Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT

3rd Session 3rd Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 47

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Pages 2650 – 2703

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. Hunter Tootoo (Iqaluit Centre) Hon. Eva Aariak Joe Enook Allan Rumbolt (Iqaluit East) (Tununiq) (Hudson Bay) Premier; Minister of Education; Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Minister of Executive and Hon. Fred Schell Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister Hon. Lorne Kusugak (South Baffin) responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; (Rankin Inlet South – Whale Cove) Minister responsible for Immigration Government House Leader; Minister of Hon. Daniel Shewchuk (Arviat) Community and Government Services; Minister of Justice; Minister Hon. James Arreak Minister responsible for the Qulliq (Uqqummiut) Energy Corporation; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic Minister of Culture, Language, Elders responsible for the Workers’ Safety and College and Youth; Minister of Environment; Compensation Commission Louis Tapardjuk Minister of Languages; Minister John Ningark (Amittuq) responsible for the Utility Rates Review Deputy Chair, Committee of the Council (Akulliq) Whole

Johnny Ningeongan Moses Aupaluktuq Hon. Peter Taptuna (Nanulik) (Baker Lake) (Kugluktuk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Deputy Premier; Minister of Tagak Curley Economic Development and (Rankin Inlet North) Hezakiah Oshutapik Transportation; Minister of Hon. Monica Ell (Pangnirtung) Energy; Minister responsible for the (Iqaluit West) Nunavut Housing Corporation Minister of Human Resources; Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for Homelessness; (Cambridge Bay) Jeannie Ugyuk Minister responsible for the Status of Minister of Finance, Chair of the (Nattilik)

Women Financial Management Board; Minister of Health and Social Services Ron Elliott (Quttiktuq)

Officers Clerk John Quirke

Deputy Clerk Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Nancy Tupik Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simanek Kilabuk Innirvik Support Services

Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca

Table of Contents

Opening Prayer ...... 2650

Ministers’ Statements ...... 2651

Members’ Statements ...... 2654

Oral Questions ...... 2660

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters ...... 2675

Tabling of Documents ...... 2676

Notices of Motions ...... 2677

Motions ...... 2678

Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 2678

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 2678

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 2702

Third Reading of Bills ...... 2702

Orders of the Day ...... 2703

A. Daily References

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 ...... 2650

B. Ministers’ Statements

160 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ell) ...... 2651

161 – 3(3): Management Action for Southampton Island Caribou (Arreak) ...... 2651

162 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic College Faculty for Film Awards (Shewchuk) 2652

163 – 3(3): New Nunavut Birth Certificate (Peterson) ...... 2653

164 – 3(3): Kimmirut Jewellery Course May 9 – June 20 (Taptuna) ...... 2653

165 – 3(3): Career Development Services – Professional Training (Aariak) ...... 2654

C. Members’ Statements

265 – 3(3): Congratulations to Kelly Fraser (Rumbolt) ...... 2655

266 – 3(3): Aqsarniit Middle School Graduates (Ell) ...... 2655

267 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ugyuk) ...... 2656

268 – 3(3): Inuit Language Concerns (Tapardjuk) ...... 2656

269 – 3(3): Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook) ...... 2657

270 – 3(3): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Seek Support (Elliott) ...... 2658

271 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Issues and Arctic Sovereignty (Ningark) ...... 2659

D. Oral Questions

376 – 3(3): New Birth Certificates (Tapardjuk) ...... 2660

377 – 3(3): Status of Government Liaison Officer Positions (Rumbolt)...... 2661

378 – 3(3): Environmental Protection Activities and Reporting (Aupaluktuq) ...... 2663

379 – 3(3): Update on Student Information System (Ugyuk) ...... 2664

380 – 3(3): Improvements to Pangnirtung’s Community Arena (Oshutapik) ...... 2665

381 – 3(3): Encouraging Nunavummiut to Seek Support (Elliott) ...... 2667

382 – 3(3): Southampton Island Caribou Survey (Ningeongan) ...... 2669

383 – 3(3): Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook) ...... 2670

384 – 3(3): Search and Rescue Issues and Arctic Sovereignty (Ningark) ...... 2672

385 – 3(3): Birth Certificates for Nunavummiut Born Outside Nunavut (Curley) ...... 2673

E. Tabling of Documents

199 – 3(3): 2011 Annual Report for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Aariak) ...... 2676

200 – 3(3): Photograph of Fuel Distribution Infrastructure in Taloyoak (Ugyuk) ...... 2676

201 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Kikitak Housing Association (Ugyuk) ...... 2676

202 – 3(3): Copy of the Yukon Government’s “Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act”

(Ugyuk) ...... 2676

203 – 3(3): Public Service Annual Report for 2010-2011 Fiscal Year (Ell) ...... 2677

204 – 3(3): Decentralization Action Plan - Strengthening Our Commitment to Servicing

Nunavummiut (Ell) ...... 2677

F. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters

Committee Report 021 – 3(3): Bill 30, Building Code Act (Ningeongan) ...... 2676

Committee Report 022 – 3(3): Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act

(Ningeongan) ...... 2676

G. Motions

031 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Ningeongan) ...... 2677

031 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan) ...... 2678

H. Bills

Bill 30 – Building Code Act – Consideration in Committee ...... 2679

Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Consideration in Committee ...... 2699

Bill 30 – Build Code Act – Third Reading ...... 2703

Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Third Reading ...... 2703

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2650

Iqaluit, Nunavut conferred by the Government of Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut. Members Present: Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable As the House will recall, nominations James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, opened earlier this year for the Order of Mr. Tagak Curley, Honourable Monica Nunavut. Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, This year, the advisory council has Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John selected two distinguished Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Nunavummiut whose contributions to Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Inuit art, culture, and music are Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, internationally renowned. I am very Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable honoured [to announce] today that the Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Order of Nunavut will be awarded this Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable year to Ms. Kenojuak Ashevak and Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk. Charlie Panigoniak.

>>House commenced at 13:30 >>Applause

Item 1: Opening Prayer Kenojuak Ashevak and Charlie Panigoniak are ambassadors for our Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): territory and its people. Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Kenojuak Ashevak of Cape Dorset has Curley if he could lead us off with a received numerous awards and honours prayer, please. in recognition of her lifetime of artistic accomplishment. She was invested as an >>Prayer Officer of the Order of Canada in 1967. She was subsequently invested as a Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. Thank Companion of the Order of Canada in you, Members. Before we proceed with 1982. the orders of the day, I am very pleased to take this opportunity to make an Charlie Panigoniak has been performing announcement in my capacity as the and recording music since the late Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut 1960s. Born in the Kivalliq, Mr. Advisory Council. Panigoniak is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and broadcaster. He has As the House is aware, The Order of performed at numerous festivals and Nunavut Act came into force on January events in Canada and abroad. 1, 2010. The objective of the order is to recognize individuals who have made I am very pleased to advise the House outstanding contributions to the cultural, that investiture ceremonies will be held social, or economic well-being of in the fall of this year. I look forward to Nunavut. The order is the highest honour inviting all members to join the of Nunavut and takes precedence over Commissioner of Nunavut and I at what all other orders, decorations, or medals I know will be a joyous occasion.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2651

We will now proceed with the orders of >>Applause the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ell. Item Women, Minister Ell. 2. Minister’s Statements. Minister responsible for the Department of Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Environment, Minister Arreak.

Minister’s Statement 160 – 3(3): Minister’s Statement 161 – 3(3): Women in Action (Ell) Management Action for Southampton Island Caribou Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank (Arreak) you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): everyone. I stand before you today as the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prior to Minister responsible for the Status of making my Minister’s Statement, I Women to congratulate the would like to extend birthday greetings Commissioner of Nunavut, Edna Elias, to Jamie Arreak, my grandson, who, who, on May 19, along with Jeannie although, I am in Iqaluit, wanted me to Ehaloak, Janet Brewster, Elisabeth pick him up at Clyde River. I would like Hadlari, Jamie McInnis, and Donna him to enjoy his birthday today, so Olsen-Hakongak, completed a 224- everyone should be nice to him. kilometre walk from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleagues of the The walk, “Women in Action - Steps of action that wildlife co-management Hope,” promoted healthy living and partners are taking to address raised awareness and funds for the conservation concerns about the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of Southampton Island caribou population. breast cancer research at the Edmonton Cross Cancer Institute. (interpretation Scientific findings and local ends) Mr. Speaker, the “Women in observations have seen a drastic decline Action - Steps of Hope” walk, through in the population, as well as reduced commitment and hard work, also raised overall health and productivity of more than $80,000 for breast cancer caribou in that area. The June 2011 research. I commend Edna, Jeannie, aerial survey estimated about 7,700 Janet, Elisabeth, Jamie, and Donna on caribou, down from an estimate of their achievement and devotion to 30,000 individuals in 1997. This raising awareness and funds for breast represents a reduction of more than 75 cancer research. percent in 14 years.

Mr. Speaker, let us continue to Consultation with the Coral Harbour encourage and support all women in Hunters and Trappers Organization Nunavut in their endeavours as this will indicated that the harvest level in 2011- ensure the continued success of 12 is well above the sustainable limit for initiatives such as the “Women in Action the population. As a result, the HTO - Steps of Hope.” Thank you, Mr. formally requested that I establish a total Speaker. allowable harvest and non-quota

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2652 limitations for the 2012-13 harvest year. Flaherty and directed by Neil In keeping with Nunavut’s wildlife co- Christopher of Inhabit Media. This film management system, I forwarded this is dedicated to Mark. request to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for decision. The Mr. Speaker, Amaqqut Nunaat recommended management actions are represents Inhabit Media’s first animated currently being considered. In the production and serves as a spectacular meantime, the department is preparing to example of the artistic and creative talent conduct another aerial survey in early that can be found here in Nunavut. June to obtain an updated population estimate. This information will lead to Mr. Speaker, this wonderfully produced recommendations for further short film celebrated its North American management measures as necessary. premiere at the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival last October in Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the Toronto. support of the HTO and the community of Coral Harbour in addressing this In Toronto, the film was awarded with serious situation. I hope that, in the not the honours of Best Canadian Short too distant future, I will be able to report Drama and the Cynthia-Lickers Sage improvements to the number and health Award for Emerging Talent, Best of the caribou on Southampton Island. Animation at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, California, We are and will continue to be Best Animation at the SENE Film, committed to working collaboratively Music & Arts Festival in Rhode Island, with our co-management partners to USA, and Best Narrative Short at the sustain the wildlife on which all Cine Las Americas International Film Nunavummiut depend. Thank you, Mr. Festival in Austin, Texas. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Amaqqut Nunaat has been >>Applause shown at film festivals across Canada and around the world. From places like Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. Quebec, Ohio, California, Colorado, the Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Yukon, Alaska, Ontario, Scotland, and of Nunavut Arctic College, Minister Finland, this film is introducing Inuit Shewchuk. stories and legends to audiences all over the world. Minister’s Statement 162 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate College Faculty for Film Awards Neil Christopher, a faculty member with (Shewchuk) our Nunavut Teacher Education Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Program, and Louise Flaherty, the Mr. Speaker. Amaqqut Nunaat, the college’s Director of Inuit Language and Country of Wolves, is a film inspired by Culture Programs, for their work on this a story from the late author and Arviat incredible project. Elder Mark Kalluak. This impressive production was produced by Louise

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2653

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my her dedication and commitment to this fellow members and Nunavutmiut to see project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. this film and to continue supporting Nunavut’s growing arts, film, and media >>Applause industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. >>Applause Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Economic Development and Speaker: Thank you, Minister Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Shewchuk. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister’s Statement 164 – 3(3): Minister Peterson. Kimmirut Jewellery Course May 9 – June 20 (Taptuna) Minister’s Statement 163 – 3(3): New Nunavut Birth Certificate Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. (Peterson) Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Kuglukturmiut. Speaker. I invite my colleagues to join me later this afternoon in the lobby of Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a the Legislative Assembly, where moment today to congratulate the eight Department of Health and Social artists in Kimmirut who are participating Services staff and I will introduce the in a six-week jewellery and stone-cutting new Nunavut birth certificate. course funded by the Department of Economic Development and Mr. Speaker, as recommended by the Transportation through the Policy on Vital Statistics Council Canada, we are Program Partnerships. now ready to make available new Nunavut birth certificates. If your child This year, the Hamlet of Kimmirut is Nunavut-born, he or she can receive updated its economic development plan. one of these new birth certificates. This Through this plan, Kimmirut expressed a birth certificate is standard across strong desire to continue the growth of Canada but also includes Nunavut- arts and crafts and to provide training specific features, including our coat of and marketing support for artists. It is a arms, Inuit language, and the territorial positive example of a community taking seal. ownership of its future and building self- reliance. With their new skills, artists Mr. Speaker, all birth certificates in will be able to earn income as well as Canada are now printed on the same share our rich culture and talent with polymer paper stock with identical others. security features to help protect against identity theft, tampering, and Mr. Speaker, locally harvested antler, counterfeiting. stone, and ivory are being used to create jewellery pieces. Many have improved Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank their ability to find stones by Annamarie Hedley, Manager of Health participating in the department’s Insurance Programs in Rankin Inlet, for Nunavut Prospectors Program.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2654

