I Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. can share those findings and I look forward to more good work in this area Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): with a new body that hopefully we will Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation establish through the motion. ends) Yes, I believe that study has occurred and that we will be moving I also want to acknowledge that it’s not forward with some of the just here that we have to look after. We recommendations and reviewing the have to look after the well-being of all options of the study. I appreciate my health facilities in our territory, so we’re colleague’s efforts in this area and I look progressing in that direction. I look forward to introducing that in the near forward to more good work with my future. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. colleagues in this field. (interpretation) Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the question. I’m not very up to date on Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, checking RFPs. On Friday afternoon, I Mr. Mikkungwak. was in a meeting for about three hours myself. I think I was with Mr. Question 063 – 4(3): Status of Mikkungwak actually. Nunavut-wide Strategy on the Responsible Use of Alcohol >>Laughter (Mikkungwak) Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, the RFP is expected to Speaker. I asked questions last week to close on November 20. Of course, the the Minister of Health concerning the Department of Finance is responsible for status of addiction services in Nunavut. the Nunavut Liquor Commission and our My questions today are for the Minister focus will be on the program of social of Finance. responsibility. I can’t talk now.
On Friday of last week, the Department >>Laughter of Finance issued a request for proposals to develop a “Nunavut-Wide Strategy on I was in a meeting this morning for three the Responsible Use of Alcohol.” hours, so I’m losing my words here.
The department of Finance’s RFP Socially responsible drinking, that’s indicates that its purpose is to, and I what our focus will be. Our programs quote, “develop and implement a multi- will be in that area. The Department of year strategy to help raise awareness and Health, of course, will be looking into educate Nunavummiut on the areas of addictions and the treatment of socially responsible use of alcohol.” people who have problems with alcohol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the RFP also indicates that the Department of Health is, and again I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. quote, “in the process of rolling out an Your first supplementary, Mr. extensive alcohol• related campaign.” Mikkungwak.
Can the minister clearly explain what the Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): different roles and responsibilities are of Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. the Department of Finance and the (interpretation ends) The RFP also Department of Health in this area? indicates that the government’s new Thank you, Mr. Speaker. strategy will, and I quote, “need to include ways to engage and strengthen Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the role and mandate of the Alcohol (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Education Committees currently of Health, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation) I operating in 14 Nunavut communities.” apologize. (interpretation ends) Finance, Mr. Peterson. As the minister will recall, I asked him detailed questions earlier this year at our Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. House sitting of March 3 concerning the Speaker. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for support provided to alcohol education
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 233 committees. At that time, the minister intention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. publicly stated that he was, and I quote, “considering providing funds to alcohol Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. education committees in the new year.” Your final supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. Can the minister tell us today what funding is currently provided by his Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. department to alcohol education Speaker. I was referencing his committees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. document, but at the same time, my supplementary question was referencing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the Nunavut Hansard of Tuesday, March (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister 3, 2015. of Finance, Mr. Peterson. The stated purpose of the department’s Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. RFP is to promote the “socially Speaker. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for responsible use of alcohol.” As the the question. Mr. Speaker, of course, I minister is very much aware, some of don’t remember every detail of every Nunavut's communities allow answer that I was ever asked in every unrestricted access to alcohol, some sitting of every day in the last eight communities restrict access to alcohol, years. I will have to tell Mr. and some communities prohibit the use Mikkungwak that I don’t specifically of alcohol altogether. From the recall what I said that day. perspective of the government, is prohibition of alcohol an effective way I do recall meeting with the chairs and of addressing the harm caused by some of the members of the alcohol substance abuse? Thank you, Mr. education committees on Friday Speaker. afternoon out in the foyer here. I was hoping that they could come and I could Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. introduce them in the sitting and the (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister valuable work that they do. Mr. Speaker, of Finance, Mr. Peterson. they were here to talk about how they can support their communities and work Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, we the Department of Finance and the always have respected the wishes of the Nunavut Liquor Commission to raise communities and that’s why, when we awareness of being socially responsible receive petitions from the communities for the use of alcohol. to hold plebiscites, whether it would be restricted or controlled or open, we Mr. Speaker, we currently support them respect the local decisions. Of course, with materials and bringing them in for we need 20 signatures on a petition and meetings. Our Nunavut Liquor then it comes to cabinet. Commission supports them from Rankin Inlet. We are still considering providing Our Nunavut Liquor Commission and them with some funding to assist them Nunavut Elections work with the local locally. I do recall saying that to Mr. community to develop the question and Mikkungwak and that’s still our then they have an advance poll and a
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 234 vote on specified days. Whatever the Committees on Bills and Other Matters. outcome is, to my knowledge, we have Item 13. (interpretation) Tabling of not gone against the wishes of the Documents. Mr. Kuksuk. community. For the foreseeable future, that’s the way we will continue to Item 13: Tabling of Documents operate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tabled Document 017 – 4(3): Nunavut Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Housing Corporation’s Proposed Members will note that the time for New Construction List for 2016- question period has expired. We will 2017 (Kuksuk) proceed to Item 7. Mr. Keyootak. Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker. I am pleased to table the you, Mr. Speaker. Before we continue, I Nunavut Housing Corporation’s would like to go back to Item 5. proposed new construction list for 2016- 17. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Uqqummiut is asking to go back to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 5. Are there any nays? I didn’t hear (interpretation ends) Item 13. Tabling of any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Keyootak. Documents. Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Tabled Document 018 – 4(3): Visitors in the Gallery Photograph of Chesterfield Inlet Air Terminal Building Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank (Sammurtok, T) you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you my Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. colleagues. Speaker. During Thursday’s proceedings of the Committee of the Whole, I At this time, I would like to recognize committed to tabling photographs of visitors in the gallery. My son-in-law, Chesterfield Inlet’s current air terminal Aimo Kooneeloosie, was involved when building. As I have noted on a number of I recognized Joanasie Kooneeloosie and occasions, the ATB is in urgent need of family on the assistance they provided replacement. I encourage all members to during a crisis. I would like to recognize review these photographs with care. him while he is here. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Applause (interpretation ends) Item 13. Notices of Motions. (interpretation) I’m sorry. Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to (interpretation ends) That was Item 14. the gallery. Item 7. Written Questions. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of (interpretation ends) Item 8. Returns to Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of Reports of Standing and Special the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.
