Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
3rd Session 3rd Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 35
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Pages 1938 – 2001
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 of Human Resources; Minister responsible for Immigration; Government House Leader; Minister of Minister responsible for the Minister responsible for the Status of Community and Government Services; Nunavut Housing Corporation; Women Minister responsible for the Qulliq Minister responsible for Energy Corporation Homelessness; Minister responsible Hon. James Arreak for the Workers’ Safety and (Uqqummiut) John Ningark Compensation Commission Minister of Culture, Language, Elders (Akulliq) and Youth; Minister of Environment; Hon. Daniel Shewchuk Johnny Ningeongan Minister of Languages; Minister (Arviat) (Nanulik) Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Council responsible for Nunavut Arctic Committee of the Whole College
Moses Aupaluktuq Hezakiah Oshutapik (Baker Lake) Louis Tapardjuk (Pangnirtung) (Amittuq)
Tagak Curley Deputy Chair, Committee of the Hon. Keith Peterson Whole (Rankin Inlet North) (Cambridge Bay)
Minister of Finance, Chair of the Monica Ell Hon. Peter Taptuna Financial Management Board; Minister (Iqaluit West) (Kugluktuk) of Health and Social Services Deputy Premier; Minister of Ron Elliott Economic Development and (Quttiktuq) Transportation; Minister of Energy
Jeannie Ugyuk (Nattilik)
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 ...... 1938
Ministers’ Statements ...... 1938
Members’ Statements ...... 1941
Returns to Oral Questions ...... 1944
Oral Questions ...... 1944
Tabling of Documents ...... 1962
Second Reading of Bills ...... 1962
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 1965
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 2000
Orders of the Day ...... 2001
A. Daily References
Thursday, March 1, 2012...... 1938
B. Ministers’ Statements
130 – 3(3): Nunavut Supports Artists’ Resale Rights (Taptuna) ...... 1938
131 – 3(3): Curriculum Resources in Nunavut (Aariak) ...... 1939
132 – 3(3): Dedication and Professionalism Demonstrated by Nunavut Arctic College and the
Community of Iqaluit Applauded (Shewchuk) ...... 1939
133 – 3(3): Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti (NNI) Policy Review (Aariak) ...... 1940
C. Members’ Statements
189 – 3(3): 2012 TV Nunavut Conference (Ell) ...... 1941
190 – 3(3): Successful Start to Winter Turbot Fishery (Oshutapik) ...... 1942
191 – 3(3): Northern Youth Abroad (Elliott) ...... 1942
192 – 3(3): Kugluktuk Participants at the Arctic Winter Games (Taptuna) ...... 1943
193 – 3(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Participants at the Arctic Winter Games (Arreak) ...... 1944
D. Returns to Oral Questions
Return to Oral Question 259 – 3(3): Establishment of Total Allowable Take of the Southern
Hudson Bay Polar Bear Subpopulation (Arreak) ...... 1944
E. Oral Questions
289 – 3(3): Fire Safety Inspections (Ell) ...... 1944
290 – 3(3): Security at Nunavut Airports (Enook) ...... 1945
291 – 3(3): Community Freezers (Ningeongan) ...... 1947
292 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Policies Regarding Construction Contracts (Ningark) ....1948
293 – 3(3): Safety and Security of Students (Curley) ...... 1951
294 – 3(3): Affordable Housing and Nunavut Trust (Elliott) ...... 1953
295 – 3(3): Total Allowable Harvest of Polar Bears (Rumbolt) ...... 1954
296 – 3(3): Alberta Curriculum and Entrance Exams (Oshutapik) ...... 1956
297 – 3(3): Inuit Societal Values (Tapardjuk) ...... 1958
F. Tabling of Documents
160 – 3(3): Quttiktuq Constituency Newsletter (Elliott) ...... 1962
161 – 3(3): Interim Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of
Committees and Caucuses for the Period October to December of 2011 (Speaker) ...... 1962
162 – 3(3): Report to the Management and Services Board on Procurement and Contracting
Activities for the Legislative Assembly for the Year 2010-2011 (Speaker) ...... 1962
G. Committee Motions
008 – 3(3): Review of the Patient/Client Complaints Procedure of the Department of Health and
Social Services (Tapardjuk) ...... 1990
H. Bills
Bill 28 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2011-2012 – Second Reading ...... 1962
Bill 29 – Write-off of Assets Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – Second Reading ...... 1963
Bill 30 – Building Code Act – Second Reading ...... 1963
Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act – Second Reading ...... 1964
Bill 32 – An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act – Second Reading ...... 1964
Bill 33 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act – Second Reading ...... 1964
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Health and Social
Services – Consideration in Committee ...... 1965
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1938
Iqaluit, Nunavut established an international reputation Thursday, March 1, 2012 for the distinctiveness and quality of Members Present: their work. Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Inuit artists have brought their vision of Mr. Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. the world to an international audience Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable and built an economic sector that creates Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. jobs and contributes tens of millions of Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah dollars every year to Nunavut’s Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, economy. Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Speaker, in Tamapta, we committed Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter to increasing support for culture and the Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, arts. We also committed to reducing Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk. poverty in our communities. Today, we add our voice to support artists’ resale >>House commenced at 13:31 right and encourage Canada to address this critical piece of legislation. Item 1: Opening Prayer Mr. Speaker, an artists’ resale right Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): would entitle visual artists like Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before Nunavut’s Pitaloosie Saila, Qavavau we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. Manumie, Paul Maliki, and Nick Ningeongan if he could lead us off with Sikkuark, just to name a few, or their a prayer, please. estate, to a 5 percent royalty payment on art resold through an auction house or >>Prayer commercial gallery.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, The artists’ resale right was first Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) introduced in France in 1920. Since then, Moving on in our orders of the day. Item 59 countries worldwide have enacted 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of legislation to establish resale royalty Economic Development and rights for their visual artists. Transportation, Minister Taptuna. As just one example, in November, two Item 2: Ministers’ Statements prints by Kenojuak Ashevak sold at auction for a total of $29,620. If Canada Minister’s Statement 130 – 3(3): had an artists’ resale right, she would Nunavut Supports Artists’ Resale have received a royalty payment of Rights (Taptuna) $1,481.
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, visual art, more often than Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, any other art form, appreciates in value Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut. Mr. over time as the artist’s reputation Speaker, in fewer than 50 years, through grows. It is time for Canada to recognize the production and sale of art, Inuit have the right of Nunavut’s artists to benefit
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1939 from the resale of their work. Thank core subjects, such as language, math, you, Mr. Speaker. science, and social studies.
>>Applause …(interpretation ends)…Mr. Speaker, the social and economic strengths of the Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. community to provide education that Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister helps students become proficient, responsible for the Department of capable, and contributing members of Education, Madam Minister Aariak. society. Our students will gain essential knowledge and skills to continue their Minister’s Statement 131 – 3(3): studies anywhere in Canada, to gain Curriculum Resources in Nunavut employment, to serve their families and (Aariak) communities, and to create the Nunavut Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good envisioned by the mothers and fathers of afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, invite my colleagues to review the Mr. Speaker. curriculum and resource display my department has set up in the lobby of the >>Applause Legislative Assembly. Here you will see an example of the extensive resources Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. we have in Nunavut to support learning Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister from early childhood to grade 12. responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Minister Shewchuk. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, in consultation with elders, Minister’s Statement 132 – 3(3): has been working hard to develop Dedication and Professionalism curriculum and resources that reflect the Demonstrated by Nunavut Arctic unique culture, heritage, and history of College and the Community of Nunavut. When you look at these Iqaluit Applauded (Shewchuk) materials, you will see reflections of what makes us Nunavut. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say how Mr. Speaker, we also work closely with proud I am of the staff at Nunavut Arctic our curriculum partners from the College and thank them for their Northwest Territories, Yukon, Manitoba, professionalism and dedication to the Saskatchewan, and Alberta to develop students who suffered losses on Sunday curriculum that meet the high standards night’s fire. The staff at Nunatta Campus our students expect and deserve, and the Nunavut Research Institute has Canada-wide standards. given more than their time and effort to volunteer and to take responsibility to We are working to ensure our students make sure that our student families can are engaged in their learning through a return to some sense of normality. They balance of academic studies and have worked as a true team with the City practical hands-on coursework. We of Iqaluit, the landlord, local businesses, believe in a system based on mandatory the Canadian Red Cross, local
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1940 authorities, and many volunteers to make We are a strong and resilient people and this happen. we will rebuild and move forward together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to say “thank you” to the hundreds of people >>Applause across Nunavut, Canada, and around the world for their donations of time, Speaker: Thank you, Minister money, love, and support for all those Shewchuk. I’m sure that all members who have been affected by this week’s take their hats off to all those involved in events. helping out this past week. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister for We extend our sincere and heartfelt Executive and Intergovernmental thanks to the City of Iqaluit, the Iqaluit Affairs, Madam Premier. fire department and its emergency responders who braved extremely cold Minister’s Statement 133 – 3(3): weather to battle the fire. We would also Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik like to thank the Royal Canadian Ikajuuti (NNI) Policy Review Mounted Police and also the staff of the (Aariak) Qikiqtani General Hospital. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As was noted Mr. Speaker, the generosity and random in the Budget Address, although it is a acts of kindness from Nunavutmiut, year earlier than expected, we have Canadians, and others from around the directed our officials to launch a world is deeply appreciated. Eighty- comprehensive review of the three people are sleeping in their own Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti warm beds tonight because a community Policy, or NNI Policy, in collaboration pulled together. with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. There is a general agreement with NTI >>Applause that this review will take place one year earlier than expected. This is a It would be impossible to thank each and requirement under Article 24 of the every person, but they know who they Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and is are and we want them to know we will an important tool for ensuring that the be forever grateful. benefits of economic development in Nunavut stay within the territory and My congratulations to the President of provide opportunities to land claim Nunavut Arctic College, Michael beneficiaries. Shouldice, and his fine team of college staff who were there for their students Mr. Speaker, in conjunction with the and their families. NNI review, our officials will conduct a comprehensive internal review of This week, Mr. Speaker, we learned the Government of Nunavut public true meaning of Tamapta (all working procurement practices. The NNI and together). procurement review will be coordinated through the secretary to cabinet who will report on progress to cabinet.
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Interdepartmental working groups will committee will be formed, tasked with present final results to cabinet for overseeing the implementation of the consideration and eventual action plans. implementation by the responsible ministers. Language strategists, program producers, educators, elders, youth, Mr. Speaker, public procurement plays a technical personnel, representatives from vital role in Nunavut’s economy. Mr. Inuit organizations, the Government of Speaker, as we regain our self-reliance, Nunavut, and funding groups will be we must be guided by the principle of present, working together to take the Qanuqtuurniq – being innovative and next step in forming TV Nunavut. There resourceful so that our government will be panel discussions, special reflects our unique circumstances. The presentations by stakeholders and objective of our internal public working groups forming within the procurement review, when matched with conference. the joint NNI review, is to ensure that our practices reflect emerging best Mr. Speaker, as you know, I am proud to practices and are effective and efficient. have worked with the Inuit Broadcasting Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Corporation for a number of years. IBC has played a significant and ongoing in >>Applause the use and promotion of the Inuit language. For decades, IBC’s programs Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. have informed our residents and Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Item 3. entertained our children. A number of its Members’ Statements. Member for programs, including Takuginai, are Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell. known throughout the world.
Item 3: Members’ Statements Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s recent report on Inuit Member’s Statement 189 – 3(3): 2012 language emphasizes the importance of TV Nunavut Conference (Ell) ensuring that our children and youth embrace our language. The work Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. performed by IBC and others is critical Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise to achieving this goal and I strongly today to inform the House of an support the initiative to ensure a vibrant important and exciting event that begins broadcasting sector. Thank you, Mr. in Iqaluit next week. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the 2012 TV Nunavut >>Applause Conference will be held from March 5 to 9 of this year. The purpose of this event Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Item 3. is to develop an organizational, Members’ Statements. Member for programming, technical, and funding Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik. framework with action plans leading to the formation of a regional television network, TV Nunavut. A steering
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Member’s Statement 190 – 3(3): Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for Successful Start to Winter Turbot unanimous consent to conclude my Fishery (Oshutapik) statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my The member is seeking unanimous constituents. (interpretation ends) Mr. consent to conclude his statement. Are Speaker, I rise today to inform the House there any nays? There being none. that this year’s winter turbot fishery in Please proceed, Mr. Oshutapik. Pangnirtung is off to an excellent start. Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, as you know, Pangnirtung you, Mr. Speaker. Fisheries plays a major role in the community and is a critical part of our Fishing is a sustainable industry that is local economy. This year’s turbot fishing critical to our economy and communities season started on January 21. Since that in Nunavut. I ask all members to join me time, almost 200,000 lbs. of turbot has in expressing support for Pangnirtung been processed in the plant. Fisheries and my constituents who are working to build a better tomorrow. >>Applause Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The value of the catch is close to a >>Applause quarter of a million dollars. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Mr. Speaker, there are 44 fishermen to Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member date. Approximately two dozen of my for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. constituents are employed at the plant. Given the limited job opportunities in Member’s Statement 191 – 3(3): our smaller communities, I am proud of Northern Youth Abroad (Elliott) the commitment that Pangnirtung Fisheries has to the well-being of our Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I residents. rise today to congratulate the Northern Youth Abroad Program for another fine Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) I have been season of success. informed that both major airlines can barely keep up with the volume of fish Mr. Speaker, six of my constituents, that is being shipped to our customers. April Eecheak, Nick Mukpa, and As you know, we have achieved success Jacqueline Arnauyumayuq from Arctic in expanding our market to the United Bay, Etuangat Akeeagok from Grise States and Japan. Fiord, as well as alternates Saalia Pijamini and Sasha Eecheak have been I want to express my support for the selected for this year’s Canadian programs that the Department of program. I know that their experience Environment has in the area of fisheries will give them valuable knowledge to and sealing, including the commercial help them prepare for their future. fisheries freight subsidy.
