Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF

2nd Session 5th Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 20

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Pages 1278 – 1330

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable Joe Enook, M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. Joe Enook (Tununiq)

Hon. Emiliano Qirngnuq (Quttiktuq) (Amittuq) (Netsilik) Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Mila Kamingoak (Kugluktuk) (Aggu) (Gjoa Haven) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Uqqummiut) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Hon. (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) (Rankin Inlet South) Hon. Minister of Community and (Arviat South) Hon. Government Services; Minister Premier; Minister of Executive and (Cambridge Bay) responsible for the Nunavut Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister Minister of Energy; Minister of Environment; Housing Corporation responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister Labour; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Adam Lightstone responsible for the Utility Rates Review Energy Corporation (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Council

Hon. George Hickes Hon. (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Government House Leader; Minister of Management Board; Minister of Health; Simeon Mikkungwak Family Services; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention; (Baker Lake) Homelessness; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety Deputy Speaker and Chair of Immigration; Minister responsible for the and Compensation Commission the Committee of the Whole Status of Women

Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (South Baffin) (Pangnirtung) (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Education; Minister of Languages; Minister (Aivilik) responsible for Nunavut Arctic College

Officers Clerk John Quirke

Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Charlie Audlakiak 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 ...... 1278

Ministers’ Statements ...... 1278

Members’ Statements ...... 1283

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 1286

Oral Questions ...... 1288

Replies to Opening Address ...... 1303

Tabling of Documents ...... 1307

Notices of Motions ...... 1307

Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ...... 1307

Second Reading of Bills ...... 1307

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 1309

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 1329

Orders of the Day ...... 1330

A. Daily References

Thursday, October 25, 2018 ...... 1278

B. Ministers’ Statements

076 – 5(2): Children’s Oral Health Project (Hickes) ...... 1278

077 – 5(2): Northern Aviation Scholarship (Akeeagok) ...... 1279

078 – 5(2): Nunavut Polar Bear Deterrence Activities (Ehaloak) ...... 1280

079 – 5(2): 2018 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Winner (Savikataaq) ...... 1281

080 – 5(2): Iqaluit DEA Funding 2017-18 (Joanasie) ...... 1281

081 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation New Board Appointments (Ehaloak) ...... 1282

C. Members’ Statements

131 – 5(2): 2018 Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Netser) ...... 1283

132 – 5(2): 2018 High School Graduates of Whale Cove (Main) ...... 1284

133 – 5(2): Recent Deaths in Gjoa Haven and Appreciation of Helpers (Akoak) ...... 1285

134 – 5(2): Appreciation for Moosehide Tanning Workshop (Kamingoak) ...... 1285

135 – 5(2): Constituents Receiving Long-term Service Awards (Ehaloak) ...... 1286

136 – 5(2): Appreciation to Family and Constituents (Kusugak)...... 1286

D. Oral Questions

181 – 5(2): Proposed Merger of First Air and Canadian North (Akoak) ...... 1288

182 – 5(2): Lack of Boarding Spaces for Medical Travel (Qirngnuq) ...... 1290

183 – 5(2): 2018 Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Netser) ...... 1292

184 – 5(2): Dealing with Breaches of Confidentiality (Kaernerk) ...... 1294

185 – 5(2): Clarification at Education (Lightstone) ...... 1296

186 – 5(2): Wildlife Damage Prevention Program (Main) ...... 1297

187 – 5(2): Issues with Polar Bear Management (Keyootak)...... 1299

188 – 5(2): Senior Fuel Subsidy (Nakashuk) ...... 1300

189 – 5(2): Transparency and Accountability (Quassa) ...... 1302

E. Replies to Opening Address

Reply to Opening Address 001 – 5(2): Ms. Pat Angnakak (Angnakak) ...... 1303

F. Tabling of Documents

060 – 5(2): NHC’s New Public Housing Construction Allocation Backgrounder (Kusugak) ...1307

061 – 5(2): Resolutions Adopted at the 2018 Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Netser) ...... 1307

G. Motions

014 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Main) ...... 1307

H. Bills

Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act – Notice ...... 1307

Bill 08 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Second Reading ...... 1307

Bill 10 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Second Reading ...1308

Bill 11 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2017-2018 –

Second Reading ...... 1308

Bill 13 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2017-2018 – Second Reading ...... 1309

Bill 09 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2019-2020 – Nunavut Housing Corporation –

Consideration in Committee ...... 1309

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1278

Iqaluit, Nunavut can’t remain 44 forever. Thursday, October 25, 2018 Members Present: >>Laughter Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak, Hon. Joe Enook, Have a good day. Hon. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mila Let’s now proceed to the orders of the Kamingoak, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, day. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Health, Minister Hickes. Lightstone, Mr. John Main, Ms. Margaret Nakashuk, Mr. Patterk Netser, Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Mr. Paul Quassa, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. Joe Minister’s Statement 076 – 5(2): Savikataaq, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik, Children’s Oral Health Project Ms. Cathy Towtongie. (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. >>House commenced at 13:30 Speaker. The demand for dental treatment and prevention services in Item 1: Opening Prayer Nunavut remains high, especially for young Nunavummiut. The Department Speaker (Hon. Joe Enook) of Health continues to deliver and (interpretation): Mr. Qirngnuq, can you expand oral health promotion, say the opening prayer, please. prevention and treatment services to all communities. The program aims to >>Prayer influence youth and their guardians to improve their oral health. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. (interpretation ends) The Children’s Oral Health Project Premier (interpretation) and members, began over five years ago and provides good afternoon. Nunavummiut who are oral health promotion, prevention, and listening to the radio broadcast and basic treatment services specifically for watching the televised proceedings, children ages zero to ten years. Mr. welcome to your Legislative Assembly. I Speaker, this year the project has would also like to welcome the visitors expanded and services are extended to in the gallery. Please feel welcome. youth up to the age of 12, or grade 7. Fluoride varnish treatments continue to Before we go to our orders of the day, I be provided for children and youths ages have an announcement to make. It is our 13 through 17. colleague Mr. Rumbolt’s birthday. Community oral health coordinators, or >>Applause COHCs, the majority of whom are Nunavut Inuit, are vital to the success of >>Laughter the program. COHCs have been hired in their home communities to provide basic He said that he is now 44 years old, but I preventive services and activities as part would like to tell Mr. Rumbolt that he of the program.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1279

While there is still a waiting list for Minister’s Statement 077 – 5(2): dental treatment under general Northern Aviation Scholarship anaesthetic, every year more and more (Akeeagok) children are participating in the program, Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): becoming comfortable with and trusting Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good the dental teams. Mr. Speaker, this day” to the people of Quttiktuq, project has a positive impact on children, especially to the residents of Arctic Bay. who learn from dentists, hygienists, Today, for the people who have lost their dental therapists, and the COHCs, which loved ones, you are in our thoughts. we expect will translate over time into improvements in their oral health. Health Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to views this as a positive step, knowing report to the House on this year’s that young Nunavummiut are being recipients of the Northern Aviation encouraged to take responsibility for Scholarship. The Northern Aviation their oral health. Scholarship provides up to $7,500 for training related to aviation - pilots, Mr. Speaker, in the last school year since aircraft maintenance engineers, or the start of October 2017, there have management positions. been 41 completed oral health project trips for children zero to ten years from This scholarship has grown in 21 communities. A total of 3,016 importance over the past few years with children were seen from 26 screening the increasing shortage of qualified pilot and 15 treatment trips until school and aircraft maintenance engineers. closure in 2018, with more happening Throughout Canada, the industry reports this fall. Mr. Speaker, because of the that there will be a shortage of 3,000 success based on an external evaluation pilots in Canada by 2025 and 55,000 done of the oral health project, funding other skilled workers in other positions for this project provided by Indigenous within the industry. Services Canada’s Territorial Health Investment Fund (THIF) has been I am proud to say that the Department of extended until March 31, 2021. Economic Development and Transportation has increased the level of We encourage Nunavummiut to visit support for Nunavummiut who wish to www.nunavutsmiles.ca to find schedules pursue these careers, careers that will as well as information on oral health. allow them to work and develop in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavut while benefitting Nunavummiut. >>Applause This year the department has awarded Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. five scholarships to the following Ministers’ Statements. Minister of individuals: Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Akeeagok.  Hilary Angidlik of Rankin Inlet who is continuing her training to become a pilot.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1280

 Jamila Gordon, also of Rankin Inlet, includes providing avenues to purchase who is continuing her training to things such as electric fencing, non- become a pilot lethal bear deterrents, bear-resistant meat storage units, and cabin reinforcements.  Doris Ipeelee of Iqaluit who is Over the past few years we have aimed enrolled in pilot training to increase the usage of this program and have gone from using only $9,000 of the  Joseph Akulujuk of Pangnirtung who $60,000 program budget in 2015 to is training to become a pilot $42,000 of the program budget being used this past year.  Christopher Harding of Iqaluit who is training to become an aircraft In addition to providing deterrence and maintenance engineer. prevention equipment and materials, the department is also aiming to manage I would like to extend congratulations to wildlife conflict by ensuring that each all of these recipients and say “thank community has a community bear plan you” to each of them for answering the in place to manage wildlife conflict in call to enter such a noble profession. our communities. These community Thank you, Mr. Speaker. plans are developed in conjunction with our co-management partners, such as the >>Applause hunters and trappers organizations, community enforcement officers, and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the RCMP. The plans outline how Ministers’ Statements. Minister of wildlife conflict is managed and Environment, Minister Ehaloak. prevented in each community.

Minister’s Statement 078 – 5(2): Mr. Speaker, finally, the department is in Nunavut Polar Bear Deterrence the process of developing a polar bear Activities (Ehaloak) safety and deterrence training course to be implemented across the territory. On Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): November 12 to 15, 2017 the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation community of Whale Cove received the ends) The Department of Environment is first Department of Environment-led committed to the reduction and training workshop, with the goal of mitigation of wildlife conflict in training community members to be Nunavut. One of the key ways this is familiar with non-lethal deterrence achieved is through prevention and equipment and how to use the equipment education. to successfully deter wildlife, with the goal of reducing conflict. Although this Over the past few years we have been program is aimed to increase community increasing the usage of the Wildlife safety, we also provide Nunavummiut Damage Prevention Program. This with applicable training to be hired as program is aimed to provide polar bear guards in the public and Nunavummiut with the resources to private industries as well, potentially reduce damage caused by wildlife and to increasing job opportunities across the protect their personal property. This territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1281

>>Applause Council of the Federation celebrates achievement, innovative practice and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. excellence in literacy. The annual award Ministers’ Statements. Premier of is presented to educators, volunteers, Nunavut, Premier Savikataaq. learners, community organizations, non- governmental organizations, and Minister’s Statement 079 – 5(2): 2018 businesses in each province and Council of the Federation Literacy territory, celebrating the valuable Award Winner (Savikataaq) contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy. Each award recipient Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): receives a certificate signed by the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good premier of their province or territory as day” to the people of Arviat. well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to rise today and speak about Mr. Speaker and colleagues of the the work of the 2018 Council of the Legislative Assembly, please join me in Federation Literacy Award recipient, congratulating this year’s recipient. Elizabeth Tunnuq of Baker Lake. Her Thank you, Mr. Speaker. enthusiasm and commitment to literacy development is an inspiration to all of >>Applause us. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, in her capacity as the Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Inuktitut language specialist at Rachel Education, Minister Joanasie. Arngnammaktiq Elementary School in Baker Lake, improving student literacy Minister’s Statement 080 – 5(2): levels has been Elizabeth’s goal for over Iqaluit DEA Funding 2017-18 a decade. As a strong promoter of (Joanasie) Inuktitut, Elizabeth achieves measurable Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): results by working with elders, teachers, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to and learning coaches to promote literacy the people of Nunavut and my growth. She leads by example, speaking colleagues. I think most of my Inuktitut and encouraging others to learn colleagues are here now, so I welcome and speak it as well. them. Mr. Mikkungwak is the only member who is absent. Elizabeth is dedicated to supporting all aspects of student curriculum with a (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, focus on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. She recently the Iqaluit District Education also encourages literacy growth in Authority raised concerns about the children and youth outside of classroom funding formula used by the Department time by teaching traditional Inuit cultural of Education. This funding formula is activities, such as throat singing, drum tied directly to the student-to-educator dancing, and chanting. ratio of each school. This student-to- educator ratio formula is entrenched in Mr. Speaker, each year since 2004, the legislation and is currently one of the