Around Kimmirut, one can find red and The Department of Education, working green garnets, sapphires, tourmaline, with Nunavut Arctic College and the calcites, as well as lapis lazuli, a stone Canadian Career Development valued for its colour and rarity. These Foundation, has developed the Career semi-precious local resources are being Development Practitioner Certificate used to create rings, pendants, broaches, Program. Mr. Speaker, this program has earrings, cufflinks, and other unique provided professional development pieces. The community is showing great training for numerous Department of enthusiasm and support. The students Education staff, such as career put on a jewellery show at the school on development officers and supervisors. Thursday, May 31. This month, we are celebrating the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join success of the first graduates of this me in congratulating the participants of program. Please join me in the Kimmirut jewellery course and congratulating Ms. Donna Sabourin and wishing them continued success. Ms. Pauline Sabourin of Rankin Inlet, and Ms. Hilu Tagoona of Baker Lake, Mr. Speaker, if you are visiting who are the first Nunavummiut to Kimmirut, I encourage you to take the successfully complete this program. It time to visit the Soper Art Gallery, has taken a great deal of dedication and where you can see a dazzling collection hard work for these individuals over the of carvings and jewellery from the local past three years to complete all of the artist community and take home a course work and assignments. Job well treasure for yourself. Thank you, Mr. done! Speaker. Mr. Speaker, providing professional >>Applause development opportunities to all staff who work in the career development Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. field will enhance their skills so they can Ministers’ Statements. Minister of provide the guidance Nunavummiut Education, Minister Aariak. need to access education, learning, and career development opportunities. Minister’s Statement 165 – 3(3): (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Career Development Services – Professional Training (Aariak) >>Applause

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. afternoon, everyone. (interpretation Ministers’ Statements. Item 3. Members’ ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, this opportunity to update my colleagues Mr. Rumbolt. about a very successful professional development training project currently Item 3: Members’ Statements underway and to congratulate the first graduates of this exciting program.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2655

Member’s Statement 265 – 3(3): Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Congratulations to Kelly Fraser you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good (Rumbolt) afternoon” to residents in Iqaluit West. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize a young I would like to congratulate the 80 grade constituent of mine who is an excellent 8 students who will be graduating from role model for her peers and the youth of Aqsarniit Middle School here in Iqaluit Sanikiluaq. Mr. Speaker, Kelly Fraser on June 20. I wish them a happy summer has recently completed her first year in and hope their high school experience is the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Program in meaningful and fulfilling. Ottawa and is back home in Sanikiluaq for the summer. Congratulations to the 80 graduates. I ask that the names of the 80 students be Mr. Speaker, Kelly graduated from entered into the record as read. Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq and was accepted into the NS program. I The Aqsarniit Middle School graduates understand that Kelly hopes to continue are: in the second year of the NS program and I wish her the best of luck in Tyler Akeeagok, Mary Sheema continuing her education. Angmarlik, Jamie Arlooktoo, Jimmy Arlooktoo, Aapak Arvaluk, Nuqallaq Mr. Speaker, Kelly is also an Arvaluk, Brandon Ashley, Samantha accomplished musician. She plays the Ashoona, Celina Audla, Samantha Ann guitar and sings her own songs in both Balfour, Toby Barnes, Daniel King Inuktitut and English. You may see her Calamayan, Victoria Coman, Matthew performing this summer at the Alianait! Cooper-Flaherty, Jonathan Cousins, Arts Festival or at the Rockin’ Walrus Mary Dunphy, Linda Eetuk, Mary Ell, Festival in Igloolik. Kasandra Goupil, Derek Idlaut, Isaac Idlout, Pitseolak Ineak, Isaac Innuaraq, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Paddy Iqaluk, Michel Ittusardjuat, Jaymi me in wishing Kelly success in all her Kakee, Jonathon Kingwatsiak, Christina future endeavours. Thank you, Mr. Kopalie, Alookie Korgak, Tyler Kirk, Speaker. Maranda Kootoo, Virginia Kootoo- Reist, Nathan Kownirk, Alisha Kunuk, >>Applause Andy Laisa, Nala Lyta, Kevin Maatiusi, Roy Macpa, Adamee Mathewsie, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Item Ryleigh McPherson, Jacob Melanson, 3. Members’ Statements, Member for Qalapik Mingeriak, Verna Nooshoota, Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell. Akeeshoo Nowdlak, Michael Nowdlak, Maya Nowdluk, Caroline Nutarak, Member’s Statement 266 – 3(3): Morgan Nuvviaq, Akeeshoo Onalik, Aqsarniit Middle School Wilfred Onalik, Jasmine Oolayou, Graduates (Ell) Levina Leah Pallister, Charlie Panipak, Anna Papatsie, Joanasie Papatsie, Ian Peter, Jessica Peter, Phillipoosie Peterloosie, Michael Pewatualuk, Felix

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2656

Nikki Pisco, Sheila Pitseolak, Mathew Member’s Statement 268 – 3(3): Inuit Pootoolik, Oolai Robert Qaunirq, Kunuk Language Concerns (Tapardjuk) Rojas, Ashleigh Shiutiapik, Debbie Smith, Rosalie Sucian, Sandra Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Thibaudeau, Naula Aimo Tiglik, you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my Nmesoma Umenwofor-Nweze, and constituents in Igloolik and Hall Beach. I Juston Vincent. just wanted to say that my dear mother was visited and to let my relatives know Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that I paid her a visit and I will visit her again. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. The gratitude to the Minister of Education for names will be entered into the record as making a statement regarding Education read. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Week for 2012 from April 23 to 27. In Member for Nattilik, Ms. Ugyuk. her comments, Mr. Speaker, she states that I accompanied her when she visited Member’s Statement 267 – 3(3): Igloolik to certify 15 elders as Innait Women in Action (Ugyuk) Inuksiutilirijiit. Mr. Speaker, as the school year winds down this week, I Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, wish to express my pleasure in this Mr. Speaker. The Minister responsible House for the Education Act’s for the Status of Women talked about the implementation that resulted in just this women who walked from Umingmaktok kind of ceremony that the department is to Cambridge Bay, so I would also like supposed to carry out. This is what I told to congratulate them for that walk for the elders who were honoured and I breast cancer. We expect that they are want to repeat it in this House. setting a good example and they have assisted women in Nunavut. As children, we attended school and we were discouraged from speaking English Before I came here from Taloyoak on at home. Now that we have Nunavut and Friday, James Eetoolook and his wife increasing self-government powers, we held a soup and bannock sale, along with have expectations that the education Dennis and Christine Lyall, and others. process will improve in the future. Be They fundraised over $2,000 towards that as it may, Mr. Speaker, I still have this drive for breast cancer victims. This grave concerns shared by some of my is a wonderful gesture by the people of constituents that the Inuit language’s Taloyoak and I am very grateful to them implementation is falling behind, which for doing that. Thank you. I raised with the minister.

>>Applause I will have more comments when the minister appears before us as a Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Item committee. In the meantime, I wish to 3. Members’ Statements. Member for thank the Minister of Education for Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk. being open and constructive. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2657

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. The Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member member is seeking unanimous consent to for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Member’s Statement 269 – 3(3): Mr. Enook. Staffing at the Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Centre (Enook) Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my Two staff positions are vacant and have fellow residents in Pond Inlet as well as remained empty and unfilled for far too the residents of Nunavut. For my fellow long. It is not even clear that the residents, my thoughts and prayers are positions have ever been advertised. The with you and I share your sense of loss lone worker in that office has faced today. tremendous pressure. Mr. Speaker, when I see situations such as this, leaving Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw critical positions unfilled, it leads me to attention to a critical shortage of staff at question the government’s commitment the Department of Education’s teaching towards sustaining, developing, and and learning centre in Pond Inlet. protecting the Inuit language.

Mr. Speaker, there is a dream across Mr. Speaker, with the departure of the Nunavut that one day in the future, the remaining staff member, the teaching Inuit language will be the working and learning centre in Pond Inlet will be language of government and business. completely empty. This situation Our government supports this dream concerns me greatly, having seen the with policies and legislation. Laws, such lack of progress over the past two years, as the Inuit Language Protection Act and and I worry that these positions will be the Education Act, require that the Inuit left unfilled. language be taught, spoken, and used. However, Mr. Speaker, if we don’t Mr. Speaker, Pond Inlet’s teaching and ensure that the materials, resources, and learning staff positions are included in supports for teaching and retaining the the Department of Education’s Inuit language are ready and available, organization chart. This past March, we then all of those dreams which are approved funding for these positions as enshrined in the legislation will be part of the 1,300 staff positions of the worthless. department. If the government is serious about its commitment towards the Inuit Mr. Speaker, the teaching and learning language, then there is absolutely no centre in Pond Inlet has been running excuse for these critical positions to with only one staff member for over two remain vacant. At the appropriate time, I years. will be asking questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2658

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Item 3. to take abuse in order to stop being Members’ Statements. Member for victimized. Mr. Speaker, there are many Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. programs and resources available that can support our individual efforts. We Member’s Statement 270 – 3(3): simply need to work better with the Encouraging Nunavummiut to resources that we have. Mr. Speaker, I Seek Support (Elliott) encourage the residents of Nunavut to stand up, reach out, and seek the support Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I they need to help them achieve their rise today to encourage Nunavummiut to goals and dreams. stand up for what they believe in and to seek the support they need to enable I also call upon the government to them to reach their goals. Mr. Speaker, ensure that programs and services are there are many services, programs, and well advertised and easily accessible. resources available across Nunavut, but We hear a lot about “false barriers,” in order to take advantage of them, it is which are unintentional obstacles that up to every one of us to stand up, reach prevent individuals or groups from out, and ask for support and assistance. accessing what they need. I am confident that the more effort we make to reach As just one example, although it is a big out and access the supports and services one, our public education system is free that are available out there, then the and available and not just for children quicker we will be able to break down and youth. There are many programs those barriers. The opportunities are out geared for adults at the different stages there; it is up to each and every one of us of learning. It is up to students, with the to reach out and take them. Thank you, support of their family, to take Mr. Speaker. advantage of the opportunities to learn, to acquire skills, and to achieve the >>Applause formal recognition of that learning. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Item 3. Mr. Speaker, the concept of self-reliance Members’ Statements. Member for is an important one in many cultures and Akulliq, Mr. Ningark. traditions. Self-reliance requires that an individual step up and take on personal Member’s Statement 271 – 3(3): responsibility. By taking personal Search and Rescue Issues and responsibility for what we do, what we Arctic Sovereignty (Ningark) learn, and what we strive for, we can each contribute to society as a whole. Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Mr. Speaker, it is important that each Canada recognizes the Arctic as part of person take a stand towards solving their Canadian sovereignty. I believe the own problems. Earlier this sitting, my population of Nunavut is about 30,000 to colleague from Nattilik provided a good 33,000 while the population of Canada is example of the kind of action I am around 34 million, which is widely referring to. She very eloquently noted recognized. that victims need to stand up and refuse

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The weather is very nice in the spring, have yet to find him, although they have but in the wintertime, when the days are found the snowmobile he was using. short and there are blizzards in Nunavut and hunters get lost, searches have to be I would like to express my appreciation made. Where is the federal government to the residents of Taloyoak for their when we need them? Mr. Speaker, when assistance to the search and rescue team people get lost in Nunavut, they often from Kugaaruk. Additionally, we thank don’t return home. Communities try to the Gjoa Haven people who provided conduct searches without government help. I would also like to thank the support, even from the Nunavut people of Repulse Bay for their government. They fundraise for invaluable assistance. themselves when there needs to be a search. Conversely, I don’t have much to thank our Nunavut government for in this Yes, I truly support the Nunavut instance. This applies equally to the government in pushing for devolution federal government. Even though we because we need empowerment in the requested assistance from the two levels communities. However, when hunters of government to conduct further are lost on the land, we don’t get searches, we were not successful. It was assistance and they don’t want to help. only through the good graces of the local (interpretation ends) Every member of people of these communities that we Nunavut counts. We are about 30,000 to were able to fund the searches. 33,000. When it comes to talking about sovereignty, where is the Government of Mr. Speaker, when the governments Canada? again mouth off about sovereignty, their foundation in this argument is the Inuit Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for people. Only then are we seen to count unanimous consent to conclude my and be recognized for this contribution, statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. but we are being exploited in this regard. Additionally, Inuit have been exploited Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The for quite a number of generations in the member is seeking unanimous consent to name of sovereignty. However, conclude his statement. Are there any whenever an individual Inuk requires nays? There being none. Please proceed, assistance, we have to start putting this Mr. Ningark. on equal footing with this exploitation under sovereignty. An Inuk should be Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. worth more than what they spend on Thank you, my colleagues. sovereignty.