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Mr. Speaker, the Northern Youth Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Abroad Program continues to be very me in congratulating all of this year’s successful, with this year marking its successful participants in the Northern 15th anniversary. Last year, 44 Youth Abroad Program. Thank you, Mr. participants have completed the Speaker. program. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the support of the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Item 3. Government of Nunavut in making an Members’ Statements. Member for additional contribution for 2011. The Kugluktuk, Mr. Taptuna. program has proven itself with the impressive results that it has received Member’s Statement 192 – 3(3): and kudos to the government for Kugluktuk Participants at the recognizing that fact. Arctic Winter Games (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, the Northern Youth Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Abroad Program is open to youth from Speaker. I rise today to congratulate 11 across Nunavut and the Northwest young members of my constituency of Territories. The program helps Kugluktuk. participants develop professional skills while getting hands-on work experience. Mr. Speaker, the 11 young members They earn high school credits through a have been selected and will be cross-cultural learning experience in participating in the Arctic Winter Games southern Canada or abroad. in Whitehorse.
Mr. Speaker, the Northern Youth Mr. Speaker, in Inuit games, there’s Abroad Program has a number of going to be Andrew Atatahak, Andrew objectives: building knowledge, cross- Bell, Ikey Bolt; for soccer, Kendra Bolt, cultural awareness, completion of high Carmen Aviak, Aislyn Bolt, Scott Hala, school, global education, job training, Doyle Algona; for table tennis, Krista community development, leadership Niptanatiak, Corey Niptanatiak, and development, international citizenship, Ellie Okaitok. and improved self-confidence. Any one of these is incredibly worthwhile to the I want to take this opportunity to youth in our society. congratulate all of these young folks who are going to be participating and I Mr. Speaker, times are tight for many thank the coach and volunteers who have entities and organizations in the current put in a lot of time to make this a reality fiscal climate. I am pleased that the for our young folks. Thank you, Mr. minister and her officials have provided Speaker. support to this program to enable it to continue providing such wonderful >>Applause opportunities to our youth to develop and grow. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. Best of luck to those young individuals in
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Whitehorse. Item 3. Members’ Return to Oral Question 259 – 3(3): Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Establishment of Total Allowable Mr. Arreak. Take of the Southern Hudson Bay Polar Bear Subpopulation Member’s Statement 193 – 3(3): (Arreak) Qikiqtarjuaq Participants at the Hon. James Arreak: Thank you, Mr. Arctic Winter Games (Arreak) Speaker. I would like to provide a response to an oral question posed to me Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): on February 27, 2012 by the member Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good from Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. afternoon” to my constituents in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq. (interpretation Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the ends) Hello, my friends. hon. member that the Government of Nunavut representative on the Nunavik (interpretation) I, too, wish to celebrate Marine Region Wildlife Board is Mr. along with my colleagues. Although I Sandy Akavak from Kimmirut, who is had already made a statement earlier presently planning to attend the about the Arctic Winter Games, I also upcoming public hearings when it want to name athletes from my occurs. constituency who will participate. I trust this answers the member’s In basketball, Kyle Hainnu; table tennis, question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Jay Sanguya; and in badminton, Jenny Mosesie will partake in the AWG. In Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. particular, Jenny has participated in Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item several tournaments throughout Canada 5. Recognition of Visitors in Gallery. and I am quite proud of this young lady Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for from Qikiqtarjuaq. Iqaluit West, Ms. Ell.
Additionally, our youth throughout Item 6: Oral Questions Nunavut should continue to improve their skills, especially those activities Question 289 – 3(3): Fire Safety that result in a healthy physical state. Inspections (Ell) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My >>Applause question is to the Minister of Community and Government Services. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Arreak. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Moving on in The 2010 Annual Report of the Office of our orders of the day. Item 4. Returns to the Fire Marshal was tabled in the Oral Questions. Minister responsible for Legislative Assembly on March 9, 2011. the Department of Environment, When will the minister table the 2011 Minister Arreak. annual report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister responsible for the Department of
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Community and Government Services, Question 290 – 3(3): Security at Minister Kusugak. Nunavut Airports (Enook)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow colleagues and the residents of Rankin residents of Pond Inlet and Inlet and Whale Cove. With respect to Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, my your question, I will release the report questions are for the Minister of once it becomes available. Thank you, Economic Development and Mr. Speaker. Transportation.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. I want to begin by thanking the minister Your first supplementary, Ms. Ell. for getting back to me so quickly with respect to the questions that I asked him Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. last week concerning security at Speaker. I thank the minister. The 2010 Nunavut airports. I appreciate his efforts. annual report indicates that 1,815 fire prevention inspections… . I’ll switch to In his return to my question, the minister English. (interpretation ends) …fire indicated that his department is prevention inspections took place of “initiating camera security at the Pond various facilities. Can the minister Inlet Airport this year that will provide clarify what authority the fire marshal coverage of that air terminal building has to inspect privately owned apartment and ramp area.” I would like to ask the buildings and can he indicate if such minister to provide me with some more inspections are routinely undertaken? detail concerning who will be operating Thank you, Mr. Speaker. this new security system and what training will be provided to them. Thank Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister you, Mr. Speaker. responsible for Community and Government Services, Minister Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Kusugak. Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation, Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Taptuna. Speaker. I don’t have that kind of detail available to me. In light of that, I will Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. unfortunately have to take the question Speaker. I thank the member for that as notice, as much as I hate to, but I question. I believe, in the return to oral don’t have that information before me. question, I did indicate that we’re Thank you, Mr. Speaker. looking at that and in the coming months, we’re going to be putting out Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. RFPs or requests for quotes on providing The question has been taken as notice. such services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook.
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Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, government has responsibility for Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. I ensuring security at our territory’s would like to raise this additional airports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question. In his return to my questions, the minister also indicated that his Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. department has “initiated the Minister responsible for Economic procurement and installation of more Development and Transportation, airport fencing and will be installing Minister Taptuna. camera security systems in more airports in the upcoming fiscal year.” I’m sure Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. that many of my colleagues will also be Speaker. I thank the member for that happy to hear this. Can the minister very important question. Nunavut indicate which airports will benefit from airports do have that responsibility to a these upgrades? Thank you, Mr. certain degree. As everybody is well Speaker. aware, to put high security fencing and cameras in all the communities is just Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. not feasible. It takes a lot of money and a Minister responsible for the Department lot of maintenance costs. of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Once we prioritize the needs of the securities within these communities, we Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. will get that information out. As usual, it Speaker. As I indicated in the return to will take several departments to get to oral question, there are going to be some that point. We’re always looking for communities that will benefit by having assistance from the hamlets in doing secure fencing around the airport and some of these security things. Once the terminal area. I don’t have that level of department has solid priorities in place, detail on which communities those are we will get that information out to the going to be. Once we prioritize them member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. with some assistance from other departments, we will bring that Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. information forth. Thank you, Mr. Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. Speaker. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Mr. Speaker. I thank the hon. minister Your second supplementary, Mr. Enook. for that. I know for a fact that it’s a very complex issue. However, I want to raise Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, this other question. What timeframe and Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank what order of communities will be the minister. I would like to get further followed in trying to get this work clarification on this issue. In his return to completed? When will the dates for my questions, the minister also indicated construction commence for these that his department “met with the hamlet projects? I wonder if the minister can council that increased surveillance on respond to that question. Thank you, Mr. the airport with their by-law officers.” Speaker. Can the minister clarify which level of
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Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Minister responsible for Economic Speaker. Community freezers were built Development and Transportation, in, I believe, Repulse Bay and Minister Taptuna. Chesterfield Inlet a few years ago and the average cost was between $100,000 Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. and $230,000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Iqaluit being an international airport, of course, that will have priority. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. It’s more or less to keep in code with all Your first supplementary, Mr. the regulations that are required for an Ningeongan. international airport. Usually after that, it’s going to be the regional hubs, with Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. more activity, more traffic, and more Speaker. The department’s budget for its requirements for security. Again, we will new Country Food Distribution Program prioritize and get that information out to is just under $1 million. Can the minister the House here once we have done that indicate how much of this budget is with our partners. Thank you, Mr. available for the purchase of a new Speaker. community freezer? Thank you.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Oral Questions. Member for Nanulik, Minister responsible for Economic Mr. Ningeongan. Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Question 291 – 3(3): Community Freezers (Ningeongan) Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated earlier in the Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. session, it has been very slow with the Speaker. My questions are for the uptake and receiving proposals. We’re Minister of Economic Development and prepared to assist any community in Transportation. developing a proposal and get it to a point where we can actually start I would like to follow up today with the building a community freezer. There has minister on the issue of community been interest from 14 communities and freezers under his department’s Country the applications of proposals are still Food Distribution Program. Can the being evaluated. minister provide the House with an estimate as to the average cost of a new At this time, Mr. Speaker, we’re still community freezer? Thank you, Mr. looking at communities to give us any Speaker. kind of indication as to what extent they’re willing to take ownership of the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. infrastructure. Again, Mr. Speaker, as I Minister responsible for Economic indicated earlier, it has been a bit of a Development and Transportation, sticking point for the communities when Minister Taptuna. it comes to the ownership of community infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. minister for not taking my question as Your second supplementary, Mr. notice. Ningeongan. My last supplementary question: has the Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. minister’s department undertaken an Speaker. Before I ask the second inventory of the age and condition of supplementary question, I would like to existing community freezers across stress that I’m not necessarily being Nunavut and, if so, would he commit to directed to ask this question by my providing the results of the survey to the constituents. Members of the Legislative Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week, the minister indicated that relatively few communities have Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. applied to the department funding to Minister responsible for Economic acquire new community freezers. As the Development and Transportation, minister is aware, the government’s Minister Taptuna. approach to mobile equipment funding for municipalities was changed a few Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. years ago to provide for block funding to Speaker. I thank the member for that the communities. Would the minister question. Mr. Speaker, I’m not going to commit to considering the idea of speculate if there is existing data out providing block funding to communities there on the condition and community for the renovation and purchase of freezer infrastructure that’s available, community freezers and related activities but I’ll certainly make it available to the concerning food security and poverty member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. reduction? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Oral Questions. Member for Akulliq, Minister responsible for Economic Mr. Ningark. Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Question 292 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Policies Regarding Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Construction Contracts (Ningark) Speaker. Again, Mr. Speaker, we’re open to any proposal or recommendation Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank from the communities. If it’s sustainable you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to wish a and beneficial for the communities, we very good afternoon to all of my will certainly look at that. Thank you, constituents and Nunavummiut. I would Mr. Speaker. like to direct my questions to the Minister of Community and Government Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Services. I imagine he will completely Your final supplementary, Mr. grasp the question I’m about to raise and Ningeongan. that he will agree with it because in past, he has been a mayor of a community. Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Perhaps I should announce his title, Speaker. I would like to thank the
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(interpretation ends) the Hon. Lorne Government Services, Minister Kusugak. Kusugak.
(interpretation) I just recently had a Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): teleconference with the mayor and SAO Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank of Repulse Bay. We all know and the Mr. Ningark for raising that question. I government knows about the health agree with his position completely, as centre construction project currently per the comments you just stated. Yes, underway in that community. Concerns as I was a mayor in the past, I totally have been brought to my attention that understand where the member is coming the contractor is not using local from and what a community expects as equipment and facilities, such as hotel benefits. I agree with your comments on rooms for its workers. Furthermore, the this aspect. construction workers brought in their own vehicles. The projects are all different as they follow the RFP criteria and conditions So there are no economic side benefits which outline what the job entails, what accruing to the community as the hotel resources are available locally, and what sits empty, whereas if it had been used, it materials they have to bring into the could have benefited the hotel. This community, including their billeting includes the local truck rental companies arrangements. Unfortunately these that could have benefited, such as the contract details are usually very different drivers, mechanics, and local workers and are not singularly applicable to who could have received these benefits. every contract.
We also know that whenever the However, if the hamlet has issues with Nunavut government contracts out a this particular project, there is a staff large project in the community, it is member that manages these contracts. So ostensive to ensure that the community I will task that official to look into that gets economic benefits. At least that was contract and determine what details are the principle we tried to follow. Can the included in the contract and what is minister respond as to whether or not the included with respect to using local government’s policies and practices that resources, such as local hotels and apply to these contracts were adhered to? businesses. I imagine that it is appended, so I will have it looked at. Thank you, Do you have an agreement in place Mr. Speaker. which outlines that any contractor that is not local, when they are undertaking Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. their project, should try to utilize the Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningark. local resources, such as hotels and truck rental companies, so that there are Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank economic side benefits? Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Although I didn’t give Speaker. the hon. minister advance notice regarding the other question I was going Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. to ask, it seems as if he read my mind Minister responsible for Community and because I was going to ask if he was
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1950 going to review that matter. Even though Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. I had not given him advance notice, he Your second supplementary, Mr. seems to have read my mind, so I’ll raise Ningark. the question anyway. Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank He spoke about an agreement, but you, Mr. Speaker. Since this is my whenever you’re talking about large second supplementary question, I want contracts, does he know whether or not to ask this question, but I would like to there are stipulations for purchasing thank the minister for his responses. On materials from the communities that behalf of the Repulse Bay mayor and the they’re working in? The contractors residents, I thank him. ought to be utilizing more of the communities’ resources to ensure that As we are sitting in this session that is the communities’ commercial operations supposed to end on March 9, can he task can also benefit from the influx of his officials to discuss this matter with construction workers. So I urge the the mayor and council of Repulse Bay? minister to encourage these contractors Sometimes MLAs don’t always make to use as much of the communities’ sense when we are trying to voice our resources as they can. Thank you, Mr. constituents’ concerns. Perhaps he can Speaker. ask his officials to check into this with the hamlet prior to March 9, 2012. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Community and Government Services, Minister Kusugak. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister responsible for Community and Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I Government Services, Minister doubt that I could have read your notes Kusugak. even if you had given them to me. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): However, with respect to contracts, it Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe some depends on the contract. As we all know, of my officials are watching and they can have an impact on a listening. If one of the officials hasn’t community, especially in a smaller already sent a text message or called, community. Whenever they’re working then as soon as it’s practicable, they will on larger construction projects, it’s quite get to that. Again, our officials have a obvious that a lot of people also want to myriad of tasks and they’re quite busy, benefit from them. but I will ensure that it’s included as one of our priorities. Once the time is So I will ensure that my officials look available to do that, they will proceed. into this matter, as well as whether they Thank you, Mr. Speaker. are following the conditions that are included in these contracts, and whether Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. or not we can have a set agreement Oral Questions. Member for Rankin outside of these contracts. Thank you, Inlet North, Mr. Curley. Mr. Speaker.
