Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
3rd Session 4th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 85
Monday, September 18, 2017
Pages 4777 – 4863
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Hon. George Kuksuk Hon. Paul Quassa (Gjoa Haven) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Aggu) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister Government House Leader; Whole of Languages; Minister responsible for the Minister of Education; Minister Nunavut Housing Corporation responsible for Nunavut Arctic Pat Angnakak College (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Steve Mapsalak (Aivilik) Allan Rumbolt Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (Hudson Bay) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. Johnny Mike Deputy Premier; Minister of (Pangnirtung) Alexander Sammurtok Economic Development and Minister of Family Services; Minister (Rankin Inlet South) Transportation; Minister responsible responsible for Homelessness; Minister for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Tom Sammurtok responsible for the Utility Rates Corporation (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Review Council Inlet) Simeon Mikkungwak Hon. Joe Savikataaq Joe Enook (Baker Lake) (Arviat South) (Tununiq) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Minister of Community and Committee of the Whole Paul Okalik Government Services; Minister of (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Energy; Minister of Environment Hon. George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Hon. Keith Peterson Isaac Shooyook Minister of Health; Minister (Cambridge Bay) (Quttiktuq) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial responsible for Suicide Prevention Hon. Peter Taptuna Management Board; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister (Kugluktuk) David Joanasie Premier; Minister of Executive and (South Baffin) responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister Pauloosie Keyootak responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; (Uqqummiut) Emiliano Qirngnuq Minister responsible for Immigration (Netsilik)
Officers Clerk John Quirke
Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simon Nattaq 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 ...... 4777
Ministers’ Statements ...... 4777
Members’ Statements ...... 4782
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 4792
Oral Questions ...... 4796
Replies to Opening Address ...... 4822
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters ...... 4834
Tabling of Documents ...... 4835
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 4837
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 4861
Third Reading of Bills ...... 4861
Orders of the Day ...... 4862
A. Daily References
Monday, September 18, 2017 ...... 4777
B. Ministers’ Statements
372 – 4(3): Sivumut Abluqta Accomplishments (Taptuna) ...... 4777
C. Members’ Statements
638 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Ignored by the Government of Nunavut (Shooyook) ...... 4782
639 – 4(3): Congratulations to Baker Lake Post-secondary Students (Mikkungwak) ...... 4785
640 – 4(3): High School Graduates in Constituency (Mapsalak) ...... 4786
641 – 4(3): Bowhead Whale Hunt Underway in Kimmirut (Joanasie) ...... 4787
642 – 4(3): Update on the Sailivik Society (Angnakak) ...... 4788
643 – 4(3): Food Security in Nunavut (Qirngnuq) ...... 4789
644 – 4(3): Support for an Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, T) ...... 4789
645 – 4(3): Clyde River Succeeds in Halting Seismic Testing (Keyootak) ...... 4790
646 – 4(3): New Book Titled “Inuit Laws” (Okalik) ...... 4791
647 – 4(3): Long-term Service Award Recipients from Pangnirtung (Mike) ...... 4792
D. Oral Questions
853 – 4(3): Runway Extension for Naujaat (Mapsalak) ...... 4796
854 – 4(3): Compensation for Damage Caused by Polar Bears (Keyootak) ...... 4798
855 – 4(3): Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (Sammurtok, A) ...... 4800
856 – 4(3): Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Okalik) ...... 4802
857 – 4(3): Difficulties with FANS (Mikkungwak) ...... 4803
858 – 4(3): Nursing Staff Vacancies (Enook) ...... 4805
859 – 4(3): Inuit Employment Initiatives (Joanasie) ...... 4808
860 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet’s Freshwater Supply (Sammurtok, T) ...... 4811
861 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s Corrections Officer Vacancy (Rumbolt) ...... 4813
862 – 4(3): NNI Policy (Angnakak) ...... 4814
863 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Community Freezer (Shooyook) ...... 4816
864 – 4(3): Food Security in Nunavut (Qirngnuq) ...... 4816
865 – 4(3): Family Visits Outside of Territory (Mapsalak) ...... 4818
866 – 4(3): Conditions at Kivalliq Inuit Centre (Mikkungwak) ...... 4820
E. Replies to Opening Address
Reply to Opening Address 002 – 4(3): Mr. Peter Taptuna (Taptuna) ...... 4822
Reply to Opening Address 003 – 4(3): Mr. George Hickes (Hickes) ...... 4823
Reply to Opening Address 004 – 4(3): Mr. George Kuksuk (Kuksuk) ...... 4826
Reply to Opening Address 005 – 4(3): Mr. Keith Peterson (Peterson) ...... 4828
Reply to Opening Address 006 – 4(3): Mr. Johnny Mike (Mike) ...... 4829
F. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters
Committee Report 032 – 4(3): Bill 47, An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act (Sammurtok,
T) ...... 4834
Committee Report 033 – 4(3): Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2016-2017
(Sammurtok, T) ...... 4834
Committee Report 034 – 4(3): Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act (Sammurtok, T)
...... 4834
G. Tabling of Documents
360 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2017-2021 Corporate Plan (Mike) ...... 4835
361 – 4(3): Support for a Future Nunavut University (Mikkungwak) ...... 4835
362 – 4(3): Correspondence Concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment of Baffin Bay and
Davis Strait (Keyootak) ...... 4835
363 – 4(3): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 16th Annual Report 2016-2017 (Mike) ...... 4836
364 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to the Nunavut Development Corporation 2017 (Peterson) ..4836
365 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to the Qulliq Energy Corporation 2017 (Peterson) ...... 4836
366 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to Nunavut Arctic College 2017 (Peterson) ...... 4836
367 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to the Nunavut Housing Corporation 2017 (Peterson) ...... 4836
368 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation 2017 (Peterson)
...... 4836
369 – 4(3): Report on the Meeting of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour
Legislation (Peterson) ...... 4836
370 – 4(3): Office of the Fire Marshal’s 2016 Annual Report (Savikataaq) ...... 4836
371 – 4(3): Member’s Statement 637 – 4(3): Inuit Not Consulted on Proposed Federal
Government’s Bill C-55 (Mike) ...... 4836
H. Motions
061 – 4(3): Extension of Question Period (Angnakak) ...... 4813
I. Bills
Bill 53 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2017-2018 – Consideration in
Committee ...... 4837
Bill 54 – Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2016-2017 – Consideration in Committee ...... 4849
Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – Consideration in Committee ...... 4856
Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act – Consideration in Committee ...... 4859
Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act – Third Reading ...... 4861
Bill 53 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2017-2018 – Third Reading ...... 4861
Bill 54 – Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2016-2017 – Third Reading ...... 4862
Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act – Third Reading ...... 4862
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4777
Iqaluit, Nunavut Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Monday, September 18, 2017 Speaker. I thank all the members for Members Present: that. Good afternoon to Nunavummiut Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, and Kuglukturmiut. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Mr. David Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. opportunity to provide an update on the George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, progress we have made under our Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon collective mandate, Sivumut Abluqta. Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, As the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, Nunavut draws to a close, I am reminded Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander of how our new cabinet first gathered in Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Hon. Kugaaruk. Subsequently the Full Caucus Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, met in Kugluktuk in February of 2014. Hon. Peter Taptuna. There we discussed and prioritized our government’s work spanning four years. >>House commenced at 13:33 Mr. Speaker, at times it feels like only yesterday we did that. Mr. Speaker, I’m Item 1: Opening Prayer sure all members can recall the hard work and long days of laying out our Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) main goals for this Assembly. (interpretation): Mr. Kuksuk, can you say the opening prayer, please. Nunavut had many priority areas, but after lively debate and informed >>Prayer discussion, our themes emerged as: self- reliance and optimism through education Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and training; healthy families through Good afternoon, fellow Nunavummiut. strong and resilient communities; Members, ministers, (interpretation economic growth through responsible ends) Premier, (interpretation) visitors in development across all sectors; and good the gallery, and staff, welcome to the government through wise use of our House. resources.
Going to the orders of the day. Item 2. Mr. Speaker, this government has faced Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation our share of obstacles. The Pangnirtung ends) Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Premier power plant fire and the Cape Dorset and Peter Taptuna. Kugaaruk schools fires stand out as huge losses for our territory, but these Item 2: Ministers’ Statements challenges led to strengthened communities and fierce resiliency. Over Minister’s Statement 372 – 4(3): the last four years we rebuilt a more Sivumut Abluqta efficient power plant in Pangnirtung, and Accomplishments (Taptuna) we began work on a new school in Cape Dorset with extensive input from the
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4778 community and the district education …Taloyoak, Cambridge Bay… authority. >>Applause Work is progressing on a new $30 million community learning centre in …a community hall in Igloolik, and Iqaluit. We have opened more modern hamlet office/community hall buildings health centres in Taloyoak and Arctic in Kugaaruk and Grise Fiord. Bay. We also renovated the old wing of the Qikiqtani General Hospital and There have also been water treatment opened much-needed clinic space. We plants in Baker Lake and Pangnirtung… opened more long-term geriatric care beds in Cambridge Bay. This past >>Applause August we completed the territory’s first public-private partnership (P3) on the …as well as a water reservoir expansion Iqaluit International Airport project. in Igloolik and utilidor system upgrades in Resolute Bay. >>Applause >>Applause Mr. Speaker, we started critical preliminary work on the Iqaluit and Mr. Speaker, since 2014 we have opened Pond Inlet deep-sea port projects. Makigiarvik, Nunavut’s new minimum- security facility in Iqaluit… >>Applause >>Applause We have also made great strides in securing federal funding to connect …which has alleviated some of the Nunavut with southern Canada through overcrowding at the Baffin Correctional the Grays Bay Port and Road Project, Centre. which is currently under review by Canada. After our cabinet retreat in Whale Cove in October of 2014, we reiterated our Mr. Speaker, total investments in support for the community’s request for community and municipal infrastructure a new adult learning centre. I’m happy to are close $115 million over the past four say that this facility is now also opened years… in Whale Cove.
>>Applause >>Applause
…from a variety of sources. We should In April of 2016 our government all be pleased with this accomplishment. continued its commitment to an open and accessible government. We visited Let’s take a moment to highlight a few many communities over the course of projects completed over this period: the our term and hosted a cabinet retreat in hamlet offices in Arviat… Clyde River. At the same time cabinet reviewed and reinforced Sivumut >>Applause
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4779
Abluqta and set a path of action to get us That office has now been operating for to where we are today. over three years.
>>Applause Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up our work to amend the Mr. Speaker, throughout the mandate Education Act. I’m sure we can all of Sivumut Abluqta, this Legislative recognize without any doubt how very Assembly has introduced and passed passionate Nunavummiut are about over 55 bills, new legislation and education here in our territory and their appropriations. willingness to make their voices heard.
>>Applause >>Applause
One of the biggest and most progressive During this Assembly we formed a Acts we passed is An Act to Amend the Special Committee to Review Human Rights Act… the Education Act. There was careful assessment of the recommendations we >>Applause heard from the committee as well as from many community sessions and …ensuring that the rights of stakeholder engagement meetings. Staff transgendered Nunavummiut are worked hard to address the needs of all entrenched in legislation. learners. What resulted from this, Bill 37, produced intense debate and Cabinet successfully introduced a bill to discussion. We now know we have to do appoint an independent ethics officer to more work, but we agree that education look into matters concerning public is truly the foundation of success in our servants. territory. I am thankful our system allows for the consultations necessary to >>Applause make sure we get this right.
As well the Department of Finance Mr. Speaker, the Government of created a human resource associate Nunavut is fully committed to the deputy position to continue streamlining implementation of Article 23, one of the and facilitating matters under the Public cornerstones of the Nunavut Land Service Act. Claims Agreement. We know this can only be realized with the cooperation of >>Applause all parties, and we will continue to work with the Government of Canada and In June of 2014 the Members of the with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to Assembly unanimously approved a ensure that wherever possible improved motion appoint a child and youth and new opportunities are provided to representative for a five-year term. Inuit. We will continue to make all efforts to recruit more Inuit into our >>Applause workforce.
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4780
The Government of Nunavut has already >>Applause made great strides in Inuit employment. We continue to provide meaningful …which begins implementation in just a training and development opportunities few weeks. to our Inuit employees. These include the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program, Mr. Speaker, GN employees who the Hivuliqtikhanut Leadership Program, demonstrate proficiency will be paid an and the mentorship program. Recently annual allowance based on their we announced three new areas to proficiency level, from $1,500 to $5,000 promote, retain, and foster our Inuit per year. Language testing to assess employees in the public service. These proficiency level will be done by the are the Career Broadening Program, IUT. This is an important component of the Amaaqtaarniq Education Program, the GN’s Human Resource Strategy and and the Policy Development Program. I am confident this will encourage staff Mr. Speaker, these are indeed exciting to speak and strengthen Inuktitut across times for our government. the territory.
>>Applause >>Applause
I would also like to point out that while Mr. Speaker, we have also made Inuit employment remains around the 51 significant progress in elders’ activism percent mark, we see any training as and care. Elders are Nunavut’s strongest value added for our employees, whether tie to our history and strong traditions they stay in the public service or move and to bridging our culture and language on in their career into the private sector. in the modern world. As I said before, this is a win-win situation for employers throughout The Government of Nunavut is Nunavut. committed to supporting one of our most vulnerable and influential groups. Under From 2001 to 2016 we have seen Inuit this Assembly we have created the employment almost double. This is an portfolio of minister responsible for incredible accomplishment in terms of elders’ advocacy and tabled the Nunavut the number of employed people in our Seniors’ Handbook and the Strategic communities, and our government is Framework to address the needs of proud of the work we have done in this Nunavut Seniors. We also conducted a area. long-term care needs assessment, which sees the transfer of responsibility to the >>Applause Department of Health, which will ensure improved continuum of care. Additionally, in an effort to support employees to use the Inuit language as a Mr. Speaker, as well we have funded the working language of the public service, Nunavut seniors’ advocacy group. This the Government of Nunavut recently independent, dedicated society aims to approved the Inuit Language Incentive ensure active supports for seniors across Policy… Nunavut.
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4781
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to draw Mr. Speaker, we have created an alcohol your attention to the critical work we harm reduction strategy and materials have done with regard to suicide that have been implemented and prevention over the course of this distributed across Nunavut to coincide Assembly. In late 2015, for the first time with the opening of the Iqaluit Beer and anywhere in Canada, this government Wine Store. declared suicide a crisis and committed to making effective changes to finding >>Applause solutions to an issue that affects us all. We must all hold onto hope, light, and Mr. Speaker, on the intergovernmental the certainty that we will find solutions front we continue to negotiate with our and overcome this tragic epidemic. federal government a devolution agreement for the territory. Control of Because prevention and response to our own resources on Crown lands and suicide does not lie with a single accompanying devolution of programs department and must involve and services like our sister territories collaboration and action by our partners have negotiated is paramount. and our communities, I appointed an associate deputy minister of Quality of It is anticipated that an agreement in Life. This position oversees a secretariat principle will be completed within a that now leads the greater effort to see year. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated that all stakeholders are engaged in has been a strong partner with us at the moving the Nunavut Suicide Prevention negotiating table and we appreciate that Strategy forward and address real, support. meaningful change. >>Applause >>Applause On the resource development front our Mr. Speaker, suicide prevention is our Nunavut fisheries continue to grow. We shared commitment to move forward are seeing increases in allocations of with a common vision. Earlier this year resources and increases in Nunavut with our partners, Nunavut Tunngavik ownership to manage and operate the Incorporated, the Royal Canadian industry. We have continued to advocate Mounted Police “V” Division, and the to our federal government that the Embrace Life Council, we jointly principle of adjacency of fishing stocks released Inuusivut Anninaqtuq, the five- and allocations be paramount in any year Nunavut Suicide Prevention decisions made by federal officials. Strategy Action Plan. Mr. Speaker, with this plan the Government of Nunavut is Mr. Speaker, we have also seen taking bold steps to fulfill our energetic growth in the resource commitments to the strategy, including extraction industry. After robust $2.8 million in grants and contributions regulatory review, the TMAC Hope Bay funding to support community-led gold mine has opened and the work on action. I believe this is the key to the Meliadine and the Amaruq deposits resiliency and overcoming Nunavut’s in Kivalliq are moving forward. suicide crisis.
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4782
>>Applause our footing, but above all else we have hope, resiliency, strength, and passion. I As well the recent Sabena mine am so proud of our work and look announcement bodes well for our forward to what the next Assembly will territorial economy. accomplish as we continue to step forward together. Thank you, Mr. >>Applause Speaker.
These projects are bringing hundreds of >>Applause new jobs and increased investments in Nunavut in the billions of dollars. The Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. negotiation of IIBAs with the Kivalliq Ministers’ Statements. I have no more Inuit Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit names on my list. Moving on. Item 3. Association as a result of these projects Members’ Statements. Member for Gjoa ensures that Inuit are benefiting not only Haven, Mr. Tony Akoak. Member for from the creation of new jobs but from Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook. the benefits of the resource developments. An Hon. Member: No.
>>Applause Speaker: Why are you doing this?
Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of >>Laughter Canada estimates that Nunavut will be at the forefront of economic growth in Speaker (interpretation): Member for Canada in the coming fiscal years. With Quttiktuq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook. a vigorous regulatory, permitting and licensing regime in place, any project Item 3: Members’ Statements must ensure sustainable development and environmental protection are sound Member’s Statement 638 – 4(3): Inuit before any approvals to proceed are Qaujimajatuqangit Ignored by the moved forward. Government of Nunavut (Shooyook) Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank thank all members for their tireless work you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to over the last four years. It hasn’t always Nunavummiut. Visitors in the gallery, been easy and we haven’t always seen welcome to the House, as well as our eye to eye, but we have always had the Premier, my fellow members, the people best interests of Nunavummiut at heart. who are watching the proceedings, especially the people of Arctic Bay, my I am hopeful for what the next four years constituents, and the people of Grise brings and I am encouraged by the Fiord and Resolute Bay. continued hard work and commitment of our public service and I thank you to all. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to a matter I consider extremely critical. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut is young and Since we have two days left in our dynamic. At times we struggle to find mandate prior to the ending of our terms
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4783 as elected officials, I wanted to voice my force our colleagues in the future thoughts on this matter. Assembly to deal with some issues.
During my campaign while seeking I seek unanimous consent to conclude election for the High Arctic, I informed my statement, as this is one of my last my electorate that it would be my chances to speak. Thank you, Mr. priority to have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Speaker. recognized in the House. That was my campaign promise, my constituents Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. believed in my capacity and ability, and The Member for Quttiktuq is seeking I was elected to the post on this basis. unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are Mr. Speaker, today I am discouraged in none. Mr. Shooyook, please proceed. this House with respect to the issues our electorate want discussed, and all I see is Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank the lack of desire by the representatives you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my in fulfilling the wishes of our colleagues for allowing me to conclude constituents, especially related to my statement. It won’t be long. traditional Inuit counselling skills and cultural practices. To continue, in working on this matter I am so passionate about within the When the Government of Nunavut was Legislative Assembly, if I were to invite created, I thought Inuit every person supporting this desire here Qaujimajatuqangit would be a priority to the Chamber, there wouldn’t be and it would be implemented within its enough room to house every person who operations. Nonetheless, over this four- wishes to see Inuit culture incorporated year period I have worked extremely into government operations. hard to fulfill my constituents’ wishes to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, but That being the case, I believe every to date, in relation to bills and Inuit MLA will have to put a stronger Qaujimajatuqangit, we have nothing in emphasis on incorporating the missing law. Why? elements of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in government operations in 2017, 2018, Why does the Nunavut government not 2019, and 2020. We have to consider take the desires of Inuit into their wishes if elected. If members again consideration even though Inuit form the remain out of touch and do not take this majority of the population? Why aren’t into consideration, then Inuit historical we as representatives considering the knowledge will just disappear. expectations of Inuit? This is absolutely regrettable to see. Mr. Speaker, perhaps we as Inuit don’t believe in our own cultural skills and In light of the upcoming election, social counselling techniques or that it perhaps this goal I have strived to attain has any power. I wonder if Inuit will just slip away and die as an idea. At Qaujimajatuqangit will ever be brought least that is my fear today. We can’t back to life within this Western-driven
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4784 institution. That is extremely dysfunctional Inuit families and unfortunate. communities. What I seem to understand today is that most of the younger Nunavut was created because of Inuit, so generations don’t believe in Inuit let us sincerely review what real Inuit knowledge and skills. Not at all! want incorporated into our government. For example, Inuit social interactive All MLAs have to understand this techniques should be in court principle: as people will continue to run proceedings, RCMP operations, justice, and get elected, this traditional Inuit and corrections operations. Inuit want to knowledge, which many Inuit still see Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit believe in, may result in a future acknowledged by these western government. Many voters state that we institutions and the departments, which don’t do enough to incorporate Inuit is what I want to see so that Inuit can be desires and now they are hitting the nail full partners in these areas and be part of on the head. We have forgotten the the frontline workers. This requires desires of our constituents and incorporation, absolutely! concentrated on legislation that is drafted opposite of what the majority An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! want incorporated within our territory.