(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, this winter Should one of our fellow Inuit in in Kugaaruk, a very young man Nunavut disappear, we have nobody to attempted to travel from Kugaaruk to turn to. The Government of Canada no Taloyoak alone and failed to return. This longer understands our value; they have was due to bad weather and blizzard. Up distanced themselves and are no longer to today, searchers are still out on the listening to Inuit. When we request land trying to recover his body. They assistance, helicopters are no longer

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2660 available, although they are still Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. servicing the southern latitudes. The Minister responsible for Health and Canadian Coast Guard no longer has Social Services, Minister Peterson. ships available at those times. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I Speaker. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for that will be raising questions on how the question. It’s a good question; it’s a Nunavut government and the federal question we all struggle with in Nunavut government can give us more support in and the Northwest Territories, when we this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. were a part of them. My own children were born outside of Nunavut. I just Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item consider them born in Nunavut. It’s 3. Members’ Statements. Item 4. Returns unfortunate that they had to be born in to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition the south. My understanding is if you’re of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral born in another jurisdiction, you apply Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. for a birth certificate from that province Tapardjuk. or territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 6: Oral Questions Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Your first supplementary, Mr. Question 376 – 3(3): New Birth Tapardjuk. Certificates (Tapardjuk) Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want some you, Mr. Speaker. I will try to make this further clarification. There are lots of a very short question. I’m directing this people who have been born in health question to the Minister of Health and centres outside Nunavut. If that person Social Services, (interpretation ends) was born outside of Nunavut, do the Hon. Keith Peterson. parents have to then apply to that jurisdiction? Who do they apply to do (interpretation) I was very happy to hear that? Do they apply to the Nunavut the minister make an announcement health services department or do they about the new Nunavut birth certificates. have to apply specifically to the One issue that requires clarification is province? Who specifically looks after the reference to the child being eligible that? to receive these new birth certificates, which is that they have to be born in Mr. Speaker, the reason why I raise that Nunavut. My question is: what about is because a lot of parents have had those residents who were born in difficulty trying to get birth certificates Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, or even for their children who were born outside Yellowknife? Does that disqualify them of Nunavut and some of them are unable from birth certificates that show they to get SIN numbers and other weren’t born in Nunavut? Thank you, identification. Can the minister clarify Mr. Speaker. how these parents would be able to apply for a birth certificate? Would they have to apply to the Ontario

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2661 government? Could he at least clarify the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. process so that Nunavummiut will Minister of Health and Social Services, understand, Mr. Speaker? Minister Peterson.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Minister of Health and Social Services, Speaker. My understanding is if you’re Minister Peterson. born in Nunavut but you live in Alberta, for example, then you would apply to Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. our Government of Nunavut for your Speaker. Based on my own experience birth certificate. Thank you, Mr. and the experiences of many my Speaker. constituents, they would have to apply to the jurisdiction where the child was Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. born. I’m sure the Department of Health Oral Questions. Member for Hudson and Social Services has people who can Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. assist people to apply. As I mentioned the other day, the government liaison Question 377 – 3(3): Status of officers in most communities should be Government Liaison Officer able to assist people as well. Thank you, Positions (Rumbolt) Mr. Speaker. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. My questions are for the Minister of Your second supplementary, Mr. Executive and Intergovernmental Tapardjuk. Affairs.

Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank On February 29 of this year, I asked the you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister minister for an update on the status of for providing that response and for filling government liaison officer clarifying the situation. A lot of people positions across Nunavut. At that time, have experienced difficulty trying to get she indicated that a criminal records identification. check was underway for the applicant in Sanikiluaq. Can the minister update me Let me ask this last question, Mr. today on the status of the GLO position Speaker, if I may. What about people in Sanikiluaq? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. who were born in Nunavut, even though their residency was outside of Nunavut, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. such as in southern provinces? Would Minister of Executive and these people also experience difficulties Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam or would they have to apply for Premier. identification through their Ontario government? Let us clarify that process Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): so that people don’t have to undergo this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the experience, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. member for raising that question. I’m happy to say that the individual has been told when she will start, which is on

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June 11, 2012. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. follows: Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Arviat, Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Whale Cove, and Gjoa Haven. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. (interpretation) That is where we are. We’re working very hard to fill all of Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. these GLO positions because they are I thank the Premier for her answer. It’s crucial for communication between the good to hear that the position is finally territorial government and the filled. When does the government communities. Since they are very anticipate having all of its GLO essential and important, we have been positions filled throughout Nunavut? working very hard to fill these positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Minister of Executive Intergovernmental Your second supplementary, Mr. Affairs, Madam Premier. Rumbolt.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When these I thank the Premier for the update. positions are first opened, it’s very Earlier this year, a number of GLOs difficult to know when they will be travelled to Iqaluit for training and filled. We had thought that they would orientation sessions. Can the minister be filled earlier. We need to do criminal indicate whether further training sessions record checks and this process makes it are planned to take place during the longer to fill the positions. Also, current 2012 calendar year? Thank you, sometimes when we can’t find any Mr. Speaker. applicants, the vacant positions are re- advertised. There are various reasons Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. why these positions are not filled. Minister responsible for Executive Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam What I can say is that in the Premier. communities, CGS now has a supervisor in Pond Inlet, a GLO in Arctic Bay, Hall Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. Beach, Repulse Bay, Coral Harbour, Speaker. Training our new GLOs is of Chesterfield Inlet, Kugaaruk, and utmost importance to us and as they are Taloyoak, and the successful candidates’ recruited as government liaison officers, starting dates have been identified in training opportunities will be provided to Qikiqtarjuaq, Pangnirtung, and them. We would like to have all of our Sanikiluaq. I already indicated when the GLOs trained as they join our GLO in Sanikiluaq will start. The government. How we will probably roll positions in Qikiqtarjuaq and it out is that they will have a certain Pangnirtung positions have been number at a time before a training date finalized. will be set. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

(interpretation ends) Staffing is Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. underway or almost completed as Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt.

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Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to Can the minister indicate what priorities follow up today on the questions that I her department has established for GLOs asked on October 28 of last year who are now in their positions? Thank concerning the issue of environmental you, Mr. Speaker. protection. As I noted, the GN and the GNWT maintain a 24-hour spill report Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. line. At that time, the minister informed Minister of Executive and the House that he was aware of five Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam spills that had occurred in the Baker Premier. Lake area during the preceding year.

Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, would the minister commit Speaker. The priority for the GLOs that to tabling information in this House are in place, of course, right now is to during our fall sitting later this year ensure that they are settling into their concerning the number and new offices. You have to remember that circumstances of reported spills of fuel these positions are new positions within and other hazardous materials that have our communities and the office spaces, occurred in Nunavut over the past two computers, and so on are new. So the years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. GLOs that are in place right now are making themselves familiar with how Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. the computers work and all that. Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister Arreak. The priority, of course, is also connecting our communities through Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): better communication. To achieve this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to end, the GLO positions are created, of thank Mr. Aupaluktuq for posing his course, throughout the territory. One of question. This is a very important issue. the priorities for the GLOs is also The Department of Environment does a training them so that they can do their number of investigations into alleged job in a way that they are set out to do. hazardous spills. We investigate Thank you, Mr. Speaker. approximately 150 spills each year to determine if they were hazardous. Once Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. I receive the report, I will be able to Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, table that information in the House as Mr. Aupaluktuq. soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 378 – 3(3): Environmental Protection Activities and Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. Reporting (Aupaluktuq) Your first supplementary, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. the Minister of Environment, Speaker. Earlier this year, the (interpretation ends) Hon. James Arreak. government responded to my written question concerning the enforcement of

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Nunavut’s Environmental Protection receive the report and it is approved by Act. The response to my question cabinet, I will be able to table it in the indicated that a total of zero charges had House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. been laid under the Act between April 1, 1999 and October 31, 2011. Can the Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. minister inform the House if his Oral Questions. Member for Nattilik, department has undertaken any Ms. Ugyuk. investigations under the Act over the past two years? He indicated that it was Question 379 – 3(3): Update on 150, but I wanted to ask if there ever Student Information System have been any other further charges in (Ugyuk) consideration in the last two years. Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Minister of Education Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister Arreak. Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Education indicated that the new Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Student Information System would be Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do piloted in nine schools across Nunavut investigate spills that are reported. As of and be fully rolled out in the fall of today, there has been no charges laid 2012. Can the minister provide an under the Act, but we do investigate. update on how well the pilot Student The major investigation we had done Information System has been was in Baker Lake and we are functioning to date and, if it hasn’t been investigating other spills in Nunavut. going well, what kinds of challenges are Thank you, Mr. Speaker. these pilot projects facing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. Your second supplementary, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Aupaluktuq. Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Minister Aariak. Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the minister commit to Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): tabling an annual report in the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to Legislative Assembly that describes his thank my colleague for asking the department’s activities under the question. Those pilot projects are Environmental Protection Act? Thank functioning well. The two systems that you, Mr. Speaker. were monitored are functioning well, but I don’t have any information in front of Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. me that talks about challenges or Minister responsible for the Department concerns. If there are any problems, I of Environment, Minister Arreak. will be providing that information to the member once I receive it. Thank you, Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, once I

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Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Your first supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak.

Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker. There are two student Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned information systems that are functioning that there are two student information well. Did I understand that correctly? systems. So if I was mistaken, I will look Thank you, Mr. Speaker. into it and get back to the member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Oral Questions. Member for Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, you understood correctly. Thank you, Mr. Question 380 – 3(3): Improvements to Speaker. Pangnirtung’s Community Arena (Oshutapik) Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank Your second supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Community and Ms. Ugyuk: Can the minister confirm Government Services. that the Student Information System will be fully rolled out in all Nunavut schools Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall in the fall of 2012? Thank you, Mr. from my first Member’s Statement in Speaker. this House, the youth of Pangnirtung want the ability to use recreational Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. facilities for longer periods of time Minister of Education, Minister Aariak. during the year, which is why I support improvements to allow for artificial ice Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. in our community’s arena. Speaker. Again, I will let the member know when a full rollout timeline is As the minister is aware, his available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. department’s 2012-13 capital estimates included funding for arena ice upgrades Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. in the communities of Arviat and Coral Your final supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. Harbour.

Ms. Ugyuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister indicate if his (interpretation ends) We agreed to department has considered the feasibility funding for nine pilot projects; she said of making improvements to there were two. When will the other Pangnirtung’s arena? Thank you, Mr. seven be functioning? What challenges Speaker. are they facing if there’s only two rolling out when we approved nine? Thank you, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Mr. Speaker. Minister responsible for the Department

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2666 of Community and Government Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Services, Minister Kusugak. Your second supplementary, Mr. Oshutapik. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank member for that question. We have been you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister dealing with, I believe, five arenas. Not for the answer. (interpretation ends) Last exactly artificial ice, but they poured week, the Legislative Assembly cement first and some material that approved the transfer of funding to move facilitate ice formation. We would like responsibility for sport and recreation to continue this program in the coming back to the Department of Community years. Unfortunately, there were no and Government Services. I am sure that funds for the project this summer, so we this will benefit his department’s capital couldn’t continue with it. planning process for recreational infrastructure. Can the minister indicate When I talked with you this past winter how many community arenas in in the House, I told you that Pangnirtung Nunavut lack artificial ice or other is on the priority list and this has not technology that allows for extended ice changed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. seasons? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Your first supplementary, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Oshutapik. Minister of Community and Government Services, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): answer. (interpretation ends) Can the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t know minister indicate if he is considering what this is because I still am not the including funding in next year’s capital minister responsible. I understand that estimates for improvements to this will be transferred on July 1. Prior to Pangnirtung’s arena? (interpretation) that, if I should get any information, I Thank you, Mr. Speaker. will let you know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Minister of Community and Government Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Services, Minister Kusugak. Your final supplementary, Mr. Oshutapik. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, it’s Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank kind of difficult to try to find some funds you, Mr. Speaker. I wish it was July and that’s exactly what we’re doing right now. now. We’re reviewing how we’re going to put some funds and Pangnirtung has >>Laughter not been taken out of the list. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, I was very pleased that our friends and