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Question 293 – 3(3): Safety and through an orientation process, with Security of Students (Curley) emergency phone numbers, contact information with the hospital and police, Mr. Curley (interpretation): Good and obviously, each one of them have afternoon, residents of Rankin Inlet. I their own security keys for their own would like to direct my question to the residence. So the orientation session Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic goes on. College. Most of these people are adults. It’s up When students, actually quite a few to them to be responsible for living in students, arrive into Iqaluit to attend Arctic College residences too. Thank courses at Nunavut Arctic College, their you, Mr. Speaker. sole purpose moving to Iqaluit is to complete their education, but this Speaker: Thank you, Minister includes families and children. When Shewchuk. Your first supplementary, students move to Iqaluit, they have to Mr. Curley. stay at Nunavut Arctic College residences. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is a response that is Based on some of the events, it’s quite understandable as it relates to the obvious now that the students have to be schools and institutions with facilities looked after. They should never be put at specific to single students, such as the risk or put into dangerous situations. Can old residence, which is called Ukiivik. the minister report on how they offer security or how the security is looked It’s quite noticeable, as well as at the after to ensure that students are not put at main campus, that we could provide risk here in Iqaluit? Thank you. better security as some facilities have good security while others don’t. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. However, with respect to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic accommodations for the students, it’s too College, Minister Shewchuk. lax as people could drink all night with access to firearms. In my opinion, any Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, firearm shouldn’t be readily available to Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the anyone at the college. question. The security that the college gives to students who come to Iqaluit to Perhaps the minister can elaborate on the take courses is different in different types of safety precautions people properties that we have. should be observant of in order not to be in a risky situation when they are At the old residence and the single attending courses at the college. Thank facilities, there’s 24-hour security there you, Mr. Speaker. with security guards. In our main campus and our new campus that we Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. have, there are security cameras in some Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, buildings. Also, all the tenants who Minister Shewchuk. come into all Arctic College facilities go
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Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, From my perspective, it would be Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the member advantageous if the minister agreed to for the question. Yes, it’s very important conduct a thorough review specifically that when the students come in, they related to security and whether or not understand the rules of Arctic College of security is appropriate for their facilities. living there too. We don’t want any of our students to be placed in a dangerous situation and in The member is absolutely correct in particular, to strengthen and enforce saying that there is no alcohol or drugs these existing rules. allowed in college premises. However, we do encourage that anybody who finds I know for a fact that many students out or has information about that would be traumatized if they heard a happening in our college residences, gunshot. It would impact not just the they make the college aware of that and residents of the units, but it would put at we will take action. It is very hard to risk all people within the vicinity of the enforce that as we just cannot go and do units. Due to that reason, I want to random searches of college residences. reiterate my request to the minister to initiate a review of the security details As far as firearms, again, we understand pertaining to the college. Thank you, Mr. that in a lot of these family residences, Speaker. they come here and hunting is a practice and part of what they do, going out on Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. the land. We do have secure facilities Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic where the students can lock up their College, Minister Shewchuk. firearms and their ammunition, so that service is provided. We will ask that Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, question upon people coming if they Mr. Speaker. I can commit to do that. In wish to have a firearm and outline to fact, I’ve had conversations already this them how they can secure that firearm. morning about reviewing our security in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. all of our college facilities, but I think all of us are striving and learning to make Speaker: Thank you, Minister the college residence a safer place to be Shewchuk. Your second supplementary, and the safest place to be that we can. So Mr. Curley. yes, we will always be reviewing this, especially when it comes to the Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, education and the rules we have for Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am happy to hear drugs and alcohol, and the firearm issue that. Some of the more noticeable issues too. We will review it and see how we indicate that perhaps Arctic College can maybe do business better. Thank administrators aren’t aware of which you, Mr. Speaker. students or units have firearms, although the administration has to be fully aware Speaker: Thank you, Minister of these details, especially in light of the Shewchuk. Oral Questions. Member for minister’s statement about secure Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. firearm checks that can be viewed digitally.
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Question 294 – 3(3): Affordable and when they will be completed. Thank Housing and Nunavut Trust you, Mr. Speaker. (Elliott) Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. My questions are for the Minister Minister responsible for the Nunavut responsible for the Nunavut Housing Housing Corporation, Minister Schell. Corporation. I want to follow up on some of the questions that I was asking Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. the minister last week regarding the Speaker. I thank the member for that Nunavut Housing Trust and the question. Of the 285 units, they will all affordable housing initiative. I never had be completed by the end of this March, a chance to actually ask for an update on except for 10 units. Thank you, Mr. those programs. Speaker.
So my first question would be, in terms Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. of the Nunavut Housing Trust program, Your second supplementary, Mr. Elliott. if the minister could provide us with an update as to how many houses have been Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A turned over to the local housing lot of times, one of the things that kept authorities and whether the project was coming up was supplies getting to the within budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. community and having extra pieces and parts, maybe two boilers or extra toilets. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. What is going to happen with that extra Minister responsible for the Nunavut stuff? Will that be turned over to the Housing Corporation, Minister Schell. housing associations as part of their stock or will they be sold? Thank you, Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Obviously it was not on Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. budget, but if you take the over- Minister responsible for the Nunavut expenditures, it will be within the extra Housing Corporation, Minister Schell. $60 million that was allotted for it. As of the end of March of this year, we will Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. have all the units completed and ready Speaker. I thank you for that question. for occupancy, except for 30 units that Yes, there is quite a bit of material left won’t be completed by the end of over and there are 880 containers in the March. Thank you. 25 communities. They don’t all have material, but a lot of material is there. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. What we’re going to do is look and see Your first supplementary, Mr. Elliott. what the LHOs can use and the other material that they cannot use will be put Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In out for sale. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. terms of the affordable housing initiative, if he could give us a number Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. of how many houses were completed Your final supplementary, Mr. Elliott.
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Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of he provided today in a return to an oral those 880 sea cans, I know I had asked question. However, I do have a couple of in the past, a specific dollar value of other questions. around $3,000 was allocated to them. At one time, it was said that those sea cans Mr. Speaker, the minister stated in his would be sold and people were allowed return to an oral question that the GN to contact the Nunavut Housing representative was planning to attend the Corporation or the local housing upcoming polar bear hearings in authority to work out an agreement to Nunavik. Mr. Speaker, the hearing dates purchase them. Since that time, I’ve had are scheduled for April 17 through 19 of individuals tell me they have tried to 2012 in Kuujjuaraapik, Northern purchase those sea cans and were not Quebec. The public hearings notice allowed to. Maybe the minister could indicates that the board invites all explain what’s happening with those sea interested parties to file written cans and whether people will be able to submissions and supporting documents purchase them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. concerning the establishment of a total allowable take for polar bear harvesting. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Will the GN take this opportunity to file Housing Corporation, Minister Schell. a written submission regarding the outstanding transboundary issues with Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. other jurisdictions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you for that question. Speaker. At the present time, the reason they can’t purchase them is because most of those Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. containers are filled up with material, Minister responsible for the Department but once we do a complete inventory and of Environment, Minister Arreak. find out what the LHOs can use and what other material we’re going to sell, Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): once those containers are empty, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had stated communities will have the first option to that I felt my previous response was purchase them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. adequate. Apparently, it wasn’t adequate enough in this case. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. Oral Questions. Member for Hudson With respect to the hearings that were Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. scheduled from April 17 to 19, it was changed and delayed due to the fact that Question 295 – 3(3): Total Allowable the aerial survey results weren’t Harvest of Polar Bears (Rumbolt) available for that area. Once the report has been completed and in the hands of Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the departmental officials, we will My questions are for the Minister of reschedule the hearing at that time. Environment. As per my earlier response, the Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by government will have a representative thanking the minister for the information from Nunavut at these hearings. The
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1955 appointed representative from Nunavut now. Can the minister indicate whether is Sandy Akavak, who will represent our or not this quota system is being territorial interests. Thank you, Mr. followed and how it is being enforced? Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister Arreak. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m aware, from his return to an oral Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): question, that he stated in there that there Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a matter of was a participant from the Nunavut fact, we have been in discussions with government who is going to be attending the representatives of Nunavut to come these hearings. My question was if the to an agreement and these discussions government was going to be doing any are progressing to the point where we’re written submissions concerning almost in agreement. transboundary issues that they have with Quebec. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We had to comply with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. However, the total allowable harvest for Minister responsible for the Department bears ranged from 60 to 64, which was of Environment, Minister Arreak. the minimum, and it could be surpassed on occasion and they have surpassed it a Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): number of times. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Member for Hudson Bay for raising that We’re negotiating with the parties on question. Sandy Akavak will be the polar bear issues, such as establishing representative for Nunavut. If we have to seasons for polar bear harvesting in the do a written submission, we will do so, region. We’re still negotiating with the but Sandy Akavak will be the parties via face-to-face meetings, representative for Nunavut. Thank you, correspondence, and other means to Mr. Speaker. come to an agreement. This is progressing slowly. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. Your second supplementary, Mr. Our expectations are that after the Rumbolt. hearings, we will be able to lay further groundwork towards an agreement. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, the purpose of these hearings is to establish a total allowable take for Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. polar bears in the southern Hudson Bay Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. subpopulation. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my understanding that the GN and During consultations and meetings in the the Government of Nunavik have a spring of last year, it was my voluntary quota system in place right understanding that the communities in
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Northern Quebec agreed to take only 30 my case, it would be grandchildren as I polar bears out of the Hudson Bay am past the child-bearing age now. As subpopulation. I was asking the minister parents, we share this challenging work whether or not they are following this by continually encouraging and pushing quota. If he could answer it. Thank you, our children to attend school and to Mr. Speaker. graduate from high school.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Even after the students complete their Minister responsible for the Department high school education and apply for of Environment, Minister Arreak. further courses at a college or university, many of them experience challenges due Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): to the higher entrance requirements. Our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If there high school education system follows happened to be an agreement previously, the Alberta school curriculum. My it may have just been a verbal agreement question to the minister is this: does the as I haven’t heard about any prior Alberta curriculum we currently follow agreement on this matter. also show that the Alberta students who follow this curriculum have difficulties The James Bay and Northern Quebec trying to enter institutions of higher Agreement establishes the number of learning? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. polar bear harvests, which is not subject to limitation, and it is rather high. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Additionally, in the past year in 2010-11, Minister responsible for Education, Northern Quebec residents harvested 74 Madam Minister Aariak. polar bears in their region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have Speaker: Thank you, Minister Arreak. any information pertaining to the Oral Questions. Member for question that the member just raised Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik. about whether or not students from Alberta experience these same issues Question 296 – 3(3): Alberta related to institutions of higher learning. Curriculum and Entrance Exams We haven’t received this type of (Oshutapik) information from the Albertan Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank government. I believe the member asked you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct whether or not Albertan students also my question to the Minister responsible experience difficulties when applying to for Education. these institutions of higher learning, but we haven’t heard back from the system Up to today, many of us have personal administrators. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. experience with students on the verge of graduation. Those students who graduate Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. from grade 12 do so because of the Your first supplementary, Mr. dedication of the parents, who Oshutapik. continually work hard to have their children or grandchildren graduate. In
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Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank In our case, we have been using the you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, that’s the Education Act here in Nunavut upon response I was expecting. However, we passage of the legislation by the want more concrete answers as we legislature over two years ago now. debate educational issues related to a We’re trying to implement the sections curriculum from outside of Nunavut and related to curriculum specific to that was why I asked a question about Nunavut’s education system and more the Albertans. relevant to the daily lives of our students. As I stated in my Minister’s When the curriculum is implemented in Statement earlier about the display on our schools here in Nunavut, perhaps education, the display on curriculum we’re not utilizing the courses relevant development is in the foyer and to people who wish to continue their members will be free to peruse the education. I wonder if the minister or her display to see curriculum development officials can look into my question in Nunavut developed by Nunavummiut further so that when we understand the for Nunavut students, as per the systemic barriers in the future and if they Department of Education’s mandate. also experience these issues, then we can outline the reasons for our students With respect to school operations and to experiencing these difficulties. facilitate student attendance, there are several initiatives being researched to We have to revise our educational encourage attendance. Data is available system if we want our students to showing the importance of attendance to succeed in post-secondary educational student success. As another example, courses. We want them to succeed. If within the student body, boys tend to we’re aware of the current barriers, then miss more school than girls and this we can fix the system. We really have to challenge is being reviewed as to the improve our education system today. options we have to encourage boys to Can the minister look into whether or attend school regularly in order to not Alberta experiences these same complete their required courses for issues with their students? Thank you, graduation. Moreover, it has been Mr. Speaker. proven that attendance is very important and when students miss too many days, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. it impacts their grades and required Minister responsible for Education, credits, which can also affect their Madam Minister Aariak. ability to pursue post-secondary education as some students end up with Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): incomplete credits. This is also part of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no idea my earlier statement today. whether the Albertan government would want to provide that information to My senior officials are currently writing another government associated with their letters to our colleagues identifying the student post-secondary entrance success course requirements for students who rate. graduate from grade 12, with the type of requisite academic courses they need in order to advance their education. We
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1958 currently have three levels of courses for Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. the different streams. The letter you will Minister responsible for Education, receive identifies what a student needs to Madam Minister Aariak. include in their accredited courses. As I was asked to provide more details in the Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): recent past about this issue, I will be Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When students moving forward with that request for reach grades 8, 9 and 10, the students are more information. So this letter details canvassed as to what they want to pursue out what is required and it will outline prior to moving up to the higher grades. the types of courses they need for However, at that age, it is very hard to graduating grade 12. This includes the make a choice as to what they may wish shared responsibility of the parents, to pursue once they have completed their schools, and students. high school education.