>>Applause Mr. Speaker, to conclude, as this is my last statement, I am advising people who Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Mr. wish to run in the future that the Inuit Speaker, as we are sitting in our last strengths, skills, capabilities, and days as members, I may not be re- abilities must be fully acknowledged and elected in my riding and perhaps no incorporated into our foundational knowledgeable and passionate elders legislation with a number so it can will be elected, as I believe I am one of become law. If we again sidestep our the last of the generations who grew up responsibility and ignore Inuit traditionally in real Inuit ways here. I Qaujimajatuqangit, our lives as a society may be the last one to have been elected, will continue to deteriorate. not knowing my own future. I passionately urge my colleagues and Mr. Speaker, the need to incorporate future MLAs who may be elected to Inuit culture into government operations continue the fight to deliver on Inuit is something we feel is missing, where expectations and desires that are relevant Inuit traditional practices, knowledge, to their daily lives and cultural practices. skills and abilities in social counselling There are many aspects of traditional and proper Inuit family relations, such as Inuit that are better than western ideals. Inuit parent-in-law rules or If we incorporate Inuit sons/daughters-in-law relations, form the Qaujimajatuqangit into these areas best aspects of Inuit society. within government operations, it will perhaps lead, though not immediately, to Today Inuit have lost most of their a better society. traditional authority related to Inuit societal rules, resulting in many
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4785
I therefore urge all colleagues and Jessica Avaala, Jade Kudloo, David request agreement ensuring it is a Osbourne, Lisa Parker, and Magdalene priority that we recognize the strongest Ukpatiku on graduating from Jonah parts of Inuit societal values with a Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker government that is for Inuit. Thank you, Lake this year. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it takes additional effort to >>Applause apply for and continue with post- secondary education after high school. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. am very pleased that Kelsey, Chillonda, Members’ Statements. Member for Maisie, and Sally have decided to Baker Lake, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. continue their academic efforts in post- secondary education. Member’s Statement 639 – 4(3): Congratulations to Baker Lake Mr. Speaker, I should note that despite Post-secondary Students being accepted and ready to go to (Mikkungwak) college… . Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent First of all, good day to the people of to conclude my statement. Thank you. Baker Lake and Nunavut. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly The Member for Baker Lake is seeking acknowledge and congratulate four unanimous consent to conclude his Baker Lake residents who have been statement. Are there any nays? There are accepted into post-secondary studies in none. Mr. Mikkungwak, please proceed. Ontario. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I congratulate: also thank my colleagues.
Kelsey Qarliksaq, who was accepted Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, I should into Durham College in Oshawa, note that despite being accepted and Ontario; ready to go to college, Maisie will be Chillonda Uqayuittuq and Maisie delaying her further education for a bit Tunguaq, who were also accepted in order to stay with her family during a into Durham College; and difficult time. Sally Kingilik, who was accepted into Georgian College in Orillia, Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by these Ontario. individuals who are embarking on the next phase of their education and taking Mr. Speaker, it takes a lot of work and the steps towards building a successful dedication to graduate from high school. future for themselves, their families, and their communities. While I am on this topic, I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4786
Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues students graduating from high school as to join me in wishing these young it opens doors for opportunities to graduates the best of luck in their studies further their education related to their and academic pursuits as they begin their chosen career. new college year. They make us all proud. Thank you very much, Mr. I also strongly encourage all students Speaker. who have graduated from grade 12 to try to continue with their education as it can >>Applause result in a very good career. It can also lead to employment opportunities in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. senior management positions within the Members’ Statements. Member for Government of Nunavut, but again, it is Aivilik, Mr. Steve Mapsalak. contingent of furthering their education. I strongly urge all Nunavummiut who Member’s Statement 640 – 4(3): High have graduated from high school to School Graduates in Constituency continue. (Mapsalak) Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank With that I would like to mention the you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the names of the graduates in Naujaat: residents of Coral Harbour and Naujaat. Albert Amautinuar Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate I wasn’t Edmond Bruce able to attend the beginning of the Kelcey Evalaaq session due to inclement weather. We Shelly Iguptak were stuck for almost an entire week. Nellie Kopak Michael Kridluar Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a Jane Katokra congratulatory announcement for the Christine Katokra students in my riding who graduated from grade 12. Louis Kabvitok Susanna Mablik I also wish to extend my gratitude to the Jennifer Tungilik Minister of Education for being able to Lucy Siusangnark come to Coral Harbour to attend the ceremony. Of course this took place over Those are the grade 12 graduates. a day, but both of the communities held their ceremonies on the same day. The In Coral Harbour: minister wasn’t able to attend the one in Naujaat. I do want to extend my Johnny Jr. Ningeongan gratitude to the minister for going to Malaiyah Nakoolak Coral Harbour for the latest graduation Ashley Eetuk ceremony in our community. Joe Bruce Nakoolak Sandy Jr. Saviakjuk I take great pride, particularly in smaller Joellen Netser communities, for their accomplishments Brandon Netser and for the increases in the number of Sabrina Nakoolak
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Mr. Speaker, as I am not quite done my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. statement, I am seeking unanimous Members’ Statements. Member for consent to conclude my statement. South Baffin, Mr. David Joanasie. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 641 – 4(3): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Bowhead Whale Hunt Underway The Member for Aivilik is seeking in Kimmirut (Joanasie) unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank none. Mr. Mapsalak, please proceed. you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues. I also say “good afternoon” Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank to the visitors in the gallery, people of you, my colleagues. Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, and Nunavut.
I’ll continue with the graduates’ names: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations and to express my Brandon Netser wishes for success to the hunters of Sabrina Nakoolak Kimmirut who are preparing for a Renee Pameolik bowhead whale hunt over the fall. Dayna Kalai Desiree Pameolik Mr. Speaker, the right to hunt whales Shana Taparti stems from the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which allows for Inuit to There are a total of 12 graduates in that harvest certain types of sea mammals. I community. am quite proud of the people in Kimmirut who will be exercising this I wish to state that the number of right. We have heard of successes of students in Naujaat is increasing other communities in past bowhead exponentially. Many students enjoy their whale hunts within Nunavut. studies and the result has been many more graduates. They also expect that The Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers next year the numbers will be much Organization and their board members higher than this year’s number of have submitted an application to hunt graduates because of the enjoyable whales based on the wishes of the atmosphere to learn in. I urge all the Kimmirut residents, so I thank them grade 12 graduates to further their immensely. education so that they will have opportunities for better employment. Mr. Speaker, in the past Inuit were the sole hunters of the whales prior to the I ask my colleagues to join me in whaling era, when Europeans arrived to congratulating the grade 12 graduates. our shores to harvest bowhead whales, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. resulting in a near eradication of these cetaceans. Nonetheless, through careful >>Applause management, the populations have increased to a point where harvesting can once again occur, which is one of
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4788 our traditional cultural practices and of times with representatives from the rights that we can again practise. Department of Health on this issue, we are still waiting for a confirmed financial I wish the hunting party success in the commitment from that quarter. bowhead whale hunt they are preparing for and to ensure they conduct a safe However, I am very pleased to advise hunt. This applies to all the people who you and my colleagues that the Sailivik will be party to this hunt, in particular Society has been successful in accessing the Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers funding support from the Canada Organization and board members, as Mortgage and Housing Corporation and well as all the residents of Kimmirut from the GN’s Department of Economic who will participate in this hunt. Development and Transportation.
The maktaaq and meat will feed a lot of Mr. Speaker, in these days of limited people. We look forward to this hunt, resources I agree that partnerships are and we will most likely receive news of extremely important in achieving a successful hunting event sometime in success with projects such as the Sailivik our future. I congratulate the residents of Society’s long-term care housing Kimmirut for going ahead with the hunt. project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Sailivik Society has >>Applause been working very hard towards getting this facility built. Having the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Government of Nunavut involved as a Members’ Statements. Member for full partner in that process would Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak. certainly help to move it forward.
Member’s Statement 642 – 4(3): Mr. Speaker, I know that many of my Update on the Sailivik Society colleagues will agree that keeping our (Angnakak) elders at home in Nunavut is much Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. preferred to sending them out of the Speaker. I rise today to give you and my territory to unfamiliar locations away colleagues an update on the progress from family, friends, and the being made by the Sailivik Society community. towards opening an elders’ long-term care housing facility here in Iqaluit. I encourage the government to increase its efforts in this area by becoming a Mr. Speaker, I was interested to note the more active partner with societies and Minister of Health’s comments the other organizations which are working day with regard to searching out towards keeping our elders in Nunavut. partnerships to construct or reconfigure Thank you, Mr. Speaker. existing infrastructure to meet the need for elder care facilities. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Speaker, while representatives from Netsilik, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq. the Sailivik Society have met a number
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Member’s Statement 643 – 4(3): Food either. The availability of certain wildlife Security in Nunavut (Qirngnuq) in certain areas and the high cost of hunting equipment are just two barriers Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank that many families are currently facing. you, Mr. Speaker. When our Premier made his statement earlier, I didn’t hear Mr. Speaker, during our recent spring him say what I wanted to talk about, sitting the Premier tabled his letter to the which was to see a four-year summary Minister of Indigenous and Northern that we can provide to our constituents. I Affairs regarding the federal Nutrition support it in that respect. North Canada. I was pleased to note the Premier’s commitment to working with I say “good day” to my fellow Inuit and the federal government to improve that Nunavummiut. program, and I encourage the next government to keep Nunavummiut I rise to talk about that issue. updated on this important issue. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the issue of food security in Nunavut has Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I been raised on many occasions during will have questions on this issue for the the current Legislative Assembly. appropriate minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. According to the 2015 Nunavut Food Price Survey, the prices of food in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut communities have been steadily Members’ Statements. Member for increasing with each passing year, Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. making healthy food less and less Tom Sammurtok. accessible for our families. Member’s Statement 644 – 4(3): Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there are Support for an Elders Facility in many programs that are currently being Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok, T) delivered in Nunavut that promote healthy living. However, without Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): affordable access to nutritious food, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in healthy living will remain a distant support of an elders facility for the dream for far too many families in our community of Rankin Inlet. territory. Mr. Speaker, this summer the A balanced diet supports mental health, government awarded a contract for the success in learning, and good decision- needs assessment and options making. Mr. Speaker, the well-being of development for an addictions and each community relies on the ability of trauma treatment centre in Nunavut. each individual to eat and live well. While I do not oppose the establishment of such a facility, I feel it equally Many Nunavut families utilize their important that we examine what options ability to hunt and country food to are available for providing support and supplement their diets, but many care for our elders in Nunavut. families do not have this opportunity
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Mr. Speaker, currently there is an against seismic testing around their extremely effective treatment centre communities. That was a petroleum which focuses specifically on Inuit development company. culture and values. I am very impressed with the operations of the Mamisarvik If seismic testing had been done near Centre in Ottawa. We also have a mobile Clyde River, it would have had a treatment program in western Nunavut devastating effect on the marine which also focuses on Inuit cultural mammals, especially the crustaceans and values. smaller animals. These crustaceans and small animals are the major food source However, our elders are being sent to of larger marine mammals. Seismic facilities outside of Nunavut where their testing would not only affect Clyde language, culture, and even their regular River but all Nunavut communities. diet are lost. I would like to congratulate the Mr. Speaker, I believe that we must re- individuals of Clyde River who worked evaluate our current needs and very hard to oppose seismic testing. I challenges. We must determine our received some invitations to go to priorities and refocus. Ottawa to deal with this subject. I would like to thank everyone who was involved I sincerely hope that the new in opposing seismic testing. They were government will make the establishment able to win a case in the Supreme Court. of elders facilities in Nunavut a priority I am very proud of that. If we had not in order that families and communities created Nunavut, I am certain that we can stay together and support each other. wouldn’t have been able to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to conclude my statement. Thank you, Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Speaker. Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member’s Statement 645 – 4(3): Clyde The Member for Uqqummiut is seeking River Succeeds in Halting Seismic unanimous consent to conclude his Testing (Keyootak) statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, please Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank proceed. you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate some individuals. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the people colleagues. of Clyde River worked very hard in dealing with the issue of seismic testing This was a very important case and very in the ocean. The people of Clyde River likely if Nunavut wasn’t created, we and the representatives of the hamlet wouldn’t have been able to achieve what council, as well as the hunters and we did. trappers organizations took a stand
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We all know that it indicates in the land The law society also provides this claims agreement that if there’s going to discussion, as they assisted in the be major development in the oceans or production of a book. This book was on the land, the communities must be produced from a collection of files from consulted prior to the development or Nunavut Arctic College and the title of testing being started. I am very pleased the book is Inuit Laws. The Inuktitut that we will be able to exercise the sections relate to Tirigusuusiit, power that’s outlined in the agreement. Piqaujait, and Maligait. This was done in conjunction with several elders no We are able to sit here as Members of longer with us, but who were all very the Legislative Assembly because of the wise residents of Nunavut and they Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. We were: Mariano Aupilardjuk, Marie have to implement and make sure that Tulimaaq, Emile Immaroitok, and two of the signatories follow what’s in the my previous constituents, Akeeshoo agreement. All Nunavut communities, Joamie and Lucassie Nutaraluk. especially the outlying communities, have to be consulted prior to the start of The stories were very strongly worded. any development. They were printed and are now available. The contents are such that any I would like my colleagues to join me in person who wishes to live by those congratulating all the individuals who words can do so as it specifies how participated in that successful court case. people can become contributing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. members of society, and it applies to everyone who is Inuk. The stories are >>Applause very practicable and believable as it is based on Inuit traditional knowledge. It Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. is a source of pride and showcases their Members’ Statements. Member for level of knowledge. Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. The books are available here at the Member’s Statement 646 – 4(3): New stores, and I believe they are in most of Book Titled “Inuit Laws” (Okalik) our libraries today since being produced and circulated. This obviously won’t be Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, the only edition which can assist Inuit to Mr. Speaker. I am grateful to be able to strengthen their cultural foundations. rise today to make my statement Thank you, Mr. Speaker. especially in light of our colleague’s passion about IQ, as his statements are >>Applause full of information. I am referring to the High Arctic MLA who voices the need Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Members’ Statements. Member for that he generally promotes and Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike. advocates for. He isn’t alone in pushing for it and I wanted to let him know that.
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Member’s Statement 647 – 4(3): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Long-term Service Award Members’ Statements. I have no more Recipients from Pangnirtung names on my list. Moving on. Item 4. (Mike) Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People of Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Nunavut, people of Pangnirtung, and visitors in the gallery, I wish for all of us Thank you. I’m sorry. Recognition of to have a great day. Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Keith Peterson. I rise to acknowledge several long-term service awards for people working in our Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the government. This Saturday awards were Gallery given to a number of public servants and we had a dinner hosted by Human Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Resources to recognize government Speaker. I have the honour today to workers serving many years. recognize visitors in the gallery. This is a group of elders who have been working I am quite proud of two individuals who with the Department of Justice on the were given long-term service awards. design of the Qikiqtani Correctional This year marks their 25 years of Healing Centre. This group has also employment within the government. taken an active role in reviewing and They are Jeannie Metuq, who has developing programming, cultural worked for the government for many orientation and training for corrections. years, and Apea Sowdluapik, who has One of their main focuses has been on spent over 30 years with the public giving advice for staffing of existing and service. future correctional facilities. They’re extremely important to the department With respect to their long-term services and we value their wisdom and advice and contributions, both have assisted which has helped shape the design of many people and our community of this project. Pangnirtung through their work. I am very proud of their accomplishments as Please join me in welcoming, they’re well as the many others who received right behind me here: Nipisha Bracken, a long-term service awards on Saturday. full-time counsellor at the Baffin Correctional Centre and facilitator of In particular the Clerk of the House, who this committee; Nash Sagiatook, an elder has been with the government for 45 counsellor at the Makigiarvik; Abigail years, I am very proud of his Idlout, an elder counsellor at the commitment and he has contributed a lot Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre to the government. Thank you, Mr. and Baffin Correctional Centre; and Paul Speaker. Idlout, an elder counsellor at the Utaqqivik, the community residential >>Applause centre.
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I would like to welcome them to the This person at one time was also a gallery and congratulate them on their mayor of Gjoa Haven and he does a lot important work. Thank you, Mr. of work for the community, especially Speaker. on the radio programs. He goes to the radio station at eight o’clock in the >>Applause morning just so that the students can go to school, if there’s any information that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. needs to be put out into the community. Welcome to the gallery, those who were He’s at the radio station from 8:00 to just mentioned. Recognition of Visitors 9:00 in the morning. Also, he does radio in the Gallery. Member for Tununiq, Mr. shows for local elders so that they can Joe Enook. stay home and listen to the radio and give them a chance to tell their story or Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, anything that needs to be told. Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome the individuals who were just He’s an important person. I would like to recognized. recognize Mr. Allen Aglukkaq from Gjoa Haven. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize my cousin. He has been >>Applause working with the government for 30 years. He doesn’t look over 30, but he Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to has been working with the government the galley. Recognition of Visitors in the for 30 years. I would like to welcome Gallery. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. my cousin and a fellow Pond Inlet Peter Taptuna. community member, Joapie Killiktee. Welcome. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I am quite >>Applause happy today to recognize several individuals who received long-term Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to service awards working for the the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in government. A day after our session on the Gallery. Member for Gjoa Haven, September 16 we were very happy to Mr. Tony Akoak. recognize Inuit who worked for a long time. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the community of (interpretation ends) The following Gjoa Haven. individuals have served a service of 30 years and we are pleased to welcome I would like to recognize a constituent them all to the gallery. I’ll say their from Gjoa Haven. He was one of the names and hold your applause, please, recipients of the 35-year award. He was because I have a number of people to asked earlier if he was ready to stop recognize here for 35 years. Irene working, but then he told the person, Tanuyak for 30 years, Anne Mullin, “Maybe someday.” He will probably go Saimata Arlooktoo, Joapie Killiktee; and as far as 45 years, as our Clerk.
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4794 for 35 years of service: Saa Pitsiulak, Mr. Speaker. Allen Owlijoot, and Mr. Dave Monteith. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, from what I can gather out there in the public, there are whispers of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. this person becoming a legend. For the Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of first time in the GN, to recognize 45 Visitors in the Gallery. Member for years of service, John Quirke. Quttiktuq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook.
>>Laughter Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am quite pleased, as We thank them all for their years of I have felt like a loner for not service and welcome here to the House. recognizing people, and with only two (interpretation) Thank you. days left in our mandate I will recognize a person in the gallery. >>Applause I recognize Levi Barnabas. If he could Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. please stand so I can acknowledge him. Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of He has been working for many years Visitors in the Gallery. Member for now, although he is middle-aged and no Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. longer a youth. He is one of my Tom Sammurtok. constituents, so I am very pleased to recognize a person I can actually Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): recognize in my last days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize my niece who was He works for the Qikiqtani Inuit from Chesterfield Inlet but has now Association as a board member and he is moved to Iqaluit. She’s the Assistant working on the Mary River file. He was Deputy Minister for the Department of also previously an MLA in the Family Services, my niece Irene legislature, so his accomplishments are Tanuyak. Welcome. something I take pride in. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a >>Applause visitor in the gallery for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in >>Applause the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank Visitors in the Gallery. Member for you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. welcome each and every one of you, but especially the elders and my Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, constituents, Paul Oodlateeta Idlout and Mr. Speaker. I, too, wish to recognize his wife, Abigail. Welcome. Thank you, visitors here, especially an individual whom I have represented for a long time.
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Although he was recognized earlier, I As per my colleague’s remarks, the am quite glad Dave Monteith stayed a logos we see around the Legislative bit longer. His name is well known. Assembly were largely drawn by Whenever we go to the river at the Andrew Karpik. territorial park, we mention his name and wonder how he is doing. Please Further, I wish to also acknowledge my welcome him. paternal uncle, Imoona Karpik, who is an original Pangnirtung resident. I also have a relative here in the gallery, Nash Sagiatook, who is my cousin. I There are some other people who grew would like to welcome you to the up in Pangnirtung, and as I am almost at gallery. the end of my term I want to recognize a person with whom I spent my childhood There is also an individual I grew up with, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. with. It seems like my age group doesn’t have much opportunity to come and visit If you didn’t know the name of the here. We usually played outside a lot person sitting next to me, I would also because he used to be my neighbour. I like to recognize Pauloosie Okalik. I would like to welcome Andrew Karpik. wish to also acknowledge him at this He’s not a stranger at all. I know that he time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. has made every logo for the Nunavut government. I want you to acknowledge >>Laughter him and his uncle, Imoona Karpik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause
>>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome to the gallery, those who were Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. just mentioned. Recognition of Visitors Welcome to the gallery, those who were in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit- just mentioned. Recognition of Visitors Tasiluk, Mr. George Hickes. in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know this person was Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): recognized already, but it’s somebody I Thank you. As usual, my colleague used to work with when I worked in the immediately to my right took the Department of Education and it was opportunity to recognize one of my always a pleasure going to work in the constituents. morning. There was always a smile on her face and she added to the friendly I will recognize him this way, as Andrew atmosphere of the division I worked Karpik is also a relative of mine. He is a with. I would like to welcome and master artist specializing in art. I can congratulate Anne Mullin on her work only acknowledge him as a master artist service and also her recent retirement as he is one of most well-known artists from the Department of Health, of which in the world and in Canada. I am responsible for.