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2667 neighbours in Pond Inlet opened their Mr. Speaker, earlier in my Member’s new arena in March of this year. A Statement, I spoke of the need for portion of the funding was provided by individuals to stand up and ask for the the federal government. Can the minister supports and resources that are available update us on the status of his to help them reach their goals. At the department’s efforts to obtain additional same time, I noted that it is important federal funding for new recreational that the government does a good job of infrastructure in Nunavut? letting people know what programs and (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. services are available.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. In April, the minister and his federal Minister of Community and Government counterpart, the federal Minister of Services, Minister Kusugak. Health, announced a new way of handing out public money for Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): community-based public health Thank you. I was also pleased that Pond activities. For the benefit of the listening Inlet was able to get a new arena. It’s public and to encourage them to seek out unfortunate that I was not able to come opportunities that are available, can the to the opening. Perhaps in the fall, I will minister summarize how the new way of try to be there and go skating. handing out public health money differs from past practice? Thank you, Mr. Looking for funds from the federal Speaker. government can be very difficult when we need very large amounts. We are Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. reviewing it, not just us but also in Minister of Health and Social Services, various regions in Canada, to see how Minister Peterson. we can have more funding for recreational and sports facilities. We are Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. still in the process of discussions. We Speaker. I thank Mr. Elliott for the also had a teleconference the other day question. Mr. Speaker, that was a with federal ministers. If there’s any tremendous bit of news that we got from good news, I will not withhold from Health Canada. We worked for a letting my colleagues know right away. considerably long time with the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department of Health and Social Services on this initiative. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for I believe the concept originated in Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. Cambridge Bay through a lady who actually applied on a regular basis to Question 381 – 3(3): Encouraging Health and Social Services for funding Nunavummiut to Seek Support for the wellness centre. I was the mayor (Elliott) at the time. I recall there would be 18 Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I separate applications for funding would like to direct my question to the programs to various governments, so Minister of Health and Social Services. then there would 18 separate accountings and 18 separate reports. It

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2668 kept a person occupied a considerably negotiate agreements with the long time. Department of Health and Social Services for health funding for their What this process will do, it allows communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Health Canada to flow funds to the Government of Nunavut Health and Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Social Services, and then the department Your second supplementary, Mr. Elliott. works with each hamlet in Nunavut. They can work on a one- to five-year Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. community wellness plan. You sign one Also in the answer to my first question, agreement and then you get the funds. the minister had mentioned that it is You get approved for your proposal, but more accessible, easier, less burden on you get one agreement and one report. community groups in terms of reporting It’s pretty straightforward. Thank you, and proposal writing, which is great. Mr. Speaker. He also mentioned that funding was Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. accessed through… . I think it’s similar Your first supplementary, Mr. Elliott. to what we have seen happen with Community and Government Services in Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I terms of receiving funding for recognize that the government’s new communities for infrastructure. There’s a way of handing out public health money lot of emphasis put on the integrated relies in part on communities having sustainability plan that each community community wellness groups. Can the has, and kudos to CGS for getting all the minister update this House on how many communities online and having those Nunavut communities currently have plans created and done. established community wellness groups? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Similarly to this, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health had mentioned Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. community wellness plans. I was Minister of Health and Social Services, wondering if he could actually tell us: do Minister Peterson. all communities across Nunavut have community wellness plans completed? Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Mr. Elliott is asking, “I’m the minister, so I should know all the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. details,” like down in the weeds, all the Minister of Health and Social Services, details. Minister Peterson.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. works with all communities. The Speaker. Again Mr. Elliott is asking me agreements are available to all a question where I don’t have all the communities. I believe most details. I’m not involved in the day-to- communities have, either through the day operational activities of the hamlet councils or through their department. If I were, I would have to wellness committees, the possibility to run over from the Legislative Assembly

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2669 over to the department and manage. Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Speaker, it’s impossible for me to know Minister of Health and Social Services, that kind of information. Minister Peterson.

Mr. Speaker, what I can tell the member Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. is that the Department of Health and Speaker. I thank Mr. Elliott again. I Social Services is working with all don’t know if I should be thanking him, communities to negotiate funding for but I will thank him. community wellness plans. It’s simple as that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Laughter

Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. He’s making me sweat over here. Maybe Your final supplementary, Mr. Elliott. it’s just the heat in the building; I don’t know where the air conditioning is. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, sorry to be upsetting the minister, Mr. Speaker, again, the communities but again, he is the minister of the have the opportunity, through their department and should know details community wellness plans, to negotiate about what is going on in his with the Department of Health for department. funding. So I encourage all the communities to contact the Department In the Budget Address, which the of Health, if they have not already done minister, under a different portfolio, so, I believe most of them have, and gave this House in March, he had negotiate those community wellness mentioned, and I’ll quote, “…new plans. I believe there have been three or programs for breakfast and lunch at four that have already completed their schools. If our children hunger for agreements, ranging from one to five anything, it should be for knowledge.” years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I agree with that, but using his words, I have “gone into the weeds” Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. and I have looked around down there Oral Questions. Member for Nanulik, and I have tried to find funding Mr. Ningeongan. specifically designated as breakfast program money from the Government of Question 382 – 3(3): Southampton Nunavut to provide breakfast programs Island Caribou Survey to our communities. (Ningeongan) Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, this is something that’s you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the mentioned in here, which I think is part Minister of Environment. I would like of the whole of government, not just his some more clarification on his department. Hopefully he can answer Minister’s Statement. The minister this: where’s the money for breakfast talked about the aerial survey that is programs if my communities are trying planned for this month on caribou. to apply for it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just before I came here to Iqaluit, I talked with the chairman of the HTO. I

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2670 had understood that this would be a land Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. survey. I’m just wondering if this is Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, going to be an aerial survey only. Is that Mr. Enook. the case? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 383 – 3(3): Staffing at the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Pond Inlet Teaching and Learning Minister responsible for the Department Centre (Enook) of Environment, Minister Arreak Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, question to the Minister of Education. we have stated that there would only be an aerial survey this month on Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Southampton Island. Thank you, Mr. Member’s Statement earlier today, staff Speaker. positions at the teaching and learning centre in Pond Inlet have remained Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. unfilled for far too long. Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningeongan. Can the minister explain how her department hopes to progress towards Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank the government’s commitment to you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the making the Inuit language the working minister again. The chairman of the language of government in Nunavut HTO in Coral Harbour understood that when there is so little effort to ensure it’s known that land surveys with that there are staff in the positions to snowmobiles are a lot cheaper. It’s a lot create the necessary materials to teach more expensive doing aerial surveys. It’s and promote the Inuit language? Thank been found that the numbers are pretty you, Mr. Speaker. close between surveys by land and by air. I just wondered if the minister is Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. willing to reconsider that for the survey. Minister responsible for the Department Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of Education, Minister Aariak.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Minister of Environment, Minister Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of Arreak. Nunavut take the provisions of this Act very literally that students will be Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): compelled to become bilingual in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we can Inuktitut and English. consider the request of the member to do a land survey. I will let the member It’s unfortunate that perhaps my know if we will do that, as well as the colleague didn’t realize at our last sitting members of the HTO in Coral Harbour. this past winter that I showed the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. numerous teaching material just outside the Chambers here. It is what has to be done when demonstrating teaching

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2671 material. I wish to let it be widely known teaching materials. We have them in and I urge everyone to come and take a Pangnirtung, Arviat, Iqaluit, Kugluktuk, close look at these teaching materials for and Rankin Inlet. They are involved in Inuktitut. So if the member didn’t see the production of teaching materials. them, I invite him to see for himself. I would be happy to show him if he Pond Inlet is not the only place where wishes in order to help him fully these materials are being produced, but understand the need to teach Inuktitut at in other communities as well. The other different levels. Thank you, Mr. position in Pond Inlet will become Speaker. available this fall, to be called the media coordinator position, and it will be open Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. to anyone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Your second supplementary, Mr. Enook. Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Madam Minister. Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut do Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, indeed believe that and that is to be Mr. Speaker. The resource centre in applauded. If only our government Pond Inlet has two positions that have believes in it too. been vacant for a long time now. There is some concern that if Pond Inlet’s The employment openings in Pond Inlet teaching and learning centre loses all of have been vacant for a long time now, its staff members, then the whole office despite their importance. Minister, why will be closed down. Will the minister is it that these positions still haven’t confirm that this important office will been filled? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. remain open in the community of Pond Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister responsible for the Department Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. of Education, Minister Aariak. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Learning Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To reiterate, Inuktitut is treated as such a high priority those two positions in Pond Inlet, one is by the government that education filled and the other one will be filled this resource centres exist in Iqaluit, fall. To let the member understand, the Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, and teaching and learning centre is now Pond Inlet. There are also two positions called the media and Inuktitut resource in Pond Inlet. It is just the other position services centre and they’re also doing that is currently vacant. curriculum work. There are two positions in Pond Inlet; the other one If I were to say it in English, the will be filled this fall. Thank you, Mr. Curriculum and School Services Speaker. Division also produces teaching materials, as well as being responsible Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. for school resources for producing Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook.

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Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, This winter, a young man by the name of Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my Bernard perished between Kugaaruk and Member’s Statement, if the government Taloyoak trying to visit his young is serious about its commitment to the family. The community of Kugaaruk, the Inuit language, then there is no excuse Hamlet of Kugaaruk, along with for the positions at the Pond Inlet Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, and Repulse Teaching and Learning Centre to remain Bay, did what they could. They did do vacant. When will these positions be fundraising, but when you’re talking filled? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. about small communities, there’s not that much money to raise. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak. The young man perished out in the land alone, cold, and lost. The Government of Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Canada talks about sovereignty in the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Arctic, but when it comes to search and government seriously believes that the rescue, where the heck was the Inuktitut language should be protected. Government of Canada when the young man was lost out in the dead of winter As I stated, there are other communities up here? Does the Government of that are doing curriculum development Nunavut have any programs when it in Arviat, Rankin Inlet, Kugluktuk, and comes to search and rescue? Thank you, Iqaluit. Those are where the positions Mr. Speaker. are, not just in Pond Inlet, but in those communities I just mentioned and we Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. feel this is very important. If there’s just Minister of Executive and one community that has those positions, Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam we believe that there should be more Premier. than that, which I mentioned earlier. As well, Pangnirtung and Kugluktuk are Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): developing curriculum. In Pond Inlet, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the there are two positions; one is filled and member for raising this question. I feel the other one will be filled this coming for the family at this time. In Baffin fall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. region too, they are still searching for a lost person, as well as other lost people Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. outside of Baffin that my colleague Oral Questions. Member for Akulliq, mentioned. We feel for them. This is Mr. Ningark. handled by emergency services that assist search and rescue by the Question 384 – 3(3): Search and Department of Community and Rescue Issues and Arctic Government Services. I can give him the Sovereignty (Ningark) details and the minister is aware how they operate. Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you, Mr. Speaker, my question For the federal government, I have is for the Hon Minister of Executive and brought up how important and serious Intergovernmental Affairs. this is when it comes to search and

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2673 rescue north of 60. It would be a lot Hon. Eva Aariak: Thank you, Mr. easier to have a centre closer to the Speaker. I will continue to speak to my communities and I have raised this counterparts about the importance of numerous times. search and rescue in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I fully believe what my colleague is saying. The land searchers in the Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. communities also have coordinators Oral Questions. Member for Rankin within government. Thank you, Mr. Inlet North, Mr. Curley. Speaker. Question 385 – 3(3): Birth Certificates Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. for Nunavummiut Born Outside Just to remind members to try and keep Nunavut (Curley) your supplementaries short. We’re running out of time and I still have one Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, member that hasn’t had an opportunity Mr. Speaker. This is to supplement what to ask a question yet. my colleague from Amittuq was asking in regard to new birth certificates. I also Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningark. think that the Minister of Health and Social Service stated the truth that Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. newborn babies need birth certificates. I My supplementary question to the hon. also want to say that we do not live like minister: what we need now up here animals without birth certificates. during the dead of winter is what we call helicopters from the Government of Those who are born outside the Baffin Canada with night vision and heat region as well as in the Kivalliq and the sensory technology. That’s what we Kitikmeot, most of them still have need and they have those all in the south. difficulty obtaining birth certificates. I think we should make this easier. I want Will the hon. minister speak with her to ask the minister about agreements counterpart [about our] need for the they have with provincial governments technology that we can get up here in because Vital Statistics keeps track of Nunavut, especially when the Nunavutmiut who are born in Manitoba Government of Canada is planning and and Alberta, I believe. Do you have talking about sovereignty up north? If agreements in place with the provinces they want sovereignty, they have to be with respect to birth certificates? Thank able to do rescues without the help of the you. other countries across the globe. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister of Health and Social Services, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister Peterson. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Premier. Speaker. I thank Mr. Curley for the question. Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding that if you’re born in