I certainly hope my response is Every school tries to provide assistance understandable. Thank you, Mr. and support to each student. As an Speaker. example, if the student happens to be interested in a career requiring Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. mathematics, then they are guided Your second supplementary, Mr. towards those courses that focus on Oshutapik. mathematics all the way to their graduation. This follows what the Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank student plans to do after secondary you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the school, whether it is a job or post- minister for her response. My question secondary courses. was with respect to the Alberta curriculum we face and your response Once the counsellors are aware of a was fairly long. student’s wishes, they are guided towards the courses that meet that need. I think most of us are aware of the issues Further, there is a committee that affecting our children and the provides assistance to the students at that circumstances surrounding the level for guiding the student towards a challenges we face. I think that as career path. That is how we try to parents, we all try to encourage our provide assistance when students have children, but some children don’t reached these higher levels. Thank you, respond well to encouragement and part Mr. Speaker. of the problem is with the parents. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Aariak. I would like to ask another question. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Prior to students even reaching grade 12, Mr. Tapardjuk. there should be a guidance counsellor who can help the students to review Question 297 – 3(3): Inuit Societal what possible courses they may be able Values (Tapardjuk) to attend once they graduate from grade 12. So is that a possibility? Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1959 my question to the Premier, the Hon. these Inuit societal values? Thank you, Eva Aariak. Mr. Speaker.
I would like to get further clarification. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. One of my colleagues keeps referring to Minister responsible for Executive and the Tamapta Mandate and I feel Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam obligated to also ask about that mandate. Premier. It’s very good to read what you wrote in one of the principles outlined in the Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Tamapta Mandate because it leads to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my higher expectations. It states that we will colleague for raising that matter. For all follow what the Inuit goals and of us, irrespective of whether we’re aspirations are, especially in trying to employees in the Government of use the best practices of our Inuit Nunavut or an MLA, this has to be our ancestors. It was only through the hard primary focus. plight of the people before us that we were able to fight for Nunavut and when All the departments, as part of their we fought for it, we thought the Inuit mandated responsibilities, have to cultural practices would be incorporated identify these values as they also believe as part of the foundation for the territory. that Inuit societal values and language Within the Tamapta Mandate, it also are intrinsically important to this states that and it looks like it will be government, especially in light of the implemented. fact that the foundation for the creation of the territory was the Inuit culture and What I want clarified is what the language. When they’re trying to Minister of Finance stated when he identify action items or when they’re delivered the Budget Address speaking trying to create a new policy, they try to to the upcoming budget. I’m referring utilize Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. back to his opening comments. The Inuit language will become a very strong part The government has a separate of the Nunavut government and that the department that is specific to culture, Nunavut government will strive to language, elders, and youth. So that is protect and conserve the Inuit language. our lead department that is working The recognition of the Inuit language is towards protecting the language and a primary reason. The Minister of culture of Inuit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Languages also stated that they will be working towards making it a language of Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. operations. Your first supplementary, Mr. Tapardjuk. The Inuit language forms just one part of being an Inuk within our culture. You Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank have to look at Inuit societal values and you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the you also have to look at different ways Premier for that response. Mr. Speaker, I where Inuit have best practices. So how believe the Premier is cognizant of is the government going to best protect operations and administration challenges of any organization. Further, if you were
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1960 to look at Inuit societal values, Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): sometimes operational values and Inuit Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the day values butt heads. Nunavut was created, we have wanted to envision our future and we have a vision As an example, let us look at social for our future where we no longer need a services. If we look at the southern way protectorate of the Inuit language and of dealing with social services, the culture and the incorporation into government controls all aspects, whereas government operations as this has to be if you use Inuit societal values, Inuit central to our operations using Inuit have different expectations when dealing cultural practices and language. with social services. In looking at the western cultural values, although the Currently, the government practices to social services worker may believe that date, as my colleague’s statement about this method is the best way, it contrasts operational issues related to government with Inuit societal values, especially paperwork, is all in English at this time. when speaking about teaching our There is also a statement included that children to be Inuit. Let us use that this government will include the Inuit example. language as part of its operations and we now have to start implementing that in Mr. Speaker, the question I wish to raise the workforce. is that as part of these plans for regional operations and also based upon the With respect to the two pieces of Minister of Finance’s Budget Address, language legislation, specifically the where he identified that the Department Inuit Language Protection Act and the of CLEY’s mandate was being divided Official Languages Act for the three up amongst the departments, he stated languages, the drafting and contents that language was being moved to the were entirely driven by the Department Premier’s Office under Executive and of CLEY. They are now completing the Intergovernmental Affairs while culture final stages related to the would be transferred to Nunavut Arctic implementation of the legislation. The College. Department of CLEY fulfilled its mandate when the legislation was passed What about Inuit societal values and and became the Official Languages Act. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit? Where will these be moved to? Is it going to be Part of CLEY’s mandate was fulfilled in applicable to all departments or will you finalizing the plans for the be creating a separate department that Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School. With the will be protecting Inuit societal values completion of the plans towards the and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit? Thank establishment of this facility, the focus you, Mr. Speaker. has shifted to the operational matters related to the facility teaching adult Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. students. With the exceptional work Minister responsible for Executive and having been completed by CLEY for Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam establishing the facility, the focus is Premier. shifting towards educational issues and they will implement them. The facility
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1961 will teach Inuit culture and language. I Premier think about or commit to cannot say at this time whether it will defining one single policy that all the indeed be transferred to EIA as this is government departments will use which just an idea at this time. relate to Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit? Thank you, Mr. With respect to the official languages Speaker. legislation that was drafted by the Department of CLEY, the monitoring of Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. the implementation of the legislation Minister responsible for Executive and will be taken over by the EIA. As an Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam example, if a certain body is not Premier. adhering to the legislation, they have to produce such-and-such; an enforcement Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): body in other words. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely, I can think and deliberate on that matter. These are some of the options that have Thank you, Mr. Speaker. been discussed to date within the Ken Lovely report, which also includes a list Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. of recommendations. All of us have to Your final supplementary, Mr. be involved in incorporating the Inuit Tapardjuk. culture and language into government. This is the same as it applies to our Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank schools and workplaces. Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. I find just thinking Speaker. about it too insignificant. You have to think about it, you have to plan it, and Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. then you have to draft it. Your second supplementary, Mr. Tapardjuk. Nunavummiut have high expectations and we’re still waiting for the Inuit Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank government because Inuit originally felt you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the that the government would operate Premier for that response. Nunavummiut exactly the way Inuit do. However, have to understand exactly what the without a proper foundation and without government’s plans are because they a proper policy agreed to by everyone, want the government to operate in a it’s quite obvious that my colleagues are transparent, effective matter. So for that, also asked by their constituents about I am very thankful and I would like to this matter. thank you first. Will she work towards creating a one- Mr. Speaker, when we talk about Inuit definition policy that respects Inuit societal values and Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, they’re the two Qaujimajatuqangit and whether that’s favourite pet academia, which are words something that her government can try to used by the department, yet they never create, to not just think about it but to define these properly. That doesn’t help deliberate on it, to draft it, and to to make it clear. Mr. Speaker, can the complete it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Item Minister responsible for Executive and 14. Tabling of Documents. I have a Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam couple of items to table today. Premier. Tabled Document 161 – 3(3): Interim Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Report of Members’ Absences Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my from Sittings of the House and colleague for his question. First of all, he Meetings of Committees and asked if I would consider that. Secondly, Caucuses for the Period October he asked if I was going to consult with to December of 2011 (Speaker) the members. I thank him for that question and I concur with that Tabled Document 162 – 3(3): Report assessment. I will keep the members to the Management and Services informed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Board on Procurement and Contracting Activities for the Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Legislative Assembly for the Year Members will note the expiration of the 2010-2011 (Speaker) time allotted for question period has passed, so we will move on in our orders Members, the first item is the Interim of the day. Item 7. Written Questions. Report of Members’ Absences from Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Sittings of the House and Meetings of Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Committees and Caucuses for the Period Item 10. Replies to Budget Address. October to December of 2011. Item 11. Petitions. Item 12. Responses to Petitions. Item 13. Reports of Standing And the second item is the Report to the and Special Committees on Bills and Management and Services Board on Other Matters. Item 14. Tabling of Procurement and Contracting Activities Documents. Mr. Elliott. for the Legislative Assembly for the Year 2010-2011. Item 14: Tabling of Documents Item 14. Tabling of Documents. Item 15. Tabled Document 160 – 3(3): Notices of Motions. Item 16. Notices of Quttiktuq Constituency Newsletter Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item (Elliott) 17. Motions. Item 18. First Reading of Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Bills. Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. am pleased to table today a copy of my Minister Peterson. most recent constituency newsletter. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased with the way Item 19: Second Reading of Bills that my constituents in Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay have Bill 28 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2011- provided me with feedback on their 2012 – Second Reading priorities, which are reflected in my newsletter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 28, Write-off of
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Assets Act, 2011-2012, be read for the Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. second time. Minister of Community and Government Services, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the write off of assets in accordance with Bill 30 – Building Code Act – Second sections 24 and 82 of the Financial Reading Administration Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill The motion is in order. To the principle 30, Building Code Act, be read for the of the bill. Question has been called. All second time. those in favour. Any opposed? The motion is carried and Bill 28 is referred Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the to the Standing Committee on adoption of the National Building Code Legislation. of Canada. It also contains various provisions to implement that decision: Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. appointment of building officials and Minister of Finance, Minister Peterson. creation of the Nunavut Building Advisory Committee; imposition of Bill 29 – Write-off of Assets Act, No. 1, requirement for permits; authorization of 2010-2011 – Second Reading inspections by officials; conferral of power to issue several types of orders; Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. appeal to the Nunavut Building Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Advisory Committee and then to the Member for Rankin Inlet South and Nunavut Court of Justice; offences and Whale Cove, that Bill 29, Write-off of penalties; regulation-making provisions; Assets Act, No.1, 2010-2011, be read for and consequential amendments to related the second time. statutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. write off of assets in accordance with The motion is in order. To the principle sections 24 and 82 of the Financial of the bill. Question has been called. All Administration Act. Thank you, Mr. those in favour. Any opposed? There Speaker. being none. The motion is carried and Bill 30 is referred to the Standing Speaker: Thank you, Minister Peterson. Committee on Legislation. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Question has been called. All Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. those in favour. Any opposed? None. Minister of Community and Government The motion is carried and Bill 29 is Services, Minister Kusugak. referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation.
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Bill 31 – An Act to Amend the Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Legal Consumer Protection Act – Second Services Act by repealing provisions Reading allowing for choice of counsel in serious criminal cases. The bill also adds a Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. provision protecting board lawyers Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. against professional penalties for Member for Cambridge Bay, that Bill perceived conflicts of interest. Thank 31, An Act to Amend the Consumer you, Mr. Speaker. Protection Act, be read for the second time. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. The motion is in order. To Mr. Speaker, this bill prohibits credit the principle of the bill. Question has grantors and collection agents from been called. All those in favour. Any adding more to a debt than the amount opposed? None. The motion is carried that is legally owing to it or collecting and Bill 32 is referred to the Standing more than the amount legally owing on a Committee on Legislation. debt. Regulation-making powers are added concerning debt collection Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. practices and consequential amendments Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk. to the Consumer Protection Regulations are included to regulate debt collection Bill 33 – An Act to Amend the Labour practices and to correct references to the Standards Act – Second Reading Northwest Territories and other minor errors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South The motion is in order. To the principle and Whale Cove, that Bill 33, An Act to of the bill. Question has been called. All Amend the Labour Standards Act, be those in favour. Any opposed? None. read for the second time. The motion is carried and Bill 31 is referred to the Standing Committee on Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Labour Legislation. Standards Act to provide leave for reservists during periods of service. Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Bill 32 – An Act to Amend the Legal Shewchuk. The motion is in order. To Services Act – Second Reading the principle of the bill. Question has been called. All those in favour. Any Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, opposed? None. The motion is carried Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the and Bill 33 is referred to the Standing Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South Committee on Legislation. and Whale Cove, that Bill 32, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act, be read Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. Item for the second time. 20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills
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21, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 34 with Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ningeongan in the Chair. Minister Peterson, do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to Before we proceed to the Committee of the table? the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break. Hon. Keith Peterson: Yes, Mr. Chairman, I have two witnesses. Thank Sergeant-at-Arms. you, Mr. Chairman.
>>House recessed at 15:11 and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Committee resumed at 15:40 Minister Peterson. My colleagues, do you agree to bring in the witnesses? Item 20: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Some Members: Agreed. Matters Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the (interpretation): Thank you. We now witnesses in. have quorum. I would now like to call the committee meeting to order. In Thank you. Minister, for the record, Committee of the Whole, we have the please introduce your witnesses. following items to deal with: Bills 21, Minister Peterson. 24, 25, 26, 27, and 34. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Aupaluktuq. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right is Peter Ma, Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank Deputy Minister of the Department of you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to continue Health and Social Services, and to my with the review of Bill 24 and the left is Debora Voth, Executive Director Department of Health and Social of Corporate Services of the Department Services. If time permits, we will of Health and Social Services. Thank commence the review of the Department you, Mr. Chairman. of Community and Government Services, followed by the Department of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Economic Development and Minister Peterson. I would like to thank Transportation. Thank you. your officials for being here. Welcome. We were on page H-7 yesterday. Health Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and Social Services. Treatment. We will Mr. Aupaluktuq. Do you agree with proceed with questions. Mr. Enook. those departments? Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon. Welcome, Mr. Minister, along with your Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & officials. I would like to return to my Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – line of questioning previously because I Health and Social Services – want to have it completely clear, as well Consideration in Committee
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1966 as for the benefit of our fellow provided elsewhere within the system, so Nunavummiut. we would then rely upon that care elsewhere. We do not ignore the advice Mr. Chairman, I would like to return to of doctors. We take that into the response from the deputy minister. If consideration in making the decisions a doctor states that a medical patient that we make. requires an escort, then the deputy minister can veto that escort Typically, on the advice of a doctor, we requirement. I’m quite concerned of that would approve an escort if the individual and I would like to see or at least hear is incapacitated in some way medically. sound reasoning as to why that can be So in other words, if they cannot get vetoed. around, then that is a reason perhaps for providing an escort. Having said that, if My thinking is that as a doctor, they’re they are incapacitated, perhaps there are very serious and they don’t play at their other means, such as a wheelchair. So if occupation. It’s a very confidential and there is a wheelchair available, that serious matter, so I don’t believe a would likely mean not an escort, but it doctor would frivolously request an depends on the circumstance. escort just for the sake of an escort. In my way of thinking, the only reason that Sometimes the reasons provided by a doctor would request an escort is if he physicians are what I would consider felt the patient would benefit from that more compassionate type reasons. As or if he felt that an escort would be able much as I try and the department tries to to assist the patient. take into account compassionate reasons, we do have, at the end of the day, to also When a doctor is requesting an escort, make sound medical decisions and what reasoning do you use to veto that sound fiscal decisions. I know it’s decision? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. difficult for patients and it’s difficult for families, but that is what we have to do. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. I’ll leave it at that, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for his Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, follow-up question. Mr. Chairman, the Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook. deputy minister will answer the question. Thank you. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just for my own Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, clarification. When a doctor Minister Peterson. Mr. Ma. recommends that this patient requires an escort, from my perspective, the doctor Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We would most likely request a relative, look at each case on a case-by-case perhaps if the patient is too sick and basis. We look at the medical reasons basically for compassionate reasons if behind the request by the doctor. In the doctor feels that the patient will some cases, there is that service undergo more stress.