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I would also like to take this time to Question 853 – 4(3): Runway recognize somebody I met at the event Extension for Naujaat (Mapsalak) on Saturday night. I had the pleasure of talking with him for a few minutes on Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank the future technical advances that are you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct coming with the digital imaging my question to the Minister of Economic equipment that is going to be sent up to Development. Pond Inlet in the next year. I would like to welcome Joapie Killiktee to the House Mr. Speaker, during the last session I as well. asked the minister about this matter, so I will follow up with these questions. It Speaking of the event on Saturday night relates to the airport’s airstrip in Naujaat that most of us attended and the staff, the which is still too short to accommodate organization of that event was larger aircraft. exemplary. I would really like to take this time to welcome one of the I stated at the time that the Calm Air representatives of the Department of manager whom I met with informed us Finance here. Mr. Speaker, she’s no during the Manitoba round-table stranger to the House, but she’s normally meetings that if the airstrip in Naujaat sitting at the witness table. Mr. Speaker, was extended by 100 feet, the aircraft I would like to welcome Alma Power to could carry an additional 6,000 lbs. of the House as well. Thank you. cargo.
>>Applause With that being the case, I felt this was the least of the issues to deal with. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. asked the minister if this extension to Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of increase the length of the airstrip by 100 Visitors in the Gallery. feet could be studied. I asked how difficult it would be to do that and As the Speaker, I would like to requested a study be done for an recognize an individual who was part of extension. I felt it wouldn’t be too the Nunavut government at the very start onerous since I have seen the airstrip of its operations and who fulfilled the personally and I see it all the time. role of the Speaker firstly. Levi Barnabas, welcome. The actual work to extend the runway by 100 feet would be very little work. With >>Applause that being the case, I would like to ask the minister: did she task her officials to I have no more names for Recognition of look into extending the airstrip in Visitors in the Gallery. Moving on. Item Naujaat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 6. Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Steve Mapsalak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Item 6: Oral Questions of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell-
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Kanayuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister of Economic Development and Speaker. I also thank the member for the Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- question. I discussed this matter with my Kanayuk. officials. To date nothing has been done. Although it seems like a simple matter, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk we would need to come up with funding. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. I can tell the member that the air Speaker. In regard to the member’s terminal is part of the expression of question, we also have officials in interest to the federal government. We Rankin Inlet and perhaps we will go haven’t heard from them yet. Thank you, through their office. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I already know about Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank the expression of interest for terminals in you, Mr. Speaker. This will be my very Nunavut. I know that the terminal is too last question. Since I doubt I will ever small, but as I stated, I asked questions get the chance to ask the minister again, during the last session in regard to the I’ll pose this question for the third time airstrip. since tomorrow is our last sitting day.
It’s only 100 feet and I know that it’s not I would like to ask my very last question very complicated to work on this. I just because the benefits will be significantly wanted her department to look into how greater. Can the minister commit prior to difficult it would be to extend the the end of her ministerial term to tasking airstrip. I don’t think it would be very her officials in Rankin Inlet, since it is expensive. I think it was more along the close by and the project isn’t a capital lines of planning. If they can go over to project, to look into how to resolve that the community and do the fact-finding, I tiny extension of the airstrip? Thank know that it would be very easy. They you, Mr. Speaker. shortened the airstrip when it was reconstructed. I believe that it is a very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. simple matter. That’s what I was asking Minister of Economic Development and the minister. Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Kanayuk. I wonder if the minister can ask her officials to look into how the runway can Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk be extended and find out how difficult it (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. would be to do so. This will allow the Speaker. I also thank the member for next government to do planning and it’s that question. I already indicated that our something that Calm Air has asked for. staff in Rankin Inlet will be directed to
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4798 go to that community. I can’t say when a Currently we are all aware of the good time would be to do it. Thank you, dangers and most hunters now need Mr. Speaker. cabins to ensure they are protected when they are in their hunting areas. Many Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Inuit now own cabins outside of the Oral Questions. Member for communities. Although there are many Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. cabins now, a polar bear will ransack a cabin with all the contents strewn Question 854 – 4(3): Compensation outside. for Damage Caused by Polar Bears (Keyootak) Mr. Speaker, I have asked the minister questions about compensation in cases Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank where property and belongings are you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the destroyed by polar bears. I wonder if the people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, minister can identify how much damage as well as the people who are listening to one has to suffer before compensation and watching the proceedings. can be approved. Is there an upper or lower limit for damages one must suffer? Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to For example, what’s the monetary value the Minister of Environment. that has to be damaged before applications for compensation can be Mr. Speaker, I asked questions to the approved? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. minister previously on this same matter. It is about Inuit who have their Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. equipment and materials destroyed by Minister of Environment, Mr. Joe polar bears, and hunters who try to Savikataaq. request compensation for destroyed property. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The The compensation process is very compensation is for any kind of damage complicated and we all know of people from any animal. It doesn’t matter if it’s who have never been approved. Further, a polar bear or something else. I can tell polar bears are increasing in numbers my colleague that there is no minimum and there are more cases of polar bears amount set for damages, but there is a destroying property. In the old days we maximum amount of compensation they recall we had no worries of polar bears can get for damages. There is no approaching hunters. minimum limit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hunters would sleep in canvas tents or in the springtime many hunters would sleep Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. on their qamutiit without having to Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. bother setting up a camp. This was in the spring when many Inuit had no Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank experiences with dangerous situations in you, Mr. Speaker. The minister just said our area on the land due to the lower that there is a maximum amount that is numbers of polar bears. available and can be applied for, but
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4799 there is no minimum. previously, when cabins are destroyed by wildlife, the owner can apply to the In my community there have been many Department of Environment for instances of damage because we have so compensation to replace their personal many polar bears around our community belongings or the cabin. We have being we’re so close to the ocean. Every policies that have to be followed and if year the contents of somebody’s cabin they meet those criteria, they can get get damaged, such as sleeping bags, and compensation. we’ve had to bring them with us in order to make sure they don’t get destroyed. I can’t say whether or not the people he’s talking about have been approved or Whenever a polar bear breaks into a not. As I stated earlier, for damages to cabin, everything inside is destroyed. All equipment or personal belongings, there the stuff that we own is expensive, such is no minimum damage that needs to be as sleeping bags, mattresses, and done. There is a maximum amount of cooking utensils. They are all strewn compensation that is available, but we outside by polar bears. Of those who don’t set a minimum for the amount of have tried to get compensated in our damage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. community, no one has ever successfully been compensated. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mr. Speaker, there was one person who Keyootak. said that his cabin was destroyed three times. I also have a cabin nearby. Our Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank cabins are close to each other and both you, Mr. Speaker. I know there are many our cabins were destroyed with all the people who have applied for contents strewn outside. They are totally compensation and they have to follow useless now. the policies. They’re told to take pictures of the damages and to write down what Many people have tried for happened. We try to do that and we take compensation from my community and pictures. They take proper pictures and up until now nobody has ever been they also write down what was destroyed approved. Why is it so difficult to get and provide that to the officer in the compensation? Even though they tell us community. Mr. Speaker, can the that compensation is available, to date minister indicate who approves or denies no one in my community has ever been these compensation requests? Thank compensated. What do they have to do you, Mr. Speaker. in order to get compensated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Savikataaq. Minister of Environment, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am unsure if Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): you meant who approves or denies the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like I stated requests.
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The process starts at the community Corporation’s most current work plan in level where the local conservation the House before the end of the current officer would receive an application Legislative Assembly? (interpretation) from the hunter with supporting Thank you, Mr. Speaker. correspondence from the HTO, and then it would be sent to (interpretation ends) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the regional centre. (interpretation) For Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic the Baffin region it is in Pond Inlet, so College, Mr. Paul Quassa. the application would go there and here in Iqaluit. Once all the offices have Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): approved that request, the application for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my compensation would be approved. colleague for requesting information on that. Yes, what you said is correct. We For the listening audience in Nunavut, sit on that board. The report is drawn up the hunter has to fill out a form and by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, but they’re supposed to be notified within 45 we know that there are only two days days as to whether they have been left of this House and tomorrow will be approved or not. That’s set so that they the last day. It is still set like that. It can don’t wait for extended periods of time be tabled. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. for their answer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Alexander Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Sammurtok. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Question 855 – 4(3): Makigiaqta Inuit The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Training Corporation Corporation was established with funds (Sammurtok, A) provided by the Government of Canada Mr. Alexander Sammurtok following the 2015 settlement agreement (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. that was signed by the federal Speaker. My questions are for the government, the territorial government, Minister responsible for (interpretation and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. It ends) Nunavut Arctic College. has provided approximately $4.5 million in funding to date for various training In June of this year the Makigiaqta Inuit initiatives. Training Corporation announced that its board of directors had approved its For the record, can the minister confirm annual work plan. if any of this funding has been used to support the new Nunavut Law Program The minister sits on the board of that is being delivered at Nunavut Arctic directors of the Makigiaqta Inuit College? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Training Corporation. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Will the minister commit to tabling a Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic copy of the Makigiaqta Inuit Training College, Mr. Paul Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic board meetings we are presented with College, Mr. Paul Quassa. information on who has applied for funding that is available for requests Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): through the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This $1.5 Corporation. million fund my colleague referenced will provide substantial benefits. It is As you are aware, Nunavut Tunngavik going to different organizations. successfully sued the federal Nonetheless, I can’t say exactly how government, where the federal many people will benefit from this government was charged with losses and funding. they had to pay that amount. Ever since the creation of this fund, many Alternatively what I can say is that the organizations have applied for and funding will benefit many Inuit with received funding from this money. their spoken language, especially our preschool students who will be taught However, what I can tell my colleague is Inuktitut literacy starting programming, that with respect to the Nunavut Law to see how they can be taught to speak in Program, it has its own funding separate Inuktitut. This is primarily geared from our government and their funds are towards Inuktitut literacy programming, not from that fund. Thank you, Mr. as that is the main focus. Speaker. Although I can’t provide an exact Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. number of residents who would benefit, Your final supplementary, Mr. I can say that many people will benefit Alexander Sammurtok. from this funding. The organizations my colleague named have many employees Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. and many more children they serve who Speaker. In June of this year the are within these programs. It’s obvious Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation that the funding will be spent wisely. announced $1.5 million in funding for However, in looking at these bodies, four Inuit-specific training initiatives to many Inuit use these facilities. I can’t be delivered by the Qikiqtani Inuit provide an exact figure of how many Association, the Pirurvik Centre, the people would benefit from these funds. Nunavut Literacy Council, and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik. The stated purpose of this training is to, and I quote, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. “enhance the preparedness of Nunavut Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Inuit for government and other Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. employment.”
For the record, can the minister confirm how many people are currently participating in the four training initiatives? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Question 856 – 4(3): Human Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Papillomavirus Vaccine (Okalik) Mr. Speaker. Information has been released about the effectiveness of this Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, vaccine and the consequences of not Mr. Speaker. I’ll direct my question to being vaccinated are that it can lead to the Minister of Health. cervical cancer or other cancers on both sexes later on. I’m not aware what the terminology is in Inuktitut, so I’ll be speaking in English. I wonder if the Department of Health will provide more public health (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the information on this vaccine to the public human papillomavirus is an illness that and which age groups require this, as it can cause cancer in its victims, either can affect anyone who hasn’t been male or female. There is a known vaccinated and vaccinations can stop this vaccine that is very effective and has disease from affecting people throughout been used elsewhere in our country. Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I want to ask the minister; these vaccines Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have to be administered on young people Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. at an early age. Has the department been administering this vaccine to the young Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. people in our territory? (interpretation) Speaker. Again I thank the member for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. his continued interest in this. It’s a very good program. I can say that the decision Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to offer it at a grade 6 level has one of Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. the main benefits as it allows the people to build an immune system so that they Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. can’t contract this virus. I’m not aware Speaker. I thank the member for raising of the benefit of these types of this question. There have been a number vaccinations at later stages of life. It’s of advances in the vaccination program something we can look into. for HPV, as it’s called. I couldn’t even pretend to know the Inuktitut version. I do want to confirm that, as the member It’s something we’re going to have to stated, there are other jurisdictions that work on with the IUT to make sure we do it and there are currently nine other have defined language and descriptions jurisdictions that are switching over to of these things. the HPV-9 virus which actually gives immunization against nine different I can confirm that we do utilize vaccines strains of the HP virus, two of which are across the territory. They’re done at the responsible for 70 percent of cervical grade 6 level. There are doses that are cancers and then additionally up to 90 provided at that time. Thank you, Mr. percent coverage of genital warts. Thank Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Okalik.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. For various reasons, any Nunavummiut Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, wishing to pursue post-secondary Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. education can apply for these assistance funds for courses outside of Nunavut. Question 857 – 4(3): Difficulties with Though I can’t provide an exact amount, FANS (Mikkungwak) several of the challenges or difficulties students face are due to the fact that Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): there are different funds with different Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I dates for providing the funding, some of would like to direct my question to the which are last minute and can cause Minister of Family Services. delays.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in my member’s There are some assistance funds statement I was very proud to recognize available through the Department of four Baker Lake residents who are going Family Services or if they are attending on to post-secondary education in an institution outside of Nunavut, there Ontario. are funds available through the Department of Education. There are also However, they almost didn’t get to go post-secondary institutions they may due to problems in accessing the FANS wish to go to that are also affected. support that they needed to have in place There are different reasons that can before they could attend. I am grateful prevent them from obtaining funding. that the staff at the FANS office were Thank you, Mr. Speaker. able to make it happen in time. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister provide an update on Your first supplementary, Mr. the current operating status of his Mikkungwak. department’s Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students division and indicate Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, I whether it is struggling to keep up with believe that the increasing number of the growing demands for student high school graduates across Nunavut is support? Thank you very much, Mr. a very good thing. We have more and Speaker. more students graduating successfully, and more and more students looking to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. go on to post-secondary education at Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny college or university. Mike. At the same time we, as MLAs, are Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): constantly hearing from students who Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my are having great difficulties in getting colleague for that question. Yes, funding timely and adequate responses from the assistance provided for students who are FANS office. Sometimes the lack of Nunavut residents continues to increase response and support even jeopardizes both in terms of the amount per student their opportunity to go on to higher and the overall funds. That is the education. situation.
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Is the minister aware that there are where the student may want to attend ongoing problems with the can’t just be contacted. administration of the FANS program and, if so, what is currently being done To provide an example, a post-secondary to address those problems and fix them? institution was identified as the place for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. one student’s studies. However, due to the funding assistance applied for, a Speaker (interpretation): Minister of problem occurred. The students Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike. themselves could receive funding, but the post-secondary institution they Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): wanted to attend wasn’t listed and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my further, the Department of Family colleague, as he appears knowledgeable Services application had other issues about the challenges faced by students as once the institution identified was not on well as the numbers of students in high the listing. The funding was for tuition at schools increasing, along with the that institution, but due to the inability to numbers of graduates. This is one of our fund their tuition, it can become goals as a government and this is the problematic for the student. If the post- case. secondary institution has rules pertaining to outside funding assistance, then the As to what happens in the process after rules in place become a problem and if grade 12, there used to be only four the institution is not on the list, it can’t places where funding was available to be paid for the courses. students wishing to attend post- secondary institutions. Any student from Another issue that I am aware of relates Nunavut who wished to attend courses to the other issues in our offices since we outside would only be paid to the four are open to many different means of identified cities. The airline tickets were communication, whether it is through payable to Ottawa, Winnipeg, electronic mail or website application Edmonton, and I believe the last one was forms that include the policies which Montreal. I can’t recall the last city, but apply to that funding. The information is today there are 34 institutions available on the website. Further, we recognized that a student can apply produced a booklet on the funding towards for funding assistance from the assistance programming and how it is set FANS program. This is the reason why it up and the different requirements for can be problematic, especially if the attending institutions outside of university or college isn’t on the list. Nunavut.
I also want to state that the biggest With respect to the issues that arose in problems we note are the incomplete Baker Lake, I know that both individuals funding applications from Nunavut received some assistance and we looked students. Sometimes it’s due to missing for ways to assist them, but most likely it information on the application which has was due to the closing dates for caused issues. Further, some of the submitting applications, so they were administration offices of the institution dealt with up to the ending date of school registration. That is all I can
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4805 provide to the member at this time. say is that it will be dealt with by the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. next government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mikkungwak. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook. Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the intent of having the Question 858 – 4(3): Nursing Staff administration of the financial aid for Vacancies (Enook) Nunavut students program delivered by the Department of Family Services is to Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. support the department’s mandate Good afternoon to the people of Pond regarding employment and encouraging Inlet and Nunavummiut. Nunavummiut in finding opportunities to lead a productive lifestyle. Mr. Speaker, I will direct my question to the Minister of Health. However, there may also be merit to having Nunavut’s student financial I know a very big problem exists in support program operated by a Nunavut and that is a lack of nurses, department which focuses on education mental health workers, and other health and promoting educational and academic professionals. I am aware that there is a opportunities. shortage of nurses internationally and that nurses can work anywhere. Would the minister agree that restructuring the financial aid for In Pond Inlet we have a severe shortage Nunavut students division from the of workers, which began last year. I Department of Family Services into the would like the minister to tell me Department of Education would be a whether the severe shortage was just in good initiative for our next government Pond Inlet or if it was all over Nunavut to consider? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. for this past year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mike. Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It will be up to Speaker. I thank the member for asking the new government. We can’t make this question. It’s something he has decisions on what they will do. I can’t asked me on a number of occasions, say what the next government will do. although I don’t believe it has been in For the candidates who are running, we the House here. We’ve had numerous can’t provide a platform on how they’re discussions on the challenge of staffing supposed to do this, but it’s only the in Pond Inlet. I commend him for present situation that I can talk about bringing forward his community’s right now. For those reasons, all I can concerns repeatedly.
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Mr. Speaker, over the past year we have reason of this shortage is? Is there an made a number of improvements in our indicator of why we have a shortage? Is recruitment, especially to nursing it lack of staff housing or maybe the positions. There are continual challenges nurses don’t want to work up here in the with retention. A lot of it is with our Arctic? Do you know the reasons why health professional recruitment strategy, we have a hard time retaining workers, which a number of people in the especially health care professionals? Department of Health have been Thank you, Mr. Speaker. working on, making sure that it’s aligning to our model of care report Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. that’s hopefully going be coming out Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. from the Department of Health sometime very soon. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member brings up some The challenges are not just in Pond Inlet, very good points. Those are true in some and I appreciate the member’s patience cases, but there are also additional with myself and with the department. I challenges. When we’re looking at know we have spoken on numerous different reasons, that’s part of the work occasions. I can confirm that there is one that’s being done in the health indeterminate nurse that will be starting professional recruitment strategy. Staff in Pond Inlet in the next few weeks. That housing is obviously always a concern. is some silver lining, but we are forced Although nursing staff specifically do to use casuals and contract nurses across rate a little bit higher than most GN the territory to maintain our level of employees on the priority list for staff care. housing, we have a number of cases where nurses are being forced to live I’m sure all members can attest to any together and share accommodations. contact they’ve had with me on the challenges of staffing and the challenges There is not just a nursing shortage in of providing health care in the territory. Nunavut itself; there’s a national and Some days seem dire. We’re working even an international shortage of very hard with our officials to make sure nursing. One of the real unique that not only are we recruiting nurses circumstances of Nunavut’s nursing across the territory, but that we’re shortage is that it takes a special type of retaining them as well. Thank you, Mr. nurse, a special type of individual to be Speaker. able to work in a community health centre. It’s not your standard nurse that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you could just grab from any occupation Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook. from across the country. You need that ability to be able to work in a remote Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, location. Mr. Speaker. I would like further clarification. I do understand that there As I’m sure all members and all our are a variety of reasons why we have a nurses that work very diligently across shortage of health care professionals. this territory can attest, you never know Can the minister tell me what the main what you’re going to see when that door
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4807 opens in the morning. That’s the first example, staff housing, salary, or level of care and in a lot of times the last something unique that is Nunavut- level of care without having the support specific so that we can retain nurses through physician services at the QGH longer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. or through other means like telehealth and that type of thing. Our nurses are our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. frontline and I can’t stress enough the Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. importance of making sure that we keep nurses in a community as long as Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. possible so that they get to know the Speaker. I’m not sure if “unique” is the community, they get to know the people, right word. We do have retention and they get engaged in the community. bonuses for nurses, but even that is part of the evaluation on the recruitment Mr. Speaker, unfortunately she wasn’t strategy to make sure that we’re doing able to make it to the proceedings today. everything we can. There have been On Saturday we celebrated 35 years of a numerous, different suggestions. As nurse working in a community here in we’re aligning with our model of care, Nunavut. To me those are the types of we want to make sure that we’re successes that show when somebody covering all our bases. comes up to Nunavut, works in Nunavut, and gets engaged in the community. I Just to mention a few things that the say that with emphasis, Mr. Speaker. It’s recruitment strategy is looking at, I think very important to be engaged in the there are some very important projects in community and that’s what’s going to here that are worth mentioning: keep our nurses here longer, welcoming them into the community and making A proper orientation: when a new sure that they feel like they’re supported. health care provider comes to Nunavut, we need to set the I can’t stress enough how stressful of a expectations to them up front and let position it is and I commend all nurses them know what type of culture and that are working across this great community that they’re going to; territory of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Training and development: nurses always deserve continued training Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. opportunities to be able to develop Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. their careers to enhance the services they can provide to Nunavummiut; Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For my last question, the Respect in the workplace is a huge minister indicated that there’s a shortage factor not just in Nunavut but all of nurses not only in Nunavut but also across the country and even nationally and internationally. Does your internationally on safety and making department have unique incentives for sure that our nurses are protected and nurses? For example, they are unique if feel secure in providing care and we look at the national and international treat people with respect and levels. Do you have incentives, for
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therefore themselves treated with Again, I can’t thank the member enough respect; for his patience. I know we’ve had numerous discussions over the past year Performance management: to make on staffing in Pond Inlet and I hope your sure that when we’re looking at, with colleagues are aware too that I’ve had any type of function, but health care discussions with some of them as well specifically, if there are any issues or on individual communities. It’s a any special attention that needs to be continual challenge, but I really taken to certain practices that need to appreciate the member’s patience in our be addressed on a constructive and resolving the situation specifically in positive way; and Pond Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Leadership skills: a lot of community Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. residents look to our nursing staff as Oral Questions. Member for South leaders within the community. Baffin, Mr. David Joanasie.