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Bills 1, 2, 3, and 6 and Tabled Bill 03 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, Documents 107 – 4(2) and 149 – 4(2) 2016-2017 – Nunavut Housing with Mr. Mikkungwak in the Chair. Corporation – Consideration in Committee Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 20-minute Chairman: Thank you. I would now break. like to ask the Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation if he has officials (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. that he would like to appear before the committee. Mr. Kuksuk. >>House recessed at 16:05 and Committee resumed at 16:33 Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon. Yes. Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Chairman: Thank you. Does the Matters committee agree to let the minister’s staff go to the witness table? Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) (interpretation): Good day, residents of Some Members: Agreed. Baker Lake and Nunavut. I will now call the committee meeting to order. Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) (interpretation ends) In Committee of the Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Whole, we have the following items to witnesses in. deal with: Bills 1, 2, 3, and Tabled Document 107 – 4(2), and Tabled Thank you very much. (interpretation Document 149 – 4(2). What is the wish ends) For the record, minister, please of the committee? Mr. Rumbolt. introduce your officials.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to continue with Bill Chairman. To my left is Steven Hooey, 3 and the review of the Nunavut Chief Operating Officer for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, followed by the Housing Corporation, and to my right is Department of Community and the president of the corporation, Ms. Government Services. Thank you, Mr. Lori Kimball. Thank you. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Welcome to the Chairman: Are we in agreement that we House, Ms. Kimball and Mr. Hooey. We first deal with the Nunavut Housing are on Nunavut Housing Corporation. Corporation, followed by Community Branch Summary. Nunavut Housing and Government Services? Corporation. L-3. (interpretation) Following the names on my list, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Akoak. He has completed his question. Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Following the list of names, Mr. Rumbolt.
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Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. units; Hall Beach, four units; Igloolik, Chairman. Before I ask a question, I five units; Kugaaruk, five units; would like to give credit where credit is Kugluktuk, five units; Naujaat, seven due. When I did my opening comments, units; Resolute Bay, two units; and we expressed concern about the Nunavut Sanikiluaq, two units. Thank you, Mr. Housing Corporation’s plan to Chairman. consolidate the $4 million in funding for homeownership programs into one line Chairman (interpretation): Thank you item in the budget. On October 21, a very much. Mr. Rumbolt. letter was given to us stating that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. decided that they will no longer make Chairman. I thank the minister for his this adjustment and continue with the clarification and it matches the percentage across the territory. I just document that was provided to us. wanted to recognize the officials for making that adjustment. There has been a lot of talk about land acquisition for units throughout the My first question is more of a territory. I’m wondering if the minister clarification question. From reading the can confirm today that land has been Hansard from Friday, Mr. Akoak asked acquired for all this construction for the a question in regard to where public 2016-17 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. housing and staff housing was going to Chairman. be situated for the 2016-17 budget. In the minister’s response, he stated several Chairman (interpretation): Thank you communities for public housing and very much. Mr. Kuksuk. several for staff housing. It’s not quite the same as the document that was Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. provided to us. For public housing, he Chairman. Yes, all have been confirmed did state the right communities, except for the four communities. Thank according to the document we have. I’m you. wondering if he can state for the record exactly which communities will be Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Rumbolt. getting staff housing under this budget. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m sorry if I missed it, but he Chairman (interpretation): Thank you said “except for the four communities.” very much, Mr. Rumbolt. (interpretation If he said, “except for the four ends) Hon. Minister of the Nunavut communities,” which communities is he Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk. referring to? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Chairman. The following communities Please identify those four communities. that are identified to allocate staff Mr. Kuksuk. housing units for 2016-17 are as follows: we have Arctic Bay, five units; Gjoa Hon. George Kuksuk: Myself, I’m not Haven, five units; Coral Harbour, three sure which communities they are, but
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Mr. Hooey has a list of which about which communities they were still communities, so I will get him to answer working on land acquisitions [for], he that question. Thank you. mentioned Whale Cove and Whale Cove is not on the list that the minister stated a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you little while ago. So if he could please very much. Mr. Hooey. verify which community he is talking about. Thank you. Mr. Hooey: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the question as well. We Chairman (interpretation): Thank you have confirmed land in the vast majority very much. Please clarify your response, of communities on the list. There are a Mr. Kuksuk. couple of communities where we are still waiting for a confirmation of which lots Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. they are going to be. Chairman. If you will allow Mr. Hooey to (interpretation) confirm which ones. In Sanikiluaq, we have not confirmed (interpretation ends) Thank you. lots, although we are looking for a lot for a duplex. We believe that we are likely Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. to obtain lots and we will be able to do Mr. Hooey. that. As well, we are still confirming lots in Hall Beach. There are lots available Mr. Hooey: Sorry. Thank you, Mr. currently and we are just working with Chairman. Thanks for that clarification. the hamlet to confirm those. The last It’s Coral Harbour. I tend to mix those community, I believe, is Whale Cove. two up in my head sometimes and my There are lots available, but they are not apologies for that. That is, in fact, Coral the exact lots we would like to put the Harbour. Thank you. houses on. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Those are the communities and those are very much. It’s not Whale Cove; it’s both public and staff housing where we Coral Harbour. Mr. Rumbolt. are still working on land acquisition and we’re confident that we will be able to Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. move forward with those communities Chairman. Just to change the subject a as well, but it will take a little bit of bit, I want to go back to what Mr. Hickes extra work coordinating with CGS as was questioning on Friday and leave it at well as the hamlets to ensure they are that for a minute. available. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The issue of residency requirements for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s very much. (interpretation ends) I would programs… . As of today, if you move like to remind all members to have your to Nunavut from any other part of cellphones on silent mode. Mr. Rumbolt. Canada, you have to live here for a full year before you are eligible to vote in the Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. territorial elections. However, you are Chairman. Just for clarification’s sake eligible for significant financial again, when Mr. Hooey was responding assistance from the housing corporation
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 238 under such programs as the Nunavut $30,000, which is the maximum for Downpayment Assistance Program from NDAP, if it is going to get 100 percent the moment you step off of the airplane. back in five years as opposed to paying Can the minister explain how this is fair $18,000 per year over those same five and reasonable? Thank you, Mr. years if the person stayed in staff Chairman. housing. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kuksuk. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Rumbolt. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. the residency requirement, let me look Chairman. I still think and feel deeply for it in my documents. Ms. Kimball has that there should be a residency the proper page, so I will refer that requirement for this program. You said question to her, if it’s okay with you, that, for example, if somebody moves Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) into the community and they get this Thank you. program and they leave within five years, then they have to pay a 100 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you percent back to the Nunavut Housing very much. Ms. Kimball. Corporation.
Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Now, in some communities, the housing Chairman. There are two key things that market probably increases in the three or we’re keeping an eye on. At this point, four years to the point where the person we have not denied any applications for selling their house couldn’t care less that NDAP due to lack of funding. We’ve they have to pay 100 percent back had enough funding to accommodate because the amount that they get for the everybody that has applied that has been home probably outweighs the amount eligible and have met the qualifying that they would have to pay back. Again, criteria. do we think that’s a fair thing to do? I would just like the minister to comment The other thing to keep in mind is that on whether or not they would relook at when someone comes into staff housing, this policy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the cost to the Government of Nunavut is an average of $18,000 per year. If Chairman (interpretation): Thank you someone comes up and is not a resident very much. Mr. Kuksuk. and accesses the NDAP program, 100 percent gets paid back to the Nunavut Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Housing Corporation if they leave within Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. five years. That’s a very good question. Regarding the housing programs and There are two things. It accomplishes homeownership programs, people can helping the recruiting process, but it also apply for it no matter how long they accomplishes retention with the GN. In have lived here. Possibly it’s up to us to the end, it is a better deal for the review this policy, but we have not made Government of Nunavut to just advance any changes so far and I can’t tell you
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 239 what our decision would be. However, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. we would be more than willing to review There are quite a lot of older units in the it. (interpretation ends) Thank you. communities, but due to the severe housing shortage, we have to utilize Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Rumbolt. those older units and through the $6.3 million set aside for the M&I projects, Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. it’s staying at status quo. Yes, the older Chairman. I would hope they do relook units should be renovated. Our at this and maybe get back to the expenditures would go up and there committee at a later date on this decision would be fewer monies to build new on which way they would go and explain units. We have not identified additional exactly why they want to go one way or funds through the M&I project. We’re another. going to leave it as is. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to change the question a bit, we always talk about the building of new Chairman (interpretation): Thank you homes and the money needed for public very much. Mr. Rumbolt. housing, and it seems like we’re forgetting the housing stock that we Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. have. I’m mostly concerned about the Chairman. We all know that there is a older units and the M&I funding that’s housing shortage in Nunavut and we all allocated to communities each year. It know that we have to keep using these seems to never change and it never older units. We can’t just tear them increases, but our houses are getting down. My point is that no money is older and deteriorating more each year. being spent on them. I think you’ve got an average of about $150,000 to I’m just wondering if they could explain $180,000 that goes toward M&I dollars what their plan is to update or upgrade for these units. There are a lot of units in our oldest stock so that they’re more our communities that require drastic usable for the tenants because it seems attention. like these older units are getting very cold and the cost of maintaining and My question was going to be: when are heating them is going up every year. you going to look at this as a priority and Every time the wind blows, people are start investing more money into these complaining that they just can’t keep it older units so that they don’t start warm anymore. I’m just wondering if deteriorating to the point where they just the department can explain what their aren’t usable anymore? I think with plan is for these older units. Thank you, some of these units, it’s going to be Mr. Chairman. fairly soon if they don’t pay some attention to them. If the minister would Chairman (interpretation): Thank you comment on that, please. Thank you. very much. (interpretation ends) Minister of the Nunavut Housing Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk. very much. Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation):
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Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): them so that you can have a better Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I understanding. understand the member’s question clearly. As I stated, approximately 50 (interpretation ends) Affordability percent of our units in Nunavut are over determination revised and supplemented, the age of 25 years. The funding we’re including alignment with other using has been appropriate to the number homeownership program affordability of units that need to be renovated for considerations, this will maintain M&I. It’s $6.3 million for 25 consistency and help to ensure a client’s communities for M&I work. I agree with affordability and ability to maintain a the member wholeheartedly because home. some units are more than 25 years old. We will continue to do M&I work on (interpretation) This is also included, those older units. (interpretation ends) the age of eligible units increased from 10 to 15 years. The condition rating has been updated to (interpretation) That is one. have better priority plans. I believe that (interpretation ends) This reflects the we can see the results from there. That reality of Nunavut’s aging housing stock way, we will have a better idea as to how and to ensure that newly constructed many units will require renovation. public housing units are not sold Thank you, Mr. Chairman. prematurely.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you (interpretation) Thirdly, (interpretation very much. (interpretation ends) ends) provisions concerning NHC Nunavut Housing Corporation. Branch setting house sale price valuation to add Summary. Nunavut Housing a level of fairness and consistency to the Corporation. L-3. Following the list of application of the Tenant-to-Owner names, Mr. Joanasie. Program. The previous guidelines allowed NHC to set the value of the sale Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank without any guidance or direction. you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Minister (interpretation) Those were the changes Kuksuk and your officials. I’ll start off on the Tenant-to-Owner Program. with your opening comments in regard to the Tenant-to-Owner Program that has I hope that’s clear. Thank you, Mr. been improved. Would this program start Chairman. right away? What changes have you made to that? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Joanasie. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you. I also want to get clarification. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Have you started identifying within the Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Nunavut Housing Corporation the units There was a change in the Tenant-to- that can use the Tenant-to-Owner Owner Program. We now have a Program? Have you identified the program for the tenant to owner. I’ll read individuals or tenants that can access