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1282 most generous ratios in the country. responsible for the Qulliq Energy Nunavut’s educator positions and Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. funding are allocated based on those formulas. Minister’s Statement 081 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation New In May 2018 I met with the Iqaluit Board Appointments (Ehaloak) District Education Authority and committed to having an audit conducted Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): on the September 30, 2017 enrollment Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation numbers. In June, this past summer, ends) I have the honour of announcing department officials met with principals that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is to discuss the audit and answer welcoming three new members to its questions. board of directors. Mr. Joannie Pudluk, Ms. Roxanne Ruediger, and Mr. Mr. Speaker, the final results of the audit Nastania Mullin join the QEC board at found that the Department of Education an exciting time, as the energy sector was in error of one kindergarten student, grows and the corporation looks to representing a half-day student in the harness promising technologies for the ratio formula. This error did not result in benefit of all its customers. any additional funding or educator positions under the student-to-educator Joannie Pudluk is an electrical engineer ratio formula. who brings with him extensive firsthand experience with power generation and It is important to note that my distribution in the north. As a former department has no interest in reducing employee of the QEC, he has worked the number of teachers or funding closely with the public, businesses, and provided to the DEAs. It is continuously government on multimillion-dollar advocating for more resources for infrastructure projects across the schools and the DEAs to ensure students territory. Joannie’s professional focus on and staff are well-supported to achieve energy conservation and renewable academic success. energy technologies will help steer Nunavut toward a mixed energy supply. Mr. Speaker, my department does recognize the limitations of the current Roxanne Ruediger of Rankin Inlet is funding formula and is working on the also a former employee of the development of a new formula for corporation. Ms. Ruediger chaired the consideration. Consultations with district Inuit Employment Plan Committee and education authorities and other advised senior management on the stakeholders were completed in August implementation of Article 23 in the 2018 and the new formula will mitigate corporation’s hiring policies. She is a many of the concerns of the current professional accountant with nearly 10 student-to-educator ratio formula. Thank years of experience and currently holds a you, Mr. Speaker. senior position at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Last but not least, the third appointee is

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1283

Nastania Mullin. He is a project manager I don’t know how he can remain 44. I with the Government of Nunavut and a think he’s 26 with 18 years of student enrolled in the Nunavut Law experience. Program. His problem-solving skills and results-driven work ethic will further >>Laughter contribute to the board’s leadership and governance strengths. Mr. Mullin brings Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to board experience as the president of the inform the House about the very Nunavut Law Student Society in Iqaluit successful meeting of Kivalliq mayors and as a board member on the Judicial that recently took place in my Review Board and Nunavut Business constituency. [Credit] Corporation. Mr. Speaker, the community of Naujaat Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to was proud to host this year’s gathering join me in congratulating the new of the region’s elected leadership and I appointees: Joannie, Roxanne, and was very pleased to be able to take part Nastania. I look forward to their in the event. invaluable input and guidance as the Qulliq Energy Corporation continues to Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the provide a safe and reliable power supply Premier, who brought a number of his to Nunavummiut and plans for cabinet colleagues and took the time to Nunavut’s energy future. Thank you, attend the important meeting. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have always been a firm >>Applause believer in the importance of keeping in touch with the communities and not Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. being trapped in what I call the “capital Ministers’ Statements. Members’ bubble.” Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Netser. It’s very quiet in here.

Item 3: Members’ Statements >>Laughter

Member’s Statement 131 – 5(2): 2018 Mr. Speaker, the meeting provided an Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Netser) opportunity for representatives from the business community and our regional Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Inuit organization to exchange views Mr. Speaker. I’m thankful to be here. concerning a number of issues and We had a hard time getting here and I initiatives of importance to the Kivalliq came from a far distance. region, which includes air travel, the mining sector, and the work of the (interpretation ends) First of all, I would Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable. like to wish my colleague a happy 44th birthday, Mr. Rumbolt. Mr. Speaker I am very pleased to advise you and my colleagues that a number of >>Laughter formal resolutions were passed at the

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1284 meeting, and I will be following up on a missing now, which makes me happy. number of them during this fall sitting. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by gratitude to the residents of Whale Cove. noting that the community was also I was in Whale Cove for a visit on engaged in a number of events and September 7 to honour the high school public activities which included the graduates of Inuglak School. It was very president of Nunavut Tunngavik pleasing to see five young students Incorporated, Aluki, who hosted a graduate from high school. They must community feast. The people of Naujaat feel more mature now, but they must really know how to square dance as well. realize they are still young. They were: (interpretation) It was fun to watch them, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) A  Simeonie Voisey, number of public activities were held  Stanley Jr. Adjuk, during the time in which the leaders  John Voisey, were in the community, and I am pleased  Mike Okalik, and to say that a successful silent auction  Adam Nattar. raised funds for local charities. They are all male, but for the past two I also want to pay special tribute to the years we’ve had all-female graduations, organizers of the “Building on Strengths as hard as it is to comprehend why it was in Naujaat” youth initiative that is being like that. submitted to the Arctic Inspiration Prize for consideration. The students had a wonderful ceremony and it was exciting. We were also fed Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join very well. I want to thank the residents me in congratulating Mayor Solomon of Whale Cove for being very Malliki and the entire community of welcoming. I also thank everyone who Naujaat for their great work in hosting works at the school. I extend my thanks an important and successful event. also to the parents of the graduates for (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the constant encouragement to their children. The success of the five >>Applause graduates is a testimony to their parents.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. To the students who are still at Inuglak Members’ Statements. Member for School, I encourage and support them, Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. and I tell them to keep on going to school because education is the key to a Member’s Statement 132 – 5(2): 2018 bright future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. High School Graduates of Whale Cove (Main) An Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, >>Applause Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. I’m glad that you made it in. We were Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. missing members and not too many are Members’ Statements. Member for Gjoa

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Haven, Mr. Akoak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Member’s Statement 133 – 5(2): Kugluktuk, Ms. Kamingoak. Recent Deaths in Gjoa Haven and Appreciation of Helpers (Akoak) Member’s Statement 134 – 5(2): Appreciation for Moosehide Mr. Akoak (interpretation): Thank you, Tanning Workshop (Kamingoak) Mr. Speaker. I also say “good day” to my colleagues. To my family, the people Ms. Kamingoak: Koana, Mr. Speaker. who are watching and listening to the Good afternoon, colleagues and proceedings, and to my grandchild, I say Nunavummiut. “good afternoon.” Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my Also to the people of Gjoa Haven and appreciation and gratitude to my uncle, George Sitatak, who is from Kugluktuk’s late, well-respected resident Kugluktuk but is residing at the and elder, Bessie Sitatak, for continuing care centre in Gjoa Haven, I coordinating the most recent moosehide am thinking of them at this time. He tanning workshop in the community. watches us all the time when we are here. He said he waves at me through the Mr. Speaker, the late Bessie’s efforts TV. have really encouraged our local seamstresses to get more involved in this >>Laughter traditional activity. Naturally tanned moosehide is well used for wonderfully I am waving at you and I hug you. If my designed and decorated moccasins and spouse is watching, I say “I love you.” kamiks.

I rise today to send my condolences to Mr. Speaker, after this workshop, the people of Gjoa Haven. From January Kugluktuk has gained a number of to the end of September we have lost so individuals who are trained in the many relatives, and even though I put techniques for naturally tanning and my hands like this, there are so many smoking the hides. I would like to people who aren’t alive now. express my thanks to Margaret Douville who came from the Yukon territory to I would like to express my pride in the help teach these traditional skills. residents of my community for helping those who have lost a loved one. They Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize bring food to help those who have lost all the participants in this initiative: the loved ones and they console their fellow late Bessie Sitatak, Millie Kuliktana, residents. I would like to thank them for Quentin Norberg, Joanne Taptuna, their help, as they have big hearts. We Doreen Evyagotailak, Rosemarie know that all people across Nunavut are Meyok, Calla Pedersen, Larry Adjun, like that. I want to thank them for all of and the people who came to assist when their help. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. they needed extra help. Koana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1286

>>Applause understanding why I wasn’t able to participate for the first couple of days of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. our proceedings. Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Ehaloak. I thank the relatives that I met in Naujaat and all Nunavummiut who are always Member’s Statement 135 – 5(2): receptive. I would like to inform my Constituents Receiving Long-term constituents that our office in Rankin Service Awards (Ehaloak) Inlet is now open. Now that I’m back here, you can call me anytime. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank you for ends) As we will be celebrating an event proceeding with the meeting while we for our long-term service employees, I weren’t able to make it in. Thank you, would like to personally congratulate my Mr. Speaker. constituents for their dedication and service to the community and the >>Applause departments they serve. These individuals with 30 years’ service are: Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. I have no more  Patty Greenley names on my list. Let’s proceed. Returns  Eva Ohokak to Oral Questions. Recognition of  Donna Olsen-Hakongak Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, With 25 years’ service: Ms. Towtongie.

 Terry McCallum Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the  Amaya Emingak Gallery  Nancy Maghagak Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank  Amy Aknavigak you, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. say that I haven’t seen this individual I grew up with, Leo Eecherk, so I would >>Applause like to recognize him. Also, I once worked with Pauktuutit President Becky Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kudloo. Thank you. Parniga Akeeagok, Members’ Statements. Member for thank you. Rosemary Cooper, I want to Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. thank you very much for hanging out with my older sister, Manitok Thompson. That’s it, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 136 – 5(2):

Appreciation to Family and >>Applause Constituents (Kusugak)

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. To Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I all the visitors in the gallery, welcome to would like to thank you for your Legislative Assembly. Recognition

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1287 of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Quttiktuq, Mr. Akeeagok. Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, ends) I would like to recognize and Mr. Speaker. Welcome to my fellow thank the Nunavut Business Credit community members. I would like to Corporation’s board of directors that just recognize individuals who used to be met here; Philip Otukol, Angela residents of my community. Although McPherson, (interpretation) and one of she was already recognized, Rebecca, the staff members, Damian Lachance. welcome to the gallery. Again, I knew Also, my dear daughter-in-law, Parniga this individual when he was just a child, Akeeagok, is here. Leo Eecherk, I’m so I would like to again recognize very pleased to see you once again. Damian. I recall him driving a two- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. wheeler quite well. Welcome, Damian and Rebecca. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Kugluktuk, Ms. Kamingoak. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Netser.

Ms. Kamingoak: Koana, Mr. Speaker. I Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, rise today to recognize my wonderful Mr. Speaker. Although this individual sister-in-law, Parniga Akeeagok. was already recognized, I grew up with Welcome. him and we were inseparable. We are both from Coral Harbour and his >>Applause grandmother was my father’s sister, so we grew up very closely together. I Speaker (interpretation): Welcome. would like to warmly welcome Leo Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Eecherk. We are getting older. We have Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. grandchildren and we’re starting to get great-grandchildren. I would very much Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank like to welcome my childhood friend to you and good afternoon. I say “good the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. day” to the people of Pangnirtung. >>Applause I would like to recognize individuals from Pangnirtung who are here, Mina Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to Battye and Eva Eeseemailee. Welcome. the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Sheutiapik. >>Applause Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

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Speaker. I’m happy, as the House efforts in getting the funding available Leader, that we now have a full House. for our… . Sorry. If it wasn’t for (interpretation ends) I don’t have to keep Madeleine’s hard work in getting the counting to 12. federal funding for our deep sea port, I’m sure it probably would have never >>Laughter have happened. Thank you very much. That deep sea port is going to affect our (interpretation) Today, as the Minister community in a large way and the responsible for the Status of Women, I surrounding communities as well. Thank stand in awe as many women are here you very much. with us. I’ll start with our Mayor, Madeline Redfern. Beside her is the >>Applause manager of Qulliit Status of Women. Most importantly, Pauktuutit Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Women of Canada are also here. I want Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I to inform you of their important work have no more names on my list. for Canadian women. Before we proceed, I would like to I’m happy to inform you of that we will welcome those of you who are visiting be meeting together tomorrow. Thank the gallery. Please feel welcome to your you to Rebecca Kadloo, (interpretation House any time. As a reminder to ends) President; (interpretation) Parniga Nunavummiut and Iqalummiut, please Akeeagok was already recognized, who feel most welcome to come and watch is representing Iqaluit; and Rosemary the proceedings anytime during our Cooper, who certainly isn’t new to this sitting days. place as she has lived in Iqaluit and has worked for the government. She is now >>Applause with Pauktuutit as their (interpretation ends) political advisor. (interpretation) Let’s proceed. Oral Questions. Member Please feel welcomed. Thank you. for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak.