I think it’s important to say that as Question 859 – 4(3): Inuit people spend more time in the north and Employment Initiatives (Joanasie) they get to know the community, there’s a role that they have and a responsibility Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank that they have in making sure that people you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for are aware of all the options that are the Minister of Executive and available to them. I think the more well- Intergovernmental Affairs, and they rounded that knowledge base is, the concern his minister’s statement of better level of care that can be provided. September 14, 2017 concerning the issue of Inuit employment in the public I touched on health and safety earlier. service. There’s also a mental health component to it, Mr. Speaker. When I said earlier In his statement, the minister informed that our nurses are working in a very the House that the government has stressful environment, the hours that conducted an “internal strategic they work in providing care after-hours, workforce analysis to understand Inuit overnight… . During the pertussis employment.” Will the minister commit outbreak there were nurses that were to tabling this study before the end of working days at a time without getting our Legislative Assembly? Thank you, proper relief. That’s something that I Mr. Speaker. feel I need to do a better job of as the Minister of Health. Going forward, I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. know the department takes it very (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister seriously to make sure that we’ve got the of Executive and Intergovernmental resources for our nurses to be able to do Affairs, Hon. Peter Taptuna. their job properly. That’s where the model of care is going to lead direction Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. in that matter. Speaker. I appreciate the question from Mr. Joanasie. As the Premier I committed to ensuring that we increase
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4809 the level of Inuit working within the the earliest, which is almost half a government. We’re well positioned, after century from now. That’s not acceptable NTI and the Government of Canada to me. have signed their lawsuit agreement, where we can take advantage of some of In his statement the minister said, and I these long-term plans. quote, “…factors of Inuit employment have shifted since 1999. We need to look As I indicated in the last sitting, at the whole picture, not just through a previously the funding that came from narrow scope. There is value in looking the federal government to assist us in the through a lens based on numbers and not Inuit training program was not enough projected assumptions.” for a hot dog party. Again I say that because we did put out a lot of our own Can the minister clarify in plain money. We used a lot of our own money language exactly what he means by to create initiatives and create programs using “numbers and not projected to increase Inuit employees within the assumptions”? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, once the lawsuit was (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister completed, there’s an agreement there of Executive and Intergovernmental where we put in a strategic workforce Affairs, Mr. Peter Taptuna. analysis and that continues. The draft is completed and that draft is going back Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you again, and forth between Nunavut Tunngavik Mr. Speaker. Strategic workforce Incorporated and the Government of analyses are done by just about every Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. organization in Canada and throughout the world to understand the needs, your Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. labour force, and your future needs. Your first supplementary, Mr. David That’s one thing that we aim to do Joanasie. because just doing something out that is not going to prove effective… . We do Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. have to understand what’s out there. The minister has alluded to hot dog This is the first time that it has ever been parties a second time around through one done and this is the first time we’re of my lines of questioning. Maybe he going to understand exactly what we can enlighten us on what kind of parties have to do. we need to have in order to get Inuit employment increased. What the member says is absolutely correct. Just putting out numbers and Mr. Speaker, I want to briefly point out trying to increase the level of employees that the number of Nunavut Inuit within the government doesn’t employed by the government increases necessarily work. We’ve got to by about 50 people each year. At the understand our situation. We’ve got to government’s current rate of hiring, we understand what’s out there and come up will not achieve a fully representative with plans that will benefit our training public government until the year 2063 at programs and benefit the number of Inuit
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4810 working within the government. If it Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. takes half a century, it’s something that (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister I’m not looking forward to because I of Executive and Intergovernmental know that we will have more Inuit Affairs, Mr. Taptuna. working within the government through better education and more graduation. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question from As a review by Justice Thomas Berger the member, Mr. Joanasie. Mr. Speaker, indicated, in order to bring our Inuit as I indicated, we have a master Inuit numbers up within the governments both employment plan. It’s government-wide territorially and federally, we do have to through each individual department and have graduates. I am really pleased that corporation, and it’s centrally over the last number of years our coordinated by the Department of graduation rates are increasing. With that Finance and EIA. With this plan we aim in mind, we do have to take into to increase the number of Inuit within consideration how we’re going to plan the workforce. When I say that, again for the future. I’ve got to say that Inuit who are trained through the programs that we administer This is the first time and this is the first or Sivuliqtiksavut or internship, some of generation strategic planning is taking these employees do move on to private place and we’re doing that with Nunavut enterprises. Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Canada. Thank you, Mr. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I can say Speaker. some of these things about Kugluktuk because I live there. I know that there Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. are 121 employees within the hamlet and Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. most of them are Inuit. That’s not necessarily because they want to work Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. for the government. There is the labour One aspect of the government’s most force that we’ve got to pay attention to. recent quarterly report on Inuit We can’t start saying that if our labour employment was the relatively high force is 15 to 65 years old, it doesn’t number of Nunavut Inuit who have mean they’re all available for work. worked or who are working as substitute teachers or relief teachers in our schools. We have to be strategic. We have to plan The report indicates that 2,556 Nunavut well into the future to make sure that our Inuit are or have been employed as relief numbers increase in Inuit employment. or substitute teachers. There has to be a plan with numbers. If there isn’t, if we’re just grabbing people Can the minister describe what efforts out there and talking about increasing the government is making to provide the numbers with no plan, it doesn’t work. necessary training for these relief and That’s why we have gone through the substitute teachers so that they can strategic workforce analysis to ensure become full-time teachers in our that we have a good plan going forward. schools? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Minister of Community and Government Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Services, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. Sammurtok. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Question 860 – 4(3): Rankin Inlet’s Speaker. On some issues here like the Freshwater Supply (Sammurtok, water supply in Rankin Inlet and the T) sewage lagoon in Sanikiluaq, I seem to Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): talk like a broken record and my answers Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation are all the same. A common factor on ends) My questions are for the Minister that is those projects have stuff beyond of Community and Government our control for the regulatory process. Services. I can give an update for the Rankin Inlet As the minister is aware, Nipissar Lake water situation with an explanation. The is unable to meet Rankin Inlet’s long- hamlet has a water licence to pump from term demand for freshwater. The Char Lake and, as the member knows community had previously pumped and as we saw from the pictures, Char water from Char River to replenish Lake has pretty well dried up. Nipissar Lake. However, this may no longer be a viable option as Char River’s Another factor that comes into play there water levels are now also quite low, as is the water licence only permits 10 demonstrated in the photographs that I percent of the water flow to be pumped tabled in the House last week. while Char River is pumping. All we can pump even when the water is pumping is On May 31, 2017, during our recent 10 percent of the water volume. We have spring sitting, the minister stated that his tried to argue that this water ends up in department, at that time, was waiting for the ocean and we would like to pump approval from the Nunavut Impact more, but that is going nowhere. Review Board in order to obtain a water licence that would allow Rankin Inlet to We had hoped that the water licence begin pumping water from First Landing would be in place and that we would Lake to Nipissar Lake. The minister also have been pumping from Char Lake, but stated that his department had we have not received the water licence anticipated that all necessary permits yet to pump from Char Lake. We have would be in place by the summer of the piping in place to pump from Char 2017. It is my understanding that as of Lake. A larger pump to pump from Char today the community has not been able Lake has been ordered. Everything is in to begin pumping water from First place and we are just waiting for a Landing Lake. licence to build a pump from Char Lake, but I am sorry to tell the member that Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide that is out of our control. Thank you, Mr. the House today with an update on when Speaker. Rankin Inlet will be permitted to pump water from First Landing Lake to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nipissar Lake? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Tom
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Sammurtok. Can the minister tell us today: when was the last time that his department formally Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. analyzed Rankin Inlet’s Nipissar Lake to Speaker. As the minister is aware, the determine its lifespan and its capacity to pipe that was previously used to pump meet the community’s demand for fresh water from Char River to Nipissar Lake water? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. was left unused for a number of weeks earlier in the summer. It is my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. understanding that the community has Minister of Community and Government only recently begun pumping water from Services, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. Char River. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Can the minister explain who decides Speaker. I can’t tell the member exactly when the community may begin when the last time it was evaluated. pumping water from Char River and how that decision is made? Thank you, As I stated earlier in this week too when Mr. Speaker. the question was asked about water supplies, it’s very easy to analyze where Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there is a man-made reservoir where you Minister of Community and Government know how much it holds and you know Services, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. what the consumption is. It’s a bit trickier when it’s a lake or a natural Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. reservoir because the natural Speaker. The conditions are set out by replenishment rate is different from year the water board as to when we can pump to year. If it snows a lot or if it rains a from Char River and when we can’t. As lot, if there’s lots of runoff, then the I explained earlier, we can only pump 10 water levels go up naturally by that. percent of the volume that is going through. When the water level gets too I can assure the member that once we low, it triggers a process to stop the have the water board licence, we will be pumps. It’s a part of the condition of the pumping with a 10-inch pump from First water licence that was issued. Thank Landing Lake. I can assure him that 10- you, Mr. Speaker. inch pipe will be pumping that water quicker than it can be used, so there Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. should be no problem with replenishing Your final supplementary, Mr. Tom Nipissar Lake once we have our water Sammurtok. licence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Qujannamiik, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. During our recent spring The time for question period has sitting, the minister indicated that his expired. (interpretation ends) Hon. department monitors each community’s Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat freshwater supply in order to keep track Angnakak. of those which may be at risk of suffering from water shortages.
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Motion 061 – 4(3): Extension of Can the minister clarify if, as of today, Question Period (Angnakak) his department has secured housing for this position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. seconded by the member from South Minister of Justice, Mr. Keith Peterson. Baffin, that the time allotted for Oral Questions be extended. Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the question. I have been to Sanikiluaq a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. couple of times. I am familiar with the (interpretation ends) There is a motion shortage of housing and office space in on the floor to extend question period. the community. Mr. Rumbolt has been The motion is in order and is not subject lobbying actively for housing and office to debate. All those in favour. space over the years. I am sorry to report (interpretation) Thank you. that we haven’t secured housing for that (interpretation ends) Opposed. The position as of yet. We’re still waiting for motion is carried and question period is a unit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. extended for an additional 30 minutes. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) Oral Questions. Member Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. for Hudson Bay, Mr. Allan Rumbolt. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 861 – 4(3): Sanikiluaq’s I wonder if the minister can explain or Corrections Officer Vacancy clarify what specific actions his (Rumbolt) department has taken to fill this position Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. since July of 2016 and when does he My questions are for the Minister of anticipate having housing for this Justice. position. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, being in a non- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. decentralized community, every GN job Minister of Justice, Mr. Keith Peterson. counts to a community’s success. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. The community corrections officer Speaker. We haven’t been sitting idly position in Sanikiluaq has been vacant by. We have been actively trying to since July of 2016. secure housing. I’m just reading my briefing note. We did have a job Mr. Speaker, the minister has previously evaluation process. There was a formal stated that his department was unable to request for a housing unit submitted in fill Sanikiluaq’s community corrections February 2017, earlier this year. Again, officer position due to a lack of housing the serious lack of GN staff housing in for that position. Sanikiluaq has been plaguing us. We haven’t received confirmation yet for that. In the meantime we have been
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4814 trying to hire a casual to fill that services. I am not aware of any concerns position. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. with any of the people on probation communicating, but we would prefer, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. obviously, if we had someone in the Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. community. Hopefully at some point we will be able to secure the housing and go Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to a competition. Thank you, Mr. Community corrections officers, also Speaker. known as probation officers, provide an important service for individuals who Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. are re-entering society after being Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- discharged from correctional centres. Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak. Community corrections officers can be essential to those individuals’ success in Question 862 – 4(3): NNI Policy leading to a productive life within their (Angnakak) community. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Can the minister tell me if his Minister of Economic Development and department provides long-distance Transportation. probation services to individuals in communities that do not have a The government’s new NNI Policy came community corrections officer and, if so, into effect on April 1, 2017 and has been can he describe how this long-distance in place for almost six months now. service works? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The new NNI Policy establishes a new Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. NNI Tribunal. The role of the tribunal is Minister of Justice, Mr. Keith Peterson. to, and I am quoting from the NNI Policy, “hear and decide on complaints Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. regarding the application of the NNI Speaker. Yes, we do provide probations Policy in the award of any contracts services done on weekly telephone calls covered by the NNI Policy.” right now from, I believe, Rankin Inlet. There are attempts to have in-person During our spring sitting, the minister meetings where someone would fly in announced the names of the new tribunal from another community. There have members. Can the minister indicate been a couple of attempts, I believe, today how many formal complaints have from just reading my information. There been submitted to the tribunal since its was an attempt earlier this year and it establishment earlier this year? Thank was cancelled due to weather and a you, Mr. Speaker. second attempt where there were no hotel rooms in the community. I believe Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the plan is to try to go again in October. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- We do appreciate Mr. Rumbolt’s Kanayuk. concerns and we are complying with the responsibilities to offer probation
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Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member. To Speaker. I also thank the member for her date I haven’t been informed of how question. The NNI Secretariat works many complaints the tribunal has heard. closely with NTI to develop policies, The members that we identified haven’t which also occurred in this case. They changed to date. Thank you, Mr. dealt with the draft regulations and NTI Speaker. stated that they didn’t have issues with the NNI Secretariat’s list of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. recommendations. Your first supplementary, Ms. Angnakak. Yes, it’s true that Inuit firms are identified through NTI and the list is Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. updated regularly. New businesses, from Speaker. I want to revisit an issue that I my experience, can submit applications raised with the minister during our anytime with updates being regularly spring sitting. done by NTI. There are no closing dates set on the listing of an Inuit-owned Section 17 of the new NNI Policy company, so this application and list can provides for bid adjustments in the be changed when the need arises related government’s procurement process. The to their business ownership status. With new NNI Policy now provides for respect to a company that may be additional bid adjustments for Inuit firms submitting a bid, the secretariat checks with higher ownership levels. To with NTI’s list. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. illustrate, the new NNI Policy provides that a firm with 100 percent Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. ownership level will receive an Your final supplementary, Ms. additional bid adjustment above what Angnakak. firms with lower Inuit ownership levels are entitled to receive. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for her Mr. Speaker, I understand and recognize response. This year’s Nunavut Trade that it is the responsibility of NTI to Show starts tomorrow in Iqaluit, and I determine the relative levels of Inuit am looking forward to attending a ownership of firms in its registry. My number of the events myself, hopefully. question for the minister is simply this: I also want to take this opportunity to can she confirm whether or not NTI has express my congratulations to all of the provided the government with an people at the Baffin Regional Chamber updated listing of firms, including their of Commerce who work very hard each new Inuit ownership ratings? Thank you, year to make this event a success. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. conference session no. 5 will focus on Minister of Economic Development and the new NNI Policy. Can the minister Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- confirm if she will be attending this Kanayuk. session so that she has the opportunity to
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4816 directly receive feedback on the success that were caused by waves. After the of the policy for which her department is meeting, I asked if you could send responsible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. someone to go investigate. Can you inform me of whether this proceeded or Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. not? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kanayuk. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Kanayuk. Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Mr. Speaker, I will be Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk attending the Nunavut Trade Show. I (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. don’t particularly think I need to be Speaker. I also thank my colleague for sitting on the panel discussion on the requesting information on that matter. I NNI Secretariat as staff will be there that don’t have that information in front of are quite capable and certainly they can me right now and I haven’t looked into report to us at any time. Thank you, Mr. the matter, so I will get back to the Speaker. member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Your first supplementary, Mr. Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq. Shooyook.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Mr. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Speaker, I do thank you. My question is you, Mr. Speaker. This is an important for the Premier, but he is not here at the matter. moment. Can you delay it? Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry. The Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. minister doesn’t have that information Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, with her right now that would help her Mr. Isaac Shooyook. answer your question. I will move on to the next person. My apologies. Question 863 – 4(3): Grise Fiord Community Freezer (Shooyook) Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Question 864 – 4(3): Food Security in my questions to the Minister of Nunavut (Qirngnuq) Economic Development and Transportation. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister I was During the spring session we met with going to ask is now back. My question is officials from your department regarding for our Premier. damages to the community freezer and things along the shoreline in Grise Fiord (interpretation ends) During our recent
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4817 spring sitting, the Premier tabled a letter Can the Premier provide a detailed in which he strongly encouraged the explanation as to how this government, Government of Canada to implement our under his leadership, has supported government’s recommendations to community-based food security change and improve the Nutrition North initiatives over the past four years? Canada Program. Can the Premier tell us Thank you, Mr. Speaker. if he has received a response from the federal government as of today? Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Peter Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. Speaker. My letter writing to the minister of INAC to improve the Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Nutrition North Canada Program to Speaker. I appreciate the question from assist Nunavummiut… . As you know, the Member for Netsilik. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, 60 percent of the program have not received any correspondence or is used by Nunavut. As you know, Mr. a response to my letters. In fact, during Speaker, all of our communities are our Council of the Federation meetings under that program. in Edmonton last July, it was in my communiqué to Ottawa about the high Mr. Speaker, we do have statistics cost of living. through our Nunavut Bureau of Statistics that we do community food price Mr. Speaker, I’m sorry to say that I have surveys. In 2011 there was a pilot project not received any response from the that took place initially in several minister of INAC on the Nutrition North communities, but in 2014 the program Canada letter that I had written to her was so successful that we included all 25 with recommendations. Thank you, Mr. communities just to make the federal Speaker. government understand the cost of daily living that we face here in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker, those programs are ongoing. Your first supplementary, Mr. Emiliano We use that in collaboration with our Qirngnuq. partners to ensure that we get the right data to our partners down in Ottawa. Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Access to affordable store- Mr. Speaker, we will continue to try to bought food is only one of many factors find ways to improve the program, and that contribute to a community’s food that has to be done with our partners and security. Food security is also dependent the federal government. That’s a federal on the success of community initiatives, program. We want to ensure that we give such as breakfast programs, soup them the best information so that they kitchens, and food banks. Mr. Speaker, can improve the program to suit these types of initiatives require northerners and Nunavummiut. Thank government policies and funding you, Mr. Speaker. support.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. poverty secretariat. Once I have those Your final supplementary, Mr. numbers, I’ll make it available to the Qirngnuq. member from Netsilik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Premier for that response. (interpretation Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. ends) In his letter to the federal Steve Mapsalak. government dated June 8, 2017, the Premier states that, and I quote, “Public Question 865 – 4(3): Family Visits money spent for public good has to be Outside of Territory (Mapsalak) accountable to the public.” Mr. Speaker, I agree entirely. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Can the Premier tell us the amount of my question to the Minister of Family funding in dollars that the government Services. has distributed to community food banks and soup kitchens within the past four Mr. Speaker, I had previously asked a years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question, but I’m not sure when that was. It was in regard to people who are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. sent to mental health centres who require (interpretation ends) The Hon. Premier 24-hour care, a service we don’t have in of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna. Nunavut. I stated at the time that their policy outlined that we were able to visit Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. patients twice a year, but once they have Speaker. I don’t have those numbers in reached the age of 20, the visits were front of me. As a government, we assist reduced to once a year. with the food security collation. We have the poverty secretariat and that’s Mr. Speaker, at the time I stated that run through the Department of Family even when they have reached the age of Services. There are a couple other 20 and they have mental health issues, departments that assist in ensuring that their minds are like infants. He stated these organizations are assisting in that they were going to make changes to ensuring that we bring forth the needs of the program. Can the minister indicate Nunavummiut. right now how much longer it is going to take to make changes to that policy that Mr. Speaker, once I gather up the data he spoke to? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and cost of funds given through contributions or grants to other Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. organizations or communities in trying Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny to assist in alleviating food insecurity, Mike. I’ll certainly let the member know. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we do have Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): programs within ED&T, Family Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Services, and the Nunavut Housing colleague for raising that issue. Yes, the Corporation that help with the anti- various transportation policies and
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4819 guidelines used by the Department of approximately twice a year where visits Family Services specific to visiting could take place. Due to the review on clients in institutions outside of Nunavut this file, that is all I can respond with at apply for clients that need family visits the moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. with relatives. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Due to the complexity of this issue, Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. originally when health and social services were located in one department Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank before the Department of Family you, Mr. Speaker. I also know in our Services was created separately, it would community there are, I believe, three have been easier to resolve in terms of families who are in that situation the funding. Currently the Department of requiring visitation rights. Health and the Department of Family Services collaborate on these files, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the minister especially in trying to deal with for clarification. He stated that the policy resolving these issues. At this time we is under review and in prior cases it was anticipate completing this work soon. under one department, allowing it to be a less complex issue before separating into We now have an interim policy directive two departments. They need to specific to this past practice the member collaborate on these files. Obviously that asked about. Currently, with these is the case and it gets very confusing interim changes and prior to the when dealing with the Department of completion of the formal changes that Health or the Department of Family will be made, both parents are allowed to Services. Exactly which department is visit their child if the child is at an responsible for this program? The visits outside institution, whether they are seem to usually fall under the placed by our department or the Department of Family Services, at least Department of Health. from my perspective.