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 241 that program? Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. The aging stock is something that we’re very concerned with at Chairman (interpretation): Thank you housing. That’s why we have done a very much. Mr. Kuksuk. renovation to our condition rating software. Part of the M&I process every Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): year is we do have our district offices Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In consult and work with each of the LHOs regard to the member’s question, it was to address what should be priority, just recently approved, so we’re just working with what’s in the system, but starting to communicate with the also talking to LHOs. applicants. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We do recognize that we have added a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you significant number of housing units very much. Mr. Joanasie. since the Nunavut Housing Trust, which started back in 2006. We’re coming up Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank onto almost ten years. At some future you, Mr. Chairman. Moving on to point, we do recognize that this number another item, although there were some is going to have to grow. At this point, questions posed in regard to the M&I we’re still basically working with the program, the funding has not changed original set of units and we have been for this line item for quite some time. In able to keep up on the M&I’s that we’re your substantiation sheet, it indicates seeing coming through the condition that the funding was divided among the rating system. three regional districts. A condition rating is also included. How many units In total, we have $10.6 million a year are there in the communities? Will this because we do still receive almost $4.3 continue? If we look at the new public million from CMHC every year as well. housing units, it states that there is Thank you. $527,000 for one unit. That amount of funding can provide an M&I program Chairman (interpretation): Thank you for at least ten units. Have you ever very much. Mr. Joanasie. considered that kind of thinking? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In support of my Chairman (interpretation): Thank you colleagues, if we can increase the M&I very much. Mr. Kuksuk. program funding… . As I stated earlier, I know that we will need to construct new Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): units, but there are numerous units that Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. need M&I work, perhaps in the majority That’s a good question. I’ll have Ms. of the communities. I believe that there Kimball provide a proper response. are empty units in most of the Thank you. communities of Nunavut. Perhaps we should focus more on empty units rather Chairman (interpretation): Thank you than constructing new units because it very much. Ms. Kimball. costs over $500,000 to construct new
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 242 units. Perhaps you can actually improve Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Joanasie. and do more work in five units. Can you commit to focusing on that area of Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. work? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. In addition to that, every house has appliances and fixtures. I’ll Chairman (interpretation): Thank you use an example of the O&M cost of very much. Mr. Kuksuk. maintaining a public housing unit is about $23,000 a year. It has been said Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): that water is one of the highest costs. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Have you looked at, for example, toilets think I understand the question. Yes, we that use less water? I think they’re called would gladly look into as to how much dual flush toilets. Have you ever looked funding is used for improvement work at that or do a pilot project? Thank you, and for the costs of constructing a new Mr. Chairman. unit. Yes, we’re willing to look at the comparison prices on that. Thank you Chairman: Thank you very much. Mr. very much, Mr. Chairman. Kuksuk.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): very much. Mr. Joanasie. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I again thank my colleague for asking that Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. question. I can’t respond to that myself Chairman. Staying on the modernization on the working of toilets or using and improvement retrofits, everyone different types of toilets that use less knows that there a homeownership water. I would like Ms. Kimball to program to replace heating oil tanks. explain that if she has heard about it, Mr. That’s for homeowners, but for public Chairman. Thank you. housing units, is it part of M&I or is there something else that deals with Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Kimball. public housing oil tanks? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Energy efficiency is Chairman (interpretation): Thank you something that we look at when we’re very much. Mr. Kuksuk. doing our designs. I know that we have looked at more efficient toilets, for Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): instance. I don’t know specifically about Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. dual flush, but I know low flow and that Yes, that’s the case. You understood it type of thing has been looked at. I know clearly. For the fuel tanks, there is the that when we’re procuring our program for the homeowners if they appliances, as public housing comes want to get a new fuel tank. For public with fridges and stoves, we do make sure housing units, fuel tanks are also under that they’re energy efficient. We do put the M&I program. Thank you very those types of specifications or much. parameters in there to try to make sure that we are taking those things into consideration and keeping ongoing
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 243 operating costs as low as we can. Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you you. very much. Mr. Joanasie.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank very much. Mr. Joanasie. you. Along the same sort of lines, if there is an emergency situation for a Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank private homeowner or if it is a housing you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) corporation house and their unit has to Along the same lines, in a well-insulated be renovated with double-paned house, you use less fuel to heat it. When windows or triple-paned windows by a you’re doing modernization and contractor, do you tell the contractors or improvements, are there standard do you have rules… ? Because we live insulation materials and that sort of thing in the Arctic and because the house has that NHC uses or makes as requirements to be able to be kept warm, have you for contractors when they are building a told the contractors what the best types house? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of windows are to be used for renovations? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): again thank you for that question. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Whenever there is modernization Yes, as I stated earlier, the buildings that happening or if a contractor is going to are under our department or under the get materials for a modernization project housing associations have spec sheets as and you are talking about insulation, it to how that building is to be constructed. has to be an approved type of insulation. We provide that to the contractors. They If it’s an older building, then the don’t make their own specs. The housing insulation has to be, I think, an R-12 or corporation has specifications as to how an R-16 that would be approved or if it new buildings are supposed to be built. has to be foam, it has to follow the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. building code for the actual type of insulation. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Joanasie. As construction goes in different stages, they get inspected. For example, after Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank the insulation has been installed, they get you, Mr. Chairman. To move on to inspected and they make sure the vapour something else, people have always barrier has been put on properly. They known about the lack of housing in our are inspected to make sure the community and people have talked about construction is being done according to it. In one of the communities I represent, code, especially ensuring that the house before I became an MLA, our present will be warm and some of your other Premier was the Minister responsible for concerns are also addressed. Thank you, the Nunavut Housing Corporation. We Mr. Chairman. were told then that because of the lack of
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 244 capacity at the Cape Dorset power plant, worked together to try and find a way to they couldn’t build any more units there. look at the power generation system in After the school burned down, and Cape Dorset because it’s not strong everybody heard about that too, that enough for the whole community. That school must have used a lot of power was a reason. QEC has been looking for because it was quite a big school. a solution and they have kept us involved in it. We have been trying to (interpretation ends) You talked about proceed together on this. Because of the certain utility availability and land lack of power, we couldn’t build a development in the communities, and number of units in Cape Dorset. It hasn’t power generation is one of the things been skipped altogether. Thank you, Mr. that they look at. In Cape Dorset, we had Chairman. a big building that is no longer there and it has probably freed up a lot of power Chairman (interpretation): Thank you consumption usage. very much. Mr. Joanasie.