>>Applause Item 6: Oral Questions

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 181 – 5(2): Proposed Merger Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of of First Air and Canadian North Visitors in the Galley. Member for (Akoak) Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Economic Development and Speaker. It appears we have quite a large Transportation. number of distinguished guests in the House today, but I would like to take the Mr. Speaker, as you and my colleagues opportunity to recognize Her Worship, know, my flight to Iqaluit went Mayor Ms. Madeline Redfern. Her list of mechanical, which is why I was unable accomplishments are too long to name, to be here at the beginning of the sitting. but if it wasn’t for her and the city’s However, that’s not why I’m asking

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1289 questions to the Minister of the airline industry in Nunavut. The Transportation today. levels of service and the cost of the services have a direct impact on the >>Laughter quality of life for all Nunavummiut.” That’s just the quote. Mr. Speaker, on July 6, 2018 the Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit My second question, the Government of Regional Corporation announced plans Nunavut recently issued a request for for a merger between First Air and input concerning the development of its Canadian North. In their announcement, Nunavut Airline Procurement Strategy. the two corporations stated that “A This document, which is in the public report commissioned by the Government domain, provides some information of Nunavut supports the need for more concerning the report that had previously efficiency in Nunavut air transportation been submitted to the government by services; a merger of First Air and Lufthansa Consulting, which had been Canadian North is the only viable way to awarded a contract valued up to both meet and exceed these essential $698,000 to perform this work. needs...” My next question for the minister is also My first question for the minister is very very clear: will he commit to tabling the clear: does the Government of Nunavut Lufthansa report in this House before the support the proposed merger between end of our current fall sitting, yes or no? First Air and Canadian North, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This report that was Hon. David Akeeagok: Qujannamiik, commissioned was commissioned with a Mr. Speaker. For the merger to happen, number of departments and the it was business decision. That was not a Department of Community and decision made by government. Whether Government Services has taken that we support it or not is not what we can lead. As the Department of Economic say as a government. (interpretation) Development and Transportation, we are Thank you, Mr. Speaker. part of that working group working very closely with the departments. When that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. report is done and how it gets done, I Your first supplementary, Mr. Akoak. would ask the House to please give our government an opportunity to take a Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look and review that report before we just want to read a quote off of the decide whether we’re going to table it or Request for Input 2018-38. On the first not. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. page, second paragraph, just the one line Speaker. says that the government “recognizes the critically important services offered by Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.

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Your final supplementary, Mr. Akoak. away so that all Nunavummiut are able to hear everything. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of the significant economic impact Let us proceed. Oral Questions. Member that this proposed airline merger would for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq. have on Nunavut and the north, I anticipate that the federal Competition Question 182 – 5(2): Lack of Boarding Bureau will be conducting a review of Spaces for Medical Travel the proposal. (Qirngnuq) Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, my last question for the you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” minister is also very clear: will he to the people of Kugaaruk and the commit to tabling a copy of the people of Taloyoak, as well as my Government of Nunavut’s submission to colleagues, ministers, and our Premier. the federal Competition Bureau, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, when it comes to medical issues, no one knows Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. better than a mother when to be Speaker. I can’t commit to that until the concerned about their health or the Competition Bureau decides whether health of their children. However, some they’re going to review this or not. What of my constituents have told me that the we have indicated to the Competition lack of boarding space may be leading to Bureau is that if there is going to be a medical checkups and other review, our government is very appointments being delayed. This is interested in making any kind of worrying. submission. We haven’t prepared any kind of submissions and we cannot Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide an dictate the Competition Bureau to update on how many medical clients review this or that, but our government have had their follow-up appointments has indicated to the Competition Bureau cancelled or delayed due to a lack of that if there is such a review, our boarding space in such communities as government is interested in providing Yellowknife or Edmonton? some level of input. (interpretation) (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Minister Hickes. Before we proceed, let me remind everyone, sometimes when you’re Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. having a debate, if I don’t say something Speaker. I thank the member for raising right away, we have very able this concern for his constituents. It has interpreters and sometimes I wait for been quite public. We have had some them to complete their sentence. challenges with the Yellowknife Sometimes I don’t say anything right boarding home with regard to space. A

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1291 number of different circumstances in Boarding Home and even at the hotels. that city lead us to even have further challenges for that boarding home to get Can the minister provide an update on hotel space. Tourist season is very busy what steps he is taking to ensure that in Yellowknife and rooms are limited, so there is enough billeting space for all it puts a lot of strain on the system from medical travel clients? (interpretation) the medical standpoint. He responded to that, but I would like to get more clarification, so that’s why I’m I’m not aware of any delays out of the asking the question. Thank you, Mr. Edmonton boarding home. There’s an Speaker. abundance of hotel space in that city to provide any overflow. With regard to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Yellowknife facility, we are working Minister Hickes. very closely within our department and with the NWT to look at some solutions Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. to that. It’s a work in progress, Mr. Speaker. Again, I really appreciate the Speaker. member bringing forward this issue. It highlights the fact that although it was a As far as to the exact numbers of how very good announcement from the many people have had delayed federal government on allowing escorts appointments to care, I don’t have that for maternal medical travel, it has put a level of detail in front of me, but I can strain on us from a capacity standpoint. assure you that one is too many. Anytime we’re looking at providing There are a number of different things appointments for people, sometimes you we’re looking at and again, it’s a part of have to wait a number of months to get the medical travel review itself with an appointment with a specialist. This regard to capacity. I know we have had triggers a very serious dialogue that we initiatives here in Iqaluit advertising for are actively engaged in today. Thank more billet spaces and that is something you, Mr. Speaker. we could look at in other communities as well. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. Going forward, we really have to take a serious look. Boarding homes that we Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank have used in the past have been growing you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the in a lot of our communities. Like in minister for being able to respond. Ottawa and Winnipeg the spaces were (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the too small before, they’ve gotten larger minister will be aware, pregnant women and they’re still running capacity issues. are often required to leave their home It’s something we’re working actively community almost a month before their on with Health Canada to identify the delivery due date. Medical clients travel need. to the larger centres for follow-up after birth or for other medical issues. There is One of the things that I would like to a shortage of billeting space for all of point out, especially with maternal these medical clients at the Larga travel, in the Kitikmeot region we’ve

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1292 had some success with the midwifery Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. program in Cambridge Bay where the Speaker. As I stated, it is an midwives are travelling out to the acknowledged fact that this allowance of communities to provide prenatal and the escort for maternal travel has created postnatal care to help expectant and new an unforeseen burden and it was a very mothers. I would like to celebrate that quick announcement from the federal step and I look forward to rolling that government last year that we had to out across more communities so that adjust and adapt to and we’re still mothers are more knowledgeable in the adjusting and adapting to. process of what they’re going through. I look forward to continued growth in that With regard to specific maternal avenue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. boarding homes, it is something that we’re looking at as part of the medical Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. travel review. There are going to be Your final supplementary, Mr. options that are going to be coming Qirngnuq. forward. Looking at expanding services is always going to be a priority for Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Nunavummiut when they’re travelling. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the We want to make sure that, especially minister. He seems to know exactly what expectant mothers, they do not have to I’m talking about. move from place to place. It’s an uncomfortable scenario to start with, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, people going from a boarding home to a hotel are concerned about their welfare and and maybe back to the boarding home. the welfare of their family and friends. We want to look at providing some When pregnant women are travelling, stability. I think it is a very important even though they are now entitled to an component of it. escort, they are away from home and the rest of their family for long periods of With regard specifically to whether there time. is going to be a maternal boarding home system in place, it is something we’re (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will ask going to have to discuss with Health another question to the minister. Many Canada as they are partners with NIHB of us who have gone to Yellowknife with regard to boarding homes and the know that there is a general lack of space services provided, but I look forward to there for medical travel patients. My continuing dialogue. Thank you, Mr. question is: has any consideration been Speaker. given to establishing additional boarding homes for pregnant women and their Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. escorts in the near future or further down Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. the road? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Netser.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 183 – 5(2): 2018 Kivalliq Minister Hickes. Mayors’ Meeting (Netser)

Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you,

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1293

Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the response. (interpretation ends) Another Minister of Community and Government one of the resolutions that were carried Services. unanimously at the Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting concerned the activities of the I was in Naujaat with the minister this Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable. One past month at the mayors’ meeting. A of the resolutions called on the forum to number of important resolutions were focus on three areas: road, fibre, and passed at the meeting. One of the hydroelectric power. Can the minister resolutions that were carried indicate how the government is unanimously at the meeting called on the responding to this resolution? government to increase the resources (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that are provided to municipalities for the purpose of enhancing their search Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and rescue capacity. Can the minister Minister Kusugak. provide an update on that? That’s my first question for the minister. Thank Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, we have started working on these Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. resolutions and the priorities that came Minister of Community and Government out of the Hudson Bay Regional Services, Minister Kusugak. Roundtable. Those of us from Nunavut were going to make those our priorities Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): at our meetings. However, it is a big Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the roundtable and the other groups who are member for that question. The a part of the meeting have other resolutions that were made at the priorities as well. As for our own Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting were directed priorities such as building actual roads to a number of government departments. we can drive on and fibre for the For your question about search and Internet, we will definitely work on rescue, we received that resolution as those and the resolutions that were made well as the request they have made, how there. As a government, we know what they would like things to be corrected, our priorities will be and we have to and what their needs are. We are work together in order to proceed well. working on that right now to see how we Thank you, Mr. Speaker. can support them. We have the motion in hand and we have started work on it. We Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. would like to see what they would like to Your final supplementary, Mr. Netser. see. We’re working towards the same thing, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s already the final Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. question. Another concern that was Your first supplementary, Mr. Netser. raised is that Rankin Inlet is the regional hub for Kivalliq hamlets and the regional Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, director position from the Nunavut Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. government has always been vacant. I We will be expecting the minister’s would like to get an update on the status

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1294 of that position. During our meeting, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there was no director. Is the Kivalliq , Premier Savikataaq. director position still vacant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member is correct that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there was a leak of confidential Minister Kusugak. documents back then. The leak happened by one of the minister’s staff without the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): minister having any knowledge of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Up to now we leak. The minister dealt with it and the have been working on the job situation was resolved. We can’t talk description for that position. If the about HR and personnel issues here, so director position was filled, then my all I can say to that is the individual who answer would be no. Thank you, Mr. leaked a document, the issue was dealt Speaker. with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Question 184 – 5(2): Dealing with Speaker. Yes, we understand there was a Breaches of Confidentiality breach and that they have publicly (Kaernerk) apologized with this letter. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my Mr. Speaker, it seems that there is a fellow residents of Amittuq and difference between cabinet Nunavummiut. confidentiality and Legislative Assembly confidentially. As one of the Assembly’s I would like to direct my question to the newest members, I would appreciate Premier. Perhaps I will ask it in English. some clarification on the issue. Can the Premier explain why his actions to (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in address recent breaches of September of this year the office of one confidentiality of his cabinet members of Nunavut’s cabinet ministers provided differ from minister to minister? a confidential document, a legislative proposal to be specific, to an office Mr. Speaker, dealing with transparency outside of the Assembly. A clear breach and confidentiality is an issue currently of confidentiality took place. being addressed by our neighbours, the Government of the Northwest Can the Premier clearly explain what Territories, which also operates under a steps he took to address that breach of consensus style of government. confidentiality and what sanctions, if any, he imposed on the minister What consideration has the Premier of responsible? (interpretation) Thank you, Nunavut given to improving how the Mr. Speaker. issues of transparency, accountability, confidentiality, and secrecy are

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1295 addressed within his government? Thank to all Nunavummiut. We are accountable you, Mr. Speaker. to you as MLAs. You question us. We have to answer truthfully and with the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. best information that we have at the Premier Savikataaq. time. If we mislead the House, we as ministers are accountable to that, and Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. you will keep us accountable. Speaker. I’m glad I’m given the opportunity to clarify some of the stuff We’re here to run a transparent that’s going on in the media and what government, but there are certain other people are thinking. I’m sure there documents that are cabinet privilege. We are questions. have to maintain confidentiality on some stuff until the time is right and we have First let me state that my decision to do made a complete decision as to what what I did has nothing to do with gender. we’re going to do, and then that is made I treat all ministers equally. I don’t look public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. at a minister as a male minister or a female minister. I treat them all equally. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. The main difference between the two breaches of confidential documents… . Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. They are both confidential documents. Speaker. Thank you, Premier. Like I They both got breached. The first one mentioned, as a newer member, I’ll ask happened out of the control of Minister this again. It’s very important for the Joanasie. It was by his staffer. He did not government to make improvement on know about the leak until after it was the issues of transparency, done. With Minister Angnakak, it was accountability, confidentiality, and within her control and that is the main secrecy addressed within this difference between these two breaches government. Has the Premier given good of confidentiality. consideration on the transparency and accountability within his government? Minister Joanasie owned it. He Thank you, Mr. Speaker. apologized and he said he will take whatever consequences would be dished Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. out on him. All members, all MLAs, all Premier Savikataaq. of us, we all got an apology letter from him. The leak was out of his control. The Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. breach of confidentiality and the Speaker. We are as transparent as we can breaking of the oath of Minister be. As I stated earlier, there are certain Angnakak were by her choice. She chose documents, for whatever reason, that are to breach a confidential cabinet confidential to cabinet that we use and document here in the House. That’s the given advice as to how we’re going to main difference between the two. make a decision. Once we have made a decision, it is made public, but the As for transparency of the government goings on of what happens in cabinet is and accountability, we are accountable confidential. That’s our system. That’s

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1296 our consensus government system. Minister of Education, Minister That’s a system that we operate under. Joanasie.