I would like to clarify that part because Do I understand that his officials and the when it was under one department, the Department of Health officials are divisions were able to deal with it. If the working on this review? Upon the file is under the Department of Health, completion of this review, will this our department can still provide policy immediately be applied? Will this assistance if funds aren’t available be in less than a year or would it apply elsewhere to provide funding for the for the next fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. parents’ travel. Alternatively this can Speaker. apply to relatives as well. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. At this time we expect that although a Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny review is ongoing to resolve this Mike. challenge, at least one visit can take place. After the completion of this Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): policy, other family members will be Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my able visit the client. It would be colleague for that question. Yes, the
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Department of Family Services can Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. provide assistance when funding isn’t Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, available elsewhere. That is how it has Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. operated since the departments were divided into separate departments. Question 866 – 4(3): Conditions at Kivalliq Inuit Centre Programs under the Department of (Mikkungwak) Health are generally funded through the Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. federal government through Speaker. I would like to direct my (interpretation ends) Non-Insured Health question to the Minister of Health. Benefits (interpretation) which funds many programs. They operate Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention seamlessly for travel costs that are part that the only elevator at the Kivalliq of this funding list. It also applies to Inuit Centre in Winnipeg recently broke places like Tammaativvik or Larga. I down. A number of elders were stranded can’t recall the name of the place in on the upper floors and due to their Winnipeg, but it is also a boarding home mobility issues they could not go to the similar to the two I just mentioned. main floor or to the kitchen until the Travel costs are covered through these elevator was fixed. program funds. Can the minister clarify what steps are in However, the Department of Family place to ensure that our residents who Services isn’t responsible for stay at the Kivalliq Inuit Centre are safe (interpretation ends) Non-Insured Health and secure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Benefits (interpretation) that fund medical travel, and social services aren’t Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funded under that program. These Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. programs that the Department of Family Services is responsible for are Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. administered by the Department of Speaker. There’s ongoing monitoring. I Health. That is why we have run into believe I answered a question last week operational difficulties. That is why we on working with Health Canada on a work together with the Department of monitoring strategy for boarding homes Health to find solutions. that should be finalized in the next number of weeks. This area is undergoing changes so that we can eliminate the complexity that That being said, when a one-off previously wasn’t there before it was occurrence such as an elevator break- shared by our department and the down or another piece of mobile Department of Health. It is somewhat equipment breaks down, the first point challenging. All I can say is that we’re of contact would be to the facility working closely with Health to come up management themselves for one, to with a more sensible and simpler make sure that the situation gets rectified arrangement for both our department and and for two, to make alternative the Department of Health. Thank you, arrangements so that people, in this case, Mr. Speaker. with mobility issues should have been
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4821 given a room on the ground floor or sent Inuit Centre. In addition, a Winnipeg to another facility that would be able to public health/environmental health make sure they were cared for. officer performs regular inspections of the facility to make sure that the That being said, I have said numerous provincial standards in Manitoba are times in the House that if anybody feels met. To date any issues that have been that their concerns aren’t being raised have been addressed. addressed appropriately or they feel that somebody else needs to get involved in a I know it’s always nice to be able to scenario, our Office of Patient Relations have backup infrastructure in place, but does an extraordinary job of following right now, unless there’s a long-term up with patient and family concerns to issue with the elevator in that facility, make sure that any issues are dealt with I’m sure my officials are listening and and any concerns are mitigated. Thank they can bring it up with the contractor you, Mr. Speaker. to see if that’s a reasonable request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mikkungwak. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that incidents such Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, one of as the malfunctioning elevator at the my constituents was at the Kivalliq Inuit Kivalliq Inuit Centre do not happen Centre escorting an elder who was in a often. Luckily no fire or other major wheelchair. Will the minister commit to incidents occurred while the elevator ensuring that the Kivalliq Inuit Centre was out of commission. Would the installs a wheelchair access ramp to minister consider asking the owners of ensure the safety of elders who are the Kivalliq Inuit Centre to install wheelchair-bound? Thank you, Mr. another elevator in case this type of Speaker. incident happens again? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Any facility in a jurisdiction Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. such as Manitoba would have to follow Speaker. When we set up these contracts stringent building codes. It’s the first with outside organizations, there are time I have been aware that this is an parameters to the contracts. It’s issue at that facility, so I’ll have my something maybe my officials can bring officials look into it. Thank you, Mr. up with the contractor. Speaker.
That being said, fire and safety Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. inspections are conducted regularly by The time for question period has the City of Winnipeg at the Kivalliq expired. Moving on. Item 7. Written
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Questions. (interpretation ends) Item 8. No elected member can be successful Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. without the support of their family and Replies to Opening Address. Hon. friends. When I put my name forward Members of this House, we will now for MLA in 2008, my wife, Joanne, was take a 15-minute break. my biggest supporter and confidant, and she still is. I thank her for that. The life >>House recessed at 16:25 and of an elected person can be very stressful resumed at 16:47 and being in public life affects your family and it also affects your friends Speaker (interpretation): Thank you for and relationships. coming back, my colleagues. Item 9. (interpretation ends) Replies to Opening I didn’t run for MLA expecting one day Address. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. to be a Premier, but when I became your Peter Taptuna. Premier four years ago, I committed to being open and honest and to serve all Item 9: Replies to Opening Address people of Nunavut with integrity, and I kept that promise. Reply to Opening Address 002 – 4(3): Mr. Peter Taptuna (Taptuna) The first job of any MLA is to serve your community. Meeting with your Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. hamlet or city council, holding Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. community meetings to hear what your constituents have to say, meeting with Mr. Speaker, it seems like only a short your elected mayors, councillors, and time ago that I began a journey as an also meeting with your DEAs and other elected MLA, a minister, and then community groups are important and Premier for our territory of Nunavut. cannot be overstated. That is why we are Previous to being elected as an MLA, I really here, to ensure that our had served as an elected representative communities have a voice in the and deputy mayor of our hamlet council legislation, policy, and direction of our in Kugluktuk. government.
Mr. Speaker, when you observe our Mr. Speaker, my community of Legislative Assembly from the outside Kugluktuk has seen a lot of like I did for many years and like many improvements over the last nine years: of the currently members here have, you new housing units built; new career and decide to run and make a difference and job opportunities for young people in the become an MLA (Member of the development of mineral resources in our Legislative Assembly). Mr. Speaker, it’s region; as well as new capital a real eye-opener when you get elected. infrastructure in our community. Mr. Speaker, you want to make Nunavut a better place. You want to assist your Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to say that community and your region. Mr. Kugluktuk’s hamlet and our community Speaker, you want to make a difference leadership have been proactive in for our territory and our communities. seeking new economic and social development opportunities. The hamlet
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4823 has moved forward to look at the own legislation, directions, and policies, construction of a community geriatric and this cannot be overstated. care facility for our elders. We have also moved forward in experimenting with Mr. Speaker, I want to take the solar panels to help lower our electrical opportunity to thank the good people of costs and help cut down on greenhouse Kugluktuk for their continued support gas emissions. and help over the past nine years. It has been an honour to serve them. Mr. Speaker, as MLA for Kugluktuk, I have been supportive of these projects I want to thank the members of this and and proud of the proactive work by my previous Assemblies that I have been a community members and the hamlet member of for their excellent service and council. As MLA, many times you are questions, debate, and work on behalf of pulled in different directions. You have all Nunavummiut. to balance the needs of reality of what can be accomplished, communities’ Mr. Speaker, it’s a great honour to serve needs and territorial-wide needs, what the people of our territory as an elected monetary resources are available, garner MLA, minister, or Premier. support for projects or ideas, and prioritize these projects and policies. To serve means that in a way your family also serves. My wife, Joanne, our Mr. Speaker, we have been able to work children and grandchildren, thank you cooperatively with many varied for supporting me for the past years. stakeholders and advocacy groups. Sometimes you have to convince the I look forward to continuing to serve the bureaucracy that a policy or project people of Kugluktuk and Nunavut in should be included in a given discussion. many capacities over the coming years. Those discussions, conversations, and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. indeed work are not seen by the general public and can be at most stressful and >>Applause difficult at times. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Today, with the advent of social media, (interpretation ends) Replies to Opening Facebook, Twitter, and so on, criticism Address. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. of policies and government direction or Hickes. of the MLAs are more widespread than they are in the open. This can also be Reply to Opening Address 003 – 4(3): stressful and affects not only the member Mr. George Hickes (Hickes) but the family members and all of your relationships in your community. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this second-last day of the Over the past nine years I have seen how final sitting of this Fourth Assembly of good government works and don’t work. the Nunavut legislature, I would like to It takes time to implement changes and take this opportunity to recognize the direction, and today we have our own many people who are moving Nunavut Legislative Assembly. We decide on our forward together in various ways.
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I would first like to thank Elisapi opportunity to publicly thank the board Nowdlak, my constituency assistant, for of directors and then-president of the her dedication to me and her community. NHC Lori Kimball and now-president She has been an incredible resource to Terry Audla for helping me to me in my office. understand the challenges and successes of the work they were tasked with. Mr. Speaker, while I was a regular member for the first half of this term, the I know Ms. Kimball has moved to support I received from the team here at Community and Government Services the legislature was certainly welcomed and is providing that department with and appreciated as a new MLA. great leadership, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her. When asking questions to the government, I always strived to get With regard to Terry, I can’t say enough information out to the public in a how impressed I was with how fast he collaborative, non-personal manner. grasped the workings of the Nunavut Questions are asked for a few reasons, Housing Corporation and the leadership but to me the two most important are: he is providing there. It was an absolute honour to be a part of it with him. 1. To get information where it belongs, in the public hands; and There are so many fantastic individuals working hard to make housing more 2. To make sure that the government is accessible to all Nunavummiut. To all of accountable and transparent to the them I say “thank you.” public. As some people may know, I worked at I feel I did a good job as a regular the Qulliq Energy Corporation prior to member and believe that is one of the my election, and it should come as no reasons my colleagues supported my bid surprise to anyone the respect and for cabinet. Although some joked it was dedication at all levels of that to keep me from asking more questions, organization that I have seen can’t be I’m sure my cabinet colleagues can attest expressed adequately. that the questions didn’t stop; they just changed to a different form. Although I didn’t stay long enough to work with Bruno Pereira as president, When I was elected by my peers to join the team led by Jamie Flaherty and the the Executive Council, my learning Qulliq Energy board of directors helped curve dramatically increased, but being my understanding at the highest levels accountable and transparent remained at on the operations of the Qulliq Energy the forefront. Corporation. For all intents and purposes, I hear many great things about I was first given the responsibility for the direction Bruno is leading the the Nunavut Housing Corporation and corporation in. the Qulliq Energy Corporation by the Premier. Although it was for a fairly Mr. Speaker, a little over a year ago the short period of time, I have to take this Premier rewarded my efforts on cabinet
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4825 with the privilege of leading arguably recognize Associate Deputy Minister of the most challenging portfolio in the the Quality of Life Secretariat Karen GN: the Department of Health and Kabloona and her team for their suicide prevention initiatives. outstanding work in suicide prevention. Leading the territory’s efforts in As Minister of Health and Minister preventing suicide is a difficult task and responsible for Suicide Prevention, I one with particularly challenging and would like to publicly recognize all staff emotional circumstances. In the face of at the Department of Health and the even the most difficult situations, the Quality of Life Secretariat for their tenacity, resiliency, and positivity of this tremendous work in improving the group are both inspirational and health and wellness of all Nunavummiut. infectious to all. The Quality of Life’s Although it is impossible to recognize work in developing Inuusivut each employee, program, or division, I Anninaqtuq, our Suicide Prevention would like to take this opportunity to Action Plan, is truly commendable. I single out an outstanding individual who would like to sincerely thank them for doesn’t often get recognized for the all of their continued dedication and tremendous work she does. leadership on this important issue.
Mr. Speaker, many of the improvements Aligned with Sivumut Abluqta made to our health care system have objectives, there has been incredible been made possible through the momentum achieved with the Quality of leadership and direction of our Deputy Life Secretariat. Worth noting and Minister of Health, Colleen Stockley. critical to any successes I’ve had is my Colleen’s remarkable skill set as a team on the second floor. Susie Alainga, knowledgeable government my executive secretary, thank you. The administrator is doubly complemented diligence in the way you do your job is by the fact that she has also been a social unequalled and I am so proud to have worker and a trained nurse, giving her an you on my team. Hillary Casey, my astute awareness and clinical executive assistant, what could I say? understanding of what it’s like on the You have been invaluable to me in my frontlines of delivering health care. Her role as a Member of the Executive reputation as a deputy minister who not Council, but even more so as a person. only leads but also listens has earned her Thank you. the respect of her colleagues around the table, departmental staff and frontline Mr. Speaker, I am deeply humbled by workers alike. the confidence put in me by this legislature and our Premier to serve in I am very grateful for the guidance and these capacities. support that Colleen has provided to me as Minister of Health and hope that we I would like to thank my family for the will continue to work together to further support and many sacrifices they have improve Nunavut’s health care system. made to allow me to serve in these roles. Thank you for all that you do, Colleen. The Premier talked about how our serving, our family serves, and there are I would also like to take this time to truer words that I have heard spoken.
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There is absolutely no way I can tell you general. The Department of Culture also what I would have to do without my produced a (interpretation ends) new wife. I could not have done this without elders’ handbook. (interpretation) This the support of my wife and daughters. was reviewed and deemed to be useful and referred to often. Equally important I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me by the (interpretation ends) My constituency people of Iqaluit-Tasiluk to allow me to takes in part of the community of Arviat represent them and their interests here at and of Whale Cove. the legislature. I hope I have proven to be a responsive and hard-working MLA Shortly after the election, I visited and minister, and it is a role I would Whale Cove to meet with the hamlet and accept again with great pride and the people of the community. They had without hesitation. Thank you, Mr. asked me to ensure that the promised Speaker. and much-needed learning centre and daycare for the community will not be >>Applause put on hold for whatever reason.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to say Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Mr. that the centre is now completed as well George Kuksuk. as the new daycare. Further, I look forward for the new terminal building to Reply to Opening Address 004 – 4(3): be built in the near future for Whale Mr. George Kuksuk (Kuksuk) Cove.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): The ongoing issue with the water supply Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I in Whale Cove has been problematic. It say “good afternoon” to my fellow is not acceptable, and I have had several residents of Arviat and the people of discussions with my constituents as well Whale Cove who are watching the as the hamlet about the water issues in proceedings. Whale Cove. I have also worked with my cabinet colleagues and in particular Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer while I the Minister of CG&S and Minister of was home in Arviat, I had an opportunity Health to ensure that we can get a to reflect on the past four years as an solution for this issue. A new water MLA and minister. Time has gone by source for the community is now in the very quickly and a lot has been discussion phase. accomplished. It is important that your colleagues visit Mr. Speaker, in particular the elders in and see some of the issues that your my constituency are often grateful for constituents are facing. That is why I the care they receive from elders’ was pleased when the Premier and programs. I especially appreciate the cabinet agreed to my suggestion of comments of my colleague from hosting the cabinet retreat in Whale Quttiktuq on the issue of Inuit Cove. I also want to take this Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit customs in opportunity to thank many of my
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4827 minister colleagues and the Premier for One of the ongoing concerns has been visiting both Arviat and Whale Cove the loss of the airline competition in the over the past four years. entire Kivalliq region, which has affected all communities, including my Mr. Speaker, the completion and hometown of Arviat and Whale Cove. I opening of our new hamlet office in have spoken with the representatives of Arviat is a source of pride for the Calm Air and I will continue to raise community. It is a modern building that cargo and passenger airfares and other has quickly become a landmark in the airline issues with them. I have been town. Arviat is a growing community. It assured by the president of Calm Air that is by population almost the second good news will be coming shortly, largest community in Nunavut. which would be a beginning of service to those two communities and the One of the major concerns that were Kivalliq, which will be beginning in raised by my constituents during the last early November. election was the shortage of public housing in the community. I am happy to Mr. Speaker, Whale Cove is a very say that the new housing construction in traditional community and increasing Arviat has been well-welcomed by the whales permitted to be harvested from many families in dire need of affordable 12 whales to 24 whales was good news and functional homes, with close to 70 for all people. The beluga harvesting new public housing units built during my program that is done through the role as the MLA for Arviat. In addition Nunavut Development Corporation to that, we were able to build an processes and sells the maktaaq additional two staff housing units with harvested from Whale Cove is sold to the Government of Nunavut’s staff the Kivalliq food plant in Rankin Inlet. housing funding. The Legislative Assembly can be a very In addition, Whale Cove saw five new stressful work environment, but with the public housing units built and four staff support of my cabinet colleagues and all housing units built during my role as the Members of this House, it is a role MLA. A new boat launch pad is being and a job that I enjoy doing. planned and access road funding over the past four years has doubled. We are I want to take this opportunity to thank also in preliminary discussions with the my family and the good people of Arviat hamlet to look at a deeper freshwater and Whale Cove for their ongoing source for the community. support and advice over the past four years. As MLA, you have to listen to what your constituents say and ask for. I have made I especially want to thank the elders sure that I am available by phone or (interpretation) in Arviat and Whale email constantly. I also made sure that I Cove. Thank you very much from the have a community contact so that people bottom of my heart for providing your can reach me where and whenever they advice, support, and even the odd want. criticism of the way the government works. They respect me and I respect
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4828 them, and we are open with each other. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. They can reprimand me when I need it. I Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. understand the process. If an elder tells (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. me what to do, I will not give a rebuttal. Keith Peterson.
(interpretation ends) We have a lot more Reply to Opening Address 005 – 4(3): work to do in both communities of Mr. Keith Peterson (Peterson) Whale Cove and Arviat, and that is the reason why I will be seeking re-election Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. for Arviat North and Whale Cove in the Speaker. I want to take a few minutes upcoming general election. today to recognize all the Government of Nunavut and territorial corporation and I want to help fix the water problems in territorial agency employees in Finance, Whale Cove. I want to see the new boat Human Resources, the Nunavut Liquor launch move forward in Arviat. Mr. Commission, the Nunavut Liquor Speaker, for these and many other Licensing Board, Justice, the Legal projects and reasons I want to continue Services Board, the Human Rights to be the MLA for Arviat and Whale Tribunal, the Labour Standards Board, Cove. I look forward to seeing my the Workers’ Safety and Compensation constituents over the coming weeks. Commission, and the Qulliq Energy Corporation who have worked with me Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, let me take over the last almost nine years to this opportunity to thank Premier accomplish many good things to help Taptuna for demonstrating his faith in Nunavummiut. The people have noticed me with the portfolios of the Nunavut the difference they have made. They tell Housing Corporation, the Department of me this. Culture and Heritage, and the official languages. Mr. Speaker, I have always believed and have often stated that our success as I also want to thank all Members of this ministers and leaders is due in large part House and my cabinet colleagues for to the hard work and dedication of our their support, advice, and ongoing trust many public servants who go to work and cooperation. each day and make a positive difference.