Can you look at meeting with the Qulliq Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Energy Corporation, now that there’s no you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the school, to see if there is any way that we response. The people of Cape Dorset do can build some new houses or retrofit not want to be skipped. If you can work existing, abandoned houses and alleviate with the Qulliq Energy Corporation the housing stress in Cape Dorset? when the housing corporation wants to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. build more housing in the future, always think about Cape Dorset. Don’t skip Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Cape Dorset. That’s just a comment. very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. very much. That’s just a comment. Let me explain first of all. The Following my list of names, Mr. Enook. community that he is talking about, Cape Dorset, for the communities that are Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, supposed to be allocated housing, we Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, Mr. haven’t skipped Cape Dorset. The Minister and your officials. communities that have the most needs are what we’re following as a priority (interpretation ends) I can’t seem to get list. It’s not really because of the lack of my ducks in order, so I’m going to be all power. We haven’t used the lack of over the place. power in Cape Dorset as an excuse to skip that community. Cape Dorset is in (interpretation) My colleague, Mr. the housing allocation plan. I hope you Rumbolt brought up the homeowner understand that. assistance programs earlier and the minister stated the programs could be Regarding your other question, we have reviewed in response to one of his always kept in communication with the questions. Qulliq Energy Corporation. We have
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Many of us have stated that the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you programs are mostly for those people very much. Mr. Kuksuk. who are coming here for a short time and leaving. They’re not for the people of Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Nunavut that are going to stay here, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. especially for the younger people who Yes, it’s going well. I can say that. For are just starting out with their lives, with instance, the tenders for the houses in a young family. Both parents are Pond Inlet were opened last February. working because it’s very expensive to The completion dates are still set for have kids or even live in Nunavut. August 2016. I’m just talking about Pond Inlet right now. There are also If you’re not going to have any vehicles, other communities, Mr. Chairman. snowmobiles, or anything like that, life Thank you. is cheaper. If you’re not going to live up here, then you don’t need those things, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you but if you’re going to be an actual person very much. Mr. Enook. living in Nunavut, we need to have that equipment. Our precious young people Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. who are just starting new families need I think I understand that other both parents working if they’re going to communities are going ahead on have a proper home. We just stop them schedule. I can’t remember how many when they’re trying to get houses. The communities there were. Are all the homeowner assistance programs are very other communities on schedule besides good for transients, but no good for the Pond Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. people of Nunavut. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you I am very glad that you said that you’re very much. Mr. Kuksuk. going to be reviewing it. I encourage you to do that. I would really like you to say, Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): “We are going to be reviewing it.” Don’t Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. just say that we can review it. I would Yes, I can tell you that in Arviat, they like to hear you say that “We are going have a completion date of this coming to be reviewing it.” I would like you to December 2015. Construction on those put some more thoughts into that matter. started in 2014. Some units are scheduled to be completed in July 2016. My first question will be about houses The tenders that were opened on being built. Last year, there were a February 23 are scheduled to be bunch of communities that received completed in July 2016. Looking at the houses. I am happy about that. Pond Kitikmeot communities, their units are Inlet also got units. Can you let us know scheduled to be completed by August how it is going with the communities 2016 and there are older projects in that received housing? Have they all Kugaaruk. Looking at our schedule for proceeded well? Are they being completion of construction, all the units completed with the budget that we are being constructed on schedule. approved last year? Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you that the units that are being built are very much. Mr. Enook. going to last well into the future.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, As I said before, we do find that the Mr. Chairman. When we’re talking price can come down the more units we about home construction, I know that the are building, so we have found Nunavut Housing Corporation is always multiplexes do give us a better price per looking for the lowest cost, but I think unit. Thank you. too that perhaps you shouldn’t put the cost so low that they’re substandard. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Enook. Looking at the design of the buildings, the buildings that are being built today Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, are always multiplex units. Can you use Mr. Chairman (interpretation ends) I as an example which units are the most would like to thank Ms. Kimball for cost-effective to date? I hope you can answering a question that I never asked, understand me. Thank you, Mr. but it’s nice to know. Obviously, I did Chairman. not come across very well, but I appreciate the answer. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. I guess what I’m alluding to is, (interpretation) I’m trying to say that I Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): think the design of the buildings are Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. always improving and I think we’re Unfortunately, I totally don’t understand always looking for designs that are better your question. I’ll ask Ms. Kimball if for the Arctic. Of the newer designs of she was able to understand your question the buildings being built today, can you so that she can answer it because I don’t give me an example where we’re using understand. Thank you. these designs now because it’s more cost-effective and better for the Arctic? I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you was trying to ask that question. Thank very much. Ms. Kimball. you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman. We put out very detailed very much. Mr. Kuksuk. specifications as part of the tendering process and in the tendering process, we Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): outline a payment schedule. Before any Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. contractor can receive payment for work Now that I understand you, I thank you performed, we do have one of our NHC for your question. Mr. Chairman, for staff fly in and make their observation myself, I don’t deal with this on a daily and do an actual inspection. We do have basis, but my officials are kept apprised that method to make sure that we’re not on a daily basis as to which designs are paying for something that is substandard. more energy efficient, different things Obviously, we have a vested interest and like weatherstripping. Ms. Kimball can we care very much about making sure respond to what improvements we have
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 247 seen, as you were requesting. Because of consider and you looked at the student- the specifications we have to use today, I teacher ratio, the design, and force would like Ms. Kimball to respond to shared units. Those impact everything in that question. (interpretation ends) the community. Thank you. Looking at staff housing units that have Chairman (interpretation): Thank you remained vacant for a very long time, very much. Ms. Kimball. such as the ones in Pond Inlet, I will continue to talk about them until Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. something changes. You said that you Chairman. One of the more recent can look into this. There are staff examples that I can quote is we removed housing units that have never been lived the back porch, and I know that was a in because of government positions that very controversial decision. What we did have never filled. Where are you today look at is what it is costing to build that in your review on this? Thank you, Mr. back porch and we came up with a figure Chairman. of around $40,000 to add a back porch to a unit. For every 10 units, that’s one less Chairman (interpretation): Thank you unit we’re able to build for people. very much. Mr. Kuksuk.