As for accountability, unfortunately Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): there is an example of accountability Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank here. If we break our oath, if we breach him for that question. (interpretation cabinet confidentiality, there is ends) As with any documents that are accountability. Unfortunately we’re being tabled in the House, if it’s a dealing with it here now. I’m dealing cabinet document, I would have to seek with it. I made the decision that I did cabinet approval. If it would be the full with the consensus and the backing of audit or a redacted version, I’ll work cabinet. We operate as a team as cabinet. with my colleagues and my staff to see if we can do that within this fall sitting, if We are accountable to all MLAs, but we not, perhaps in the future sittings. Thank are accountable to all you MLAs. you, Mr. Speaker. Cabinet here works at the pleasure of the Legislative Assembly, the MLAs. We Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. are here as long as you have confidence Your first supplementary, Mr. in us to do our jobs as best as we can. Lightstone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I do hope that with cabinet Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- permission, the minister will share the Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. detailed results of the audit.

Question 185 – 5(2): Clarification at It’s my understanding that many of the Education (Lightstone) students in question in the audit are listed as non-attenders and were deleted Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. from the head count in the full-time Speaker. My questions are for the equivalency. My question to the minister Minister of Education. is: what is the definition of a non- attender? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to thank the minister for his minister’s statement today Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. regarding the Iqaluit DEA funding for Minister Joanasie. the 2017-18 academic year, as well as sharing the results of the audit that took Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. place. I understand that the audit Speaker. Thank you for his follow-up contained some sensitive information, question. A student has to maintain at but I would ask if the minister will least 60 percent attendance for them to commit to tabling a redacted version of be counted as enrolled. They have to the audit in the Assembly before the end maintain at least 60 percent. Thank you, of this sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1297

Your final supplementary, Mr. the full-time equivalent and head count Lightstone. are two separate things.

Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Kindergarteners, of course, are only Speaker. The Iqaluit District Education halftime right now. We’re looking Authority has been kind enough to share forward to moving towards a full-time with me some of their ATIPP’d kindergarten, but 40 percent is the documents or some documents that they attendance rate that needs to be used for received under an access to information our formula. We are working on a new request, including the results of the audit formula that I’ll hopefully be bringing to itself. cabinet maybe in the winter sitting. Hopefully we will, as I said in my Under the definitions, a student is a non- minister’s statement, address the issues attender if he or she has been truant for that we’re currently facing with the at least 60 percent of the possible Iqaluit District Education Authority. instruction time during the month, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. meaning they would have to attend class at least 40 percent of the time to be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. included in the full-time equivalency or Oral Questions. Member for Arviat student head count. North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

Now, in the results of the audit, a Question 186 – 5(2): Wildlife Damage number of the students were deleted Prevention Program (Main) from the student attendance register that actually were listed as having attendance Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, greater than 40 percent, as well as other Mr. Speaker. I rise to direct my students that were deleted for instances questions to the Minister of of suspensions or transfers out to other Environment. schools after the September 30 closing date and clear miscounts as well. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I was very happy to hear about the polar bear I am curious how the minister came up deterrence activities mentioned in the with final results showing an error of minister’s statement today, and I would only one kindergarten student. Thank like to ask her about the Wildlife you, Mr. Speaker. Damage Prevention Program. I think we would all agree that this is a very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. important program that the department Minister Joanasie. offers.

Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. My first question is, she mentioned in Speaker. Thank you for his follow-up her statement that $42,000 of the question. I stand corrected. Sorry. The $60,000 program budget was used the students have to maintain attendance past year. I wonder if the minister could rates above the 40 percent threshold to provide more information regarding the be counted. We look at attendance rates number of applications received and the for all schools. I have to point out that number of applications approved.

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(interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister Ehaloak.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Minister of Environment, Minister Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Ehaloak. ends) Thank you, Mr. Main. I don’t have that level of detail of information for Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): you, but I can find out for you. Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation you, Mr. Speaker. ends) Thank you, Mr. Main, for your question. The Department of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Environment is committed to support Your final supplementary, Mr. Main. active hunters and will continue to deliver and support this program. The Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Department of Environment received 10 Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank Wildlife Damage Prevention Program you, minister, for committing to look applications in 2017-18 and all of them into that. I think it would be beneficial to were approved and processed. Thank look into the program as a whole, you, Mr. Speaker. beyond just the application forms.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. There’s also something that jumped out Your first supplementary, Mr. Main. at me here. Once applicants fill out the form, assuming that they can find the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, right form of the eight forms, once they Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. get it into the conservation officer, it (interpretation ends) That’s interesting says here that “Within 90 days of information, so 10 applications for the…application being received…the $42,000. I was going through the applicant will be provided with a letter program information and it was quite informing them of the decision…” That interesting because I have been on both seems like quite a long period, 90 days sides of the application form, filling to decide if an application is going to be them out and dealing with them. approved or not.

Under the program, there are eight I wonder if the minister could commit to different prevention methods and there looking into ways to streamline this are eight different application forms. I program to make it friendlier for understand that you can’t just walk in Nunavummiut who are involved in the door and get handed a cheque and harvesting. (interpretation) Thank you, that application forms are needed. I Mr. Speaker. wonder if the minister could explain why this relatively small program has such a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. large footprint when it comes to the Minister Ehaloak. number of different application forms that people are supposed to fill out. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Main, for your Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. question. Yes, I can commit to

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1299 simplifying the process, and I can bear deterrence, polar bear conflict is a commit that my department will look very serious issue that the Department of into simplifying the program itself. Environment is aware of and we take Thank you, Mr. Speaker. great concern as to when it comes to our community members. To date we have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. had, in this Assembly, two fatal attacks Oral Questions. Member for and two community members that we Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. have lost. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 187 – 5(2): Issues with Polar Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Bear Management (Keyootak) Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak.

Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct you, Mr. Speaker. We know this is a my question to the Minister of serious issue and it was stated that the Environment. equipment was damaged. In our community we have been going through Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that there this for a very long period, especially in is a serious concern with polar bears. We Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River. We live all know and hear from our constituents, by the ocean and we have very many especially myself, and this past summer polar bears. there was an interview on CBC and there was a phone-in show on the public’s I was at home recently just for one night opinion about polar bears. and the airstrip was covered with polar bear tracks. That is the situation we are Mr. Speaker, this is a major concern for in today. Polar bears are very active now our constituents and all the callers on the and they’re going right into the radio no longer want legislation on polar communities. Does the minister agree or bears. They want to go back to unlimited can she indicate if there are too many harvesting. That’s what a majority of the polar bears or if there still aren’t very callers said. many polar bears? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate how many people to date have been An Hon. Member: Good question. killed by polar bears and how many people have been seriously injured? Can Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the minister provide those numbers? Minister Ehaloak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Minister of Environment, Minister ends) The Department of Environment, Ehaloak. along with other co-management partners, which are the hunters and Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): trappers organization, the elders, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, ends) Thank you for your question. Polar we do take into consideration… . We do

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1300 scientific research along with those listening and watching. There are community consultations as to whether many people more knowledgeable on or not there is an increase in polar bears. dealing with this issue. Will you be The total allowable harvest of polar working with those people when you bears is administered by the Nunavut start doing this work? Thank you, Mr. Wildlife Management Board. Speaker.

We do community gatherings. They will Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. be holding a meeting here in Iqaluit in Minister Ehaloak, before you respond, I November to go over those issues and think there is a cellphone somewhere concerns and at that time they will near the microphone because there is a decide whether or not the total allowable buzzing in your microphone. I just want harvest of polar bears will be increased. you to be aware of that. Minister Once that decision is made, the Ehaloak. recommendation will come to me as Minister of Environment. With cabinet Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): support, we will review the document as Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation to whether or not we will change that ends) Yes, we do take into consideration total allowable harvest. those elders and those that are knowledgeable about polar bears. We When it comes to polar bears within the will work with them to ensure that their community, our conservation officers concerns and their knowledge and become aware of this. With the help of traditional knowledge is taken into the HTO or the hunters and trappers consideration when we do the total organizations and with the help of other allowable harvest studies and community members, we try to ensure recommendations to the Nunavut that our community members are safe. Wildlife Management Board. Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Keyootak. Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk.

Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Question 188 – 5(2): Senior Fuel you, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to hear that Subsidy (Nakashuk) this will be dealt with. As the minister stated, she will work with the Nunavut Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Wildlife Management Board. We all you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. This know that they deal with this issue. As afternoon I will be directing my question this wildlife issue will be dealt with, to the Minister of Family Services especially when it comes to polar bears, regarding the Income Assistance will the people with traditional Division. knowledge be involved? We know that there are people with much more I would like to ask about the senior fuel knowledge than us, especially elders. subsidy for elders who are homeowners. They have a lot more knowledge than There is an annual budget of $478,000

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1301 that is allocated and available for find the system onerous and when some applicants. However, it seems that these elders have been denied the fuel subsidy, funds do not get fully used from year to it makes it hard for them. I would like to year. ask the minister if they could look into this program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first question is: why are all of our elders who are homeowners not Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. receiving the full economic advantage Minister Sheutiapik. under this program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Yes, we can look into the Minister of Family Services, Minister program. Under the three-tier system, Sheutiapik. they obviously have to be from Nunavut, they have to be over 60 and be a Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik homeowner. I also wanted to mention (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. that in January 2016 there was a change. Speaker. Thank you, Margaret. I’m glad There has been a change already, but I that you’re here now. can commit to having my office review this program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the senior fuel subsidy, there have been 155 applications since September Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of this year and the number of elders Your final supplementary, Ms. seeking assistance is increasing. Thank Nakashuk. you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Your first supplementary, Ms. minister for making that commitment to Nakashuk. reviewing the program. I realize the minister states that changes will be made Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank this winter and yet it is somewhat you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank uncertain. It would be nice to receive the minister for her response, but she updates on this program and funding It didn’t answer my question. Obviously as would be good to have Nunavut elders winter comes around, there are going to who are homeowners treated equally. be more elders making requests. I was Thank you, Mr. Chairman. part of a review committee that looked at these requests. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Sheutiapik. I understand that there is a three-tiered system by which elders are considered Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik eligible for the entire subsidy, part of the (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. subsidy, or none of the subsidy Speaker. That is a very good question. It depending on their level of income. I would be interesting to see how many would like to ask if it is possible to have elders in Nunavut or in Pangnirtung are a single subsidy system. Some elders eligible for this program. I’ll ask about it

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1302 so that we can take action on it. Thank confidentiality, if the minister is in you, Mr. Speaker. control of it and the minister chooses to do it, whether it was a misunderstanding Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. or just chose to do it, I see that as Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Mr. different than someone who is not in Quassa. control of the situation. For example, if a document got leaked and the minister Question 189 – 5(2): Transparency had no knowledge of it, at the end we’re and Accountability (Quassa) all responsible for our staff, but there are some instances where we cannot control Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, what happens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I just wanted to follow up on my colleague’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. question, the Member for Amittuq, and Your first supplementary, Mr. Quassa. this question is to the Premier. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, You had explained about transparency Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) When and accountability. My first question of you talk about transparency, course is: do you agree that any breach transparency means everything is the of confidentiality at the end of the day, it same, as it should be. is the minister who is responsible, whether that breach of confidentiality My other question is, and you did was done by staff or otherwise? Do you mention it earlier when questioned by believe that at the end of the day it is the my colleague, the Member from minister who is accountable, who is at Amittuq, you stated in one case there fault, who is accountable to the issue of was an apology. Now, my question is: if a breach of confidentiality, yes or no? there was an apology from the other case (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of breach of confidentiality, would you have treated that the same and not doing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. actions that you just did earlier? Premier of Nunavut, Premier Savikataaq. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Accountability can mean a Premier Savikataaq. variety of different reasons. In the end each minister is “the buck stops here”; Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. they are in charge of their department. Speaker. First I’ll just, I believe, correct Accountability can mean different things my member on transparency. for things that happened. As I explained Transparency means that you can see it, earlier, you’re still accountable even if that it’s visible. To treat everyone the you’re a minister and it’s beyond your same is consistency. There is a control, but there is a difference in difference. Transparency means you can accountability if it’s beyond your see through it; you can see what’s control. happening. Consistency means it’s the same. If it’s something to do with a breach of