Also I would like to thank my staff in Every employee from bottom to top, and Arviat, my staff in Whale Cove and top being the minister, plays an Iqaluit, and all my departmental staff. important role in government. Our employees make us ministers look good Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and I appreciate it. All my colleagues you for your leadership, fairness, and appreciate that and all the people of good work that you have done as our Nunavut appreciate that. Speaker. Ma’nalluavik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know we get a lot of criticism every day. Every time you turn the radio on or >>Applause open the newspaper, the government, ministers, and public servants are being
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4829 criticized, but that’s just by a few. The moving in the right direction. majority of people in Nunavut speak very highly about the government and In closing, I have to thank my home where we’re going. We have many community of Cambridge Bay for successes together. People across supporting me as MLA and minister for Nunavut whom I speak to tell me the 14 years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government is moving in a positive direction and the direction is forward. >>Applause The future looks bright from where I stand. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 9. Replies to As ministers, MLAs, and public servants Opening Address. Hon. Member, Mr. we always want to make a difference Johnny Mike. and make the government and our communities a little bit better than we Reply to Opening Address 006 – 4(3): find them, whether that’s as the Mr. Johnny Mike (Mike) Government of Nunavut or as a hamlet council or a volunteer in community Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): groups. We always try to make our work Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, for the count. I believe that we are doing that as first time have been a member of the our government and territory matures. cabinet within the last four years. I would first like to thank my wife, We’re a very young territory. I travel children, and grandchildren, the rest of across Canada and talk to people and my family, and the people of government counterparts. They are Pangnirtung. My constituents have really amazed that the Nunavut territory encouraged me in any way they could, and government has come this far in especially with the government system. I such a short period of time. In fact in would also like to thank the hamlet, some instances they were surprised to municipal council, the HTO, and other find that Nunavut is further advanced on entities, as well as the elders of certain issues than our provincial and Pangnirtung. I thank them. territorial colleagues. I have heard that and it always surprises me. We always First of all, I am not able to stand here think we’re playing catch-up, but we’re just by myself. Wherever and whenever actually ahead of people and they’re I do stand up, I tend to remember my learning from us as well. ancestors and our ancestors as Inuit living in the Arctic. It is a place that A lot has been accomplished, but there is seems to be barren. If it weren’t for much more to do. By working together, those ancestral Inuit, the real Inuit, many helping each other, and supporting each of us would not be here today. If they other, this can be done and I believe it. didn’t possess the knowledge needed to I’ll tell you it will take all of us as survive, which is necessary to be ministers, public servants, and MLAs independent and self-sufficient, where working together and supporting each would we be? other, hearing the concerns and acting on them. As a minister I truly believe we’re I remember I spoke about this when I
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4830 first became the Minister of the whole world. I was extremely Environment. Right after I got appointed pleased with that because it was to my position with the Department of included. Environment as the minister, I went to Moscow, Russia when five countries had During the time I was the Minister of to go work on polar bear management. I Environment, I went to many said over there that our ancestors who international conferences on climate were real Inuit had knowledge and they change and polar bears were always had lives, so we are here as their discussed. They thought that Inuit should descendants. As long as there is not hunt polar bears any longer because someone alive, we will not die out. of climate change and because they believed polar bears were diminishing in When I was speaking over there as the numbers. I believe that was in 2015 or Minister of Environment, compared to 2016. our fellow Inuit from Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, this was our Those who want to stop bear hunting in uniqueness because we have our own winter, the American government in government. I was in a very different particular, gave up pushing when they position from the other Inuit when we understood that polar bears are not in were in Moscow. When they were danger of being extinct. I was extremely talking about the world’s polar bear glad to hear that they were able to hear population, I found that I was very us as MLAs and they understood that the happy about this uniqueness of Nunavut. right work was being done in regard to We are Inuit and we have our own polar bears. I was really glad to hear government here. Labrador, Nunavik, that. and Inuvialuit only have Inuit organizations, though Labrador has Polar bears are said to be in danger today changed somewhat. because of climate change. Even though they still talk like that, governments When we were dealing with polar bears around the world are no longer saying to at that time, five countries took part in stop hunting polar bears. There are still the discussion we had on management animal rights activists who continue through studies. We were able to saying that. Fortunately we don’t hear participate. Our MP from Ottawa at the that from governments internationally time was the previous Minister of the anymore. This is the result of our work Environment, Leona Aglukkaq, who also and it cannot be the result of one participated. Our MP and our person’s work or one government’s government pushed very hard to ensure work. Only when they all work together, that in the future, whenever there are the Inuit way and culture is just as strong going to be polar bear studies, especially as other cultures as long as they come to in Canada, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit be a consensus. included. It was included for the first time when those five arctic countries I would also like to explain, as I’m one came to an agreement to include Inuit of the elected members, about polar bear knowledge to any scientific studies, and furs and other furs in general. The we did that through an MOU. This is for government used to take 8 percent of the
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4831 profits made out of furs and we stopped counselling these days have been that. That money goes back into the improved through changes that came pockets of hunters for polar bear skins or through your questions. Our electorate other fur, including sealskins. Those are said that the ways of dealing with Inuit some very positive changes that we have and counselling Inuit and ways of made. In addition, while I was with the handling money should be changed, so Department of Environment, prices were they have been changed quite a bit. raised for sealskins in Nunavut. That has helped hunters a great deal. In the past the Department of Family Services’ long-standing practice was that Also, when I was with the Department of if you’re going to get income support, Family Services, our Premier usually they would deduct the family allowance tasked me to help out another minister or child tax credits that you received that who was having some difficulty and I month. We changed that and it has been was happy with that. I am very grateful a while now. I believe that has been very to all the staff of Family Services. My useful, $6.7 million per year where that ministerial colleague, Keith Peterson, money could be utilized somewhere else. said that our staff make the ministers look good. It’s the same thing with the We wanted it so that the child tax credit Department of Family Services. Starting wasn’t deducted if you’re receiving from my deputy minister all the way income support. The money would go in down, I thank you. people’s pockets instead to allow them to buy things. I think that has really From the Department of Family made things better. The old system Services, I also thank every MLA that I stayed like that for a very long time and have worked with. You have to have it was finally changed in 2016. That law discussions and agreements. That’s was in place for a very long time. always ongoing at any time. For Whatever little benefit people received example, Baker Lake is nowhere near us was deducted by Family Services. I’m and when I say “hi” to the Baker Lake very happy that’s not being done MLA by computer, he says “hi.” I just anymore. try to say “hi” to see how you’re doing, but it just gives me work, so that’s really There are other things such as Old Age convenient. Even though you’re not Security which was increased. Elders talking on the phone, you can do it who have their own homes get a fuel instantly by computer. I am just using subsidy and that was increased as well. that as an example. Communications is There are many different things like that very important and the Department of that came out of Family Services. I’m Family Services has used that. only mentioning some of them.
The Department of Family Services Counselling really has to do with went through challenging times, same poverty. We have to do more. I’m thing as the ministers when the regular talking on behalf of Family Services MLAs were asking, “What are you right now. Around 52 percent of going to do now?” We have to reply. employees at Family Services are Inuit. There is no other choice. The ways of Some of our employees are in
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4832 decentralized communities and 72 employee and I am happy about that. percent of them are Inuit. I am very The Premier had faith in me and that’s grateful to people who work and support why I became the minister. I’m very the government. We need to raise that happy about that because he appointed number. me.
I would like to acknowledge our Premier I thank the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Minister of Education for and all of their staff in Nunavut, from Makigiaqta, which they created in their president right to the operators in partnership with NTI. We heard that the communities, the people who run the there was a lot of money coming out of power plants. That is improving slowly. Education for that, money that wasn’t I can say now that things are being available before. updated like generators and powerhouses. When I got asked today in the House, I had to provide a response. There were To use one litre as an example, it can only four cities that students could go to provide more power than ever before. attend college or university in order to Just one litre can provide more power receive assistance for expenses such as than before and it’s less damaging to the airfare from Iqaluit to Ottawa. If environment. To use an example, someone wanted to go to Nova Scotia efficiency keeps increasing, as one litre for university, they would have to pay provides the equivalent amount of that leg of the journey. Right now it’s energy that is both cleaner and has fewer not like that. We are now able to cover emissions. expenses for students from their home community right to the university town. The same as 3.77 litres of energy I’m really grateful to the government for production is provided by one litre doing that. today. We have never had such efficient power generation. We have applied this I know it’s obvious that there are for all of Nunavut. It is obvious that the improvements that still need to be made efficiency of our power generation units for people who want to further their alternate between energy efficient and education. They get student financial others less, but in total the average assistance from the Department of savings specific to energy efficiency are Education and also EIA. It didn’t operate within this area of conservation. like that before. It’s easier now to get financial assistance as a student. I’m Further, related to the operational side, very happy about these improvements. I the managers and board members for the have taken part in making those QEC are less of a threat to Inuit and are improvements in the government here. more customer-oriented now. In the I’m very happy about that. previous era they were out of touch with Inuit in that they weren’t very amenable With the Qulliq Energy Corporation, I to serving Inuit, but over the last four have only been there a short time as years the attitude is starting to change, minister, but I have worked for the with more emphasis on customer Qulliq Energy Corporation as an services.
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These are part of the reasons I am smoothly. The airstrip issue has existed appreciative of the previous ministers of from the time I was a child when it was the Qulliq Energy Corporation who held first built and complaints were made to the portfolio as they made transitional change the location. Many MLAs have plans for another minister. Those are the come in and out of the seat and they all issues I faced. I am trying to keep my tried to work on the issue. comments concise, as the QEC continually has daily challenges. Constituents have requested a location change for many years, as obviously the Further, when I was given the portfolio, airport isn’t meeting our needs today only six board members remained. It is with respect to the cost of shipping back up to nine members now and we goods. It is leading to more expensive are searching for the tenth member. We shipping costs because of its limitations have five Inuit on the board. As per my and the inability to lengthen the runway. prior statements, the remaining five Most of you are aware that if you have members would be from the public and ever landed in Pangnirtung, you land in don’t require beneficiary status. We are the middle of the community. That may almost at this point as we are just feel welcoming, but it is right in the missing the tenth member. Things are middle. You land in the middle of the progressing slowly. community and that shows you are really welcomed. As Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, I believed in the process of Several comprehensive studies have selections as the board consisted of only been undertaken. It will be up to the next six sitting members, which led to many government as well as the next crop of difficulties in reaching a quorum at MLAs, and our expectations of meetings. At this time the board of the furthering this project may surface at QEC, management, service and other that time. It was stated in the House that employees are the subject of my Pangnirtung is a top priority for the next gratitude. Thank you for your hard work airstrip relocation development because as the QEC has started to implement the of the critical needs. That will be my directional needs required. stance.
I want to touch on this last matter and to To add a bit on education, graduates are conclude, like others I can’t make increasing in numbers from our schools. changes unilaterally as a single MLA. They want to keep improving the Mr. Speaker, I also extend my gratitude curriculum. That will be part of my to you, our Premier, cabinet colleagues, duties if I am re-elected. The next and my fellow MLAs. Like my other minister will be responsible for it. colleagues I will be submitting my name to run for office again. I thank my constituents and those who are here in this room. I travelled to other I feel that the next issue is the airport, communities as a minister. I thank them which I want to make a priority, as it also for welcoming us. Thank you, Mr. seems obvious that Pangnirtung has Speaker. most of the infrastructure needed to run
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>>Applause Committee Report 033 – 4(3): Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 2016-2017 (Sammurtok, T) Item 9. (interpretation ends) Replies to Opening Address. (interpretation) I have Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. no more names on my list. Moving on. Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 54, Item 10. Petitions. (interpretation ends) Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2016- Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. 2017, has been reviewed by the Standing [Reports] of Standing and Special Committee on Legislation and that the Committees on Bills and Other Matters. bill is ready for consideration in Hon. Member, Mr. Tom Sammurtok. Committee of the Whole.
Item 12: Reports of Standing and Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Special Committees on Bills and to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 54 Other Matters immediately moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Committee Report 032 – 4(3): Bill 47, An Act to Amend the Legal Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Profession Act (Sammurtok, T) (interpretation ends) The chairman is seeking unanimous consent to waive Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Rule 68(6) and have Bill 54 immediately Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 47, An referred to the Committee of the Whole Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act, as of today. Are there any nays? There has been reviewed by the Standing are none and Bill 54 is now before the Committee on Legislation and that the Committee of the Whole. bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Reports of Standing and Special Whole. Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Legislation, Mr. Tom Sammurtok. to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 47 immediately moved into Committee of Committee Report 034 – 4(3): Bill 55, the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act (Sammurtok, T) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The chairman is Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. seeking unanimous consent to waive Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 55, An Rule 68(6) and have Bill 47 immediately Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, referred to the Committee of the Whole has been reviewed by the Standing as of today. Are there any nays? There Committee on Legislation and that the are none and Bill 47 is now before the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Committee of the Whole.
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Legislation, Mr. Tom Sammurtok. to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 55 immediately moved into Committee of
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4835 the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government will no doubt once again be addressing education as a priority. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The chairman is I would like it to go on the record that if seeking unanimous consent to waive a university were to once again be Rule 68(6) and have Bill 55 immediately considered for Nunavut, then Baker referred to the Committee of the Whole Lake, the geographical centre of Canada, as of today. Are there any nays? There would be an ideal location for it. Thank are none and Bill 55 is now before the you, Mr. Speaker. Committee of the Whole. >>Laughter Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister of the Qulliq Energy >>Applause Corporation, Hon. Johnny Mike. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Tabled Document 360 – 4(3): Qulliq Keyootak. Energy Corporation’s 2017-2021 Corporate Plan (Mike) Tabled Document 362 – 4(3): Correspondence Concerning Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Mr. Strategic Environmental Speaker, I am pleased to table the Qulliq Assessment of Baffin Bay and Energy Corporation’s Corporate Plan Davis Strait (Keyootak) 2017-[2021]. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table today a (interpretation ends) Item 13. Tabling of collection of recent correspondence Documents. Hon. Member for concerning the community of Clyde Qamani’tuaq, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. River’s effort to obtain participant funding in relation to the Nunavut Tabled Document 361 – 4(3): Support Impact Review Board’s Strategic for a Future Nunavut University Environmental Assessment of Baffin (Mikkungwak) Bay and Davis Strait. I encourage all Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. members to review these items with Speaker. I would like to table a letter care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. from the Hamlet of Baker Lake supporting the establishment of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut’s University of the Arctic in Tabling of Documents. Minister Baker Lake. responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Johnny Mike. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that studies commissioned by the Department of Education have shown that it is not viable to establish a university in Nunavut at this time. However, the next
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Tabled Document 363 – 4(3): Qulliq Mr. Speaker. Energy Corporation’s 16th Annual Report 2016-2017 (Mike) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents. Minister of Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Justice, Mr. Keith Peterson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am also pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Tabled Document 369 – 4(3): Report Corporation’s 16th annual report for on the Meeting of the Canadian 2016-17. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (Peterson) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents. Minister of Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I am Finance, Mr. Keith Peterson. tabling today the Report on the Meeting of the Canadian Association of Tabled Document 364 – 4(3): Letter of Administrators of Labour Legislation, Expectation to the Nunavut May 18, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Development Corporation 2017 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Peterson) Tabled Document 365 – 4(3): Letter of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Expectation to the Qulliq Energy Tabling of Documents. Minister of Corporation 2017 (Peterson) Community and Government Services, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. Tabled Document 366 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to Nunavut Arctic Tabled Document 370 – 4(3): Office of College 2017 (Peterson) the Fire Marshal’s 2016 Annual Report (Savikataaq) Tabled Document 367 – 4(3): Letter of Expectation to the Nunavut Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Housing Corporation 2017 Speaker. Today I am tabling the Office (Peterson) of the Fire Marshal’s 2016 Annual Tabled Document 368 – 4(3): Letter of Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Expectation to the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation 2017 Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (Peterson) Tabling of Documents. Member for Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I am Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike. tabling today the letters of expectation for the following ministers responsible Tabled Document 371 – 4(3): for territorial corporations: the Hon. Member’s Statement 637 – 4(3): Monica Ell-Kanayuk, the Nunavut Inuit Not Consulted on Proposed Development Corporation; Hon. Johnny Federal Government’s Bill C-55 Mike, the Qulliq Energy Corporation; (Mike) the Hon. Paul Quassa, Nunavut Arctic Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): College; the Hon. George Kuksuk, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Friday I Nunavut Housing Corporation; and the spoke to the documents I wish to table Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, the Nunavut about Inuit not being consulted on a Business Credit Corporation. Thank you, proposed bill by the federal government,
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4837 specifically Bill C-55, and my recorded Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. statements are included. I wish to table Chairman, and good evening. Mr. the documents in the House. Thank you, Chairman, we wish to continue with the Mr. Speaker. review of Bill 53, followed by the review of Bills 54, 47, and 55. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman. Tabling of Documents. I have no more names on my list. Moving on. Item 14. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions. Mr. Rumbolt. Members, are we in Item 15. Notices of Motions for First agreement that we first deal with Bill Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 53? 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Some Members: Agreed. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills Bill 53 – Supplementary 27, 47, 53, 54, and 55 with Mr. Enook in Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. the Chair. 3, 2017-2018 – Consideration in Committee In accordance with Motion 54 – 4(3), the committee will stay in session until it Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. reports itself out. Minister Peterson, do you have officials that you would like to have with you at Before we proceed to the Committee of the witness table? Minister Peterson. the Whole, we will take a five-minute break. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two witnesses I would (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. like to bring in. Thank you.
>>House recessed at 17:52 and Chairman (interpretation): Minister Committee resumed at 18:02 Peterson would like to have officials with him at the witness table. Do you Item 19: Consideration in Committee agree? of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Good afternoon. Nunavummiut who are Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the watching the televised proceedings, minister’s officials in. welcome to your House. Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister I would now like to call the committee Peterson, for the record, please introduce meeting to order. In Committee of the your witnesses. Minister Peterson. Whole we have the following items to deal with: Bills 27, 53, 54, 47, and 55. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Chairman. To my right is Jeff Chown, Rumbolt. Deputy Minister of the Department of
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Finance, and to my left is Lori Kimball, facility in the Qikiqtani General Deputy Minister of the Department of Hospital? I’m not sure. Thank you, Mr. Community and Government Services. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Sammurtok, please clarify your Mr. Chown and Ms. Kimball, welcome question. Mr. Sammurtok. to the House. We left off when we were on page 5 of Bill 53. We will just Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank proceed from page 5. Please indicate if you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) you have any questions even while I’m I am talking about the children’s group reading. I have English copies in front of home which was supposed to be turned me, so I’ll read them in English. On page into a mental health transition centre, I 5 it reads, (interpretation ends) Health. believe it was called. It’s got everything Capital. Not Previously Authorized. in that building. It’s got boilers. It’s got Total Health Care Service Delivery. air handlers. Why didn’t they provide $1,301,000. any funding for that to get it renovated instead of… ? Why didn’t they consider (interpretation) Mr. Alex Sammurtok, I Rankin Inlet? (interpretation) Thank believe we left off when you were you, Mr. Chairman. asking questions on that page. Would you like to proceed? Mr. Sammurtok. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Sammurtok. I realize that the issue Mr. Alexander Sammurtok that you have brought up is not even (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. here, but I will leave it at the discretion Chairman. I was given an explanation, of Minister Peterson if he would like to but I have been thinking about the respond to that question. I know that Rankin Inlet children’s group home. It we’re not dealing with that. Minister seems like it was completely equipped, Peterson. but I have been thinking for a long time about why it has been ignored while it Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. has been in place in other communities. Chairman. I have absolutely no There used to be a children’s group information here at the table about the home in Rankin Inlet and it seems easy issue he’s concerned about. Thank you, to operate and it is fully equipped. My Mr. Chairman. question is: why is that not the case anymore? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. We’re on (interpretation ends) Health. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Capital. Not Previously Authorized. Minister Peterson. Total Health Care Service Delivery. $1,301,000. Total Department. Not Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Previously Authorized. $1,301,000. Chairman. I thank Mr. Sammurtok for (interpretation) Agreed? the question. I’m not sure what the question is. Is it related to page 5 and Some Members: Agreed. Cambridge Bay mental health and the
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Savikataaq. Mr. Rumbolt. Turn the page. Page 6. It reads, (interpretation ends) Environment. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Capital. Not Previously Authorized. Chairman. When the department brought Total Corporate Management. $300,000. forward this request for more than a Mr. Rumbolt. quarter of a million dollars in renovations, did anyone in Finance or Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Community and Government Services Chairman. The briefing note provided look at the drawings of what the for this $300,000 for renovations for the department was currently using and Climate Change Secretariat states that compared it to what the department was this money is to be used for renovations requesting to determine if it was really to meet GN office space standards. I necessary to spend this large amount of wonder if the minister can explain what funding for office renovations? Thank the standards are for a typical GN office. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Peterson. Minister Peterson. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the Chairman. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the question. As I understand it, they’re question. I’m going to have to defer that taking staff from two separate locations question to Minister Savikataaq. Thank in Iqaluit and then they’re putting them you, Mr. Chairman. into one location. Looking at their former locations in two separate areas, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. you just couldn’t bring them together. Minister Savikataaq, can you respond to You had to get a new location and that’s that question? Mr. Savikataaq, go ahead. what they looked at, space available in a new location. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can’t tell the member Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. exactly what the standards are right now, Mr. Rumbolt. but it would be written out on what they want. The safety standards would have Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. to be met; the size per person standards Chairman. On many occasions over the would have to be met; fire exits, so the years I have publicly expressed my fire standards; health and occupational frustrations on the lack of adequate standards. I’m just saying all the general office space for GN employees in standards that have to be met for all the Sanikiluaq. Several ministers and a government offices. That’s about as number of GN staff have seen with their close as I can get because I don’t have own eyes what I’m talking about. We the standards in front of me. Thank you, have staff working out of storage rooms, Mr. Chairman. staff working in overcrowded and cramped conditions. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you,
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Now we have the Department of Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Environment here in Iqaluit asking for Chairman. As Minister Peterson over a quarter of a million dollars to mentioned, we have gone out for an RFP improve office conditions, yet very little looking for leased properties in is being done to improve working Sanikiluaq and have been unsuccessful. conditions in Sanikiluaq. We have been working with Health, Can the minister explain how a Family Services, and a number of department here in Iqaluit can obtain departments to find short-term and long- funding almost overnight when new term solutions. We were able to utilize bureaucracy is created, yet for years in the old community learning centre for Sanikiluaq employees have been left in Family Services staff that were displaced the closet? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. with the changes with Health. We do have plans, as you know, to build a new Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. health centre in Sanikiluaq, which will (interpretation ends) Literally in the open up some space in the old health closet? Minister Peterson. centre. We do have some strategies to address the concerns in Sanikiluaq. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Chairman. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the question. I have been to Sanikiluaq a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. couple of times, as I said in response to a Mr. Rumbolt. question in question period. The problem has been a problem in Sanikiluaq for at Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. least five or six years. I flew down there Chairman. Ms. Kimball just mentioned one time as a health minister. the RFP that was sent out a while ago Community and Government Services and there was no response. I have been people went down as well. telling the department for years that there are just no buildings available in One of the big issues I see is the my community. The RFP went out and it difference between Sanikiluaq and closed in January. It wanted space within Iqaluit is that in Iqaluit there seems to be 30 days. If there are no buildings, how a lot of space available when you need can you get anybody to reply to an RFP? it. If you put out an RFP, there are responses to it whereas in Sanikiluaq Again, on July 6 of 2015 I received a there aren’t as many responses, so it reply letter from the Minister of becomes difficult. Otherwise you would Community and Government Services have to construct a building from the regarding an office space study that was ground up to accommodate people. completed in early 2015. In the letter the minister stated that the department is I’m not going to get into any details working on the implementation plan, myself. I’ll ask Ms. Kimball if she can which should be completed by the fall of respond to that and give you the details. 2015. Mr. Chairman, that was over two Thank you, Mr. Chairman. years ago.