At NHC, we actually hold regular annual Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): meetings with our maintenance staff to Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I get feedback from LHOs into our thank the member for the good question. headquarters at our directorate office and I understand it. I will try and provide a we incorporate that feedback in the next short answer, but what he is talking year’s work of design. We are setting up about is a big issue. As he was saying, a more formalized feedback process to using staff housing as an example, the incorporate feedback we get. number one and number two priorities, whether it’s a nurse or a doctor, those Personally, I did a Baffin region tour this are one of the top priorities when we’re summer and have been having phone considering staff housing. calls with individual LHOs to get feedback to find out what’s working and For the second part of your question on what’s not working in the communities what we have done with vacant staff to make sure that we’re being as units, apparently they are always vacant. responsive as we can be. Thank you. Yes, there are vacant units in the communities. There are more in some Chairman (interpretation): Thank you communities and less in others, but very much. Mr. Enook. there’s nothing we can do about the units that are vacant. There are outside Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, departments like CG&S or the municipal Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that governments and they have their response. This is clearer now. I would responsibilities too, so there’s nothing also like to ask a question regarding staff we can really do about that. I hope I housing. You have stated that in the past, answered the question. Thank you, Mr. there were different areas you had to Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. very much. Mr. Enook. I also thank the minister. You don’t necessarily have to say it in detail; I just Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, wanted to ask if you’re looking into it. Mr. Chairman. I’ll ask this question. I Thank you for your response. know that this is not only the case in Pond Inlet. Pond Inlet is not the only I will change my line of questioning and community with this problem. I have ask a completely different question. We heard that there are other communities all know that Nunavut has a serious with the same problem. I just want to ask housing shortage. If there were that when there are cases like that, you additional funds and if we could have will review them. With respect to the additional cost savings, we could build units that have never had tenants, are more houses, especially public housing. you looking into that now? I’ll ask it that We know that the operations and way. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. maintenance of each unit is at around $26,000 annually for water, fuel, and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you keeping it running. We all know that for very much. Mr. Kuksuk. many of them, we don’t pay anywhere near that amount. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. How did you set that amount on how to We can say yes, we are doing something educate tenants, how to better care for about that now. We are looking into it the units, how to save energy or other now since the question was asked last things? If we don’t spend as much year and in the past months. There have money on operations and maintenance, been a lot of questions on that. We also do you have set programs that we as wanted to look into what we have done tenants can actually see to know how to date in many of the communities. I much it costs to operate that unit? This is know that it’s not only in Pond Inlet. where we can realize savings. Perhaps if There are vacant units in the Baffin, we work together, the tenants can realize Kivalliq, or Kitikmeot. I cannot answer how much money it costs to operate that that personally right now. unit. If I take care of this unit better, then there can be money for construction. If Where are we to date? I can respond that we work better together as we can’t go forward with some of them Nunavummiut, there can be a little bit because we have to wait on other more money to build houses. departments in some cases. Perhaps Ms. Kimball can respond as to exactly where Do you do such things to keep the we stand today, maybe for further tenants informed or make the tenants clarification. I can’t say that this is aware of this? Thank you, Mr. where we stand in this community or Chairman. that community. I can’t answer that. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Enook.
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Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank the member for would like to thank the member for his question. Yes, this is something attending our community visit in Clyde that’s of importance to us. We have to River. They went to have meetings with pay for the operations and maintenance the residents. Mr. Chairman, we are still of public housing. We use different working on some of the problems that programs. For example, this year, we put were identified by the people we met together a calendar outlining cost-saving with there. I think it was about three measures that can be used by the weeks where you and some of the people homeowners. The tenants have to realize participated. that there are costs involved every month to operate and maintain a house. It could I am still waiting for the report of that either be a homeowner or a tenant. tour we did. There were also some issues that had to be dealt with by external Another example that we’re currently entities. I think it was two days ago that working on is a how-to video. We have we had a conversation about our trip. I also created a website outlining how to told my colleague that if it is required, I be energy-efficient in operating a home. would go visit those two communities of We are working with the local housing his. Thank you. organizations about energy efficiency awareness programs, the costs of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you building a house, and we’re using very much. Mr. Keyootak. different options in the awareness campaign. Thank you. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The people of Clyde Chairman (interpretation): Thank you River were very concerned, and I believe very much. (interpretation ends) that it’s important to deal with them and Nunavut Housing Corporation. Branch to rectify those problems. I don’t think Summary. Nunavut Housing it’s only in that community; we also Corporation. L-3. Following the list of have the same case in my community of names, Mr. Keyootak. Qikiqtarjuaq.