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In my opening comments, I also raised an escort is turned down. Do we have no this question: can the medical escort other alternatives? Thank you, Mr. policy be given more compassion or Chairman. heart? As humans or as Nunavummiut, patients who leave generally tend to be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, elders because as we get older, we tend Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. to get more sicknesses. In this day and age, elderly patients generally don’t Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. speak English. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for his concern for Nunavummiut who require When a doctor requests an escort for escorts. He raises good points. The their patient, who is already undergoing Department of Health and Social personal challenges and stresses in Services is not unsympathetic to the undertaking this trip, a person not even needs of folks who require escorts, but involved can veto this decision. I as we have indicated before, there are consider this a very urgent priority. I just monetary considerations. It is a very recently found out that this occurred to a large budget we have for medical travel patient in our community. A doctor and medical escorts. requested an escort for this patient, but the deputy minister vetoed it. That is so We did develop a policy. The policy has callous. It was such a personal issue, so been reviewed a few times. The current they had to fundraise to pay the escorts Client Travel Policy is expiring at the down, and that is aside from the end of March of this year. As I indicated government. yesterday, it is under review. We have asked clients for input on what they I believe this has to be deliberated on think should be included that’s not carefully. This is not a question. This currently in the policy. We have asked government has to provide direction. I’m other people, management and very passionate about this and I think we operational staff, what should be in there all agree, now that we know, even if a that’s not currently included so that we doctor requests an escort, that the deputy can consider all the pros and cons and minister can veto that. Now make it a better policy that will better Nunavummiut will be able to know that. serve everybody who uses it. I would like to ask another question related to that and if they don’t want to Mr. Chairman, I’m going to ask my respond, I would like to proceed. deputy minister to provide some specific details to Mr. Enook’s question. Thank I would like to raise another question to you, Mr. Chairman. the same person. Whenever a person goes to a hospital, the nurse-in-charge Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, will state whether or not they can get an Minister Peterson. Mr. Ma. escort. Whenever a person is told that they cannot have an escort, what appeals Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As process is there for them to undertake? the minister has indicated, we very much In Nunavut, we need to know if there is appreciate the interest by members and an appeals process when the request for in particular, Member Enook, with
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1968 respect to medical escorts. Perhaps this at the centre where they’re receiving the is a good time for me to outline the service; if the client is medically policy and how it works in a little more incapacitated, it’s the third criteria we detail. look at.
For the Client Travel Policy, there are, in There’s a fourth criteria and that’s the essence, two types of escorts. One is a need for legal consent by a parent or medical escort and that would normally guardian. Most of that is in the case of be a physician, nurse, or social worker, minors. so some sort of health professional, and they would provide professional care to The fifth one is if the client has a mental the client when the client is travelling. or physical condition such that they’re The second type of escort is I think what unable to travel unassisted. I used an Member Enook is speaking about and example of someone who may need a that’s a client escort. That’s typically an wheelchair. adult who has been authorized to accompany our client, who is unable to And lastly, an escort that will participate travel without some assistance or who is in the client’s treatment program; let’s authorized to stay for part or all the say I’m going down and I need help travel. every day to take some sort of shot in the arm or whatever or some medication and I think Member Enook mentioned I can’t do it by myself. So there would family. As much as possible, we try to be a need to take the escort down and make it a family member. Obviously, train that escort in how to do that. that’s of some comfort to the client. We take that into consideration. Again, I There was something else Member think members here spoke earlier Enook said and I’m trying to remember yesterday about being compassionate what it is. and taking Inuit societal values into consideration, so that is one way to do Just to be clear and I may have heard the that. translation wrong and if I did, then I need to apologize, but the translation I Now, I’ll give you some examples of heard was I can only deal a second some of the ways medical travel is escort. They come to me. The first escort authorized for clients. I think we spoke is at a different level. That’s why we’re to some of this yesterday. making a reference to case-by-case situations, just to make that clear. If a client is a unilingual Inuktitut- speaking elder over the age of 60, unless As the minister has also said, this they say they don’t want an escort, we particularly touches, I think, upon every would provide them with an escort. It’s person, whether they’re a patient or what we call a negative confirmation in family member. That’s why we’re doing my old accounting days. the client travel review. Obviously, we’re going to think through a lot of If there is a language barrier that exists things and there are some things that we or interpreter services are not available
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1969 have identified that we want to have a Larga, such as Rotel. That’s a non-profit further look at. accommodation that is operated by the Rotary Club in Ottawa. I hope that clarifies things a bit and I appreciate the time that you have given So there are other options and we try to me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. help clients in finding those other options. It doesn’t always work, but we Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, make the best efforts that we can. Thank Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook’s question was in you, Mr. Chairman. regard to a patient being turned down when he requested an escort and if he Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, has other options he can use, such as an Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook. appeals process. Mr. Ma, if you would touch on that, please. Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for assisting Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My me in trying to obtain an answer when apologies for misunderstanding Member my question was not answered. Enook’s question. Yes, I can address the member’s question. If I went to the health centre in Pond Inlet and I was of the mind that I So there is no further appeal beyond the required an escort, I was informed that deputy minister. However, having said the nurse-in-charge would be the that, I know that each and every person spokesperson and would make the that doesn’t get a second escort will go determination as to whether I would to their MLA or whoever. It will come come alone or with an escort. So the back to me and we will take a second question that I tried to raise is: if the look at it sometimes. So that’s the nature nurse-in-charge states that the patient of the territory we’re in and that’s fine. has to travel alone, is there an appeals That’s the reality. That’s where we are. process if I don’t believe I could travel alone? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Having said that, where we do turn down the second escort, we are considerate Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, where possible and there are options. Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Like I said, we try to be as compassionate and as helpful as we can. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. So I’ll pick on our region, which is Chairman. Thank you to Mr. Enook. Ms. where Member Enook is from. So if I Voth will answer that question. Thank turn down a second escort, there are you. other options. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Family members perhaps could go down Minister Peterson. Ms. Voth. on compassionate travel through their regional Inuit associations or Nunavut Ms. Voth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Tunngavik Incorporated. In terms of The nurse-in-charge would actually accommodations, if they happen to go make a recommendation to the director down, there are other options besides of health benefits in the regional office
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1970 that an escort is required. The director of makes the recommendation to the health benefits would make the decision regional office for an escort. This is for of yes or no after reviewing the client escorts. What happens is that circumstances of the escort against the request will go to the director of health policy. benefits, who considers the request against the policy and accepts or denies The client does have one appeal process that request for escort. The and that is to the regional director of the recommendation comes from the health regional office, so the executive director practitioner, but the health practitioner or the regional director that’s the head of does not approve escorts. The appeal the region. So that’s the one area of process goes to the regional director of appeal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the regional office. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Voth. Mr. Enook. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Voth. Mr. Enook. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Now, having requested a response to my Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, question, it just muddles the water. Mr. Chairman. Now I finally understand Yesterday, I seemed to have understood that in the community, the nurse-in- that the nurse-in-charge in a local charge is not the sole determiner of community is the sole determiner of whether or not the patient requires an whether an escort is required. escort. Do I understand that they just recommend it? (interpretation ends) Are you done? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation) Now I’m being led to Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. understand that another person at a higher echelon approves this. Am I Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. misunderstanding this? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the Chairman. question. Yes, the nurse-in-charge would only recommend. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Chairman. I also thank Mr. Enook for asking for clarification. Ms. Voth will Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. respond to that question. Thank you. I thank the minister for the really concise response. The nurse-in-charge in the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, local community recommends that this Minister Peterson. Ms. Voth. patient requires an escort or alternatively, if they state they don’t Ms. Voth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. require an escort, let’s say in Pond Inlet, The health practitioner, whether it’s the and if I were the one to request a change nurse-in-charge or the doctor on call,
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1971 to that, who would I speak to? Thank people who are bilingual in those you, Mr. Chairman. offices? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook. As I Chairman. That is correct. Thank you, understand it, medical travel has to be Mr. Chairman. recommended by a Nunavut health practitioner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister and I Mr. Enook (interpretation): That’s why am also more gratified by the minister I’m trying to ask the question. If the since Nunavummiut don’t always nurse-in-charge does not give the understand these polices, particularly recommendation for an escort, it means when these policies aren’t consistently that I have no alternative but to travel applied throughout Nunavut. alone. I have absolutely no appeals process to try and get an escort. In my There’s another matter that is included own estimation, I may want an escort. within your policy in one of the last So if it’s recommended that a patient sections pertaining to medical travel. I doesn’t require an escort, is that final? want to be totally clear in my Thank you, Mr. Chairman. understanding of the language since it has been mentioned as a concern Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, previously to me. If a parent is required Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. to escort two of their children simultaneously on medical travel, how Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. does this policy speak to that situation? Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for again Does the parent have to escort both their seeking clarification. There is an appeal children or can both children qualify for option. The patient could appeal to the an escort individually? Thank you, Mr. director of regional operations. Thank Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the I think those of us in Nunavut now question. I believe that one adult can understand that if we don’t agree with escort two children. Thank you, Mr. the nurse-in-charge about the need for an Chairman. escort, we can appeal to the regional director of operations. Do they have
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, correctly, there would be an escort Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. approved if there’s a need for legal consent by a parent or guardian. His Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. question is a bit broad. So if the patient Chairman, let’s say two young children has some other medical reason, then yes, are going to the hospital at the same there would be an escort, but that’s why time, can both parents escort these two it’s kind of hard to answer his question. children? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We kind of have to have the specifics. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook, you have nine Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. seconds. Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the question. As I understand, under the Mr. Enook (interpretation): My measly current policy, no. Thank you, Mr. nine seconds will most likely be wasted Chairman. as the witnesses didn’t grasp my question, although it was very clearly Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, articulated. Let my time expire and I will Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. wait until all members have asked their questions to see if I can get a chance to Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. ask my questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I based this on the written Chairman. sections of this policy. I may have misunderstood the language as it speaks Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to only one escort for the children. The Mr. Enook. Mr. Ningark. way I read the language, I understand it to say that both parents have to agree if Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank one escort is acceptable for both of their you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll ask a very short children. That is how I understand it. So question and I’ll try to make it clear. Is it maybe I could get further clarification on H-7, or what page are we on again? this matter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect to medical travel, I also Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, discussed this issue with a medical Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. patient. Let’s say they were going to Winnipeg. It’s not always the elders who Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. go to medical institutions. There are also Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the young people who go, along with question. I’m going to have my deputy pregnant women who go to give birth. answer that question. This is particularly truer in smaller communities because they have no Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, choice but to go to Winnipeg or Minister Peterson. Mr. Ma. Edmonton and a lot of them don’t want to go out and about because they’re not Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I used to large cities. understood the member’s question
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I’ll also cite this example. In the Kivalliq In light of several policies and the fact region, in Repulse Bay, they would most that people aren’t going out, and with the likely go to Churchill, Manitoba. patients asked not to consume alcohol or Churchill tends to have a lot of polar to go out drinking while at the boarding bears, especially in the fall, and a lot of home, these are the policies in use today, people don’t walk around or go outside which is a very good policy for patients. because they’re generally in a boarding However, with most patients unable to home. People don’t go out a lot, and here go places outside of the boarding homes, I’m talking younger people. The Internet access can provide people with a telephone is very expensive and I time-consuming activity which also imagine there is only one phone. battles boredom.
I would like to ask about computers If the boarding homes don’t have because some people want to bring their Internet access, then I would like the laptops so they can chat on the Internet. department to establish it at the boarding What about the webpage? I believe homes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will that’s the proper terminology. Do the make this my last question at this time. boarding homes have Internet access provided for these patients? Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Ningark. I didn’t hear a question. Minister Peterson, I’ll give you an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, opportunity to respond if you would like Mr. Ningark. Minister Peterson. to. Mr. Minister.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Ningark for that Chairman. I thank Mr. Ningark for interesting question. Mr. Chairman, we raising that. It’s actually a very good don’t know the answer to that question. thought. I know many of my own We will have to look for that constituents are very active on the information and provide it to Mr. Internet, Facebook, and emails. They Ningark. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. have iPads, notebooks, BlackBerrys, and a whole lot of technical gadgets that they Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, use to stay in contact with each other in Minister Peterson. Mr. Ningark. our communities.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank I had an opportunity to go to the Larga you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the facility in Yellowknife a few weeks ago, minister for his response. With the a very nice facility. I did observe that importance of the Internet to people one of my own constituents was on the today, especially where one doesn’t have computer in the front office area. There access to telephones and with many is a computer that is made available to people wanting to utilize the Internet, if them by the facility. At least in that the boarding homes don’t have Internet facility, there is Internet access. It’s a access, can the department reconsider public one. I think what you’re referring this since it is a medium people are now to is whether they can have access to used to? their own computers and we will
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1974 certainly look into it. Thank you, Mr. I thank the executive director and other Chairman. officials for giving me an excellent tour. I had an opportunity to view the area Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, where they’re proposing to put a CT Minister Peterson. Ms. Ell. scanner.
Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. We do have a request in through a supp Chairman. I want to ask this question. In bill that we will be considering in this June 2011, the coroner’s report included House next week for a CT scanner and recommendations for implementation we do have the draft RFP ready to go as after a person passed away here in soon as, hopefully, the funds get Iqaluit. The Department of Health is approved. We will be accessing the well aware of the case. With my funds through the federal government assumption that this is part of the program. I think it’s called the Patient treatment system, I want to question and Wait Times Guarantee program. Thank if I’m wrong, please correct me, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, An expensive piece of diagnostic Minister Peterson. Ms. Ell. equipment called a CT scanner was announced as being in the works for the Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. hospital here in Iqaluit. I had heard the Chairman. Have those funds been made federal government promised to provide available? I imagine that you know the funding for the purchase of this CT final cost of the CT scanner by now. scanner. During Ministers’ Statements of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. our daily session, the Minister of Finance announced that the government Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, would purchase a CT scanner for the Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. hospital. I would like to know what the status of this initiative is, whether or not Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. the equipment is now at the hospital here Chairman. I thank Ms. Ell for the in Iqaluit. Can the minister provide an question. The request for the funding has update on this matter? Thank you, Mr. gone through the Financial Management Chairman. Board. Now it will come to this House through a supp bill to get it approved, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, move the money out of what we call the Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. boutique trust, then into the department so that they can put the RFP out, then Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. when there’s a response to the RFP, they Chairman. I thank Ms. Ell for that very would be able to select the best proposal, important question. Yes, we are aware of and then purchase the equipment. Thank the coroner’s recommendations and it is you, Mr. Chairman. very important that we pay attention to recommendations like that. I had an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, opportunity, being a month and half into Minister Peterson. Ms. Ell. it, to tour the Qikiqtani General Hospital.
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Ms. Ell (interpretation): When can we actually use it. That is the plan. I’m just expect the release of this request for reading the notes here. There’s a new proposals and how long would we have radiologist contract that’s being to wait before the CT scanner is developed, operational planning, the available for use here in Iqaluit? Thank creation of a CT program, and guidelines you, Mr. Chairman. are underway. So we’re not just going to purchase equipment and then put it in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the hospital and not use it. We intend to Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. use it.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. I did talk to the officials at the hospital Chairman. I thank Ms. Ell again for the when I had the tour. They’re quite question. The RFP itself is ready to go. excited about the possibilities of having We just need approval of the funding in a CT scanner that could be used to treat the request in the supp bill and if that’s people here in Iqaluit and if they come in done next week in this House… . I will from the other communities rather than be here at this witness table to speak to having to send them all the way to all the supp bills. If the funding is Ottawa to get a CT scan. So there are approved, then the RFP could go out and very exciting possibilities in terms of then the money would be transferred saving time for people having to travel internally to pay for the equipment when but also cost savings for the Government the winning RFP is selected. Thank you, of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. Ms. Ell. Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. He has already responded to Chairman. I imagine this is already one of my questions that I was going to known by the hospital staff and they direct, but I’ll raise it irrespective of the know how to operate this machine. In response. the case that they did not, is there any kind of training program that has been If those of us from Nunavut have to be included in the RFP for training staff to sent down for a CT scan, we currently run the CT scanner? Will there be a have no choice but to go south as there is training program for technicians to no CT scanner in Nunavut. The minister operate the CT scanner? Thank you, Mr. stated that it would lead to cost savings Chairman. for the government if there was a CT scanner here. That is the same scenario I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, see. Would the minister know or have an Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. idea as to the amount of funds we may possibly save in our costs if the CT Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. scanner was here in Iqaluit? Thank you, Chairman. I thank Ms. Ell again for the Mr. Chairman. question and I appreciate her concern that when we do get the equipment, we
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Ell. Minister Peterson. Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for his question. I had a great time. I had an Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. opportunity to meet all the people Chairman. I thank Ms. Ell for her involved in the Nunavut initiative the question. With the preliminary estimates other night at the Discovery Inn from we have, we could save $2 million over Memorial University out of a five-year period. At the same time, Newfoundland, our officials here at the aside from the monetary benefits by Qikiqtani General Hospital, and a lot of having a CT scanner here, it will give us other people. better diagnostic abilities to provide better medical care for people. So a CT Again, it’s quite an exciting initiative scanner here may still require a person to and it’s an initiative that is funded go to Ottawa or wherever they have to through the federal government, but it be sent or may eliminate the need to go will help us perhaps acquire more to Ottawa and provide the treatment physicians in the future. Currently, the here. program is in its early days. We have, I believe, one resident from the University At the same time, we are looking at of Newfoundland up at the Qikiqtani renovating the hospital up here to General Hospital. Thank you, Mr. provide even more services to the Baffin Chairman. region. So it’s very exciting. I’m looking very much forward to the future of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, health in Iqaluit and the Baffin. Thank Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. Let me raise this Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. other question. In the past, most people didn’t go for physician or doctoral Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank training, let’s say, from Igloolik. Are any you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to Inuit included in the internship program welcome the witnesses to the Committee where they are working under of the Whole. Last year, there was an supervision of a doctor? announcement about Memorial University where a contract was signed Since Inuit will be treated by these for providing medical services to interns who are working towards the Nunavummiut. With respect to the completion of their doctoral studies, I students who will be part of this service asked whether or not there will be any provision, how many students from Inuit students. Have any interns Nunavut will be involved? Thank you, completed their work and became Mr. Chairman. doctors due to their work in Nunavut in the past? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson.
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Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. accredited hospital, they would work Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for his under the supervision of doctors. There question. I’m unaware myself of an are not only interns from Memorial intern program in the past. Thank you, University in Newfoundland who would Mr. Chairman. come up. There could be interns from other medical schools who would come Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, up to work at the Qikiqtani General Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. Hospital, but again, they would be under the supervision of a physician because Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank it’s an accredited hospital. Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. The only reason I Mr. Chairman. raised that matter is we have heard of certain cases. As an example, there was Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, a story about an intern who was on a Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. tour and went to Igloolik and did his examinations of patients there. Since he Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank was only an intern, his examinations you, Mr. Chairman. I want to ensure I resulted in misdiagnoses of patients’ understand this clearly. On another health complaints with no treatment of matter, a previous question was raised their health concerns. It led to one by my colleague relating to patients who person paying his own way down to the are complaining about health issues and hospital here in Iqaluit for a medical don’t believe a physician’s diagnosis checkup to allay his health concerns. after their appointment. If they’re just told that it’s a symptom of old age and I don’t think Inuit should just receive that all they have to do is to take a trainees’ or interns’ medical Tylenol and they should feel better, assessments. I believe we also require where can they turn to? Who can they the top health professionals to provide register their complaint with? How can medical treatment and not just be a they, pun intended, get a second opinion stepping stone for students in the medically? Most people are quite aware medical field. That was why I asked the of their bodies. If they feel that a doctor question. I have no idea whether there has made a misdiagnosis, what then? I was an intern treating people in Igloolik hope I can be understandable about this, as I have just heard about it and it may Mr. Chairman. be hearsay, which is why I’m asking about it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for the Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. question. Mr. Chairman, doctors are Chairman. I appreciate Mr. Tapardjuk’s regularly scheduled to go into the concern. Mr. Chairman, as I understand, various communities in Nunavut. If the under the NunaFam initiative, interns patient feels that they didn’t receive the would work and train at the Qikiqtani proper treatment, they can request a General Hospital and as it is an
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1978 second opinion from a doctor when they were conducting a review of the Client visit. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Travel Policy and that this review will be completed by the end of March. I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, certainly hope that this concern is also Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. being addressed as part of the review, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I doubt that this will Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, occur. Seriously, I don’t think that would Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. matter because once a physician or doctor proclaims that a person is in good Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. health in their assessment, that person is Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for his viewed medically as being healthy, even question. I understand his concern that when they believe they’re suffering from patients sometimes want a second or a medical ailment. third opinion. Most patients know their bodies pretty good. They feel the pain. The appointments for these visits are The doctor might not know that there is made by the people working at the pain there, so the patient may request a health centre. If your name doesn’t second opinion. appear on this list, then a person has no ability to see the doctor, even if they I do know from my own experience. One want to see the doctor. The nurse may time, because I’m quite adept at feel that it’s a waste of an appointment, Googling, I self-diagnosed myself and even if you clamour for an appointment. went to the health centre. This was years How can we best fix the system so that ago. The nurses didn’t believe me, and there are options? then the doctor came in and confirmed what my own diagnosis was. I got it off We also talked about an appeals process the Internet and fortunately it wasn’t and someone mentioned the regional serious. director of operations for health or something to that effect. This avenue has Mr. Chairman, the deputy minister has absolutely no use. Some of us have tried told me that he and the assistant deputy to conduct appeals through that process. minister are taking these things into It’s just a paper trail. When we tried to consideration and are reviewing. It’s undertake that process, it was just a good to have this kind of dialogue in the waste of time, with no results. I believe House because we don’t always hear it requires a review. It is nothing but a these things. So it’s a good opportunity bureaucratic exercise in paperwork and to hear the concerns and then our it’s almost impossible to complete to its officials can look at them and see how conclusion. we can address them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The appeals process that has been introduced to handle these concerns is Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, nothing more than that. People have Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk. tried to use it, but with nary a result and it’s basically useless. You stated that you
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Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank question for the time being. Thank you, you. This is a matter that definitely Mr. Chairman. requires further review. It is apparent that the minister is inundated with Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, concerns and problems from all over. Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. During the Baffin mayors’ meeting, some concerns were expressed and I Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. know that your department was Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk. Could presented with these health concerns. I ask Mr. Tapardjuk just to clarify what page he is on in the business plan? What one has to realize is that the Thank you. community health centres and the nurses-in-charge all operate differently Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, in our communities. Some communities Minister Peterson. Mr. Tapardjuk, if you have very good nurses-in-charge, which can identify what page you are on. is quite enviable, while some of our communities don’t have any options Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): This related to situations where the was when the minister was meeting with community is in disagreement with the the Standing Committee on Oversight of individuals and dislikes the health care Government Operations and Public provision. Accounts while he was the Minister of Finance. When he was under that Again, the health professionals protected portfolio, he also tabled a document by the bureaucratic leaders. The about agreements with the federal appearance is that the health system government with respect to the medical turns their back on the patient requiring travel fund that will help offset the medical attention in order to protect one medical travel costs accrued by the of their own employees. This is Nunavut government up to 2014. absolutely ludicrous since the medical people are sent there to provide adequate It seems to me that medical travel is health care to the people, to treat medical continually rising and that is my ailments, and to look after the health reasoning for asking about this matter care of the residents. I know that this here. It’s not listed in the portfolio will be looked at. It’s basically a you’re currently holding, but I’m just comment. recalling back to when you held a different portfolio as the Minister of I would like to raise this last question. Finance and tabled that document related The matter is also identified in the to the medical travel fund, which would capital estimates where the amounts for be offered until 2014. I’m just trying to the medical travel fund have been get more clarification, Mr. Chairman. estimated up to 2014. I cannot recall the response to a prior question about this, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, but when we’re looking at the medical Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister Peterson. travel budget estimates for this year, are you expecting this medical travel portion Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. to rise? This will most likely be my last Chairman. I thank Mr. Tapardjuk for the
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1980 clarification. Yes, the territorial health minister or his deputy to ask your initiative sustainability system program additional questions. If we cannot utilize was THSSI. We all call it THSSI. It’s these other avenues, we always have the the acronym. It was actually extended by chance to direct our questions during our two years until March 31, 2014. It was daily question period. This is just to going to expire at the end of this fiscal remind the members of their options year, but with the hard work of our when it comes to asking questions. former health minister and our MP, it did get extended. Out of that program, $10.2 Mr. Enook, you wanted to be provided million goes to medical travel. more time. You may proceed.
When I was in Victoria at the finance Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, ministers’ meeting in December, all the Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for finance ministers for the three northern offering me this second chance. I would territories asked Minister Flaherty if we like to return to the medical travel could get some certainty or guarantee portion. I don’t have a whole lot of that THSSI funding would be extended questions, but I just want further permanently because of our, particularly clarification. in Nunavut, high travel costs. We absolutely need funding for travel. But First of all, as it’s written down with out of the THSSI funding, there’s [also] respect to the medical travel and escort money for a lot of our public health policies, based on No. 2, Mr. Chairman, programs that we deliver in Nunavut and I will say this phrase in English because across the north. So we’re continuing to I’ll run out of time again by being work on that. misunderstood. Let me read it in English so that I, too, will personally understand We will continue our dialogue with our it. It reads, (interpretation ends) “Note: MP and with the Minister of Finance for One adult can act as an escort for a Canada to extend the funding even group of children when appropriate (e.g. beyond 2014 and make it more travel for orthodontic procedures) permanent so that we have some subject to consent being obtained from certainty and guarantee of the amount of the relevant parents or guardians.” funding we [receive] every year. Thank (interpretation) My comprehension of you, Mr. Chairman. English isn’t that great, so I would like to get that clarified if I may. Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Peterson. I think Mr. Tapardjuk said that that was his last question. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. Just as with a flock of sheep, one does not want to be the black sheep of the Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. family. However, while we are on page Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for H-7, we are set for the second or third seeking clarification. Mr. Chairman, the round of questioning. So I want to deputy minister will attempt to clarify remind members that you can write, that clause. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. email, or set up an appointment with the
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, I hope I can be understood. Thank you, Minister Peterson. Mr. Ma. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, don’t have the documents in front of me, Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. but I did hear Member Enook clearly, so let me try and give an example to best Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. explain it. I think that might be the way Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the to do it. request. Mr. Chairman, our officials can go back a few years. I think that would So an example picked is I think an actual be reasonable, but to go back 10 years, live example, before I was deputy here, that would just be too onerous and of patients being brought, I think, from difficult for us. Thank you, Mr. the minister’s region, from the Chairman. Kitikmeot, to Baffin to get dental services. So in that case, I think there Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, were some young adults or young Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. minors, I guess is a better phrase, or children, let’s say that. In that case, let’s Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, say there was ten kids, if the parents of Mr. Chairman. Let me ask then: can’t all ten kids say, “Yes, they can go with you even go back within a five-year Ms. Voth to Iqaluit,” then that would be period? That would be acceptable as it an example of that particular situation would provide an idea. However, I just that Member Enook has described. don’t grasp what you mean by your Thank you, Mr. Chairman. statement about this request being too onerous. Is it too onerous because of the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, vast number of appeal requests? Is that Mr. Ma. Mr. Enook. why it would be too onerous? Is this because of the fact that there are so Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, many appeals? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that Chairman. clarification of the issue. I have another matter I want to ask about and I’m not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, expecting an instantaneous answer Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson. today. I know it is possible to do so data- wise, perhaps with the last decade or Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. perhaps back to the time Nunavut came Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for his into being. I wonder if the minister could request again. Just talking to my officials agree to my request if I were to provide here, they think it would probably be it. Of the requests that were turned down fine if we could agree to go back to initially that went through the appeals October 2007, the start of this last Client process, what’s the total number of cases Travel Policy. We would have some data that were successful? Alternatively, how from then and we could come forward. many times has a patient had to undergo Thank you, Mr. Chairman. this process and what was the end result?