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Ontario or Alberta or BC or Manitoba, their children. In fact, I even have some the baby is registered there and older constituents in their 30s and 40s registered with Vital Statistics in the who are unfamiliar with the process. appropriate province. If you want the birth certificate from that province, or Mr. Speaker, most provinces and perhaps it could be a territory, you apply territories in Canada have people who to their government. Thank you, Mr. they can contact to assist them to apply Speaker. for birth certificates. There is an online application process as well. Most Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. provinces and territories have websites Your first supplementary, Mr. Curley. where they can access information. I believe the Department of Health and Mr. Curley: Thank you. I understand Social Services also has a website that that. I think it sounds quite simple. For people can access for information. most Nunavutmiut, when their child is born in other provinces, they are home As I indicated earlier in answer to one of within about two or three days after the MLAs, we have government liaison having a birth of a child in that province. officers in most communities who are When you’re applying for a birth available to assist people in the certificate while living in Nunavut to the communities to access information. I Province of Ontario or Manitoba or would assume that government liaison Alberta, it’s not that easy. Most times, [officers] would help people get these individuals are unilingual. So what information from the Government of I’m trying to get at is that it is a privilege Nunavut and also assist them to get to have a birth certificate. You’re not a information from other provinces and citizen unless you have a birth territories. certificate. Mr. Speaker, it’s absolutely important So my question is: do you have an MOU that parents register their babies. I’m with the provinces to ensure that the sure that process is done. It’s important proper services are provided through that babies and individuals, adults, as Vital Statistics of those provinces that they grow up, do have their birth Nunavutmiut who are born are given certificates and keep them safe. They are proper services, even as simple as important documents that help them applying for a birth certificate? Thank access other important documents, such you, Mr. Speaker. as passports, which are important to travel around the world. Airlines require Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. it, other countries require it, and also to Minister of Health and Social Services, get identification to board aircraft, Minister Peterson. which, we all hear, is a very difficult process since 9/11. Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Mr. Curley does ask a good question. I myself have constituents in Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. my riding who have come to me seeking Your second supplementary, Mr. Curley. assistance to have birth certificates for

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Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I government should have not only a appreciate the information, but it is an responsibility but obligations clearly obligation of the government to provide spelled out in an MOU with the basic identity and vital statistic services provinces. to the citizens whom they are responsible for. It is also the law of the Most Nunavutmiut still rely on other nations or the provinces that each child provinces’ birth certificates as most of born is issued with a birth certificate. It the children are still born out of the is therefore a privilege of a citizen born territory. So I look forward to the in a particular location to be provided minister to commit to having an MOU with that identity card or birth with the provinces. Will he do that on certificate. behalf of Nunavutmiut? Thank you.

Why is the minister reluctant to have an Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. MOU with the provinces where they do Minister of Health and Social Services, provide services on behalf of Minister Peterson. Nunavutmiut when they are born out of the Nunavut territory? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank Mr. Curley for his concern for Nunavummiut and birth Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. certificates. Mr. Speaker, the process Minister of Health and Social Services, seems to be working very well now and, Minister Peterson. of course, there’s always room for improvement. Most mothers and fathers Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. are aware that they do have to register Speaker. I thank Mr. Curley for the their children. Mr. Speaker, at this time, question. Mr. Speaker, I’m not reluctant. I can’t make that commitment. Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Your final supplementary, Mr. Curley. Members will note that the allotted time for question period has expired. We will Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move on in our orders of the day. Item 7. would like to thank the minister for that Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to answer. Therefore, will you enter into an Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to MOU arrangement with the provinces? Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. It is vitally important that Nunavutmiut Reports of Standing and Special are provided with a proper ID, including Committees on Bills and Other Matters. a birth certificate, when their children Mr. Ningeongan. are born in the provinces, particularly in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. It is not Item 12: Reports of Standing and just a wish for many Nunavutmiut. They Special Committees on Bills and are normally at home and very Other Matters unfamiliar with applying for birth certificates. Therefore, I think the

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Committee Report 021 – 3(3): Bill 30, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Building Code Act (Ningeongan) The member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. 31 can be immediately referred to the Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 30, Committee of the Whole. Are there any Building Code Act, has been reviewed nays? There are none. So as such, Bill 31 by the Standing Committee on is automatically now ready for Legislation and that the bill, as amended Committee of the Whole. and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Minister to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 30 of Executive and Intergovernmental immediately moved into Committee of Affairs, Madam Premier. the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. The member is seeking unanimous Tabled Document 199 – 3(3): 2011 consent to waive Rule 68(6) so that Bill Annual Report for Nunavut 30 can be referred immediately to the Tunngavik Incorporated (Aariak) Committee of the Whole. Are there any nays? There are none, so Bill 30 is now Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): referred to Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the 2011 Annual Report for Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Thank Committees on Bills and Other Matters. you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Ningeongan. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Committee Report 022 – 3(3): Bill 31, Tabling of Documents. Ms. Ugyuk. An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act (Ningeongan) Tabled Document 200 – 3(3): Photograph of Fuel Distribution Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Infrastructure in Taloyoak Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 31, An (Ugyuk) Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Tabled Document 201 – 3(3): Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Correspondence from the Kikitak Committee on Legislation and that the Housing Association (Ugyuk) bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Tabled Document 202 – 3(3): Copy of the Yukon Government’s “Safer Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Communities and Neighbourhoods to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 31 Act” (Ugyuk) immediately moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Ugyuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three documents to table. Can I do them all at once, please? Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On March 6 of responsible for the Department of this year, I made a Member’s Statement Human Resources, Ms. Ell. concerning the process by which the government awards fuel distribution Tabled Document 203 – 3(3): Public contracts. At that time, I raised concerns Service Annual Report for 2010- regarding the need to ensure that local 2011 Fiscal Year (Ell) suppliers have adequate equipment and infrastructure. I wish to table a Tabled Document 204 – 3(3): photograph today that shows fuel Decentralization Action Plan - distribution equipment and facilities in Strengthening Our Commitment Taloyoak. I will have questions for the to Servicing Nunavummiut (Ell) minister on this issue at a future sitting. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Secondly, I wish to table today a copy of Speaker. I would like to table two the correspondence that I recently documents. received from the Kikitak Housing Association of Gjoa Haven. The Kikitak Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Housing Association’s board of directors Public Service annual report for the is lobbying the Government of Nunavut 2010-11 fiscal year. for additional public housing units for the community of Gjoa Haven. I fully The second document, Mr. Speaker: I support the Kikitak Housing am pleased to table the Decentralization Association’s efforts to secure additional Action Plan - Strengthening Our public housing units for Gjoa Haven and Commitment to Servicing look forward to the government’s Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. response on this issue. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Ell. Item Mr. Speaker, I wish to table today a copy 13. Tabling of Documents. Item 14. of the Government of Yukon’s Safer Notices of Motions. Mr. Ningeongan. Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. This legislation makes it possible to shut Item 14: Notices of Motions down known properties that are being used for illegal activities, including the Motion 031 – 3(3): Extended illegal consumption or sale of alcohol, Adjournment – Notice drug use, or drug trafficking, the use of (Ningeongan) intoxicants and prostitution, and related Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. activities. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, June 7, 2012, I will move the following As a courtesy to the government, I wish motion: to advise that I will have detailed questions on this matter at tomorrow’s I move, seconded by the Hon. Member sitting. I encourage them to be prepared. for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that pursuant to the provisions of Rule 3, that when the House concludes its Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Item present spring sitting, it shall be 13. Tabling of Documents. Minister adjourned until October 23, 2012.

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At the appropriate time, I will seek Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. unanimous consent to deal with my Speaker. May I ask for unanimous motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. consent to go back to Item 5 on the order paper? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Notices of Motions for First Reading of The member is seeking unanimous Bills. Item 16. Motions. Mr. consent to go back to Item 5 in the Ningeongan. Orders of the Day. Are there any nays? There being none. Please proceed, Mr. Item 16: Motions Kusugak.

Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to Visitors in the Gallery deal with my motion today. Thank you. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to The member seeking unanimous consent recognize Pangnirtung Mayor Sakiasie to deal with his motion today, Are there Sowdluapik. Welcome and I’m glad to any nays? There are none. Please see you here. proceed, Mr. Ningeongan. >>Applause Motion 031 – 3(3): Extended Adjournment (Ningeongan) Speaker: Thank you. Welcome to the Gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Gallery. Item 19. Consideration in Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Committee of the Whole of Bills and Member for Rankin Inlet South and Other Matters. Minister’s Statement 155 Whale Cove, that pursuant to the – 3(3), Bill 30, and Bill 31 with Mr. provisions of Rule 3, that when the Enook in the Chair. House concludes its present spring sitting, it shall be adjourned until Before we proceed into Committee of October 23, 2012. the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sergeant-at-Arms. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. The motion is in order. To the motion. >>House recessed at 15:22 and Question has been called. All those in Committee resumed at 15:49 favour. Any opposed? The motion is carried. Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Matters Second Reading of Bills. Minister Kusugak. Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good afternoon. I would now like to call

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2679 the committee meeting to order. In specific aspects of the NBC, such as fire Committee of the Whole, we have the safety and electrical safety, are in force following items to deal with: Bill 30, in Nunavut and enforced by the Bill 31, and Minister’s Statement 155 – Government of Nunavut, a new Building 3(3). What is the wish of the committee? Code Act with associated regulations Mr. Aupaluktuq. will establish the regulatory framework to direct the approval and inspection of Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank new construction, reconstruction, and you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to review change of occupancy of buildings. Bill 30 and at its conclusion, we would like to deal with Bill 31. Upon This Act will facilitate the creation of a completion, we wish to report progress. building official’s office focused on the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. application of the National Building Code in new construction. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Are we in agreement to Subsequent amendments of the Fire deal with Bill 30 first? Prevention Act will clarify the focus of the Fire Marshal’s Office to the ongoing Some Members: Agreed. application of the National Fire Code.

Bill 30 – Building Code Act – I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman and Consideration in Committee colleagues, for this opportunity to outline the proposed bill before the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. House. We appreciate the discussion we Minister of Community and Government had at standing committee earlier today Services, Minister Kusugak, do you have and I would be pleased to respond to any opening comments? questions you may have at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, have opening comments. Mr. Kusugak. Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Chairman (interpretation): Please Minister Kusugak. proceed, Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Chairman, Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. the Building Code Act authorizes the adoption of the National Building Code Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. of Canada for new construction within Does the committee agree to bring in the the territory of Nunavut. witnesses?

Presently, the GN does not have a Some Members: Agreed. regulatory framework in place that is capable of effectively enforcing Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. compliance with the National Building Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Code of Canada (NBC). Though certain witnesses in.

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Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister consideration of Bill 30, Building Code Kusugak, please introduce your Act. witnesses for the benefit of the committee and for the record. Minister The standing committee recognizes that Kusugak. the intent of the bill is to create enabling legislation that will allow the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Government of Nunavut to adopt the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left is National Building Code of Canada and Kathleen Lausman, my Deputy Minister, other codes for the purpose of and to my right is Gary Wong, establishing minimum standards for the (interpretation ends) Facilities Planner construction of buildings in Nunavut. and building official with CGS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee notes that the new legislation will come into force on a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, day or days to be fixed by order of the Minister Kusugak. I apologize, we are Commissioner on the recommendation not quite prepared with the documents of cabinet. Such orders are published in that we need to have in front of us all. the Nunavut Gazette. The standing As Chair, I wish to call a 10-minute committee encourages the minister to break. Thank you. develop a communications plan for ensuring that stakeholders are aware of >>Committee recessed at 15:54 and the government’s timetable for bringing resumed at 16:02 the legislation into force, appointing the members of the Nunavut Building Chairman (interpretation): I would like Advisory Committee, and making to call the committee meeting to order. regulations under the Act. Thank you for your patience. I wanted to make sure everyone had all the papers The standing committee also encourages with them and that’s why our break was the minister to table an annual report in longer than usual. We know the the Legislative Assembly on the witnesses at the witness table and administration of the new legislation. Minister Kusugak had already given his This information will be of benefit to all opening comments. I would like to ask members in evaluating the success of the the chair of the standing committee if he legislation, especially in respect to the has opening remarks. Mr. Ningeongan. activities and decisions of the Nunavut Building Advisory Committee Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank established under section 23. Members you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do have note the important role of the advisory opening comments. committee with respect to ruling on disputes, making recommendations for (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. amendments to the code, and advising Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the minister on building standards. As Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some During the standing committee’s clause- brief opening comments as we begin by-clause consideration of Bill 30, a number of technical amendments were

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2681 made to it. These amendments were Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, made at the request of the minister. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak.

Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. opening comments. The standing Chairman. Like any professional committee recommends the passage of designated and trades professions, it’s Bill 30, as amended, to all members. very challenging to fill inspector Thank you, Mr. Chairman. positions and keep them filled. We do have times in the year where we may be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, short of inspectors, but to answer in a Mr. Ningeongan. Are there any general nutshell, yes, it becomes a challenge at comments? Mr. Elliott. times. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, just had some general questions around Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. the implementation of the bill once it becomes an Act. Under the current Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. practice that is being followed using the With the passing of the bill, will there be Canadian building code, I was an increase in the requirement for staff wondering if the minister could outline or how will it be handled after the who inspects buildings at this time. passing of this bill in terms of inspection Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of buildings to follow through with the building code? Again in some questions, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. as I went out into the community and Minister Kusugak. asked, there were talks about communities actually having to have Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): building inspectors and whether they Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time, would be able to hire them. So I want to the inspections are done by electricians, alleviate any confusion that might have fire marshals, and boiler inspectors. come from those discussions. Thank Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. In terms of the positions that you have, I Chairman. That is yet to be determined. was wondering if the minister could It is hopeful that it will not cause any explain: is there a hard time filling those more hardship. The good side about this positions, or are there long times where is with the permitting process that will positions are vacant? I just want to get a be enacted when this bill does come into feel of the current situation in terms of effect, it will give us the ability to know how business is being done and how that actual construction is being planned, hard it is to fill those positions. Thank where we don’t have that at present. you, Mr. Chairman. Right now, if someone’s building a house, we find out the day before or the

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2682 day out often with people calling for, concerns that community members and let’s say, an electrician to come in and people on hamlet council were worried inspect their house. about when I had asked them. They don’t want any more responsibility and Once this is enacted, we will know that that they are trying as hard as they can to there is a building being planned and/or do the best job that they can, so they constructed. In a sense, it will give us didn’t want any added responsibility or red or yellow flags to let us know that in burden. due process, in time of whatever is being constructed, there will be a call for an I guess my next question is based around inspector of sorts. It should help in better the Government of Nunavut itself in planning to make sure that we do have terms of additional PYs. Is there a dollar electrical inspectors available, whether value that’s assigned to this in terms of they are on staff or not. Thank you, Mr. when we go back for O&M and whatnot Chairman. I hope that answers the through the next process? Is there an question. increase in terms of administering this bill? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Kusugak Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the answer. That Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. definitely does help. The hamlets do Chairman. We don’t anticipate any at have quite a bit of responsibility and this time, but in saying that, it is not yet sometimes they have human capacity determined, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. issues and whatnot as well. In terms of the responsibility for individual hamlets Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, with the passing of this bill, this Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. shouldn’t increase their responsibility or workload or will it? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Thank you for that answer. For my last question, I’m not sure if you want me to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, wait until clause 23, but it’s based Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. around the advisory committee that’s being set up with the 13 members and Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. per diems and all that. Is there a dollar Chairman. This shouldn’t bring any onus value attached to that? That’s sort of for or responsibility to the municipalities the overall bill itself, but I can wait until over and above what they do now. clause 23 if you would like, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. My Mr. Elliott. advice is to wait until clause 23 comes around. Thank you. Mr. Ningeongan. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that. That was one of the Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2683 you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Enook was would then be aware of these plans. We raising questions earlier this morning can then make monthly schedules for the when we were reviewing this issue as it various inspectors. Let’s say when this related to construction projects here in month arrives, the electrical inspector Nunavut. One of his questions related to would have to conduct inspections in the number of construction projects Coral Harbour, and then there would occurring simultaneously. also be other projects in Rankin Inlet requiring his attention. When projects are numerous, various contractors have had to wait for other This will allow CGS to better plan these trades’ contractors to complete their schedules since the government will now jobs. So if this bill is going to be be apprised of plans for construction in approved, then we need to clarify the the communities. Without this bill, any parameters for these types of situations. individual or organizational body is able Can we expect that the past problems we to undertake construction projects have experienced here would largely be without informing the government. resolved were this bill to be approved in the current form? Thank you, Mr. As a matter of fact, the department Chairman. officials would receive calls at the last minute for inspections. Sometimes these Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, calls arrive simultaneously. It is Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Kusugak. impossible to acquiesce to all of these demands, especially since most of these Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): contractors want the inspections Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is a very immediately. Now, if this bill were good question, Mr. Ningeongan, as it is enacted, our office would have this quite pertinent to our experience over the information earlier and accordingly plan past few years where we had undertaken the required inspections for the various multiple construction projects trades. throughout Nunavut. When there are multiple projects, they seem to converge Our vision for this legislation is to with these requirements. enable our government to better coordinate the needs of the construction Prior to this bill being reviewed by this sector, as long as we don’t run into other committee and becoming legislation, any obstacles. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I person could undertake a construction hope I was sufficiently clear. project upon approval of the local municipality. With this bill, they will Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, now have to notify the government of Minister Kusugak. Mr. Ningeongan. their intention to undertake any construction project. Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the For example, in Coral Harbour, let’s say minister for his response. I wish to return that a project for three housing units is to a question that was asked this being contemplated. Here I am just using morning with respect to the a hypothetical situation. The government implementation of bills. To ensure

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Nunavut residents all understand this with fire and electrical safety. So it was process, can the minister provide a pleasing to see that Bill 30 would ensure timeline or the number of months that we would be meeting all the required to implement Bill 30 if it were Canadian regulations, codes, and Acts. I passed? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. just want to verify that the safety and workplace access to Nunavummiut of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, various levels of governments that do Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Kusugak. provide essential services are rather quite important. Their quality of service Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): and the service that they offer must be of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again that’s easy access to Nunavummiut. a very good question by Mr. Ningeongan. After the Committee of the I just want to make a statement that it’s Whole approves the entire bill, we will nice to see that this bill would enhance have to start implementing its the building codes to make sure that they regulations through the Department of meet the National Building Code of Justice. Among these implementation Canada. Just a comment. Thank you, Mr. items is the need to appoint members to Chairman. the advisory council. Once the items that we feel can be completed by this month, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, in this case, we envision a 12-month Mr. Aupaluktuq. General comments. Mr. period prior to this legislation being Tagak Curley. enforced. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to comment on Minister Kusugak. Mr. Ningeongan. several issues, but first of all, I want to thank you. Additionally, thanks for that Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank clarification. you, Mr. Chairman. This isn’t really a question. I just want to indicate that Nonetheless, Mr. Chairman, I have a when we reach clause 33, I will have concern since the implementation items additional questions. Thank you. seem to have increased, particularly in relation to the need to appoint members Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to the council. The appearance is that Mr. Ningeongan. Are there any more they would require their own office, comments or questions on the opening based on the minister’s comments. The comments? Mr. Aupaluktuq. issue I really want to question is why they require an office. I ask in light of Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. the fact that office space is at such a Chairman. My question was in regard to premium throughout Nunavut. regulations; our colleague from Quttiktuq had that clarified. Does this office have to be separate? What changes will occur in their Just a statement on local housing, responsibilities once this becomes especially various levels of government legislation? I refer to the national and their services: they must comply standards that apply to trades, such as

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2685 electrical, plumbing, and boiler codes, Building Code Act provide for that we have to comply with. I don’t see overseeing building and construction of anything wrong with these standards infrastructure, as well as boilers and based on the reason that inspections pressure vessels, as alluded to in the can’t always occur. Act? Thank you.

I want to ask: is this office so important Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that it requires space of its own? That is Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. my first question. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Yes, perhaps the actual terminology Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. under “building official’s office staff” will be the main responsibility and the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): employees within the office will be Thank you. If I missed Mr. Curley’s focused primarily on inspections. So point, he could ask another question. with regard to the legislation, we are Based on your question, my primarily talking about officials that understanding of the matter is that no would work under that legislation. new office space shall be created. The advisory council will meet occasionally Perhaps if I could ask you, Mr. when the need arises. Therefore, no new Chairman, to ask Ms. Lausman to office space will be created when this provide more details. Thank you, Mr. bill becomes law. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman: Ms. Lausman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. Ms. Lausman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to clarify, there are going Mr. Curley: Thank you. I appreciate to be two pursuits; one is the advisory that, but your opening comments do council that the minister mentioned in clearly indicate “the creation of a his opening comments. That advisory building official’s office.” So if council will simply have a role in something is going to be created, my advising on different changes that question is why it would have to be Nunavummiut may want to address created when, in fact, the various particular situations in Nunavut that are officials responsible for overseeing the in addition to the National Building existing building codes appear to be Code. functioning despite the fact that there’s a shortage of inspectors all around. So The building officials will be the what more is needed? inspectors. We currently have electrical, boiler, and fire inspectors. Building Really, the difference needed to facilitate officials, for the most part, reside right that and the only major change appears now within CGS and most of the to be, in my view, a large advisory construction to date has been committee that will oversee it. My government facilities for, actually, the question is: what additional role will this Government of Nunavut or hamlets. In

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2686 addition to electrical, boiler, and fire status quo appears to have functioned as inspections would be things like energy it is? Thank you. construction, structural, whether it has got proper wind loading and snow Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, loading designed into it, accessibility Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. issues, and that sort of thing. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): So we foresee, as Nunavut grows and Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I didn’t quite economic activity increases over time, understand what the member was there will be more construction and over alluding to. (interpretation ends) Thank that period of time, through the you, Mr. Chairman. permitting process, we will be able to determine the workload for building Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. officials and inspectors and address it Mr. Curley. over time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, I’ll clarify. During the committee Ms. Lausman. Mr. Curley. process or standing committee process, the proposed change was with respect Mr. Curley: Thank you. I wanted clause 32(2), “Where an inspector is of clarification on that because I think the that opinion that the installation of a last page of your statement clearly plant,” blah-blah-blah, “the inspector indicates, I think there was one page may direct the owner to contact the chief anyway, right in the middle of it that building official appointed under the there will be “the creation of a building Building Code Act to learn whether a official’s office.” That’s why I needed permit is required under that Act.” clarification on exactly who would be all in that building. I am always under the assumption that the inspector knows exactly when a Now, the other change appears to be permit is required. We now know that that’s a bit fuzzy to me with respect to we’re going to have a bunch of one of the proposed amendments that inspectors who don’t know what they’re change the current Act is that the doing and they’re going to have to cross- responsibility of the inspector, whatever check references with the chief building it be, electrical, in my view, it could be a official to be appointed. Aren’t we building inspector or plumbing creating a bit of confusion or obligation? inspector, or at least an inspector, would Thank you. not necessarily be to have full authority to what is required in terms of permit. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, He’s going to have to check with the Mr. Curley, for clarifying your question. chief building official appointed by, no Minister Kusugak. doubt about it, maybe the minister. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you. What more additional building officials (interpretation) Perhaps if I could ask do you really need when, in fact, the Ms. Lausman to provide details because I believe she understands the

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2687 technicalities, so if you can ask her, Mr. Ms. Lausman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman. The reason for the Building Code Act is to actually get an Act in Chairman: Ms. Lausman. place to allow enforcement of the entire building code. Right now, we have an Ms. Lausman: Thank you, Mr. Act to enforce parts of the building code, Chairman. The need for that motion was but not the code in its entirety. We don’t really to align the current Technical have the opportunity to deal with Standards and Safety Act and that structural, energy, and accessibility reference was actually to the issues and a number of other ones as construction of a boiler plant, the boiler well. So the Building Code Act will itself, and that’s actually manufactured allow that enforcement to happen. elsewhere. We wanted to clarify in the Building Code Act that we were not to be There will now be an opportunity for and not intending to issue permits for folks who review plans and inspect constructing of boilers. The intent is for buildings under the auspices of building issuing permits for installation of boilers official certification to set up a within buildings. We just wanted to permitting process so that construction is make sure that that particular point monitored and notified so that there between the two Acts is clarified. Thank aren’t separate efforts to get building you, Mr. Chairman. permits for boilers, electrical, and those different things. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. Ms. Lausman. Mr. Curley. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley: Thank you. Would that Ms. Lausman. I have no more names on then justify that you need to appoint a my list for general comments. We can chief building official? Doesn’t the continue. We will begin the clause-by- current status quo work? There is no clause review of Bill 30. It’s in your doubt about it, that it could be that the white legislation binder. I believe we can chief building official may be existing in continue. I have the English copy, so I’ll one of the officials that would acquire read the title of the bill in English. new responsibilities. Would that be (interpretation ends) Bill 30, Building possible? Thank you. Code Act. Reprint. (interpretation) Clause 1. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. Some Members: Agreed.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Again, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2. Do Chairman, if you could have Ms. you agree? Lausman answer that part of it. Thank you. Some Members: Agreed.

Chairman: Ms. Lausman. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 3. Do you agree?

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Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 13. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 4. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 14. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 5. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 15. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 6. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 16. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 7. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 17. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 8. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 18. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 9. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 19. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 10. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 20. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 11. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 21. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 12. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed.