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank It was a problem when the manager cut you, Mr. Chairman. Firstly, I went to some of his staff and brought in Clyde River last spring with officials outsiders to replace them. Again, the from the Nunavut Housing Corporation. people who came in from the south got We had meetings with the public and the into public housing right away even local housing organization. My question though there was a long list of people is: what came out of the tour that the waiting to get public housing. That Nunavut Housing Corporation did last created a problem. What is happening spring? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. with that? That is my question, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. I would like to remind the
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 250 members that we are dealing with capital 2016-17, of the 83 units, 40 are allocated estimates. I’ll leave it up to you to for public housing and 43 are allocated respond, Mr. Kuksuk. for staff housing. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you know exactly where you are coming very much. Mr. Shooyook. from, but as I indicated earlier, there was a meeting between the Nunavut Housing Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Corporation and the member. We’re you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very taking action on issues that were much for that response. With public identified during that tour. We will housing, we have a long list of people produce that report as soon as possible, waiting for houses. Some people wait for including the action items that we’re years; five or six years before they can taking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. access a house. I like your plans, but I’m sure that we can’t implement them Chairman (interpretation): Thank you tomorrow. I would like to the urge the very much. Following the list of names, Nunavut Housing Corporation to Mr. Shooyook. identify who should be first and to make sure that it’s implemented as soon as Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask a question outside of the capital estimates. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you I would like to welcome you. very much. Mr. Kuksuk.
On October 29, 2014, the housing Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): corporation produced the allocation of Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I housing for 2015-16, and it also would like to thank the member. We indicated that it was Kimmirut, Hall work closely with local housing Beach, and Whale Cove that would be organizations. They have the staff and allocated staff housing. Is the they know what the priorities are in their construction of new staff houses up to communities. We also have the regional date or are they on time? I hope that was offices and with the communities, the understandable. Thank you, Mr. regional offices work closely together Chairman. when it comes to prioritizing the needs of the communities. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. That question was asked Chairman (interpretation): Thank you already, but if you would like to very much. Following my list of names, respond, Mr. Kuksuk. Mr. Savikataaq.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In Chairman. I just want to go back to regard to the staff housing and which homeownership again. I’m a big believer community they will be allocated to… . I in homeownership. I’ll ask the minister lost my paper. I indicated earlier that for to just clarify whether I’m right. The
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 251 only way for a person in Nunavut to get very much. Mr. Savikataaq. assistance to get their own house right now, other than the tenant-to-own, is the Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. NDAP. Thank you. Chairman. Can the minister give us a date on when that program might be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you coming out? If he’s looking at options, very much. Mr. Kuksuk. obviously they’re working on it. Does he have a timeframe on it? Thank you. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you It’s not the only program. There is very much. Mr. Kuksuk. interim financing and NDAP that are being used currently. Thank you very Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): much. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. As I indicated earlier, the blueprint for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you action will include different options, very much. Mr. Savikataaq. (interpretation ends) including Mr. Savikataaq’s question. In the fall/winter Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. 2016, we expect (interpretation ends) the Chairman. I’ll narrow down my question report to be completed on the blueprint a bit more and clarify it some more. for action. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Does the housing corporation have a program where a resident of Nunavut Chairman (interpretation): Thank you can get their own house like the access very much. Mr. Savikataaq. was, the HAP was and the MAP, or whatever it was called, or can they only Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. get financial help? Do they have a Chairman. The reason I’m going after program where someone can get an this so much is I believe the bulk of actual structure from the Nunavut homeownership assistance to acquire a Housing Corporation? Thank you. house is through NDAP right now at the present time. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. I’m looking at one of your documents, 2014-15 Homeownership Program Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Activity and in that, 65 percent of the Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. NDAP money goes to Iqaluit and I No, but (interpretation ends) as part of believe it should be a Nunavut-wide our Blueprint for Action on Housing, program. I mean it is a Nunavut-wide (interpretation) they will have other program, but obviously this program is options and they will also be included in targeting Iqaluit because that’s where the the review. (interpretation ends) Thank bulk of the funding is going. you. I think that you have to give people in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you smaller communities a chance on ways to acquire their own houses too because
Monday, October 26, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 252 as I stated many times, public housing is can buyback program from the GN just not sustainable. We’ve got to get employees and you can buy a house if people into their own houses and take there’s not sufficient private sector ownership. We’ve got to come up with housing for leasing a staff unit in that something better than 65 percent of the community. You have also had buyback funding going to Iqaluit. That was just and purchase programs for the last three comment, but if the minister would like years consistently. to comment on that. Thank you. Where is that money coming from if the Chairman: Thank you. I take that as a staff housing budget is completely used comment, but if the minister wants to up every year? Thank you. respond to the comment, Mr. Kuksuk. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kuksuk. Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the comment, Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. but I would also like to comment on that Chairman. I don’t have that much so that the members know that we look detailed information that I can respond at every application, whether it’s from to his question. If you don’t mind, I will Iqaluit, Arviat, Whale Cove, or get Ms. Kimball to answer that question. Chesterfield Inlet, from every Nunavut Thank you. community. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Ms. Kimball. very much. (interpretation ends) Mr. Savikataaq, questions, please. Mr. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman. NHC is able to carryover its budgets, so we do put contingency Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. factors into all of our construction Chairman. I’ll go on to the next budgets. The GN does offer the GN’s question. On the budgets you get for buyback program as part of the staff staff housing, do you normally spend the housing program for the GN. The whole budget? Thank you. amounts that we are talking about are generally very small. Looking back in Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kuksuk. 2012-13, we had one purchase for $125,000 and another purchase for Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. $188,000. We’re able to get good value Chairman. Yes. Thank you. for the money with these units compared to the cost of construction. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Savikataaq. We have managed to do this within our budget based on savings that we have Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. generated through doing larger Chairman. If you spend the whole multiplexes and through savings by budget on your staff housing normally, being able to reduce the contingency that in your document here, you have a we have been experiencing with our buyback program and it states that you contractors.