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Peterson. Mr. Enook. Mr. Enook. Minister Peterson.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. That leads me to expect Chairman. I thank Mr. Enook for the this information to be tabled in the future question. I’m not sure how I can answer for our review. I appreciate that, Mr. that. I know, right across Nunavut, in Minister. Finally, I am thankful for the every community, we have a lot of hard- answers provided as Nunavummiut can working and dedicated health now understand what these policies professionals, nurses, and physicians, state. I’m not stating that I agree when they visit, who work very hard to wholeheartedly with all of them nor do I provide care and treatment to all the disagree with all of them. At least it people who come to health centres and really helps to get this clarified and I hospitals. thank the minister for that. It’s a real challenge. We do live in a So the last question that I want to raise, territory that’s two million square which is a result of discussing medical kilometres and three time zones. We’re issues with my colleagues and Inuit from really challenged. I understand that all over Nunavut, is why we are hearing people are concerned about their health the same things over and over in the and I just don’t know how to respond to communities. My colleague, Mr. questions about… . I couldn’t imagine Tapardjuk, touched on this issue. nurses or doctors telling the patients that Whenever anyone feels sick, their first they’re lying about their health because thought is to book an appointment at the people who get into health professions, health centre. In most cases, people are they get into it for a reason. They want being told, “You’re fine” or “All you to help people stay healthy and get need is two Tylenol and you will feel healthy. They’re not going into those better.” Doesn’t the department consider kinds of professions because they don’t these? want to help. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I know this is not the first time you have Chairman: Thank you, Minister heard about it because it has been an Peterson. (interpretation) I believe that ongoing issue. However, we’re starting was your last question, Mr. Enook. Mr. to hear it all over. It’s not just in Pond Curley. Inlet or Igloolik. We’re hearing it from across the territory. Why is this Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, happening? When a person feels sick, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t going to speak they go to the health centre. People to this issue, but there are continual know their own body and what is complaints about these issues, which I bothering them. The only thing people believe all members are informed about, are not hearing is, “You are lying.” especially regarding elders. Elders are What’s wrong with the scenario here? still fearful of going to the health centre. Where is the bottleneck in this system? Many of them fear their upcoming Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am finished. appointments at the health centre. If elders are not made to feel welcome, it is
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1983 unacceptable as an Inuk. I believe that to be more accommodating to Inuit when we need to study this very carefully and they believe they’re sick? The only time resolve it. Inuit go to health centres is if they feel there’s a problem with their health. I The number of people going out for would like to have that clarified. Thank medical travel keeps increasing for you, Mr. Chairman. appointments as many medical ailments cannot be treated at the local level, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, especially in cases where people have Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. major health problems. This has to be completely understood and this is why Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. the concern is brought up time and Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the again. I just heard recently today on the question. Mr. Chairman, over the last radio about issues discussed at the Baffin three days, we have talked about public mayors’ meeting regarding this matter. health and health in the communities. Our health centres are called community My thinking on this is perhaps the health centres. I appeared before the minister could task his officials to Baffin mayors yesterday and heard remind all health care workers to have a similar concerns. welcoming attitude in our communities. How can the minister provide more Just in response to Mr. Enook, I did assistance to the local community where indicate that health professionals are in people feel they’re not receiving proper the business of helping people stay health care? If people feel they’re not healthy, get healthy, and care for them. I getting proper service, can an official don’t believe that health professionals visit the community to discuss the health would deliberately turn away people or issues faced by the community? work towards trying not to help them.
Is the situation at a point where, when I mentioned to Mr. Ningark yesterday people know that nothing will be done, and also to the Baffin mayors that if we they don’t bother going to the health have health committees in the centre since they know that they will just communities, if they become more be told that they are fine? Now it’s active and more vocal in their becoming a bigger problem because it’s communities, work with the hamlet leading to people developing sicknesses councils, and work with interagency that could have been caught, at least groups, I think things could improve from my perspective. When you have where they’re not working good now. been in the field for a while, eight years in my case, this concern is brought up I heard yesterday at the Baffin mayors’ and I hear about this concern. If I were [meeting,] one of the mayors said that to go on the radio in my hometown, that it’s important for the community health is what my constituents would pass centres and other organizations to work along. together in the communities. As department officials here, we will Can the minister at least task his certainly continue to communicate that department and his health professionals to our health officials and other officials
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1984 in the Department of Health that we’re Can the minister think about making here to help people and to work with improvements to our current system? them in the communities. Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for those Mr. Chairman. We hear that standard questions. Again, just to go back to my response, but I believe we need to make last answer, if we had better relations in a better effort to resolve the issues. the communities working with health Whenever other departments experience committees of council, working with the issues with their programs, their answer hamlet council, work on developing usually is that the matter is under review, interagency relationships so that that the review will be completed in everybody… . We’re all working such-and-such a time, and that the report together in the communities to help each will be tabled at this particular session. other. Through the interagency and health committees work to facilitate the Whenever we debate health issues, even understanding of each other’s roles and though our residents have major responsibilities, and how to help each concerns with the health system, the other, I think that would be one way to system has never undergone a thorough help that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. review, especially at the community level. With respect to this issue, can the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, minister expound on whether his Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. department will conduct a review of the system or will the current system Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. continue as is, without any changes? Yes, that may be so and that ought to be the case as I know that some members Many people who are experiencing really do try in these committees. What health issues are starting to feel I’m trying to ask of the minister is that unwelcome at the health centres, other departments, for example, the especially elders or unilingual Inuit who Department of Education, conduct a cannot communicate their symptoms as review whenever problems crop up in most physicians and nurses are, for the the system and present recommendations most part, unilingual English speakers. to resolve it. Last week, there was a Due to that reason, I ask how we can motion on the floor momentarily to that improve this situation in the effect. We almost tabled the motion for a communities so that people can go to the comprehensive review, which may still health centre without feeling fearful and surface at a future time. to ensure that the government is providing proper health care. Can the minister task an experienced bilingual investigator to look into the health concerns of the patients, to review the complaints about the lack of proper
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1985 health care or service? I would like to I believe the system has to be more know whether or not the minister will open, especially since the majority of the approve a review on this matter. budget stems from the federal government, all of it as a matter of fact, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, but certain funds are specifically for Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. Inuit, such as NIHB. We have to find a more open review and this is what we’re Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. trying to put across. Many studies and Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the reviews are done in other areas. question. Mr. Chairman, as everybody can see from our business plan, it’s quite With respect to patient care in the ambitious. We have a lot of work ahead communities, a lot of people who are of us in the next year to year and a half, sick or feel that their health is reviewing numbers and strategies, degenerating are loath to go. These initiating other programs, and trying to particular parts of the complaints have upgrade our facilities across Nunavut. never been subjected to a review and I We just committed to Mr. Enook to wonder why that is so. I would like the review the client travel issues going back minister to task this review, even if it to October 2007. takes a long period, such as a year or six months or even three months. It would We’re constantly receiving complaints be fine as long as a review is undertaken from people on a daily basis and we look since this review would look at this into them. Through a review and issue. They can discuss the concerns analysis of the issues that people raise, with all of the communities. we do strive to improve the delivery of our programs and services. It’s not like If the committees are the only avenue for we’re ignoring the people’s concerns; this review, then a lot of the important we do review them. Thank you, Mr. medical and local health concerns and Chairman. complaints will not be understood, at least from my view. That is the reason Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, why I would like to know the reason the Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. minister is not in favour of a formal review and explain that to the Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. committee. Thank you. I know some aspects of the departmental operations are occasionally reviewed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, However, many of us know the situation Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. in our communities as many people feel reluctant to go to the health centre. This Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. is particularly true of men. Many men Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the feel it is futile to go to the health centre, question again. Mr. Chairman, as I have even though they may not be well or said before, the department is constantly need medical treatment. I don’t think it’s reviewing their policies. We have a appropriate. policy under review. We are working on a document, the guiding principles for health committees.
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We believe that health committees, once for… . I think this is my 100-day they’re functioning more effectively and anniversary, so I have some ideas and understand their role, can bring a lot of thoughts about how to improve health. I concerns that Mr. Curly is raising, bring have to talk to my health officials. I have them up with hamlet councils, bring gone around and talked to a lot of health them up with our health officials in the officials. I have lived in the communities, and bring them up with communities. I do believe in my senior officials and also with myself. communities. I met with a committee So I think we’re on the right path. yesterday where they are very proactive. They have initiatives and ideas that they I can’t make that commitment. Thank believe will improve health in our you, Mr. Chairman. communities.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, It’s all about delivery at the community Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. level. I believe that the health committees, if we can strengthen them Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. and help provide them with good I understand that matter. The hamlets guidance, can improve the have to encourage their health communication, the relationships with committees to pursue this avenue, which our health centres and our health is easy enough to do, to state that we will professionals at the community level. make more efforts. However, as I stated Thank you, Mr. Chairman. earlier, there are people who have a myriad of medical illnesses requiring Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, complex medical terminology that the Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. committee would most likely not be able to undertake. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. That is believable. However, since Other departments hire consultants or people are truthful in their recounting of professionals who conduct the review their experiences, they feel intimidated with appropriate terms of reference that and unwelcomed at the health centre due focuses their study. I believe that this has to expressions of that attitude. Some to occur in the communities so that we patients don’t want to see certain people will know not just the community at the health centre. This complaint has perspective. I would like the minister to been lodged with quite a few members. I elaborate to the members of this would like the minister to speak to this committee and to Nunavutmiut as to the issue. reason why he cannot commit to an independent review. Thank you, Mr. How can people who are suffering from Chairman. health problems or our elders in our communities approach the health centre Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, comfortably without feeling intimidated Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. or unwelcomed? In particular, even though men may be seriously hurt, they Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. don’t want to go to the health centre. Chairman. I have only been a minister This is especially true of full-time
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1987 hunters. They know that the prognosis to health centres because we, as men, will be that they’re fine. feel that we are healthy. We’re going to live forever. We can’t be felled by an How can the minister ensure that people illness. That’s not true. We all can. who require medical treatment can go to We’re all aware of cancer. We’re aware the health centre without feeling of many other diseases that we have to intimidated? The treatment is only get checked up, especially when we are available at the health centre. That is the older. way it ought to be. If the minister makes that commitment to the members here, Through the programs that the health we will put more faith in your statement department has, there’s a big promotion as we believe that people should feel on public health and education. We will comfortable in their home communities’ continue to encourage all Nunavummiut health care system. We don’t think there to get their checkups, go to the health should be health care workers with centre, and not to be afraid of the health condescension towards patients. Thank practitioners. Even if you’re afraid or you. intimidated, then talk to someone who is not and they will probably support you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and encourage you to come to the health Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. centre.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Again, I do not believe that our health Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for his professionals are people who would try comments. I’m not quite sure what he’s to intimidate you or scare you. They’re driving at, but when I go to health health professionals and that’s their job. centres and I wasn’t always the kind of They’re there to help you and check you guy who would go to health centres and out and help you overcome your I thought I was a pretty healthy guy, but illnesses and keep you healthy. That’s then I educated myself. I heard why they get into this kind of profession. promotions of the Department of Health over the years, the last 10 to 12 years, We are trying to encourage a lot of our that it’s important to visit health centres young Nunavummiut and some of our for regular checkups. older Nunavummiut residents to get into the health profession so they can help Don’t be afraid to go. Even nowadays, Nunavummiut. That’s the kind of when I go to the health centre, my blood business we are in. Thank you, Mr. pressure goes up. You go in there to get Chairman. your blood pressure checked, but you end up getting what they call the white Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, coat syndrome, where your blood Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. pressure actually rises because you’re afraid to get your blood pressure Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, checked. Mr. Chairman. I understand you exactly, but one thing I don’t quite appreciate is Men, in particular, are more prone than your statement about what I’m trying to females. Men are more prone to not go
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1988 push with these statements. I thought our community health centre or hospital. We statements were quite clear. understand that and we will continue to strive to make people feel welcome in Since some elders feel apprehensive to the communities or the city of Iqaluit this day, they’re not simply trying to when they come to our health facilities. denigrate an individual; they’re fearful Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of receiving perfunctory health care without proper treatment. They fear the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, generic response about their health being Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley, you ran fine and that there is nothing wrong with out of time, so we will move on to them. That has happened. As we stated another member. Mr. Oshutapik. earlier, this leads to people feeling unwelcome, especially when the sick Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank person’s complaints are not believed, you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, have some and this leads to a feeling of contempt comments to pass along to the Minister for their health complaints. of Health while we’re discussing this matter. Inuit are a minority in Canada. Inuit tend to be more timid than non-Inuit and we The issue of people’s experiences, as we know that for a fact. It’s just a traditional hear from other parts of Nunavut, seems cultural value. Inuit tend to be more to be primarily related to one of attitude. fearful and that’s why I was trying to Although the higher echelons of bring up the idea of a more welcoming management continually make the attitude. I’m making this comment statement that the health care profession simply to make it clear because the is largely made up of dedicated and minister asked what I was pushing and I welcoming people, that principle is very didn’t really like what he said. easy to state. However, your department doesn’t see this at the local level daily Nunavutmiut should not be fearful nor since you don’t see the workers feel apprehensive when they go to the conducting their activities. health centre. So if the department can keep making statements to the public The fact that the headquarters level of that if anyone feels sick, they have to go your department is espousing a get a checkup. Maybe we can make this welcoming attitude is commendable. It is a recurring theme, not just the public gratifying to hear that from headquarters, health side but the medical professional but it doesn’t seem to be filtering down side as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to your frontline workers at the local level. If you were encouraging all of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, your health officials and if you filtered Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. down that attitude of a welcoming spirit starting now, then perhaps a lot of these Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. nurses and employees in the health Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for his centres who are the cause of these comments. Yes, Mr. Chairman, any complaints would hear this message patient in Nunavut, whether you’re louder and it would help to improve their young or old, should feel welcome at a attitude.