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1303

This summer when Minister Joanasie I would like to give Premier Savikataaq apologized, he apologized to all the an opportunity to respond. members and he owned up to it. You asked me if there was an apology, I Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): assume you mean with Minister Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for Angnakak, would it be treated the same. giving me the opportunity. Yes, the These are two completely different people of Nunavut are concerned. They actions with the same results that there get concerned when they don’t get all was a breach of confidentiality. One was the information. We will try to keep under the minister’s control and by them informed. If there is non- choice, and the other one was out of the confidence in the government, then we minister’s control. The minister did not can’t be sitting here on this side. We are know of the breach of confidentiality still here because the people still believe until it was done. Thank you, Mr. in us. Speaker. With consistency, the ministers are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. treated fairly. I always make sure that I Your final supplementary, Mr. Quassa. treat everybody fairly because that’s the way I am. We have to be transparent and Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, we respond to your concerns. If you Mr. Speaker. It’s not just here in the have non-confidence in the government, House where concerns have been we know that action will have to be expressed; it is of a concern to all the taken. We are the government and people of Nunavut. There is a big cabinet, but it’s at your call. I would like discussion on it taking place right now to make sure that the people of Nunavut and they’re looking at what the know that the ministers are treated fairly. difference is between the two breaches. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It appears as though our colleagues are not being treated equally. With that, our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. fellow Nunavummiut are concerned My colleagues, please note that the time because they would like more for question period has expired and information on why there were different therefore we will proceed with the orders actions taken on those two breaches. of the day. Written Questions. Returns to Written Questions. Replies to Opening I wanted to comment on equal treatment. Address. Minister Angnakak. If the government is not going to treat everyone equally, then our people will Item 9: Replies to Opening Address have no confidence in the government. We’re not only concerned here, but it is Reply to Opening Address 001 – 5(2): of concern to all the people of Nunavut. Ms. Pat Angnakak (Angnakak) I’m sure that this will happen again, and I just wanted to point that out, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): Speaker. Thank you. Good afternoon. I’ll be reading this in English. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Quassa. I didn’t hear a question, but (interpretation ends) As minister, I have

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1304 done my best to serve Nunavummiut and I did that exactly. with respect and integrity. I took on this responsibility full of optimism and a After discussing the matter with the genuine desire to bring lasting change Premier’s staff, I proceeded to the for Nunavummiut. Unfortunately legislature with the understanding that I yesterday represented the worst day of could share this information as my political and working career. discussed. However, since this matter snowballed into borderline hysteria and To have the Premier publicly declare I a few individuals have reacted with made a serious breach of cabinet venom, given the toxic environment and confidentiality, that I cannot be trusted, the reactions created, it appears the and that I put our consensus-based Premier’s staff no longer recall our structure in jeopardy is something that discussion and as the Premier told me, really shook me. To be stripped of my he needs to be seen taking action on this portfolios and told that I should now so he can’t be criticized by any of immediately resign is a lot to digest, our colleagues later on. especially when considering some of the preceding events. As I reflect back to Tuesday afternoon, I note the Premier didn’t say anything to I’m going to read slowly. I want me about the incident or express any everybody to listen to this and concern to me directly, and this is where understand. I sit, right beside him, and didn’t appear to have any issues until the next Some of my constituents see this morning. dramatic episode as a mystery and cannot understand the rationale for such Mr. Speaker, I could say that this is not a severe and heavy-handed reaction by the first time I have felt as though the the Premier. We know the Premier’s Premier has taken directions from others reasoning because he stated this, rather than leading himself. Many of you “serious breach,” is in the response to will recall that I was shuffled from the answers that I provided to a legitimate health portfolio back in August. At that question posed by one our colleagues time the Premier told me he was going to regarding staff housing. strip me of my portfolio and suggested I simply resign because he believed a What the Premier did not disclose is that senior official and I were having too prior to session, I anticipated a question many policy disagreements and that I of this nature and in reviewing the looked tired and exhausted. material provided, I recognized that the prepared responses were not thorough Interestingly, at least 10 days before, and would amount to non-answers. another senior official within the health Given my concern, I went to see the department told me that they had Premier just moments before our sitting become aware of an effort by a select to ask him what level of detail could be few senior officials to have the health shared should one of my colleagues ask. portfolio removed from me. Yes, the At the time he answered he had no idea. Premier’s plan to strip me of the health He told me to go check with his staff, portfolio in August actually seems to

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1305 have been determined by a few senior said to the Premier, I doubt he would use officials and was being discussed as a these same words with one of our male done deal before the Premier had colleagues. In that regard I do believe a acknowledged the plan. This was double standard is in effect. confirmed by the Premier himself, who said to me, “That can’t be because I have Of course I had anxiety and fear that I not made up my mind yet,” at that time. may have a target on my back, and I realized I would be swimming upstream. Again, a decision to remove a minister I realized I could no longer count on the was decided by a select few unelected Premier for his support regarding senior officials prior to the elected challenges with senior bureaucrats. Premier even being aware of his However, Tuesday’s events are surreal intension to strip me of the health and the fallout is beyond comprehension. portfolio, and again not done for any legitimate purpose. I let him know that I Let’s be clear: I did not commit a breach did not accept the premise and I would of cabinet confidence. I did not breach not resign under those circumstances. I national security, commit an act of then shared some concerns I had treason, hurt or put anybody in danger. I regarding those select few senior gave honest answers to my colleague’s officials and their extreme opposition to questions in the House. I did so after any suggestions for change. I also told directly raising the matter with the him that we were elected to bring change Premier and his staff. I simply shared and not to simply sit in the corner and forward-looking comments about items act like rubber stampers. the government would consider in relation to staff housing. The next day we met and he thanked me for our conversation, and he offered me It is not as though I am a senior official another perspective. He told me that he having their subordinate create a altered his decision and decided he position out of thin air to hire their own would now shuffle me to the QEC and spouse, or any of the many issues around the Nunavut Housing Corporation rather workplace harassment, employment than stripping me of a portfolio. Mr. fairness, quality of life, and the social Speaker, I was incredibly disheartened safety net that require our combined with the whole turn of events, frustrated effort to fix. with the circumstances that led to it, the lack of explanation or legitimate In my view, present circumstances rationale for the shuffle. reveal I am not welcome to serve in the Premier’s cabinet, and of course I’m He also exclaimed, like I said before, getting the impression that exercising the that I looked tired and exhausted. In my challenge function to a department, view, if you’re doing your job, speaking the truth to power, and being exercising the challenge function, transparent are no longer welcome. For attempting to bring change, and serving that reason and because I can’t go on in in a portfolio as crucial as health, you good conscience to collect a paycheque probably should look tired. However, I for work that I’m not allowed to do, doubt, and this is what I have already effective immediately, I am resigning

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1306 from the Executive Council. you guys were going to bring it up. I’m going to bring it up too. I believe we To all of my constituents, my family, my should all work for increased husband, and friends, many have transparency in our House and increased reached out to me and I really appreciate transparency for the media because they that. I’ve had many phone calls, I’ve had serve an important role to ensure that many emails, people on the street reach politicians and government are held to out and say they believe in what I did. account. Much like my colleague said yesterday, we all go through the ups and downs. I I believe that our deputy heads serve an want to assure you that I will work hard important function in government and to hold this government accountable as a they too work hard, but I now regular member. I will now have more understand that they exercise the time to do my door-to-dooring, to keep majority of power in this government. regular constituency hours, and I too will Given that power can be addictive and in be free to raise your issues and speak my that regard, I think it’s time we start mind. considering holding others in power accountable to the similar standards as I am proud of the vast majority of our ministers, which could include full public service and I believe they work disclosure on salaries, bonuses, and incredibly hard to serve Nunavummiut travel benefits and greater accountability with the best of intentions. I sincerely for their decisions. want to thank the many public servants I got to work with and to meet throughout Finally, I want to thank my staff my time as a minister. I also want to let upstairs, my EA, Matt, and my you know that my experience as a Executive Secretary, Janice Tagak, who minister has provided greater insight into have been both extremely helpful. I hope the challenges that you face and that we to see them carry on their duties or all face as a territory. I want you to know promoted to other positions because they that I’m there if you need to talk, raise have worked very hard for me and an issue, or share your concerns. I provided great service. Thank you, Mr. commit that I will bring an unbiased Speaker. approach to those issues and I will work to the best of my ability to help you. >> Applause

To all the colleagues of this House, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. regular members, cabinet, and the Going to the orders of the day. Replies Premier, I commit to working to bring to Opening Address. Petitions. the change that we were elected to bring Responses to Petitions. Reports of as a regular member. I am also aware Standing and Special Committees on that a few misplaced individuals can Bills and Other Matters. Tabling of really wreak havoc on the system. In that Documents. Minister responsible for the regard, I believe we should all work for Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister increased transparency. How appropriate Kusugak. of the ministers, some of their questioning today, I didn’t know that

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1307

Item 13: Tabling of Documents I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that the Speaker be Tabled Document 060 – 5(2): NHC’s authorized to set such sitting hours and New Public Housing Construction days as the Speaker deems fit to assist Allocation Backgrounder with the business before the House (Kusugak) during the fall 2018 sitting of the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Legislative Assembly. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to table the Nunavut (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Housing Corporation’s New Public Housing Construction Allocation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Backgrounder. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Notices of Motions. Moving on. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Tabling of Documents. Member for Energy Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. Aivilik, Mr. Netser. Item 15: Notices of Motions for First Tabled Document 061 – 5(2): Reading of Bills Resolutions Adopted at the 2018 Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting (Netser) Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act – Notice Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): very pleased to table copies of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation formal resolutions that were adopted at ends) I give notice that on Friday, the 2018 Kivalliq Mayors’ Meeting October 26, 2018, that Bill 12, An Act to which took place in Naujaat last month. Amend the Qulliq Energy Corporation Mr. Speaker, I encourage all members to Act, be read for the first time. Thank review these documents with care. you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Tabling of Documents. Moving on. Bills. Moving on. First Reading of Bills. Notices of Motions. Member for Arviat Moving on. Second Reading of Bills. North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Item 14: Notices of Motions Minister Hickes.

Motion 014 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Item 18: Second Reading of Bills Hours and Days – Notice (Main) Bill 08 – An Act to Amend the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Workers’ Compensation Act – Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give Second Reading notice that on Monday, October 29, I will move the following motion: Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon.

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Member for South Baffin, that Bill 8, An Mr. Speaker, this bill makes Act to Amend the Workers’ supplementary appropriations to defray Compensation Act, be read for the the capital expenditures of the second time. Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Mr. Speaker. Workers’ Compensation Act to clarify the usage of the terms “impairment” and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. “disability,” add detail respecting who is The motion is in order. To the motion. considered an employer within the scope All those in favour of the motion. Thank of the Act, remove the requirement for a you. All those opposed. The motion is primary health care provider, clarify the carried and Bill 10 has been referred to compensation paid to a dependent child the Committee of the Whole. of a deceased worker, add unemployment benefits as a category of Second Reading of Bills. Minister of remuneration, authorize information- Finance, Minister Hickes. sharing and disclosure for the purpose of improving the administration of the Act, Bill 11 – Supplementary enable an inspector to inspect health care Appropriation (Operations & providers’ records to verify services Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2017- received, and correct inconsistencies and 2018 – Second Reading errors identified in the Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member for South Baffin, that Bill 11, The motion is in order. To the motion. Supplementary Appropriation All those in favour of the motion, please (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. raise your hand. Thank you. All those 4, 2017-2018, be read for the second opposed. The motion is carried and Bill time. 8 has been referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray Second Reading of Bills. Minister of the operations and maintenance expenses Finance, Minister Hickes. of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. Bill 10 – Supplementary Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Second Reading Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. All those in favour of the motion. Thank Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. you. All those opposed. The motion is Member for South Baffin, that Bill 10, carried and Bill 11 is referred to the Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Committee of the Whole. Act, No. 2, 2018-2019, be read for the second time. Second Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Hickes.

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Bill 13 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2017- committee? Mr. Main. 2018 – Second Reading Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We Speaker. Finally, I move, seconded by wish to continue with the review of Bill the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that 9 and the capital main estimates, starting Bill 13, Write-Off of Assets Act, 2017- with the Nunavut Housing Corporation. 2018, be read for the second time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the write-off of assets in accordance with Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Are sections 24 and 82 of the Financial we in agreement that we first deal with Administration Act. Thank you, Mr. Bill 9? Speaker. Some Members: Agreed. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Bill 09 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, All those in favour of the motion. Thank 2019-2020 – Nunavut Housing you. All those opposed. The motion is Corporation –Consideration in carried and Bill 13 is referred to the Committee Standing Committee on Legislation. Chairman: Thank you. I would like ask Moving on. Consideration in the Minister Kusugak: do you have officials Committee of the Whole of Bills and that you would like to bring before the Other Matters. Bills 9, 10, and 11 with committee? Minister Kusugak. Mr. Rumbolt in the Chair. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Before we proceed to the Committee of Chairman. I do. Thank you, Mr. the Whole, we will take a 20-minute Chairman. break. Chairman: Thank you. Does the Sergeant-at-Arms. committee agree to let the minister’s officials go to the witness table? >>House recessed at 15:39 and Committee resumed at 16:04 Some Members: Agreed.

Item 19: Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- of the Whole of Bills and Other Arms, could you please escort the Matters witnesses in.