Chairman: Ms. Kimball. Can the minister or one of his officials
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4841 give us an update on the implementation support this $300,000 renovation. Until plan for office space in Nunavut, and this government or the next one for that what it would cost to complete the office matter, if I’m around… . I will not space needs in Sanikiluaq? Thank you. support any future office renovations here in Iqaluit until the GN shows real Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. willingness to improve working Minister Peterson. conditions in Sanikiluaq. It would not be fair of me to support such luxury Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. projects while the GN employees in my Chairman. I’ll have to defer to one of the community continue to work in cramped witnesses. Ms. Kimball will have to conditions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. respond to that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you and on the record. Minister Peterson, did you want Chairman: Ms. Kimball. to respond?
Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We had done the office space Chairman. Mr. Rumbolt’s concerns are needs study. It did give us an outline of duly noted. I’m sure our officials are what’s needed in all the communities. In recognizing the issue. terms of the strategy going forward, the subsequent report did not have the depth I think it would be unfair of us as a that we were looking for. We are still government to punish the employees of working on that to get a more detailed the Government of Nunavut in Iqaluit next steps plan for the communities. for the failure of the Government of Thank you. Nunavut to provide space in Sanikiluaq. We have identified the issues in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Sanikiluaq. He stated that there are no Mr. Rumbolt. office buildings there.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kimball has stated that we’re Chairman. Again going back to 2015 building a new health centre there and where the GN completed the major study there would be the old health centre. It’s across Nunavut on office space not going to happen overnight. requirements, the study identified Eventually there is going to be some serious office space shortages in office space freed up. At least the Sanikiluaq. As I stated earlier, I raised Government of Nunavut can work with this issue on numerous occasions over that, short of constructing an entirely the years with no success, yet here we new office building in Sanikiluaq. are being asked to approve money for here in Iqaluit so that the GN employees In the meantime we have to be can have such luxuries as larger meeting concerned about the employees in rooms and kitchenettes. Iqaluit. We voted as the Legislative Assembly to create the Climate Change Mr. Chairman, this will be just a Secretariat office. We have to take comment, but for the record, I do not employees from two departments and
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4842 put them in a central location where they you, Mr. Chairman. can work together. There was an RFP put out and there was a response. The Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. decision was to go with that facility and Although I didn’t hear a question, that would allow us as a government to Minister Peterson, if you want to fulfill our obligations under the Climate comment on that, I give you the floor. Change Secretariat office. Minister Peterson.
I apologize that Sanikiluaq doesn’t have Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. the office space, but we should not be Chairman. I thank Mr. Rumbolt for the punishing government employees in comment. I could comment. We could Iqaluit. I don’t know what the quality of go back and forth all night with the office space that he’s talking about comments. His comment is duly noted. luxury office spots. When I go in my We know it’s a serious issue. We do try rounds in Nunavut, I don’t see very very hard to accommodate all the many luxury offices. I’m just trying to Government of Nunavut employees in think of where I have seen some, but I all our communities and we appreciate haven’t seen very many. Thank you, Mr. the work they’re doing for us, as I have Chairman. said. I’m sure Minister Savikataaq and his officials will continue to work hard Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. to find solutions. Mr. Rumbolt. I know the timeline of four or five years Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. is way out there, but then over the years Chairman. Just a note on the luxuries, we have also accommodated… . I know what I call luxuries is in the briefing note an example. In Cape Dorset we put in itself it says it’s for larger meeting portables. In Kugaaruk we put in rooms and kitchenettes, something that a portables. Maybe that’s a temporary lot of government offices probably don’t solution because those portables will have. To me that’s luxuries. become available at some point when the schools are reconstructed. Thank you, To rebuttal a little bit on what he said Mr. Chairman. about Ms. Kimball saying that in the future they’re looking at plans of the old Chairman: Thank you, Minister health centre, well, the new health centre Peterson. In the meantime I have isn’t even under construction yet and it’s decided to move on. a three- or four-year project. By the time that’s done and the old health centre >>Laughter becomes available to be used as office space, it would probably take another (interpretation) We’re on page 6. It year or two for that for renovations. reads, (interpretation ends) Environment. Capital. Not Previously Authorized. You’re talking five years or maybe Total Corporate Management. $300,000. longer where employees are going to be Total Department. Not Previously in the current conditions that they’re in. Authorized. $300,000. (interpretation) To me that’s just not acceptable. Thank Do you agree?
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Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. Chairman (interpretation): Turn the page. Page 7. In English it reads, Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Community and Chairman. Can the minister or perhaps Government Services. Capital. Not Ms. Kimball tell us: what do we have Previously Authorized. Total currently in place? Are we not at the Community Services. $83,000. Total highest now? Is it something that we Informatics Planning Services. should be concerned about? Thank you, $348,000. Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. I would like to ask a question Minister Peterson indicated that he regarding the Blue Coat cyber security, would like to have Ms. Kimball respond. if we can just get some more information Ms. Kimball. about that. Is this a typical application that most governments use and how Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. secure is it? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. We have a layering of tools, a set of tools, and this is one of the tools Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. that we’re replacing. We have something Minister Peterson. called iPrism and we’re replacing it with Blue Coat. It is definitely a significant Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. upgrade to specifically address those Chairman. I thank Ms. Angnakak for concerns. Thank you. that question. We anticipated that she would ask follow-up questions from the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. other night. I’ve had Ms. Kimball work Ms. Angnakak. very hard to study up on it for the questions, so she will answer that Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Can Ms. Kimball tell us: how many security breaches has the GN had Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. to date? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Kimball. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kimball. Chairman. We actually consulted with a firm called Gartner Group, which are Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. industry experts on all things Chairman. We had 5.7 million attempted information technology. Blue Coat was intrusions on the GN network last year. one of the highest ranked tools for this We applied more than 1.5 million purpose, which is why we picked it. We patches, which is upgrading different wanted something that was at the high tools on the network. We receive end of cyber security given that we are a between 12 and 15 ransomware threats a government and that we have due month. We have quite a bit of activity. diligence to make sure that our data is Thank you. secure. Thank you.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. Ms. Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Kimball has sparked my Chairman. Can Ms. Kimball tell us if interest. What do they want? What’s the any of these breaches actually resulted in usual breach? What are they trying to get the government being at a real risk and at? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. its people in any way, either through really sensitive information being Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. breached or any kind of real concern Ms. Kimball. because of the impact of a breach? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Kimball: Part of the toolset that we’re putting in is to be able to be better Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. monitor and identify what is, but Ms. Kimball. because we’re blocking them before we get there, I can’t speculate what they’re Ms. Kimball: I am not aware of trying to do. Some of it could be anything significant. It’s my innocent and some of it could be understanding that we have been doing a targeted. Thank you. good job at actually catching it before it gets to that point. We have a couple of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. PCs; individual. Generally it’s caught at Ms. Angnakak. the time it comes in usually through one computer and then when it tries to get Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. further, it’s stopped. We have been very Chairman. Can Ms. Kimball tell us… ? successful at doing that. Thank you. Those breaches, she said that it was like 1.5 million patches or something. Does Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. that cost the government money? Do Ms. Angnakak. these breaches equal more funding that the government has to pay? Thank you, Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. Chairman. You said that it was kind of hard to tell what they were accessing or Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. what the breaches were trying to do. Do Ms. Kimball. you know of any case of where a breach may have originated from within Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut, trying to get into the Chairman. The goal is actually to make government’s Internet or computer sure that they don’t have breaches, so systems? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. there is money being spent to prevent the breaches. It’s definitely a lot cheaper to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. prevent a breach than to deal with one Ms. Kimball. once it has happened and replace systems. At this point it’s more of a Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. labour cost and cost of these types of Chairman. There are different types of tools. Thank you. breaches. What you’re talking about is
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4845 more someone specifically trying to It’s on the system. Can this protect hack into the system. I’m not aware of personal information? I guess my second that specifically. I don’t have that with question: has there ever been a breach of me. Most of what we deal with are personal information that was accessed viruses and things like that that go in and outside of the government? Thank you, try to encrypt files and keep you from Mr. Chairman. accessing them or doing damage on the network. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Kimball. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In terms of whether there has Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. ever been a breach, I’m aware of one Chairman. I understand that, like you instance that I believe was in the report say, it’s more of the computer viruses, where someone had improper security. but it’s not actual people trying to get They were a GN employee. They had an information from our computer system. improper security profile, but we have Am I correct? Thank you, Mr. now fixed that process to protect. Chairman. Otherwise, other external intrusions, that’s what this tool is meant to do. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. We’ve got, as I mentioned, a suite of Ms. Kimball. tools. There are about five or six different layers to this and this is one Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. layer that is specifically there to protect Chairman. I don’t have the data with me the GN’s data as a whole, which also and the breakdown of the mix. It’s my protects the private individuals. Thank understanding that the vast majority is you. more of a virus-general world thing as opposed to something specifically being Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. targeted in Nunavut, but I don’t have the Are you done? Mr. Mikkungwak. data with me. Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Angnakak. When we’re talking about information technology, it’s my understanding that Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. right now in Nunavut we don’t really Chairman. One thing that has come to have any informatics legislation. With mind, and perhaps Ms. Kimball can that being the case, there is legislation enlighten us, we had televised hearings, outside of Canada related to information as you know, about the Qikiqtani technology. How did you choose the General Hospital with the Auditor (interpretation ends) Blue Coat cyber General and we talked about the issue of security? (interpretation) Does the privacy issues. I don’t know if this falls federal government approve of this under this or not because more and more system or which province is using it that information is digital. We have very you trust that system would be good? private information that is now digitized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. will the Inuktitut writing be protected as Minister Peterson. well since we do have Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. the question. It’s a good point. I just Minister Peterson. learned something from Mr. Mikkungwak that Ms. Kimball Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. confirmed, and I’ll have her respond to Chairman. I’m going to have to ask Ms. that question with that answer. Thank Kimball to respond to that question. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Ms. Kimball. Chairman: Ms. Kimball.
Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The second point about the Chairman. From a cyber security tool Blue Coat software, we consulted with standpoint, any language is all data to it. Gartner Group, who is an industry expert Regardless of what language is going to that many other provinces and territories be held through the firewall, it’s going to will reference to vet what they’re doing. be protected. Thank you. In Gartner Group this is the top-ranked software, so this is why we chose that Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. particular product to make sure that Mr. Mikkungwak. we’re being due diligent about it. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): In regard to legislation, we have Thank you very much. That’s very clear. identified that some other jurisdictions All the Inuktitut that is being entered have progressed with more robust into the system in Nunavut will be legislation, especially as you’re getting protected as well. That’s very good to into cyber security and electronic data. hear. We are actually working on some new legislation that we hope to bring forward My last question is, once this new in the next Assembly. Thank you. system is adopted, we have many communities with different computers. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Computer networks are very slow in Mr. Mikkungwak. some communities while others are instant. Will this affect everything being Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): secure? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the direct answer. I would Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. like ask another question. I know it’s (interpretation ends) Minister Peterson is obvious that since we got Nunavut, the indicating that Ms. Kimball will answer different government departments have the question. Go ahead. written material in English, French, Inuinnaqtun, and Inuktitut. If the new Ms. Kimball: Thank you, Mr. system is going to be used, for example, Chairman. The speed of the system
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4847 won’t matter. If you think of Blue Coat, the court process, the plaintiff and the if you compare it to a water filtration defendant, the defendant being the system, the VMWare we spoke to would government and the plaintiff being be the piping in the process control Inukshuk Construction, reached an out- system of the flow. The Blue Coat is like of-court settlement. We paid $795,000 in the carbon filter. Either way, everything 2016-17, and this $83,000 would be for is going to go through that carbon filter. 2017-18. We’re just allocating the I hope that helps. Thank you. payments to the years when the work was being completed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. Mr. Mapsalak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Mapsalak. you, Mr. Chairman. While we’re on this page, I have never seen this $83,000 Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank before. It states that it’s for bulk fuel you, Mr. Chairman. I understand that a storage capacity. The way I understand it problem came up. I don’t really here is there had apparently been a understand what the problem was. problem with the contractors. Something Something came up that resulted in more wrong came up. Can you please explain work that needed to be done. There had what happened there? What was the been something that had been missed or problem that we have to get more something. Can he please explain that money? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. further? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Peterson. Minister Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Mapsalak for the Chairman. I thank Mr. Mapsalak for the question. This goes back to a settlement question. As we understand it, when the between the Government of Nunavut RFP went out, and I don’t know how and a company, Inukshuk Construction many companies bid on it, the successful Ltd. There was a problem in the vendor bid on the work and was awarded technical specifications. They bid on the the work. When they got going on the work and were awarded the work, and work, they alleged that the Government then they had to do more work to bring it of Nunavut did not provide accurate and up to code compliance. There were some specific direction regarding the issues identified. It cost them more. appropriate payment system for the When they went to the government to contractor. They used the job and get additional money, they were specifications of the contract. rebuffed. They got the lawyers involved. As they proceeded, they had to do more They looked at the paperwork, all the work to meet the code compliance. specifications and design work. It was When they were putting their claims in, determined that the government’s case they were identifying that. As I wasn’t all that solid. Rather than go to understand it, the government was
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4848 refusing to pay for the extra work and in English. Even though we’re doing the they filed a statement of claim. As the clause-by-clause review, please indicate parties got into it, they negotiated an out- if you have any questions. It reads, of-court settlement. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Bill 53, Chairman. Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2017-2018. (interpretation) Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Clause 1. Do you agree? Page 7. (interpretation ends) Community and Government Services. Capital. Not Some Members: Agreed. Previously Authorized. Total Community Services. $83,000. Total Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2. Do Informatics Planning Services. you agree? $348,000. Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $431,000. Some Members: Agreed. (interpretation) Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 3. Do Some Members: Agreed. you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Some Members: Agreed. Turn the page. Page 8. In English it reads, (interpretation ends) Economic Chairman (interpretation): While we’re Development and Transportation. here, please refer to page 2. It reads, Capital. Not Previously Authorized. (interpretation ends) Schedule. Total Transportation. $2,366,000. Total Supplementary Amounts Appropriated Department. Not Previously Authorized. for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, $2,366,000. (interpretation) Do you 2018. Total Capital Appropriation. agree? $11,385,000. (interpretation) Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Go back to page 2. The Schedule in Chairman (interpretation): Go back to English reads, (interpretation ends) page 1. Clause 4. Do you agree? Schedule 1. Capital. Capital Appropriation. $11,385,000. Some Members: Agreed. (interpretation) Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 5. Do Some Members: Agreed. you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Some Members: Agreed. At this time please refer to Bill 53 in your legislation binder as we will be Chairman (interpretation): Clause 6. Do reviewing it clause by clause. you agree?
I believe you all have it in front of you Some Members: Agreed. now. I have the English copy, so I’ll read
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4849
Chairman (interpretation): Clause 7. Do …on everything you learned. I thank you agree? Ms. Kimball for that and I thank Mr. Chown as well. Thank you, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, committee agree to Bill 53 as a whole? Minister Peterson. We will proceed to the next item. Let us deal with Bill 54. Some Members: Agreed. Minister Peterson, we will be dealing with Bill 54. Do you have any opening Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. comments? Minister Peterson. Pursuant to Rule 62(2), is the committee agreed that Bill 53 can immediately be Bill 54 – Write-off of Assets and Debts placed on the orders of the day for third Act, 2016-2017 – Consideration in reading? Committee
Some Members: Agreed. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appear before you today to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. present Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and We are done with Bill 53. Minister Debts Act, 2016-2017. Peterson, if you have any closing remarks, I now give you the opportunity Through this bill, the government is to make them. Minister Peterson. seeking to write off government assets valued at $8,913,000. In rounded terms, Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Chairman, I write-offs include: would just like to again thank yourself and the committee for your scrutiny of $6,023,000 for the Kugaaruk school, Bill 53. which burned down in March 2017;
I would like to thank all of our staff in $1.26 million related to design work Nunavut offices and all our departments towards the Arviat middle school; across Nunavut for working very hard on these capital projects and other projects $954,000 to recognize the loss of 13 and making sure our projects are Nunavut Housing Corporation units; completed on time and on budget given the nature of our territory. $236,000 to write off the balances owing to the Nunavut Housing I would like to thank Ms. Kimball for Corporation by certain deceased being here today to answer all those tech tenants; questions. It’s not an area of expertise for me by any stretch of imagination. By $169,600 by the Petroleum Products the way, Mr. Mikkungwak and Ms. Division within the Department of Angnakak, there’s an exam tomorrow… Community and Government Services to write down fuel >>Laughter inventory; and
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4850
About $265,000 by the Qulliq committee recommends the passage of Energy Corporation for a generator Bill 54 to all members. Thank you, Mr. and prime mover in Clyde River. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, opening comments. Thank you. Mr. Sammurtok. Are there any general comments on Bill 54? If there are no Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. general comments, are there any Does the Chair of the Standing questions on Bill 54? Mr. Mikkungwak. Committee on Legislation have opening comments? Mr. Tom Sammurtok. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. As we begin the review of the bill, I Chairman. As Chair of the Standing have one question to the Nunavut Committee on Legislation, I wish to Housing Corporation. The funding that make some brief opening comments as has been identified is confidential the Committee of the Whole begins its because the names can’t be published, consideration of Bill 54, Write-off of but the people left behind will not inherit Assets and Debts Act, 2016-2017. the debts or arrears by deceased persons. I think the Public Trustee is dealing with The standing committee recognizes that that right now through the Department of Bill 54 has been introduced to fulfill Justice in Nunavut. That’s my question. certain statutory and accounting Thank you, Mr. Chairman. requirements. The standing committee acknowledges the government’s efforts Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. in this regard. Minister Peterson.