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Chairman (interpretation): Clause 22. face-to-face meetings. So I’m just Do you agree? wondering if there was a dollar value that the department has come up with in Some Members: Agreed. terms of what they will be looking at to spend on sort of hosting or maintaining Chairman (interpretation): Clause 23. the committee. Thank you, Mr. Do you agree? Mr. Ningeongan. Chairman.

Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. I just want some Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. clarification on this matter from the minister as to what the purpose of this Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. advisory committee is. Clause 23 speaks Chairman. For those precise reasons that to the establishment of this advisory you gave, we are not able to give you a council. Can the minister provide the precise dollar; we’re very close to a purpose of this advisory committee? ballpark figure at this time. It’s Should this bill be passed, how long will something that we are working on and it take to establish this advisory we will have established before this goes committee? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Kusugak. Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Once the bill Again, this question is based around the has been passed, the implementation process. I want to make sure I work that would allow for the understand. The Act creates the building completion, as per our timeline, either code and then the requirements inside late fall or early winter. That is when we the building code. I remember it had would start searching for members of talked about, specifically, when we had this advisory committee. Thank you, Mr. discussed this in committee and the Chairman. passing of letters back and forth, the idea of possibly… . Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. The Canadian building code has specific guidelines that we’re currently Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. following. Under the new Act, we will My questions are based around in terms be able to put in different requirements of what it says in terms of the advisory to maybe increase fire safety or committee being made up of 13 individuals with disabilities, ensuring individuals. It talks about expenses, ramps and whatnot. Is this what the role honorariums, quorums, vacancies, and of the advisory committee would be with the expenses and honorariums, it doing as well? Thank you, Mr. talks about reimbursing reasonable costs. Chairman. Looks like a lot of it will be handled over the phone and not necessarily in

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Clause 30. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Do you agree?

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman. My colleague has the right assumptions on some of the Chairman (interpretation): Clause 31. responsibilities this committee would Do you agree? have. You’re looking at snow loads, and so on and so forth. Precisely so, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): I am sorry. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Clause 32. Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. Continuing on. Clause 23. Do you agree? Mr. Curley: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I need clarification. Maybe if the Some Members: Agreed. minister could give us an example on how this would, in actual process, Chairman (interpretation): Clause 24. actually work. The current wording is a Do you agree? bit confusing to me, whereas the building inspector appears to be playing Some Members: Agreed. a managing role, whether or not a permit is required, instead of vice versa. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 25. Do you agree? In my view, a contractor building a plant or pressure building system would Some Members: Agreed. normally actually know exactly what permits they’re probably going to need Chairman (interpretation): Clause 26. in order to comply with the various Do you agree? inspections that are going to be required. No doubt about it, the inspector is going Some Members: Agreed. to have, first of all, to look at whether appropriate codes have been obtained Chairman (interpretation): Clause 27. prior to building a plant, not after the Do you agree? fact. Inspectors normally get involved, in most cases, after a certain phase of the Some Members: Agreed. development of the installation of plants or whatnot are underway. It is an Chairman (interpretation): Clause 28. obligation of the owner, in my view, to Do you agree? obtain various permits required under the city, municipal government, or Some Members: Agreed. territorial government.

Chairman (interpretation): Clause 29. The wording confuses me because it Do you agree? says, “Where an inspector is of that opinion…” It has to be an opinion now Some Members: Agreed. that he’s going to tinker around with

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2691 instead of inspection. Why make meaning “device,” apply for a boiler assumptions whether or not a permit is permit, and the inspector would required? He’s going to have to consult determine whether or not a permit is with the building officials, which seems granted under that Act, the Boilers and to be the other way around. This is a Pressure Vessels Act. very poorly worded provision, minister, and it will confuse. The key amendment line here is “Where an inspector is of that opinion that the I can tell you that it seems to be the cart installation of a plant would be before the horse. So why are you considered construction under the changing the current system that appears Building Code Act, the inspector,” to work? Permits are normally obtained meaning the boiler inspector, “may first before the inspector runs around. If direct the owner to contact the chief you look at the second part, (b), he or building official appointed under the she may refuse to issue a certificate of Building Code Act to learn whether a inspection, not having maybe obtained permit is required under that Act.” an opinion or having an opinion. This coordination aspect has to do with, So it kind of confuses me, Mr. in some cases, a person installing a new Chairman, what the amendment is device and upgraded plant, furnace, and proposing. It may be very good in a boiler into their facility, which requires bureaucratic sense, but in a practically installation changes to the building. The technical world, the building contractors building itself may have to be physically are not going to like that. Thank you. altered to allow this new device to be installed, which is beyond the permitting Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, requirements of the boiler itself. We’re Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. talking about changes to the facility.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you. If I So that’s why, where that inspector, the could have Mr. Wong clarify that section boiler inspector, is of that opinion that for Mr. Curley, through you, Mr. the installation of that plant would be Chairman. Thank you. considered construction under the new Building Code Act, he wants to Chairman: Mr. Wong. coordinate it with the building official’s office to see if a permit is required under Mr. Wong: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that office. So therefore, that installation This consequential amendment is would be vetted for National Building specific to the Boilers and Pressure Code aspects. Thank you. Vessels Act and it’s a coordination amendment to go along with the new Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, proposed Building Code Act. Mr. Wong. Mr. Curley

In terms of the word “inspector,” in this Mr. Curley: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, case, it is referring to an inspector under my contention is that the builders the Boilers Act. Typically, the status quo themselves can do that; they can contact is a person would come for a plant, the building official in the government,

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2692 in that office, whether or not they require whether the foundation and the building a permit. Why do you need an inspector can sustain the weight of this boiler. to tell that part of the responsibility of the builder whether they require a permit They would need the building inspector or not? So that confuses me. to go in to make that it is capable of holding this facility. The boiler inspector If you look at another amendment to can only inspect the boiler. He’s not clause 34(2), it’s the same thing. Now, certified to decide whether the floor is the building proponent of a plant, strong enough to hold this facility. I whether it be reconstruction of the plant think that is what this is saying. Maybe that is being burned out or whatnot, that makes sense, maybe not. Thank you instead of going directly to the building Mr. Chairman. officials appointed under this Act and the chief building official, they’re going Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to have to go through the inspector, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. whether or not he is of the opinion that the permit is required. Why couldn’t the Mr. Curley: Thank you. Yes, it clarifies builder or the proponent of a plant go it in some way, but it seems to be rather directly to the chief building official? bureaucratic. If and when a permit is Wouldn’t that accomplish the same thing required, it should be right up front. or cut bureaucratic red tape by at least 50 percent? Thank you. It’s clearly stated in the building code, to revamp a plant, a boiler, or renovating Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the electrical system. It should be made Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. mandatory if it is required that it be in the building code, “a permit is required,” Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. so the inspector doesn’t have to fool Chairman. For the contractors and around, whether or not he has to now be people who work through these engaged in a thought-provoking idea of regulations, it’s really quite simple, I whether or not a permit is required. He think. What this is trying to say is what it himself has to contact the chief building is saying and I stand to be corrected, but official in the government. That really I think I understand it quite clearly. should be the obligation of the proponent or company prior to getting building If I’m renovating my house and I want to plans assigned to the architectural or get a bigger boiler than what’s there, the building engineer. boiler inspector needs to go in there and inspect the boiler that I am installing [to It appears to be bureaucratic red tape, in see if it] is adequate. It might be a good my view, because building contractors boiler, but maybe my floorboards, for normally like to know exactly what example, maybe my floor and permits they require so that they have foundation for the house where the the specs and all that, engineers’ boiler is being installed is too weak or approval of stamps for every major too worn out. So that would not require thing. I would be concerned if they have the boiler inspector; he doesn’t know permits as well. What I’m trying to get at is: isn’t this a bit confusing? Most

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2693 often, contractors don’t want any written clearly that for revamping a bureaucratic red tape, as my colleague plant, a permit is required right up front from Cambridge Bay was saying. somewhere. It shouldn’t just be of the opinion of somebody or an inspector. Could you have your legal people clarify That’s what I’m trying to get at. whether or not my proposition makes sense, another opinion? Thank you. I consider it bureaucratic red tape. Right now, you can build a plant or revamp an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, electrical facility without a permit until Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. the inspector comes around and says, “I think you need to consult with the chief Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you. Our building official of CG&S and see officials have gone over this with the whether or not you need a permit.” legal people. Hopefully, through the That’s exactly what this says. He may whole processing stuff, this may not “direct the owner to contact the chief need to be used, but if it does need to be building official appointed under the used, then it’s there. I know we have Building Code Act to learn whether a very hard-working and honest permit is required under that Act.” So it construction people out there, but if is very quite clear. Thank you. there’s an instance that something was missed, then this is there. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. Normal procedure and protocol, yes, it would be done through the building Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. permits and through inspections, and Chairman. This number 32 is the Boilers stuff. This covers that in this case where and Pressure Vessels Act, not the it is necessary that it is covered there. In electrical he’s referring to. An electrician normal protocol, it may not be needed at can do anything they want right now. all, but for the times that it is needed, This has nothing to do with electrical Mr. Chairman, then it is there. Thank permitting. This is only the boilers and you, Mr. Chairman. pressure vessels. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The point I want to just make or register Mr. Curley: Thank you. I think the it anyway is that it could be a building minister is well aware that if you go to inspector, electrical inspector, or subclause 34(2), and I can read, “Where plumbing or boiler specialist. “…is of an inspector is of that opinion that that opinion” is what concerns me proposed electrical work would be because it’s really quite clear that he is considered construction under the not being asked to put in a provision that Building Code Act, the inspector may: a permit is required. A permit should be a) require the owner to contact the a requirement; it should not be an chief building official appointed…” opinion of somebody. It should be

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So I don’t think there’s any difference read in 32 is much the same as in 34. So between the two. That’s why I used the in my more general comments, I was word because I was part of the standing alluding to the two of them together. I committee review of the proposed bill. I think it was made clear by the minister see the exact same wording used in the that we are dealing with one specific proposed changes that are coming. change in the building code. I want to be Thank you. clear that I think I’m right, that the same wording is applied for electrical and to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, boiler and pressure vessel installation. Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. Am I correct in that, Mr. Chairman? Thank you. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize to my colleague Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, because I thought we were on No. 32 Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. and not No. 34. I understand his point, but those issues Mr. Curley brings up are Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. exactly why we are doing this Act. It’s Chairman. This whole issue with to make sure that permits are in place, no inspectors is to ensure… . The whole matter what the permit requirement is, reasoning behind this is to ensure that that permits be in place so that the proper permits are in place and that the buildings we construct have proper, in codes are adhered to before construction this case, boilers and pressure vessels in is completed so that the electrical place with proper foundation properly in inspectors and the building is all place, with all the proper permits so that building code compliant. Mr. Chairman, we do not create a hazard or danger to that’s the whole purpose for this. Thank the people who will be attending to those you, Mr. Chairman. houses. I couldn’t agree with Mr. Curley more, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. We are at 32. (interpretation) Mr. Curley: Thank you. I appreciate the Thank you. We will move on. Clause 32. partial response. I think it was stated Do you agree? earlier that 32 has nothing to do with the electrical, but in my presentation, I made Some Members: Agreed. it clear that the same rule applies to electrical installations and permits. What Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. we’re dealing with now is that the Clause 33. Do you agree? Electrical Protection Act is amended to ensure they do the same exact procedure Some Members: Agreed. as they do with the boiler and pressure vessel systems. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 34. Do you agree? Mr. Curley. So what I’m trying to get to the minister is the same exact inspector appointed Mr. Curley: Thank you. I just want to would have to go through the same be quite clear that the wording that we rigmarole of going through the chief

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2695 building official, whether or not the Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. permit is required. That’s my point. This is just a question around one of the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. consequential amendments that was repealed. What I had understood of what Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the section was talking about is it was Mr. Curley. Although I didn’t hear a just providing greater certainty around question, but Minister Kusugak, if you the naming of the Government of would like to respond, go ahead. Nunavut. So I’m asking the minister if he could clarify why this was asked to be Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): repealed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 34 has to be approved because it pertains to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the Electrical Protection Act. I noted the Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. comments he made under clause 32. With clause 34, when the electrical Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): inspector does the inspection, they do Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll have Ms. the inspection to make sure that they are Lausman respond to that question. up to par with the Building Code Act. It is likewise with the Electrical Protection Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Act. I understand Mr. Curley’s comment. Ms. Lausman. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Lausman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It was simply to clarify some Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, language between two Acts and it was Minister Kusugak. We can move on. more of a drafting decision than Clause 34. Do you agree? anything. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Lausman. Mr. Elliott. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 35. Do you agree? Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For clarification and for the public Some Members: Agreed. record, when it mentions the Government of Nunavut, it does include Chairman (interpretation): Clause 36. every public agency within the meaning Do you agree? of the Financial Administration Act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Clause 37. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Do you agree? Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Yes. Thank you, Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Clause 38. Chairman: Mr. Elliott. Do you agree? Mr. Elliott.