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When we were doing Nunavut Housing I just have this one question. The Trust, we were up to a 12 percent Department of Community and contingency factor. We’re down Government Services usually says that operating well below a 3 percent they collect the priorities of the contingency factor. By having generated communities and there is a committee those savings in our construction made up of the hamlet council, CGS, program, we were able to acquire these and other representatives. I am not sure units. Thank you. where they’re from, but there are also representatives from NAM. I believe Chairman (interpretation): Thank you those are the committee members that very much. Mr. Savikataaq. provide recommendations to the minister on the priorities. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Last question because it’s How did the Nunavut Housing getting late, if the money is not used for Corporation determine that the first new buying staff housing, is this money warehouse should be built in Baker lapsed? I’m not familiar with the Lake? Who makes the decision as to accounting practices of the housing where to build the warehouses? Who corporation. Obviously, you have money decides which community gets a left over every year, it sounds like. Does warehouse after Baker Lake, such as this contingency plan just keep piling Pond Inlet or other communities? Thank up? Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. very much. Mr. Kuksuk.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. response, if I understood the question As I stated before, last fall when we correctly, if we had to carry our funding appeared before the standing committee to the new fiscal year, it just rolls over to meeting, after looking at all the the next year. I hope that’s clear. communities and after doing a (interpretation ends) It rolls over to the comprehensive review of the housing following year. Thank you. inventory, some of the housing stock is getting really old and a majority of the Chairman: Thank you. Following the units are aging. We wanted to start list of names, Mr. Enook. planning on warehousing. The funding for the first new warehouse would be in Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Baker Lake. The size of the warehouse Mr. Chairman. I probably have just one in Baker Lake and the figure is just an question. I am very pleased about the estimate. In the smaller communities, the proposed warehousing you will be budget would be smaller. I hope I’m working on in all communities, starting understandable. (interpretation ends) with Baker Lake. I had hoped that it Thank you. would be faster, but due to lack of funding, it takes longer.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you the age of the warehouse, how many very much. Mr. Enook. units have we added since the units were originally created, so how much was the Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, growth of what they’re supporting. Mr. Chairman. Although I said I was going to ask one question, I’m still We had all three districts submit that and trying to ask one question. You didn’t then what we did is we worked at the respond to my question. How did you executive level of NHC reviewed all of determine the first new warehouse that and determined that Baker Lake was should be built in Baker Lake? Who in the worst condition. We presented to decides which community will be our board of directors and our board of allocated a new warehouse after Baker directors approved moving forward as Lake, such as Pond Inlet or other the first step with Baker Lake. We’re communities? Who makes that decision developing a more comprehensive way and how is that set up as to where the of analyzing the remaining 24 warehouses will be built? Thank you, communities to prioritize going forward. Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Kuksuk. very much. (interpretation ends) Nunavut Housing Corporation. Branch Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Summary. Nunavut Housing Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Corporation. Total Capital Expenditures. Briefly, as I had stated before, we’re $38,060,000. Agreed? looking at the age of the warehouse and looking at the inventory or the aging Some Members: Agreed. facilities of LHOs. I can say as to who makes that decision, do we have a Chairman: Thank you. Move on to page committee within the Nunavut Housing L-2. Department Summary. Nunavut Corporation? I’m sure there’s somebody Housing Corporation. Mission. Detail of responsible for that, but I’m sure Ms. Expenditures. Total Capital Kimball knows. I’ll ask her to respond as Expenditures. $38,060,000. Agreed? to who determines that. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Ms. Kimball. very much. (interpretation ends) Are we agreed that NHC is concluded? Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the first warehouse Some Members: Agreed. facility, this is the first time we’re doing this in quite a long time. We had each of Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Minister, do the districts work with each of the LHOs you have a brief closing comment? Mr. and rank the LHOs within their Kuksuk. community. That was provided with some supporting documents in terms of >>Laughter
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Hon. George Kuksuk: No, Deputy Clerk (Ms. Tupik): Meeting (interpretation) I’m fine. Thank you. I announcement for tomorrow at ten just want to say “thank you” for your o’clock, the Standing Committee on good questions and I expect to work Rules in the Tuktu Committee Room. closely with you. I would also like to thank my officials that waited here. Orders of the Day for October 27: Although there are some issues that we can’t respond to at this time, I’m sure we 1. Prayer will be able to respond to them at a later 2. Ministers’ Statements date. (interpretation ends) Thank you. 3. Members’ Statements Chairman (interpretation): Thank you 4. Returns to Oral Questions very much, Mr. Minister, for your closing comments. Sergeant-at-Arms, 5. Recognition of Visitors in the please escort the witnesses out. Gallery
(interpretation ends) As per Rule 6(1), I 6. Oral Questions will now recognize the clock and report 7. Written Questions to the Speaker. 8. Returns to Written Questions Speaker: Item 20. Report of the 9. Replies to Opening Address Committee of the Whole. Mr. Mikkungwak. 10. Petitions
11. Responses to Petitions Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole 12. Reports of Standing and Special
Committees on Bills and Other Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 3 Matters and the capital estimates, and would like 13. Tabling of Documents to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee 14. Notices of Motions of the Whole be concurred with. Thank 15. Notices of Motions for First you, Mr. Speaker. Reading of Bills Speaker (interpretation): There is a 16. Motions motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Mr. Alex Sammurtok. (interpretation 17. First Reading of Bills ends) The motion is in order. To the 18. Second Reading of Bills motion. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. 19. Consideration in Committee of
the Whole of Bills and Other Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Nancy. Matters
Bill 1 Item 22: Orders of the Day
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Bill 2 Bill 3 Bill 6 Tabled Document 107 – 4(2) Tabled Document 149 – 4(2) 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills 22. Orders of the Day Thank you.
Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Deputy Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, at 1:30.
(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 18:09