With respect to the write-off of Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. petroleum products inventory, the Chairman. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for standing committee continues to the question. With your permission, Mr. encourage the Minister of Community Chairman, I would like to bring in a new and Government Services to table an witness. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. annual report in the Legislative Assembly concerning the operations of Chairman (interpretation): Minister the Petroleum Products Division of the Peterson is asking to bring in a new department. The standing committee witness. Do you agree? continues to recommend that this report include detailed information concerning Some Members: Agreed. rates of fuel evaporation, shrinkage, spillage and theft in Nunavut Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at- communities, as well as detailed Arms, please escort one of the minister’s information concerning inventory officials out and escort another witness management practices and innovations. in.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister opening comments. The standing Peterson, for the record, please introduce
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4851 the new witness. Minister Peterson. Kugaaruk school fire. This is a large amount of money. I know it has a Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. purpose. My question is regarding the Chairman. My new witness is Mr. Terry school that burnt down. Perhaps it didn’t Audla, President of the Nunavut have a sprinkler system and maybe that’s Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. why it burnt to the ground. That’s my Chairman. first question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): I’m sorry. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. We are experiencing technical Minister Peterson. difficulties, so we will take a five-minute break to deal with it. We will take a Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) five-minute break, Chairman. I thank Mr. Qirngnuq for the (interpretation) not longer than that. We question. I believe that fire is still under will be very quick. Thank you. investigation. I don’t know if there is a report from the fire marshal’s office, but >>Committee recessed at 18:53 and I believe there was a sprinkler system in resumed at 18:57 the school. I see it on the list I have here as being amortized as part of the assets Chairman (interpretation): Thank you of the school. There was a sprinkler for coming back. We had to take a short system in the school. Thank you, Mr. break. Minister Peterson, please Chairman. introduce the official at the witness table. Minister Peterson. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Qirngnuq. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My new witness is Mr. Terry Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Audla. He is the president of the you, Mr. Chairman. As it’s a community Nunavut Housing Corporation. Thank facility, we don’t want to see an incident you, Mr. Chairman. like this. My next question is: with the school that is being planned, are you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. going to have security measures for the Mr. Audla, welcome to the House. The new school? That’s my next question. person who asked the question is not Thank you, Mr. Chairman. here. He hasn’t entered yet. If it’s okay with you, we will get back to Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mikkungwak’s question. I’ll proceed Minister Peterson. and I’ll get back to Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Qirngnuq, please proceed. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The new school, I’m sure, Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank will have some security. It’s still in the you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask a planning stages. question. I would first like to welcome the minister and his staff. I have to say, from the details that I have for the fire, this was a motivated young I have a question regarding the person who was an arsonist and was
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4852 highly motivated to burn the school climb over a fence. I could cut through a down. No matter what security you have, fence. There are all kinds of ways you could have had cameras and you around fences. Whether a fence would could have had security guards… . This deter an arsonist, I would be hard individual was piling debris up against pressed to say yes to that. Thank you, the side of the building and lit the fire Mr. Chairman. and then kept piling the material up there until the wall caught fire. We know the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. end result. Again, Mr. Qirngnuq.
As I said the other day, you can have a Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank lot of security in a school and maybe all you, Mr. Chairman. It’s not a question of our buildings, but that’s not but more of a general comment. The necessarily going to prevent any floodlight and the camera are there. The building in Nunavut from catching fire if power plant is fenced in and that helps. a person is highly motivated to burn it That’s just a comment. Thank you, Mr. down. We have many attempts across Chairman. Nunavut on an annual basis, it seems. I hear about them in my other capacity as Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. the Minister of Justice. Thank you, Mr. He didn’t ask a question, so I’ll proceed. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak, we have a witness now that can answer your earlier Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. question. Mr. Mikkungwak, please Mr. Qirngnuq. repeat your question so that you can get a clear response. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My next question is Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): with respect to the school not being Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. surrounded by a fence, which was one of What I wanted to ask is to the Nunavut the reasons. Young people who are not Housing Corporation. In your opening happy about something can go directly comments there is $236,000 to write off up to the building. To slow access down, balances owing and the names of the will a fence be put around it? That is my individuals are confidential. My question last question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. is: for the tenants who are deceased whose information is confidential, what Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. about the relatives that were left behind? Minister Peterson. Once this is written off after it has been dealt with by the Department of Justice Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. and the housing board, will the relatives Chairman. I thank Mr. Qirngnuq for this who were left behind not inherit that question. I’m not sure if there will be a debt? That’s my question. Thank you, fence built around it. That might be Mr. Chairman. taken into consideration, but I have to say that I was a kid once and I could Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. climb over fences. It didn’t matter if it Minister Peterson. was 10 feet high or 15 feet high. I could
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Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I thank Mr. Mikkungwak for Mr. Audla. Moving on, Ms. Angnakak. the question. I’ll ask Mr. Audla to answer that question. Thank you, Mr. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. The minister may want to change witnesses for my question, but Chairman: Mr. Audla. maybe he can answer this because it’s a question I have asked before and it’s Mr. Audla (interpretation): Thank you, regarding the Petroleum Products Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The Revolving Fund. I think we have talked question has three things related to it about the issue. when we determine a write-off for tenants. We have documentation in front of us that was provided to us by the When a tenant is known to have died and department and it lists under the the Office of the Public Trustee Petroleum Products Revolving Fund administered the estate and has issued a communities and the variance changes in letter stating that there were not enough regard to petroleum. For Iqaluit there are funds in the estate to pay creditors, it no numbers, and I know that Iqaluit does was the first criteria. have a different kind of set-up than the other communities. I believe I see The second is, and this is the most Cambridge Bay. Perhaps it’s the same common one, a tenant is known to have way because there are no numbers for died, but the estate was not administered Cambridge Bay either. If the minister by the Office of the Public Trustee. The can, I guess, explain that to us and to the LHOs request and receive a letter from listening public. Thank you, Mr. the Office of the Public Trustee stating Chairman. that they did not administer the estate. As well the LHOs request and receive a Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) registration of death certificate from the (interpretation): Thank you very much. GN's Department of Health stating the Minister Peterson. date of death and so on. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. The third and final one was that the Chairman. I thank Ms. Angnakak for the deceased tenant was the only registered question. I hope I can explain it. For the primary tenant. There was no registered two communities in question, because co-tenant on file. As such the surviving this is the 2016-17 fiscal year, up until family members would have vacated the August of last year it was a private unit upon the death of the primary contractor. That would have been their tenant. Where a registered co-tenant fuel, but now it’s the government’s. existed, the co-tenant assumed the Since August or September of last year it arrears and remained in the unit. has been the government’s fuel. In Iqaluit it’s a private contractor, so it’s Once they have been written off, no their fuel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. family members are inheriting any write- offs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4854 very much. Ms. Angnakak. out to an RFP, PPD, CGS, and the government will decide on what kind of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. system should be used here in Iqaluit Chairman. I’m looking at the Iqaluit because there are pros and cons and we situation because it is different than just have to weigh them both and see other communities. I think there was which way to go. Thank you, Mr. going to be an assessment made and Chairman. perhaps an RFP come out. Could I get more information on what came as a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you result of that assessment and also what’s very much. Ms. Angnakak. going on with the RFP? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for his Chairman (interpretation): Thank you response. You say that the jury is still very much. Mr. Peterson. out. I think it was about a year ago I asked this very same question and you Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. were saying that this investigation was Chairman. I thank Ms. Angnakak for the taking place. It has been a little over a question. I’m going to defer that year now. Do you have any idea of when question to Minister Savikataaq. Thank this is going to be done? Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Mr. very much. Mr. Peterson indicated that Savikataaq, are you prepared to answer Mr. Savikataaq will answer the question. the question? (interpretation) Thank you Mr. Savikataaq. very much. Mr. Savikataaq. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The evaluation on the system Chairman. Just to go back to the here should be completed this fall. That different kind of fuels and why Iqaluit is would be looked at and taken into not listed, when the fuel comes into account before the next RFP comes out. Iqaluit, the contractor buys all the fuel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The government doesn’t own it anymore. If there’s any shrinkage, it’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you not the government’s fuel, so there is no very much. Ms. Angnakak, you are shrinkage according to the government done. (interpretation ends) I have no because the fuel is owned by the more list of names on Bill 54 for contractor. questions. Please go to Bill 54 in your legislation binders. As I stated earlier this week in the House here, it’s being evaluated whether the (interpretation) I believe you have it in system that’s currently being used in front of you now. (interpretation ends) Iqaluit is a good system or whether it Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and Debts should go like everyone else in Nunavut. Act, 2016-2017. Clause 1. Agreed? The jury is not out yet, but before it goes
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Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Clause 6. Agreed? Chairman: See Part 1 on page 2. Part 1. $6,023,747,000. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed.
Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: See Part 6 on page 3. Part 6. Total. $155,481.02. Agreed? Chairman: Thank you. Clause 2. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed.
Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 7. Agreed?
Chairman: See Part 2 on page 2. Part 2. Some Members: Agreed. Total. $1,264,422. Agreed? Chairman: See Part 7 on page 3. Part 7. Some Members: Agreed. Total. $109,798.58. Agreed?
Chairman: Thank you. Clause 3. Some Members: Agreed. Agreed? Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 54 Some Members: Agreed. as a whole?
Chairman: See Part 3 on page 2. Part 3. Some Members: Agreed. Total. $168,600.70. Agreed? Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant Some Members: Agreed. to Rule 62(2), that Bill 54 can immediately be placed on the orders of Chairman: Thank you. Clause 4. the day for third reading? Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Do you have closing Chairman: See Part 4 on page 2. Part 4. comments, Minister Peterson? Total. $954,238. Agreed? Hon. Keith Peterson: Yes, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman. I would just like to again thank you and your committee for your Chairman: Clause 5. Agreed? excellent scrutiny of not only this Bill 54 but also 51, 52, and 53. Some Members: Agreed. I would like to comment that I have been Chairman: See Part 5 on page 3. Part 5. here over nine years and I was a former Total. $236,396.34. Agreed? MLA. As a former MLA back in the early going, we didn’t get a whole lot of Some Members: Agreed. information at times when we were scrutinizing bills. A comment and maybe
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4856 give myself and my officials a pat on the witnesses. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. back. Chairman: Thank you. Does the We have made significant improvements committee agree for the officials to enter over the years in providing details on into the Chamber? supp bills. That’s a credit not only to my department and all departments that Some Members: Agreed. work very hard at this but also to the work yourself and the MLAs do to hold Chairman: Thank you. For the record, our feet to the coals to get those details. Minister Peterson, please introduce your Sometimes I joke with you and your officials before proceeding with your colleagues that you have more opening comments. Mr. Peterson. information than I do sometimes. That’s a credit and I hope that will continue in Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. the years ahead. Chairman. To my right is Bill MacKay, Deputy Minister of the Department of I would like to thank my ministerial Finance, and to my left is Stephen colleagues for being here to answer your Shaddock, Interim Director of Policy at questions because that wasn’t always the the Department of Justice. Thank you, case years ago either, where the minister Mr. Chairman. would be here and you couldn’t deflect a question to the minister in charge of the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you department. It’s a credit for the ministers very much. Welcome to the House. Mr. that they’re here and take this very Peterson, you can now proceed with seriously, and all the officials who show your opening comments. Mr. Peterson. up here to be available to come in as witnesses and answer the details of the Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. questions that you may have. Chairman. Just a slight correction, Mr. Shaddock is full-time Director of Policy, With that, Mr. Chairman, I thank you not interim. I apologize, Mr. Shaddock. and I thank my officials. Good day, Mr. Chairman. I am here Chairman (interpretation): Thank you today to speak to Bill 47, An Act to very much. (interpretation ends) We will Amend the Legal Profession Act. now proceed to the review of Bill 47. Minister Peterson, are you prepared to This bill will provide the Law Society of deliver your opening comments? Nunavut with additional rule-making Minister Peterson, please proceed. powers to provide for a rules committee and to regularize rules made by the Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal society since April 1, 1999. The purpose Profession Act – Consideration in of these proposed changes is to ensure Committee the law society’s rules comply with the Legal Profession Act and to eliminate Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. the technical requirement that the rules Chairman. With your permission, I be registered as a regulation under the would like to bring in some new Act.
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The Legal Profession Act establishes the Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Law Society of Nunavut, which Chairman. I apologize. I hadn’t quite regulates the legal profession in our made the switch from Finance to Justice. territory. Members of the law society Mr. MacKay is the Deputy Minister of elect the executive, who has the Justice. I apologize for that mishap. authority to make the rules which guide Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the practice of law as well as the conduct of lawyers who are practising law in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Nunavut. very much for the clarification. Does the chair of the standing committee meeting Currently the law society must submit have opening comments? Mr. T. any proposed changes to the rules to the Sammurtok. Government of Nunavut’s Registrar of Regulations for review and registration Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. as regulations under the Act. This Chairman. As Chair of the Standing technical step is unnecessary and Committee on Legislation, I am pleased inappropriate in that it takes away from to make some brief opening comments the independence of the law society in as the Committee of the Whole begins governing the legal profession in its consideration of Bill 47, An Act to Nunavut. As a result this has not been Amend the Legal Profession Act. done as a matter of practice since 1999. As the minister noted in his opening However, to ensure new rules are comments, Bill 47 amends the Legal appropriately vetted going forward, the Profession Act to provide the Law bill also creates a rules committee, Society of Nunavut with additional rule- which must review and asses the new making powers, to provide for a rules rules for compliance with the rules committee, and to regularize rules made applicable to Nunavut. Further, the rules by the society since April 1, 1999. must be made available to the public. This provides accountability of the legal The standing committee does not object profession in making its own rules. to the principle of the bill. During the minister’s recent appearance before the The bill also makes changes to the Act to standing committee, a total of five approve a few current rules which are motions were made to amend the bill. not technically authorized by the Act due These motions were of a technical to the Act being out of date. Thank you, nature. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my I will now take questions. opening comments. The standing committee recommends the passage of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Peterson. Bill 47, as amended and reprinted, to all For clarification purposes, when you members. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. introduced your officials, you introduced Mr. MacKay as your Deputy Minister of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Finance. Is that correct? Mr. Peterson. very much. (interpretation ends) The floor is now open for general comments.
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Are there any general comments? I have Some Members: Agreed. no names for questions. We will now do a clause-by-clause review of Bill 47. Go Chairman: Clause 9. Agreed? to Bill 47 in your legislative binders. Some Members: Agreed. (interpretation) I believe you have the bill in front of you now. Bill 47, Chairman: Clause 10. Agreed? (interpretation ends) Reprint, An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act. Clause Some Members: Agreed. 1. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 10.1. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 1.1. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 11. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Go to the Schedule on the Chairman: Clause 2. Agreed? last page. Schedule. Agreed?
Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman: Clause 3. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 12. Agreed?
Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman: Clause 4. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 13. Agreed?
Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman: Clause 5. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 14. Agreed?
Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman: Clause 6. Agreed? Chairman: Clause 15. Agreed?
Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.
Chairman: Clause 6.1. Agreed? Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 47 as a whole? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 7. Agreed? Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant Some Members: Agreed. to Rule 62(2), that Bill 47 can immediately be placed on the orders of Chairman: Clause 8. Agreed? the day for third reading?
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Some Members: Agreed. Kanayuk.
Chairman: Thank you. Do you have Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk closing comments, Minister Peterson? (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank yourself Chairman (interpretation): Thank you and the committee for your support of very much. (interpretation ends) Does this bill amending the Legal Profession the committee agree to let the minister’s Act. I’m sure it will be greatly staff go to the witness table? appreciated by the members of the legal profession in Nunavut. Some Members: Agreed.
I would like to thank, of course, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Stephen Shaddock, who is beside me, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the and Thomas Ahlfors, who is over in the minister’s officials in. gallery. He’s our legislative drafter. Also a shout-out to Mr. Stephen Mansell, who For the record, minister, please introduce is over at the law school program now. your officials. Minister Ell-Kanayuk. He worked on this bill as well. I would like to thank him and of course Mr. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk MacKay as well for preparing all this (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. information for us and bringing it to this Chairman. To my left is Sherri Rowe, point today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you my right is Jordan Aariak, who is very much. Sergeant-at-Arms, please currently an acting director for escort the minister’s officials out. transportation and planning. Thank you.
(interpretation ends) We will take a five- Chairman (interpretation): Thank you minute break to prepare for the final bill. very much. Welcome to the House, Ms. Rowe and Mr. Aariak. You can now >>Committee recessed at 19:28 and proceed with your opening comments, resumed at 19:37 Minister Ell-Kanayuk.
Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Motor Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Vehicles Act – Consideration in (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Committee Chairman. I am before you today to review Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Motor Vehicles Act. very much. We will proceed. I would like to ask the Minister of Economic As my colleagues will recall, as part of Development and Transportation, our correspondence on Bill 29, An Act to Minister Ell-Kanayuk, if she has Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, in June I officials that she would like to appear committed to introducing a short bill at before the committee. Minister Ell- the current sitting to add requirements to
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4860 table an annual report on the on the administration of the Act and administration of the Act and conduct a traffic safety, as well as a review of the review every five years. Act every five years. These items will be required to be tabled in the Legislative The amendments in Bill 55 will increase Assembly. accountability and transparency with respect to our delivery of services, the Mr. Chairman, that concludes my enforcement of traffic laws, and traffic opening comments. The standing safety in general. committee recommends the passage of Bill 55 to all members. Thank you, Mr. This will conclude my remarks, but I Chairman. would be pleased to take questions from my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The floor is now open for general comments. General Chairman (interpretation): Thank you comments? I have no names on my list very much. Does the chair of the for questions. We will now proceed to standing committee have opening the clause-by-clause review of Bill 55. comments? Mr. T. Sammurtok. Please go to Bill 55 in your legislative binders. Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As Chair of the Standing (interpretation) I am sure that you all Committee on Legislation, I am pleased have the copy of the bill. Bill 55, to make some brief opening comments (interpretation ends) An Act to Amend as the Committee of the Whole begins the Motor Vehicles Act. Clause 1. its consideration of Bill 55, An Act to Agreed? Amend the Motor Vehicles Act. Some Members: Agreed. As members will recall, Bill 29 received assent during our recent spring sitting. Chairman: Clause 2. Agreed? That bill provided for major amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act. Some Members: Agreed.
During its consideration of Bill 29, the Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 55 standing committee requested and as a whole? received a formal commitment from the minister that she would introduce a Some Members: Agreed. short, stand-alone bill during the final sitting of the current Legislative Chairman: Do members agree, pursuant Assembly to provide for new statutory to Rule 62(2), that Bill 55 can reporting requirements under the immediately be placed on the orders of legislation. the day for third reading?
As the minister noted in her opening Some Members: Agreed. comments, Bill 55 amends the Motor Vehicles Act to require an annual report Chairman: Do you have closing
Monday, September 18, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4861 comments, Minister Ell-Kanayuk? 54, and 55 are now ready for third reading. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk the Report of the Committee of the (interpretation): I wish to thank my Whole be agreed to. Thank you very colleagues for the passage of the bill, much, Mr. Speaker. along with my officials who developed the work for presentation, as well as our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. legislative drafters. They worked well There is a motion on the floor. Is there a together to complete the preparations in seconder? Mr. George Kuksuk. The time. I also thank them. Thank you. motion is in order. All those in favour. Thank you. Opposed. The motion is Chairman (interpretation): Thank you carried. very much. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the minister’s officials out. (interpretation ends) Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of (interpretation ends) What is the wish of Justice, Hon. Keith Peterson. the committee? Mr. Rumbolt. Item 21: Third Reading of Bills Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’ve had a good day. We Bill 47 – An Act to Amend the Legal have completed everything that we Profession Act – Third Reading wanted to complete in Committee of the Whole today. Therefore I would like to Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. make a motion to report progress. Thank Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. you. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 47, An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Chairman: Thank you. We have a Act, be read for the third time. Thank motion on the floor to report progress you, Mr. Speaker. and the motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion. All those Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. opposed. The motion is carried. I will (interpretation ends) The motion is in now rise to report progress to the order. All those in favour. Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The Speaker (interpretation): Item 20. motion is carried. Report of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. Third Reading of Bills. The Hon. Minister of Finance, Hon. Keith Item 20: Report of the Committee of Peterson. the Whole Bill 53 – Supplementary Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. 3, 2017-2018 – Third Reading Your committee has been considering Bills 47, 53, 54, and 55 and would like Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. to report progress and that Bills 47, 53, Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon.
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Member for Arviat South, that Bill 53, (interpretation ends) The motion is in Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) order. All those in favour. Act, No. 3, 2017-2018, be read for the (interpretation) Thank you. third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The motion is carried. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order. All those in Item 22. (interpretation) Orders of the favour. Thank you. Opposed. The Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk. motion is carried. Item 22: Orders of the Day (interpretation ends) Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Finance, Hon. Keith Peterson. Speaker. Just a reminder for events for tomorrow: at nine o’clock in the Bill 54 – Write-off of Assets and Debts morning there’s a meeting of the Act, 2016-2017 – Third Reading Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom; and a reminder Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. that at 11:45 here in the Chamber will be Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. the group photo. Member for Arviat South, that Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2016- Orders of the Day for September 19: 2017, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1. Prayer
2. Ministers’ Statements Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order. All those in 3. Members’ Statements favour. Thank you. Opposed. Thank 4. Returns to Oral Questions you. The motion is carried. 5. Recognition of Visitors in the (interpretation ends) Item 21. Third Gallery Reading of Bills. The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and 6. Oral Questions Transportation, Hon. Monica Ell- 7. Written Questions Kanayuk. 8. Returns to Written Questions Bill 55 – An Act to Amend the Motor 9. Petitions Vehicles Act – Third Reading 10. Responses to Petitions Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, 11. Reports of Standing and Special Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that Bill 55, Committees on Bills and Other An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, Matters be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 12. Tabling of Documents
13. Notices of Motions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
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14. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 15. Motions 16. First Reading of Bills 17. Second Reading of Bills 18. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Bill 27 19. Report of the Committee of the Whole 20. Third Reading of Bills 21. Orders of the Day Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, September 19, at 1:30 p.m.
(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 19:51