Chairman (Mr. Rumbolt): Good Thank you. For the record, Mr. Kusugak, afternoon, members. I would like to call if you could introduce your witnesses the committee meeting to order. In and then proceed on into your opening Committee of the Whole we have the comments, please. Minister Kusugak. following items to deal with: Bills 9, 10, and 11. What is the wish of the

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1310

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. budget. However, recent mould Chairman. Thank you, colleagues. At the remediation activities are rapidly witness table today to my left is Mr. bringing down the balance. Curtis Allaby, Acting Vice-president and CFO for the Nunavut Housing Mr. Chairman, the housing corporation Corporation, and to my right is Mr. proposes to increase funding for the Fire Terry Audla. He is the president and Damage and Replacement Fund in 2019- chief executive officer of the Nunavut 2020. This includes funding for base Housing Corporation. funding for repairs and funding to demolish and rebuild units destroyed by Mr. Chairman, I appear before you today fire in 2017-18. in the Committee of the Whole to present the Nunavut Housing The housing corporation seeks to Corporation’s capital plan for the 2019- increase its Mobile Equipment Fund, 2020 season. We propose to fund this which will allow the corporation and capital plan using [$47,138,000] from local housing organizations to purchase Government of Nunavut resources and the vehicles needed to keep up with the $29,745,000 from the Canada Mortgage increase in public and staff housing units and Housing Corporation, comprised of in our inventory across the territory. the Social Housing Agreement, the Investment in Affordable Housing Local housing organization warehouse Agreement, and the Northern Funding facilities in Nunavut are on average over Agreement. Together these funding 20 years old and some require significant sources bring the total NHC capital maintenance and repairs. In addition, budget for 2019-2020 to $76,883,000. there has been substantive growth in the number of housing units to be The NHC proposes to maintain capital maintained and the size of some funding at approximately the same level warehousing facilities can no longer as the 2018-19 year for modernization accommodate current demands. The and improvement of NHC-owned public housing corporation seeks to increase the housing and staff housing units and local housing organization warehousing homeownership programs, including the fund for 2019-2020. This will allow the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program corporation to continue with its plans to and the Seniors and Persons with build new facilities as a result of the Disabilities Preventative Maintenance current assessment of warehouses Program. underway.

(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, as a (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the territorial corporation, the NHC is NHC proposes no change from last year legislated to carry over funds from one in staff housing construction funding. year to the next to ensure that all funds The NHC anticipates constructing 19 appropriated for housing remain new staff housing units across the committed to that objective. To that end, territory in the 2019-2020 GN capital we currently hold a carry-forward funding for staff housing construction, balance of over $14 million in the public combined with savings and carryovers housing modernization and improvement from previous years. These units are

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1311 critical to meeting the GN’s recruitment on its review of the proposed 2019-2020 and retention needs. Capital Estimates of the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Chairman, there is no change from the amount sought last year for public The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s housing construction funding. The NHC proposed capital budget for the 2019- plans to build 35 new public housing 2020 fiscal year is $47,138,000. This units across the territory with 2019-2020 represents an increase of approximately GN capital funding for public housing 17 percent over its 2018-19 capital construction, combined with savings and budget of $40,302,000. carryovers from previous years. Like all public housing construction, the Mr. Chairman, the ongoing shortage of allocation of these 35 units is based on public housing in all of Nunavut’s the NHC’s needs-based public housing communities is an issue of significant construction allocation methodology. concern to all Members of the With this construction as well as new Legislative Assembly. Although the funding that will be coming to the NHC 2017 federal budget announced $240.0 from the federal government through the million in funding over 11 years towards National Housing Strategy, we are meeting housing needs in Nunavut, the steadily working to address Nunavut’s 2018 federal budget contained no new severe housing crisis. Nunavut-specific housing funding. (interpretation ends) The standing Mr. Chairman, that concludes my committee encourages the minister to opening comments and we are now able provide ongoing updates to the to address the concerns and questions Legislative Assembly on the status of the you may have. Qujannamiik, Mr. implementation of the new National Chairman. Housing Strategy.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Mr. Chairman, the NHC’s current Kusugak. Does the co-chair of the methodology for determining new public standing committee have opening housing construction allocations is comments? Please go ahead, Ms. formula-driven and based on relative Towtongie. need. The standing committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank that local housing organizations and you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to Nunavut residents have confidence in indicate to Nunavummiut who are the transparency of the NHC’s approach, listening to the proceedings that I am the and recommends that the minister co-chair of the standing committee. continue the practice of tabling, on an Allan Rumbolt, who is the chair, is annual basis and in a timely manner the chairing our meeting today. NHC’s updated allocation methodology and community allocations. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf (interpretation) The housing of the Standing Committee on corporation’s proposed 2019-2020 Community and Economic Development capital estimates include funding for the

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1312 purpose of replacing a number of public work with the Department of Finance to housing units that have been destroyed “Review and Revise the Current GN by fire. During the minister’s recent Staff Housing Policy.” The standing appearance before the standing committee also notes that the Nunavut committee, members raised significant Housing Corporation announced the concerns regarding the lack of clarity launch of a renewed staff condominium about how the Nunavut Housing program in Iqaluit earlier this year. The Corporation manages the fire damage standing committee encourages the replacement program. For example, minister to provide ongoing updates to although the housing corporation has the Legislative Assembly on the status of requested a specific amount of funding both initiatives. to replace a specific number of units that were destroyed by fire in a number of (interpretation ends) The standing communities in recent years, it is not committee also continues to encourage clear if the housing corporation actually the NHC to work closely with such intends to construct the replacements entities as the Qulliq Energy Corporation during the upcoming 2019-2020 fiscal and the Energy Secretariat to identify year or at a later time. It is also unclear practicable and affordable ways of as to what specific types of units the enhancing the energy efficiency of new Nunavut Housing Corporation plans to public and staff housing units, including construct to replace the ones that were the installation of solar panels. destroyed. (interpretation) Mr. Chairman, the The housing corporation’s proposed housing corporation administers a capital estimates for 2019-2020 include significant number of different programs funding for the construction of new staff to assist homeowners and potential housing units. (interpretation ends) homeowners in Nunavut. The Information provided by the NHC corporation’s 2016-17 annual report was indicates that “major determinants for tabled in the Legislative Assembly on allocating construction dollars include September 19, 2017. This report existing vacant units versus vacant provided important information positions in a community; planned new concerning the administration of the positions and staffing competitions in Nunavut Housing Corporation’s the community; forced sharing cases in homeownership programs. The standing the community and availability of committee notes significant leasable units in a community.” improvements in the level of detail However, the exact process by which the contained in the housing corporation’s NHC determines the specific most recent annual reports concerning communities in which new staff housing the administration of its homeownership is to be constructed is not entirely programs. (interpretation ends) This transparent. information will help all Members of the Legislative Assembly to better evaluate (interpretation) The standing committee the extent to which the NHC’s notes that the housing corporation’s homeownership programs are being Blueprint for Action on Housing accessed in small, medium and large indicates that one of its priorities is to communities.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1313

On November 2, 2016 the government Funding is included in the NHC’s announced the reinstatement of a proposed 2019-2020 capital estimates residency requirement for the Nunavut for the purpose of initiating a new local Downpayment Assistance Program. housing organization workshop, (interpretation) The housing warehouse and administrative office corporation’s most recent annual report replacement project. On March 30, 2018 indicates that approximately $1,367,000 the NHC issued a request for proposals was expended under this program during to conduct an “LHO Upgrade the 2016-17 fiscal year. The standing Assessment” in seven communities. The committee is of the view that the RFP closed on April 30, 2018. The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s standing committee urges the minister to homeownership programs should benefit table the results of the assessment at the long-term residents of the territory. earliest opportunity.

(interpretation ends) The standing The NHC’s proposed 2019-2020 capital committee also emphasizes the estimates include funding for the importance of ensuring ease of access to purpose of providing an annual information concerning the NHC’s contribution to local housing homeownership programs, especially in organizations for the creation of a small communities. The standing vehicle reserve fund. (interpretation) The committee also emphasizes the standing committee continues to importance of providing timely decisions recommend that the housing on applications submitted under its corporation’s annual reports include a homeownership programs. detailed listing of vehicle acquisitions undertaken by local housing (interpretation) The standing committee organizations. continues to encourage the Nunavut Housing Corporation to regularly review The housing corporation’s 2016-17 its homeownership program income annual report indicated that “Access to eligibility limits to reflect the high cost federal and GN funding has allowed the of living in Nunavut’s isolated NHC to complete a mold assessment communities. project to address Nunavut’s most affected units. Where mold was found, it The standing committee also notes that will be remediated either by Local the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Housing Organizations, or where current business plan indicates that it has necessary, contracted to companies “…awarded a contract for the 2018-2019 specializing in mold remediation. (…) review of Homeownership Programs, Subsequent to year-end, the Corporation which will provide a basis to assess the committed $5.0 million to remediate need for a base level maintenance units affected by mold in five grant.” (interpretation ends) The communities. The Corporation is in the standing committee urges the minister to process of assessing the remediation table the results of this review once costs of units affected by mold in other completed. communities.”

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1314

(interpretation ends) Given the (interpretation) Thank you for that significant threat that mould poses to the question. I can’t give you an exact figure health and well-being of our territory’s on how much is left of the monies that residents, the standing committee are being used for mould remediation, continues to urge the minister to but we are working with the Department regularly update the Legislative of Finance. We’re trying to keep within Assembly on the status of the NHC’s budget, but we are dealing with the efforts to combat mould infestation mould issues as they surface, Mr. across the territory. Chairman. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Chairman: Thank you, Minister opening comments on the proposed Kusugak. Mr. Netser. 2019-2020 Capital Estimates of the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. Regarding mould in Chairman. housing units owned by the housing corporation, have you found ways to Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. prevent mould in our housing units? I will now open up the floor for any Thank you, Mr. Chairman. general comments. If there are none, we will move on. For the Nunavut Housing Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Corporation, its entire budget is on one Minister Kusugak. page, so any questions you have, you can ask them after I get started here. We Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): are on page L-3 for the Nunavut Thank you for that question. Yes, the Housing Corporation. Are there any housing corporation is looking at the questions? Mr. Netser. designs of the houses and what would work best in Nunavut. The housing Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, corporation is looking at why mould is Mr. Chairman. Welcome, minister and growing and if we know what’s causing your officials. Terry Audla, I’m very the mould, whether it is because there is glad to see you once again. enough air circulation or not. We’re looking at the reasons why mould forms We see quite a lot of mould in our in the houses and we’re also looking at houses and the minister stated that this how we can design the houses $14 million was for mould remediation. differently. I wonder if we can get an update on the mould remediation, Mr. Chairman. We also try to make sure that tenants Thank you. have the information for how to deal with mould when it starts to grow and Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. how they can clean it up before it gets Minister Kusugak. too hazardous. We are trying to keep on top of the mould infestation. Thank you, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Thank you for your patience.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1315

Chairman: Thank you, Minister LHO employees not be able to deal with Kusugak. Mr. Netser. mould? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. Minister Kusugak. It seems pretty clear that mould has affected many communities and houses Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): belonging to the housing corporation. I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, Mr. wonder if the LHO employees have been Netser. Mould remediation is going to be taught to remediate mould. Thank you, an ongoing project. We’re not just going Mr. Chairman. to stop remediating the houses once those funds have been spent because we Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. would like to see mould-free homes. The Minister Kusugak work will not just stop, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Chairman. That’s a good Chairman: Thank you, Minister question as many want to hear and know Kusugak. Mr. Netser, did you have how communities have been trained. As another question? Please go ahead. of April 19 to date, 196 LHO employees across Nunavut have been trained in Mr. Netser: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I mould remediation. Each community just have one more question for now now has LHO employees who are relating to the fire damage replacement trained to deal with mould. There is also policy. What is the policy for the a specialist to assist with the bigger Nunavut Housing Corporation on that problems. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. particular file, Mr. Chairman? (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Netser. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Minister Kusugak. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m glad to hear that. I Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. would now like to ask about what could Chairman. If I can, through you, Mr. possibly be an O&M question. As we are Chairman, maybe have Mr. Audla give talking about mould, the minister stated more details on that matter. Thank you, that many employees have been trained Mr. Chairman. in the communities. You have budgeted $14 million, but there are many houses Chairman: Thank you, Minister with mould in them and some of them Kusugak. Mr. Audla. are more infested than others. I will be tabling a document which shows mould Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. in a housing unit in Naujaat. I will Thank you to the member for that probably table it next week. question. Since our appearance before the standing committee, we have sent a What happens when the $14 million is letter to the chairperson who is the spent? If the budget is spent, will the current chairperson right now.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1316