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Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. “Well, when you put something forward This consequential amendment is like this, maybe there should be a dollar actually based around the Consolidation value attached to it.” I think what I of Technical Standards and Safety Act. I would like to know is not specific dollar think Mr. Ningeongan was asking values, but will you be able to fund this questions about when the Act would with the money you have been allocated come into force and what the timeline already in your budget or will you be would be. In looking at this specific Act, coming back for supplementary the Consolidation of Technical appropriation to ask for more money? Standards and Safety Act, this Act was Thank you, Mr. Chairman. created in the First Assembly in 2002. It has not been brought into force yet. I’m Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, just wondering when the Government of Mr. Elliott. I don’t think the comment Nunavut would be putting it into force. you made is under clause 39, but I will Thank you, Mr. Chairman. allow Minister Kusugak to respond.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Chairman. Again I don’t mean to be vague at all, but we will be working Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. within our department. We will work to Chairman. Shortly after this one, Mr. realign some of the current staff with Chairman. Thank you. training on the matter. We will be developing this with regulations over the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. next year. Hopefully, over that time, we Moving on. Clause 38. Do you agree? will get a better understanding of the overall costs and how we will cover Some Members: Agreed. those costs. I will try my best to ensure that my colleagues are kept informed as Chairman (interpretation): Clause 39. this process goes over the next year. Do you agree? Mr. Elliott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Just before we put the final stamp on it, I Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. had asked the minister before in regard to funding what was possibly going to be Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. coming in terms of possible PYs, The reason I’m asking on clause 39 is increasing staff. I know Mr. Curley was because the answer we received from the alluding to an office that maybe requires minister had said that once his more staffing and also the funding that department or the government decides to will be needed for the advisory board for put it into force, then an advisory board the 13 members. In the replies so far, the will come into effect and it will start to minister had said that this can’t be unfold as to what would be needed. The calculated because we’re not there yet. dollar value would be attached to it and the meter would start running, so to say, Again, I think I have given him leeway once this comes into force. So that’s why instead of continuing to ask and saying, I’m asking the question here.

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The last question I would have is if the 30 can immediately be placed on the minister could commit to keeping us orders of the day for third reading? informed as to… . If he could let the committee know once an assessment is Some Members: Agreed. made of the dollar value. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister Kusugak, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, do you have closing remarks? Mr. Elliott. (interpretation ends) Once again, Minister Kusugak, if you want to Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): respond. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, briefly. I would like to thank my colleagues for Hon. Lorne Kusugak: I do, Mr. supporting this bill because Nunavut is Chairman. Thank you and very good developing and there’s more jobs and questions. Mr. Chairman, with this work to be done. Nunavummiut will whole Act, there will be permitting and now have building code legislation, so if costs for permitting. We will be getting we can adhere to the Building Code Act. money for it by issuing permits at a cost. At that point, we will start to find out if (interpretation ends) As the climate this whole thing can operate through the changes, it is important that changes to permits and the funds we receive good building practices are made through that. through codes and standards that suit the conditions of Nunavummiut. This very I’m not trying to be vague, but once we important bill allows that to happen. figure out the kind of money we’re getting in terms of issuing permits, we I wish to thank my staff and the many will have a lot better understanding of stakeholders who have worked to draft the true value. I assure you that I will do this bill and who will continue to create what we can to ensure that you’re regulations for implementation. updated on the matter. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) Thank you, my Chairman. colleagues. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Moving on. Clause Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, 39. Do you agree? Minister Kusugak. Before we proceed to the review of Bill 31, we will take a five- Some Members: Agreed. minute break.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. >>Committee recessed at 17:08 and I’ll move on. Do members agree to Bill resumed at 17:17 30 as a whole?

Some Members: Agreed.

Chairman (interpretation): Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill

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Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the provisions requiring and limiting the Consumer Protection Act – kinds of action debt collectors can or Consideration in Committee must take in attempting to collect money from debtors on behalf of creditors. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. These include notice provisions, We can now proceed with the review of restrictions on phoning debtors late at Bill 31. I would like to ask the Minister night or at work, restrictions on of Community and Government Services contacting a debtor’s employer, and if he has opening remarks. Minister restrictions on threats of legal Kusugak. proceedings.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. colleagues for this opportunity to outline Should I proceed? the proposed changes in this bill before the House. I appreciated the discussions (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the we had with the standing committee amendments to the Consumer Protection earlier today on these same amendments Act are the result of feedback received and I would now be pleased to respond from Nunavummiut through the to any questions you may have. Department of Community and (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Government Services Consumer Affairs Chairman. Office in Baker Lake and an extensive review of similar legislation in other Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Canadian jurisdictions. Minister Kusugak. Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to The department began a review of the table? Minister Kusugak. Nunavut’s consumer protection legislation in 2010. This review brought Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): to light a number of issues that need to Mr. Chairman, yes. Thank you. be addressed to better protect consumers and identified debt collection practices Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. as an area of immediate concern that Does the committee agree to bring in the could be dealt with in a relatively short witnesses? timeframe. Some Members: Agreed. Overall, the proposed amendments to this Act are part of an ongoing Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. commitment by Community and Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Government Services to work with witnesses in. Nunavut residents and businesses in developing a more functional and Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister responsive consumer affairs Kusugak, please introduce your environment within the territory. witnesses. Minister Kusugak.

The major changes to the legislation Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): under these current amendments include Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my left is

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2699 my Deputy Minister, Ms. Kathleen matters as payday loan operations and Lausman. On my right is Ann McIntosh debit cards. from Justice, Legislative Specialist. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. The standing Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, committee recommends the passage of Minister Kusugak. Welcome to your Bill 31 to all members. Thank you, Mr. officials. Does the chair of the standing Chairman. committee have comments? Mr. Ningeongan. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. As we proceed, are Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank there any general comments on the you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. opening remarks? Since there are none, I (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. will proceed. I have no names on my list. Chairman. As Chair of the Standing Mr. Elliott. Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some brief opening comments Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. as we begin consideration of Bill 31, An My question is on the legislative Act to Amend the Consumer Protection proposal around section 10 of the Act. harmonized list of prohibited collection practices. It provides that, and it’s The standing committee recognizes that quoted as, “Any waiver or release given the intent of the bill is to better regulate of the rights, benefits or protection debt collection practices in Nunavut. In provided pursuant to the Act or May of 2001, federal, provincial, and regulations is void.” Can you tell us how territorial ministers responsible for Bill 31 addresses this provision? Thank consumer affairs agreed to a you, Mr. Chairman. harmonization initiative concerning prohibited debt collection practices. The Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, harmonized list of prohibited practices Mr. Elliott. (interpretation ends) Before I was updated in April of 2003. continue, (interpretation) I can’t see very far without my glasses, so please raise Prohibited practices include such actions your hand up high so that I can see you. on the part of collection agents as the use Minister Kusugak. of threatening, profane, intimidating, or coercive language in their Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. communications with debtors. Bill 31 Chairman. Through you, if I could have incorporates this list into the Consumer Ann McIntosh respond to that specific Protection Regulations made under the question, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. legislation. Chairman: Ms. McIntosh. The standing committee encourages the minister to bring forward additional Ms. McIntosh: Thank you, Mr. amendments to the Consumer Protection Chairman. That provision in the Act over the coming year to address such legislative proposal and in the harmonized list of provisions is actually

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2700 covered specifically by a provision in the understanding everything that’s in it Consumer Protection Act now. In because it’s not translated in the section 107, I think, of the Consumer language of their choice. I just wanted to Protection Act, there is a provision that make sure: so this is actually covered in, prevents or voids the waiver of any right and you said, section 107 of the Act. or any benefit under the Act and Thank you, Mr. Chairman. regulations. Strictly speaking, it’s not necessary to include the waiver Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, provision in the amending provisions. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak.

However, we recognize the Consumer Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Protection Act is a very large Act, it’s a Chairman. Yes, it is. Thank you, Mr. very complex Act, and it’s not a very Chairman. user-friendly Act in spite of being called consumer protection. What we would be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. happy with is, because this set of Mr. Elliott. amending regulations is, in fact, a kind of standalone code of practice for debt Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. collection agencies, that it would be In regard to paragraph 3, and I know we simple. had some comments from the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation It is a kind of a belt-and-suspenders as well, where you had specifically said approach. To add in a waiver provision in your opening comments about some specifically in there to ensure that any of the changes in response to consumer waiver of rights is in respect to debt affairs environment. We were collection practices or in respect to debts specifically concerned about payday owing, that any waiver would not be loans. allowed, it would be void, similar to the provision that’s already in the Act, but Specifically, when I had put it out there repeating it in the regulations so that it’s in terms of discussions in the in with the other provisions and it will be communities about the changes that more apparent to readers and users of we’re making to this Act and some of those provisions. Thank you, Mr. the amendments, that was some of the Chairman. concerns that I had heard, where cards are being put out where there are quite Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, high fees. I think there were some media Ms. McIntosh. Mr. Elliott. stories about the fees for cashing cheques and whatnot. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of the concerns or thoughts that I So I’m just wondering: in terms of some think we discussed was the idea that of the new changes that might be coming without the Language Act actually being to the Act as it continues to unfold, what enforced, sometimes we have unilingual- type of a timeline would we be looking speaking constituents who are signing at for some of these issues to be either their cellphone contracts or their addressed? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. loans, and sometimes not necessarily

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 7. Do Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Chairman, you agree? we will continue to look at the timelines and dealing with those issues that Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Elliott is talking about. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 8. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. I don’t have any Some Members: Agreed. more names on my list for general comments. We will proceed with the Chairman (interpretation): Also on page clause-by-clause review of Bill 31. It’s 7. Schedule A. Do you agree? in your white legislation binder. I have the English copy, so I will read it in Some Members: Agreed. English. (interpretation ends) Bill 31, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Act. (interpretation) We will start clause Going back. That is already done? I’m by clause. Clause 1. Do you agree? sorry. Does the committee agree to Bill 31 as a Whole? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Do members agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill Some Members: Agreed. 31 can immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 3. Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Bill 31 has now been reviewed. Minister Chairman (interpretation): Clause 4. Do Kusugak, if you have any closing you agree? remarks, please proceed. Minister Kusugak. Some Members: Agreed. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Clause 5. Do Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Seriously, I you agree? am not quitting, but I have closing remarks. Some Members: Agreed. I would like to thank the members for Chairman (interpretation): Clause 6. Do supporting this bill. you agree?

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I further wish to thank all of our tireless Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. There employees who partook in the drafting is a motion on the floor. Is there a and revision of this legislation, seconder? Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman. motion is in order. All those in favour. Thank you. Any opposed? The motion is carried.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Minister Minister Kusugak. I absolutely don’t Kusugak. want you to quit either. Sorry about the dialectal misunderstanding. Item 21: Third Reading of Bills

Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please Bill 30 – Build Code Act – Third escort the witnesses out. Reading

What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Chairman, at this 30, Building Code Act, be read for the time, I would like to move a motion to third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. The motion is in order. All those in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, favour. Any opposed? The motion is Mr. Ningeongan. There’s a motion on carried and Bill 30 has had third reading the floor to report progress and the and is now ready for assent. motion is not debatable. To the motion. All in favour, please raise your hand. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Minister Opposed. The motion is carried. Thank Kusugak. you. I will now rise to report progress. Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Speaker: Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at- Consumer Protection Act – Third Arms. Moving on with our orders of the Reading day. Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Enook. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Item 20: Report of the Committee of Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill the Whole 31, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act, be read for the third Mr. Enook: Uqaqtii, your committee time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. has been considering Bills 30 and 31, and would like to report that Bills 30 and Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. 31 are immediately ready for third The motion is in order. All those in reading. And, Mr. Speaker, I move that favour. Any opposed? The motion is the Report of the Committee of the carried and Bill 31 is ready for assent Whole be agreed to. because it has had third reading.

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Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. 18. Second Reading of Bills Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. 19. Consideration in Committee of

Item 22: Orders of the Day the Whole of Bills and Other

Matters Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a reminder that there are  Minister’s Statement 155 – meetings tomorrow morning with the Standing Committee on Legislation 3(3) starting at nine o’clock in the Nanuq 20. Report of the Committee of the Boardroom. Whole Orders of the Day for June 6: 21. Third Reading of Bills

1. Prayer 22. Orders of the Day Thank you. 2. Ministers’ Statements

3. Members’ Statements Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until 4. Returns to Oral Questions Wednesday, June 6, at 3:00 p.m. 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Sergeant-at-Arms. Gallery

6. Oral Questions >>House adjourned at 17:39 7. Written Questions 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 Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills  Bill 40