It’s complex in the sense that whenever Mr. Chairman. we look at replacing and rebuilding those units that have burnt or have been Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. written off due to fire, because it’s not in Before I go back to Mr. Netser, you our normal capital process of seeking stated a few minutes ago that there’s a financial considerations for those types letter written to me concerning this of fire-damaged units, we have to go process. When can we expect to get that through the process of trying to first letter? Mr. Audla. establish whether or not they can be rebuilt or whether we have to completely Mr. Audla: Right away. Thank you, Mr. replace them. When we do have to Chairman. replace them, it involves a more lengthier process and it doesn’t Chairman: Thank you very much. Mr. necessarily align with our construction Netser. for communities that we are going to be constructing in. Mr. Netser: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank me for bringing up the issue. What we try to do is to ensure that we get those funds right away so that we >>Laughter have options as to whether or not we can build in the community that did lose Mr. Chairman, in the minister’s opening those units to fire. The best way for that remarks regarding the Fire Damage and to happen is for current construction to Replacement Fund, on the second last be happening within that community. If paragraph of page 1 it says, “Mr. that’s not the case, then we will look at Chairman, the Nunavut Housing other options as to whether or not there Corporation proposes to increase are existing units that we can maybe funding for the Fire Damage and purchase so that we can replace those Replacement Fund in 2019-2020. This units that were lost, so that we can keep includes funding for base funding for up with the need within that community. repairs and funding to demolish and If that’s not an option, then we look at rebuild units destroyed by fire in 2017- other options as to whether or not we can 18.” Now, we lost a [duplex] last winter either lease on a temporary basis. in Coral Harbour. Is this part of the program to replace the duplex that we As time goes by, once we have that lost unfortunately last year? money set aside, the best alternative that (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. we would want is to be able to construct Chairman. new units. For communities that have lost [units] and that we are constructing, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. we add to the numbers that will be Minister Kusugak. constructed. If those communities are not being constructed in at the moment, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. then we try to look at other alternatives. Chairman. Yes, some of these funds If not, those monies are still set aside for would be used towards that loss. Thank that specific community for the specific you, Mr. Chairman. replacement of those units. Thank you,

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1317

Chairman: Thank you, Minister allocated to Iqaluit. What is the current Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. status of those units? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome back to the hot seat, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Kusugak, as the Minister Minister Kusugak. responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Audla and Mr. Allaby, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) welcome. Chairman. Those units were deferred and they were deferred to the 2019-2020 (interpretation ends) Thank you for year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. tabling this document today on the new public housing construction allocation Chairman: Thank you, Minister with additional details. That is Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. appreciated. I’m glad to see that Iqaluit, with the amount of individuals we have Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. on our wait-list, is receiving some Chairman. I just want to seek additional allocated units. clarification on the deferral of the 20 units. In the proposed 2019-2020 My first question is going to be allocation, Iqaluit is listed as receiving regarding the proposed construction for an additional 20 units. Does that deferral the 2018-19 fiscal year, which I believe mean that Iqaluit will be getting 40 there were 130 public housing units additional units? Thank you, Mr. proposed in the budget. Can we get an Chairman. update on the status of the construction of those units? Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Chairman Minister Kusugak.

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Kusugak. Chairman. It appears that way, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Just bear with me for a minute, Mr. Chairman, please. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Lightstone.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It appears Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. that the construction season for that time Chairman. Recently the City of Iqaluit and the planned units, everything seems held a community consultation on the to be on schedule at this time. Thank proposed amendments to the land you, Mr. Chairman. administration by-law. There were a few key issues that they were addressing. Chairman: Thank you, Minister One of them was how they’re allocating Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. new lots and the other one was allowing non-municipal organizations to fund and Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. develop land. I was glad to see that the Chairman. In the 2018-19 allocation for Department of CGS had made a public housing units, I believe 20 were submission to provide input on that by-

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1318 law amendment, but I was a little Chairman: Thank you, Minister surprised that the Nunavut Housing Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. Corporation had not submitted a written response. Does the NHC have any Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. thoughts on that proposed by-law Chairman. My next question is going to amendment? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. be regarding staff housing units. Earlier this year the Nunavut Housing Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Corporation had released an RFP for the Minister Kusugak. lease of public and staff housing units in all Nunavut communities. My question Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. will be: how many new staff housing Chairman. This is one of those occasions units have been leased as a result of this where my right hat works with my left RFP? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. hat. The housing corporation works very closely with the Department of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Community and Government Services Minister Kusugak. when it deals with lot allocations and such that the issues that the Nunavut Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Housing Corporation has or the insight Chairman. One moment, please, sir. that they might have is also included in the Community and Government Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just Services’ submissions onto that issue. I trying to reorganize myself through this hope that’s clear. Thank you, Mr. binder. If I could have at this time Mr. Chairman. Audla to respond to that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Audla. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the response. Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If the proposed by-law amendment is As it stands, for the recent RFP, we’re passed, would the Nunavut Housing looking at a total of 14 across four Corporation then put bids in to develop communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. land to further construct public housing units? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. Mr. Lightstone. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I recently lost my hot water Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Chairman, I tank in my new house I just bought, don’t believe that that’s the plan of the which was sort of the risk associated Nunavut Housing Corporation. I think with homeownership, but I did my what we would like to do is see what the research and I decided that instead of by-law changes are and go from there. replacing the hot water tank, I decided to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. invest in purchasing an on-demand hot water heater, which is a tankless water

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1319 heater. Although they are slightly a bit the Nunavut Housing Corporation is more expensive than traditional hot looking at and looking into the cost, water tanks, you’re quickly able to efficiency, maintenance costs, and all recoup your costs through the fuel that stuff. It is on the radar, Mr. efficiency. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I was wondering if the Nunavut Housing Chairman: Thank you, Minister Corporation has looked into the Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. possibility of purchasing similar units and placing them in public housing units Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. to save in O&M costs in the long run. Chairman. While we’re on the topic of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. homeownership, I noticed that the homeownership programs’ budget of $4 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. million has remained stagnant for quite Minister Kusugak. some time. I was wondering the last time the NHC had increased their budget for Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. homeownership programs and if the Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Lightstone, Nunavut Housing Corporation intends for that. I hope you solved your hot on increasing it in the foreseeable future. water heating problems, and then Thank you, Mr. Chairman. another one will come up, right? Homeownership can get expensive. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Kusugak. Mr. Chairman, in terms of hot water heating and other ways of trying to be Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. more efficient and have more efficient Chairman. Again a very good question, housing units across Nunavut, the Mr. Lightstone. We do notice that it has Nunavut Housing Corporation is been stagnant for a while and maybe too constantly looking at ways to see what long. It’s one of the items under the new ways we could do to have energy radar of reviewing the program and efficiency and least O&M costs on seeing if in fact it should be increased things. and by what. It’s something we’re looking at and hopefully in the very near The instant hot water heating system that future we will have a final report on that Mr. Lightstone refers to is one of those and have some suggestions or ideas to items that the department is looking at to bring forward to this House. Thank you, see if it’s something that may work well Mr. Chairman. within the housing corporation and to see the O&M in terms of how long it Chairman: Thank you, Minister could last. As Mr. Lightstone is aware, Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. most of the housing units that are being constructed now are multi-family Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. dwellings. We will see what kind of Chairman. In the most recent annual pressures that puts on a unit such as that. report, the Nunavut Housing Corporation had identified 277 It’s one of the mechanical devices that individuals in public housing units with

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1320 salaries in excess of $100,000. Is the Mr. Lightstone. Nunavut Housing Corporation considering designing homeownership Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. programs specifically targeting Chairman. I’m really looking forward to individuals in public housing units? finding out the details in this review. I’m Thank you, Mr. Chairman. glad to hear that it’s almost at the point of signing off on. When can we possibly Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. see this? Would this be weeks or Minister Kusugak. months? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Chairman. The homeownership Minister Kusugak. assessment review that I’m talking about includes a review of whole issues such Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. as that to be inclusive, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Very soon, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone. Kusugak. Mr. Lightstone.

Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The income verification Chairman. I’ll leave it at that and I’ll threshold for the homeownership move on to my next question. I was very programs, I believe, hasn’t seen an grateful for the GN’s decision to create increase since 2003. It’s extremely the GN staff condo program. I was expensive to be a homeowner in our wondering if the minister may be able to territory and the costs only increase give us an update on the status of that every year. I was wondering if and when program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. we can expect to see an increase in the threshold for homeownership programs. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Kusugak.

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Kusugak. Chairman. If I could, through you, Mr. Chairman, have the president maybe Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. give the details on that question, Mr. Chairman. I can’t wait for the review to Chairman. Thank you. come out; it will have all the answers you’re asking for. That too is in the Chairman: Thank you, Minister review, Mr. Chairman. We’re in the final Kusugak. Mr. Audla. stages of that, in fact close to signing it off, and it addresses some of these Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. issues, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Thank you for the question. As it stands, Chairman. we did go through our first round of offering up the condos and opening up to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kusugak. the GN staff application, and then we

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1321 went to the application process. There corporation to have home improvement were a good number, about 64 that and renovations in their houses. Maybe applied. As time went by and as the through you, Mr. Chairman, if I could applicants were prioritized and also were have Mr. Audla also respond to where given an opportunity to view some of the we are on that. Thank you, Mr. units available, that number dwindled Chairman. down, either because they found other places that they were able to take Chairman: Thank you, Minister ownership of or buy something else as Kusugak. Mr. Audla. other options. Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re at the process now of signing A lot of the energy efficiency applicants, some condo title over to the successful a lot of it includes upgrades to their persons where, I believe, the number is doors or their windows and upgrades of at 14. I’ll confirm that for later, but at those types of materials within the home the same time we are looking at opening that increase the airtight aspect of up another second round for more keeping the heat in and the outside, applicants. We still do have some units outside. that are available, close to 40 so far, but 14 to date, I believe. Thank you, Mr. We are also working with the QEC and Chairman. others with a fund on what was recently announced by the federal government on Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. Mr. the Low Carbon Economy Fund as well. Lightstone. We’re hoping that we could either add onto that as well, but so far by default, Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. the efficiency component aspect of Chairman. I believe this is going to be energy efficiency applicants have been my last line of questioning and it’s going on the issues of door and window to be on the Home Renovation Program, upgrades. So far it has been pretty good. specifically the portion that’s related to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. energy-efficiency upgrades to homes. I was wondering if you could expand on Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. Mr. that portion of the Home Renovation Quassa. Program, just provide me with a little bit of detail, what sort of success rate you Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, have seen with that program, and what Mr. Chairman. Welcome. the plans are for that in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I know that one of my colleagues alluded to this issue earlier Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. regarding the $14 million for Minister Kusugak. improvement work and it seems like it’s more for mould remediation. Are you Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. aware if any of the public housing units Chairman. On that I know that it has have been condemned due to mould? been pretty successful. We see a lot of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. applicants coming to the housing

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1322

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. them. Some are very knowledgeable and Minister Kusugak. if they suggest that if a building were constructed a certain way, it would be Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): better. We take their suggestions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m only aware of two units in Igloolik right now On the flipside, the LHOs also advise that are infested with mould and the roof tenants. If you’re going to be boiling is not fixed properly, so they have been water or making soup or something else, closed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that the sound of the fan can be bothersome, but you must have the fan Chairman: Thank you, Minister on because the steam can create mould. Kusugak. Mr. Quassa. Also, the newer units now have ventilation that is more silent. In English Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you. they are called (interpretation ends) air I’m glad that you know about it, but exchange units. (interpretation) Usually that’s why I asked that question, to make they are above the closet. That is your sure that you’re aware of the units being air exchange. closed due to mould. We discuss with both the tenants and the We have tenants who give suggestions to LHOs on how to prevent mould. As you the housing corporation on how to stated, there is a need to have ventilation prevent mould infestation in units. We and those types of things. Thank you, hear in the House that many people Mr. Chairman. make suggestions of how to keep the house free from mould, such as making Chairman: Thank you, Minister vents in a house to prevent it. I know Kusugak. Mr. Quassa. they have provided suggestions on this issue for many years. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I see. Rather than just Have you considered any of their listening to them, have you made any suggestions? I know that you do research actual changes to the units based on the on how to remediate mould. Have you suggestions of the tenants? Are you just looked into the suggestions or listening to their suggestions or have you recommendations made by people as to acted on their advice? Thank you, Mr. how to prevent mould infestation in Chairman. housing units? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. An Hon. Member: They only listen.

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Minister Kusugak. Minister Kusugak.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Aarulaaq, for speaking to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we this issue. When public housing tenants don’t simply listen to them. As I said, make suggestions to staff of their LHOs when we are provided suggestions as to and the housing corporation, we listen to how we can improve the management of

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1323 units, we follow the advice with new okay to call me Minister Quassa. Quassa units that are being built to ensure that is my Inuk name after all. Thank you, they are better aligned to our northern Mr. Chairman. climate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kusugak. I Chairman: Thank you, Minister realize that and that’s not why I was Quassa…Minister Kusugak. Mr. Quassa. mixed up.

Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, >>Laughter Mr. Chairman. There are many old units that the majority of tenants live in and Mr. Quassa, do you have another I’m sure they need to be replaced. We question? Please go ahead. shouldn’t just abandon the old units that have mould and only deal with the new Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, units. That’s not how we should be Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) thinking. I just wanted to make that During the Legislative Assembly’s comment while the minister is listening. sitting of May 29, 2018, the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing I’ll ask my question in English, Mr. Corporation made a minister’s statement Chairman. Perhaps it’s similar to my concerning the issue of mould colleague’s earlier question. remediation in public housing units. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut What specific mould remediation Housing Corporation’s proposed 2019- initiatives will the Nunavut Housing 2020 capital estimates include Corporation be undertaking during the modernization and improvement funding 2019-2020 fiscal year? (interpretation) for public housing units. Approximately Thank you, Mr. Chairman. how much funding has been used for mould remediation projects during the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. 2019-2020 fiscal year? (interpretation) Minister Kusugak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Chairman. If I can, through you, have Minister Kusugak. the president give the particular details Mr. Quassa is asking about. Thank you, Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was explaining how it would be dealt with Chairman: Thank you, Minister and it is not just for new units. This also Kusugak. Mr. Audla. includes old units that need to be worked on. We need to modernize and improve Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. old units, not just the new units. The After having done a lot of the LHO staff are working on that. We have assessment with what we see as post- spent approximately $7 million to $9 1980 builds, we’re looking at the pre- million on that. 1980 builds now as well as what we can do to further remediate and try to (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, it’s prevent mould. A big part of that will be

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1324 tenant engagement. We hope to reach Chairman. out to the local housing organizations as well as the tenants and work on that Chairman: Thank you. Minister aspect of it. Kusugak.

We’re looking at finalizing the previous Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. assessment right now. We hope to come Chairman. I don’t have that greater out with some kind of report as to the detail at this time for those units, but it actual issues of mould and what the follows the NNI Policy, Mr. Chairman. main causes are and what we can do Thank you, Mr. Chairman. towards mitigating and preventing. That’s a big next step for us and we will Chairman: Thank you, Minister have more information as that becomes Kusugak. Mr. Quassa. more detailed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very quickly, what is the requirement? Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. Mr. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Chairman.

Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. It’s Mr. Chairman. I’ll move on to another my understanding that the requirement subject. Earlier this year the Legislative varies from contract to contract and Assembly approved capital funding for community to community, but I’ll let the the housing corporation to construct five minister confirm that. Minister Kusugak. new public housing units and five new staff housing units in Igloolik. Can the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. minister update me on the status of the Chairman. I just want to confirm that, construction of these units in Igloolik? Mr. Chairman, you are correct. For that Thank you, Mr. Chairman. particular contract, we would have to go back and see it because, yes, it varies. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Kusugak. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Quassa. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) We are on Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, track for the construction plans. There Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Can are no delays. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the minister clarify how the Nunavut Housing Corporation enforces the Chairman: Thank you, Minister minimum Inuit labour content Kusugak. Mr. Quassa. requirements? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can the minister confirm what the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. minimum Inuit labour content Minister Kusugak. requirements are for the new units? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr.

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Chairman. If I could have Mr. Audla not the only one where this happens. give the particulars on how we enforce, or deal with that section, Mr. Chairman, My final question is: can Minister through you. Thank you. Kusugak…I almost said Quassa. Can he get back to me on that? I would really Chairman: Thank you, Minister like that information so that I can tell my Kusugak. Mr. Audla. constituents exactly how many local Igloolik residents are going to be Mr. Audla: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. employed during the construction of Thank you to the member for the those units. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question. I’ll start by first saying that as the chairman and the minister said, 20 to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. 40 percent of contracts are sort of the Minister Kusugak. Inuit content aspect of it. It varies, again, from project to project or by community, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. depending on the availability of the Chairman. Mr. Chairman, if you had an labour force. Inuktitut name like Quassa too, we would really be having a lot of fun this At the NHC we do track these contracts afternoon. quite vigorously. We try to track everything to ensure that they are >>Laughter following and living up to the contracts. We also regularly look at the historical Mr. Chairman, I would be more than performance of those companies on the happy to get back to my colleague on contracts. In that way, we’re able to that. determine whether or not these contractors have lived up to previous (interpretation) The Inuit labour requirements. If not, then it’s something requirements need to be applied that we take into consideration when it depending on the construction. After the comes to determining whether or not we construction involving the use of wood, will actually award these types of if they start working with metal, there contacts to those specific contractors. will probably be more southerners. It Thank you, Mr. Chairman. defers and sometimes there are more Inuit employed during certain phases of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Audla. Mr. construction. It depends on how the Quassa. construction is going.

Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, I’ll have my officials immediately look Mr. Chairman. Maybe this will be my into the status of how many Inuit have last question. The reason I’m asking this been employed in total and how many is in our community it was raised as a workers are employed from outside of real concern that they bring in the community. Maybe I’ll put it that southerners for housing construction. way. I’ll let you know, Mr. Quassa. They don’t really hire local carpenters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s the reason why I’m asking this question. It’s clear that my community is Chairman: Thank you, Minister

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1326

Kusugak. Mr. Main, you’re next on the to the barriers they have? Thank you, list. Please go ahead. Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Chairman. Minister and your Minister Kusugak. officials, welcome. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I had a different question, but I’ll Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In supplement my colleague’s question discussions with the contractors, they instead. As the minister stated earlier, discuss where to find the employees. Inuit employment is between They can approach the economic approximately 20 and 40 percent. Do development officers, the hamlet, or the you have discussions with the housing association and go on local contractors on how more Nunavummiut radios. We encourage them and have can be employed? It’s at 20 to 40 percent discussions with them. right now. For example, are there discussions with private contractors on It’s a lot easier to get employees in some whether our goal should be 40 to 60 communities and more difficult in other percent? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. communities. There are different barriers for people who want to work in the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. community. In some communities there Minister Kusugak. aren’t enough available workers and in other communities there are capable Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): workers who are not certified as Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, carpenters or people who are certified Aarluk. They have discussions with for construction. The problem of non- them when possible during the certified people is a definite barrier. construction of public housing on how and where they can increase Inuit There are different challenges. Even employment. Those discussions are held though there are workers available, there and that’s the objective for the long term are those not willing to work. Sometimes according to the (interpretation ends) that’s the case. There are many blueprint for action. (interpretation) Yes, challenges, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. there are discussions with them whenever possible on how to increase Chairman: Thank you, Minister Inuit employment and how the housing Kusugak. Mr. Main. corporation can make it easier. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does language cause a Chairman: Thank you, Minister barrier? They noticed that in Whale Kusugak. Mr. Main. Cove this summer when they started the construction. The imported people who Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, were hired couldn’t even speak English. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. If They spoke French. That’s fine because you have discussions with these private that’s their language, but if they were companies, what reasons do they give as going to work with the Inuit, they need

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1327 an English-speaking foreperson. I would are more employable Inuit here and if like to know if you noticed whether there are fewer employable Inuit there, if language has been a barrier. Thank you, their capacities and what they can do are Mr. Chairman. different. We know that if we were to say that, we would fall behind on Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. projects. Looking at the available Minister Kusugak. workforce, we would probably increase spending. We would very much like to Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): know how much of an effect it would Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you have, and they should look into your for that question, Aarluk. Yes, it question. That is serious and we need to becomes a problem occasionally. I don’t find that out, but I am unsure who would know if it becomes a barrier, but it be able to answer it. Thank you, Mr. becomes a problem. If they experienced Chairman. a problem at an earlier time in the community you mentioned, that is the Chairman: Thank you, Minister kind of thing we would like to hear Kusugak. Mr. Main. about because it should not be a problem. Sometimes we don’t hear about Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, issues, but we are open to hearing those Mr. Chairman. I don’t know if the problems. It might become a problem, housing corporation has brought this up, but it should not become a barrier. but the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Housing Trust (interpretation) was a big topic at one point. I read the document, Chairman: Thank you, Minister (interpretation ends) Lessons Learned. In Kusugak. Mr. Main this Lessons Learned from the Nunavut Housing Trust it says, “…the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, construction of housing stock was Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. The heavily overburdened with socio- 20 to 40 percent is being used right now economic objectives which the budget within Nunavut. If we were to say today for the delivery of housing was not able that that’s not right, if we say to bear. In trying to solve other (interpretation ends) 50 percent problems, the focus…” was lost, was minimum for all contracts going cloudy. forward, (interpretation) how would that affect the amount of money that you This is kind of similar. It makes sense spend on construction? Thank you, Mr. based on what you just answered that Chairman. costs could go up if we want more Inuit employed. If you look at the big picture, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. it would make a lot of sense. If you look Minister Kusugak. at people on social assistance, it would make a lot of sense. Is there any Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): conversation along those lines with other Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is a very government departments and the housing good question, but the answer will be corporation in terms of “Do you have a different for each community. If there pool of labour; we would like to use that

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1328 pool of labour,” in terms of funding goal to be there, but for many excuses or arrangements or creative approaches to reasons, we have trouble getting there, increase employment of local people? Mr. Chairman. Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main.

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you, minister. I’m trying to Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. understand this. Another thing that was Chairman. A very interesting question, mentioned in this Nunavut Housing and yes, through the blueprint for action, Trust report is that one of the things that we have begun to try to deal with some were tried was the LHO delivery of of those very issues that you are bringing construction. It says right here on page 8 up. We work with other departments of 12, “Will not be pursued in the when we’re talking about housing and future.” That’s pretty straightforward in other programs out there and other jobs terms of saying, “Lessons learned. out there when it comes to trying to We’re never going to try this again.” figure out what’s going to be put where and what kind of strain it’s going to put I would be interested to hear whether on a community. there are any LHOs across Nunavut that have expressed an interest, maybe in Let me say this: I think that if the some of the smaller communities. employable people out there wanted to Recently has there been any interest in be employed, we would have a lot less terms of them taking over the number reaching the higher end of Inuit construction or trying out to build a status on these jobs. It’s very hard to try couple of units? (interpretation) Thank to get there, but it’s a goal that we as the you, Mr. Chairman. government and as a territory, with your support here, are constantly trying to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. reach the higher end of the NNI Inuit Minister Kusugak. employment requirement. It’s one that we strive to reach. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven’t had any interest Hopefully it won’t need to be a from the local housing organizations to requirement, that we will have so many take on such projects, Mr. Chairman. Inuit working in all aspects and all areas Thank you. of construction and in housing, for example, that we won’t need the NNI Chairman: Sorry, Mr. Kusugak, if you Policy when we start a construction want to continue. project in your community or mine or any community in Nunavut, that the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Inuit employment will be 80, 90, or 100 Chairman. Sorry about that. We’ve had percent. There is no reason why it can’t local housing organizations work with or it shouldn’t be able to be there communities through education and stuff without incentives. I think it’s all our to teach youth how to build shacks and

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 1329 cabins, and stuff like that. As for how many days. It’s at the discretion of constructing housing units, we haven’t the contractor and they have an had any interest. Thank you, Mr. agreement with the worker. Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Main. Kusugak. Mr. Akoak.

Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’ll I move a motion to report progress. just ask one last question on this Inuit Thank you, Mr. Chairman. employment subject. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Akoak. We One of the other things mentioned in this have a motion on the floor to report Nunavut Housing Trust report is the use progress. The motion is not debatable. of a different work schedule, recognizing All those in favour. Thank you. that your local workforce has different Opposed. Thank you. The motion is pressures on it than your transient carried. I will now rise to report workforce. Your transient workforce can progress. Thank you. come in and work 30 days straight. They don’t have a wife or husband at home Sergeant-at-Arms, could you please and kids to look after. escort the witnesses out.

In terms of the scheduling, a local >>Laughter employee who doesn’t want to work 30 days straight may get labelled “lazy” or Now I will rise to report progress. “not as good” as our transient workforce. Is this something that is still employed, Speaker (interpretation): Moving on. this modified work schedule where you Report of the Committee of the Whole. would work six days a week in terms of Mr. Rumbolt. construction or is it something that’s completely up to the contractors under Item 20: Report of the Committee of the current capital system? the Whole (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Bill 9 and the capital estimates and Minister Kusugak. would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Committee of the Whole be concurred Chairman. (interpretation) It’s at the with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. discretion of the contractors doing construction in the communities. They Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. run their own operation and set their There is a motion on the floor. Is there a schedules and how many hours the seconder? Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. locals are going to be working and for

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>>Laughter Reading of Bills 16. Motions The motion is in order. All those in favour of the motion. Thank you. All 17. First Reading of Bills those opposed. The motion is carried.  Bill 12

Moving on. Third Reading of Bills. 18. Second Reading of Bills Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) 19. Consideration in Committee of Mr. Clerk. the Whole of Bills and Other Item 22: Orders of the Day Matters

Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr.  Bill 9 Speaker. Just a reminder that there’s a  Bill 10 meeting of the Regular Caucus at 5:45 p.m. in the Nanuq Room.  Bill 11

20. Report of the Committee of the Orders of the Day for October 26: Whole 1. Prayer 21. Third Reading of Bills 2. Ministers’ Statements 22. Orders of the Day 3. Members’ Statements Thank you. 4. Returns to Oral Questions Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Thank you. This House stands adjourned Gallery until Friday, October 26, at 9:00 a.m.

6. Oral Questions Sergeant-at-Arms. 7. Written Questions >>House adjourned at 17:38 8. Returns to Written Questions 9. Replies to Opening Address 10. Petitions 11. Responses to Petitions 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 13. Tabling of Documents 14. Notices of Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First