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I think, occasionally, you should be This was just a comment and thank you reviewing local health centres. In some for allowing me time to speak, Mr. cases, I don’t think it has been properly Chairman. reviewed in a while because I also heard the mayors speaking to the same issue. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Wherever there is a gathering of leaders, Mr. Oshutapik. (interpretation ends) we tend to hear a lot of these complaints. Minister Peterson, there were no There should be an attempt to resolve it questions asked, but if you want to immediately as we want to ensure that comment. Minister Peterson. the people we represent are serviced properly. A one-size-fits-all approach Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. cannot meet the unique circumstances of Chairman. I would just like to thank Mr. every community. Hopefully, down the Oshutapik for his comments. We hear road, the operations could be looked into what he says. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. soon and improvements made. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, As MLAs, we cannot make that change. Minister Peterson. I would also like to Even as individuals, if we go to the thank you for pronouncing Mr. health centre and are not made to feel Oshutapik’s name properly. I have no welcomed, then we will not return. more names on my list. (interpretation Directives originating from headquarters ends) Branch Summary. Health and or a review about whether the situation Social Services. Treatment. Total is true based on the large number of Operations and Maintenance. complaints or recommendations coming $176,298,000. Mr. Tapardjuk. from headquarters are more dramatic to your employees. We really want to push Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank for enhancement and improvement in the you, Mr. Chairman. Just prior to voting way health services are provided. I think on approval of this, I would like to put we’re all trying to represent our forward a motion. Mr. Chairman, maybe constituents. you can provide direction as to whether I can put forward a motion now or maybe We keep hearing about the Tamapta we could have a short break. Mr. Mandate. Within the meaning of the Chairman, can you provide direction on word, we cannot deal with it piecemeal this, please. Thank you. but as a whole. If the health system is not fixed, then other parts of operations Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that we’re trying to resolve will be Mr. Tapardjuk. You stated you had a impacted. In order to ensure that we motion available. Could you provide a fulfill the Tamapta Mandate and we can copy? Mr. Tapardjuk. put faith in becoming more self- sufficient and self-reliant, it has to apply Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank to everybody. We will continue to have you, Mr. Chairman. I have not had this problems if you allow it to fester and not translated into Inuktitut, so perhaps we resolve these problems, and we will could have a five- or ten-minute break. I never attain the principles listed in the have prepared the motion, but it has not Tamapta Mandate.
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1990 been translated into Inuktitut. Thank the Chair. Although this is quite a you, Mr. Chairman. complex matter to consider, I doubt I will have any regrets as I too am an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Inuk. It is due to this reason only and I Mr. Tapardjuk. The policy states that don’t mean it to oppose any other when we are in the Committee of the procedure. Whole, we have to follow the procedures laid out. I would like to have a short At this time, since Mr. Tapardjuk wanted break while Mr. Tapardjuk’s motion is to move a motion, you have the floor. being translated. So we will try to ensure Mr. Tapardjuk, if you want to read your that it is very quickly translated. Once motion, your motion is ready for it’s completed, we will be able to read reading. Mr. Tapardjuk. the motion. Once it has been prepared and in front of all of the members, I will Committee Motion 008 – 3(3): Review ensure that I ring the bell to call you of the Patient/Client Complaints back. For the time being, we will take a Procedure of the Department of short break in order to accommodate the Health and Social Services translation requirement. Thank you. (Tapardjuk) Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank >>Committee recessed at 17:17 and you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the resumed at 17:33 opportunity. We have been listening to the proceedings or statements this Chairman (interpretation): Thank you afternoon during Committee of the for coming back. Welcome back. This Whole and via complaints aired on the wasn’t intentional. First of all, I want to radio. As MLAs, we receive complaints state that Mr. Tapardjuk had the motion about the health system from our in English only. In my discussion with constituents with no avenue to make any him, he stated that he preferred to read changes to these complaints. the motion in Inuktitut. Since the motion was not translated into Inuktitut, I For that reason, Mr. Chairman, while we ordered a break to translate it. are on the review of the main estimates for the Department of Health and Social Apparently, the usual practice was to Services, I wish to move that this read the motion in English immediately committee recommend that the and then to take a break while the Department of Health and Social motion was being translated. We could Services undertake a comprehensive have done that as well, but as the Chair, review of the effectiveness of its I felt that the Inuktitut language, which patient/client complaints procedure, with is now an official language of Nunavut, a view to ensuring consistent standards and with the preference of the member of service and care at all territorial health to speak to the motion in Inuktitut, I facilities; and that the minister report on wanted to accommodate that. the findings of the review no later than the first day of the fall 2012 sitting of the He is an Inuk and he has the right to Legislative Assembly. speak in the Inuktitut language. I had to take that into consideration in my role as
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Mr. Chairman, I move the motion to wrought and to look at standardizing the initiate the comprehensive review that service and care in Nunavut. will report on the issues and to provide recommendations to improve the system. In order to fill some of our expectations I believe that this is the only way we can of improvements through this review move forward and that was my based on the numerous complaints reasoning for making this motion. lodged without any improvements, if this Thank you, Mr. Chairman. motion was to pass, then our expectations about the improvement of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the system will become more concrete as Mr. Tapardjuk. There’s a motion on the it relates to problems experienced by floor. The motion is in order. Before we patients requiring care in the start debating on the motion, I have a communities. few comments as to the procedures. I would like to see this motion passed Every member has a right to speak to the and I urge the Members of the motion for a total of 20 minutes. The Legislative Assembly to support this mover of the motion speaks first and has motion in order to represent their the right to the last reply, which closes constituents on the review of the debate. patient/client complaint procedure. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The motion is in order. This motion does not require a seconder, according to the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, understanding I have. To the motion. Mr. Tapardjuk. He just spoke to his Mr. Tapardjuk. motion. To the motion. Mr. Kusugak.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): you, Mr. Chairman. The Members of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good day. I Legislative Assembly have questioned would like to take a short five-minute aspects of the health care system in break so I can review the motion that Nunavut without any progress or was just given to us. Thank you, Mr. improvement in the system. Chairman.
Although we seem to continually Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, complain about the issues with the Mr. Kusugak. I also had that question departmental policies as well as the fact when conferring with the staff as the that when patients feel their health Chair. If the Executive Council members complaints are not being resolved, this raised this matter, I was notified that in causes many difficulties, especially for this case, the motion will remain on the those people who are unilingual. This floor and members of the cabinet can process is very complex, especially if hold a caucus. We can take a short break you have no English language based on my powers as the Chair. If I comprehension. For that reason, I urge have to identify a timeframe, five the minister and the department to minutes should be appropriate while conduct a comprehensive review to they hold their caucus. When I ring the study whether improvements can be bells, please come back. Thank you.
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>>Committee recessed at 17:42 and committees more vocal and more active resumed at 17:49 in the communities, working with our department. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you for coming back. I thought I was going We have talked about the Nunavut to be alone sitting in the House. suicide action plan. We have a lot of work to get that underway. I appreciate >>Laughter the hard work that all the partners are doing in that regard. We’re one of the Just kidding. There’s a motion on the partners. We have staff and resources floor. The cabinet had an opportunity to tied up in that. hold their caucus for five minutes. We will return to Mr. Tapardjuk’s motion. We just talked today about reviewing the Are there any comments to the motion? Client Travel Policy and trying to get Minister Peterson. that underway and complete.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. The five-year review of the Nursing Chairman. When I took on the health Recruitment and Retention Strategy is department, nobody told me that I would coming due, so we will have people tied have this much fun and excitement in up in that. 100 days. It’s like being on a rollercoaster. I think, right now, I’m at We have to continue to implement the the top, so I’m hoping that I don’t go electronic health records. That’s a key down to the bottom again. initiative. It’s a very ambitious initiative. We have to that in all communities in Mr. Chairman, if members recall, when I Nunavut and we have committed to did my opening comments, I said that having that done by 2014. the department has set out an ambitious business plan in the upcoming year, one We’re working on the mobile addictions that would depend upon adequate fiscal treatment initiative. That’s going to be and human resources. As all members very important to our territory. know, I don’t utter words like that unless I mean them. We’re coming into the capital estimates cycle for the upcoming year. We’re As set out in the business plan and in my working on a whole lot of these THSSI comments, in the upcoming fiscal year, and THAF initiatives that are very we have a lot of work to do on the Child important to us, and public health and Family Services Act and a lot of initiatives. work to do on the review of the Public Health Act, the Mental Health Act, and Mr. Chairman, I appreciate Mr. the Vital Statistics Act. Tapardjuk’s concerns about the patient/client complaints procedure. I I have talked at great length about hear complaints all the time, but I’m a strengthening health committees in the new minister. I would like to have the communities. We want to develop the opportunity to work with the department guiding principles to get health and direct them in how to improve
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1993 relationships with communities and with So, Mr. Chairman, we have such an the people of Nunavut. ambitious business plan. I see this as something that would tie us up. I do There just isn’t enough time. The first commit that I will continue to stress day of the fall sitting of 2012… . Three throughout our department that we will months of summer are coming up, and I work with our clients and provide a just listed off all the stuff we’re working strong level of service and make our on. They’re vitally important to community health centres more Nunavummiut that we have to roll out. welcoming. That’s the plan. If we get those health committees up and As I said a few days ago, the Department operational, I think that will go a long of Health is a unique department because way in alleviating some of the concerns. it does touch on everybody’s lives in Nunavut and we all know a lot of people With the Client Travel Policy, as I who depend on us daily in providing a mentioned, we are asking the clients good, high level of public health care to themselves about what they think should Nunavummiut. be included and we’re asking people who work with the policy about what I just don’t know if I can continue to tie can be included and should be included. up resources when we’ve got so many very important initiatives to initiate, We have heard comments, questions, undertake, and complete so that we can and concerns from all MLAs. I’m sure make this an independent department in that those will be considered under the Nunavut. review.
As you will recall, Mr. Chairman, the So I’m very positive about the future of Government of Canada gave us some the health department in Nunavut. I news in December about our Canada think we can make some great strides health transfer money that’s going to going forward to reduce the crimp us a little bit. We’re working with patient/client complaints. For that the Government of Canada on our reason, Mr. Chairman, I can’t support territorial formula financing to review this motion. Thank you. our gross expenditure base. So hopefully at some point, we will make adjustments Chairman: Thank you, Minister where we can get some additional Peterson. I would like to ask the funding so that we can do some more members to talk to the motion, the intent things for our health care in Nunavut. of the motion. I have no more names, actually. Mr. Curley. I’ll be very busy with health ministers of Canada meetings to look at how we can Mr. Curley: Thank you. (interpretation) improve health care in Canada and in Mr. Chairman, it is quite understandable our territory so that we can provide a listening to the comments. Our better level of service. constituents tend to have a lot of concerns and issues, especially elders. I know for a fact that you really feel for
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1994 them when there is really no other down the health system, but rather, it’s alternative and they feel apprehensive trying to resolve the current barriers and about their health. This is very real. issues that we face in health. I’m trying to say that we should all support this. So I know that ministers can undertake I give it back to you, Mr. Chairman. anything if they want to correct the Thank you. operations of their department. We’re not trying to restrict or abrogate from Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, this power. We’re just trying to protect Mr. Curley. The clock is approaching six our constituents as well as yours. Our o’clock as I speak and colleagues, as you constituents should feel comfortable are well aware, we usually adjourn at six when they go to a health centre and o’clock in the evening. I would like to when we write up their concerns and ask the committee if they wish to issues. This has been ongoing for so proceed with the business at hand and to long. go past six o’clock to deal with the motion. That is my question. Would you “How can I be properly understood?” like to proceed? Let us conduct a show That is their main thought when they are of hands so that it will become clear. All worried about their health. Apparently, those in favour of going ahead to deal they are understood, but I’m not sure with the motion. Thank you. I’m trying that is the case. For that reason, if you to record a motion, Mr. Enook. Can you want to try to resolve the concerns of please be patient. All those who would Nunavutmiut, there is no way other than like to adjourn for the day. The majority supporting this. I would ask that this be a are in favour of proceeding with the recorded motion so that everyone would business at hand. There’s a motion on see who supports what, especially when the floor. We will proceed past six it comes to trying to resolve the issues o’clock, as per the committee’s wishes, we face and bear in the health care field. to deal with the matter. Thank you for clarifying that matter for us. I totally understand the distractions when we try to conduct our duties, and Mr. Curley, I believe you were done. the minister apparently understands that Mr. Ningark. when you’re distracted, you sometimes cannot complete your duties. However, Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. we’re not just being distracted by this. Chairman. The motion that is being This motion will resolve a lot of issues circulated to me is not a money bill. It is and it will alleviate the deep concerns a motion that is inconsistent with the our constituents have, especially when it Executive Branch of the government, in comes to health or of feeling unwelcome this case, the cabinet mission. about their concerns, which just seem to be written down without ever being I would like to read the mission resolved. This will definitely improve statement under Health and Social our health care system in my opinion. Services on H-2, and I quote, “Our mission is to promote, protect and I hope you very carefully consider this enhance,” I underline the term enhance, motion because it’s not trying to break “the health and well-being of all
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Nunavummiut,” and this motion talks Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, about all Nunavummiut, “incorporating Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) I Inuit societal values,” and we talked have no more names on my list. about that the last two or three days as (interpretation) The mover has the last we reviewed the budget, “at all levels of reply. Mr. Tapardjuk. service delivery and design.” This is what the motion is all about. Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The government When I mention the Executive Branch of makes grandiose statements on matters the government, the cabinet, I’m talking they consider important. about the public service is included. That’s what the motion is all about and I For the regular members, this matter is will support the motion. Thank you, Mr. very important to address these Chairman. concerns, not just stemming from this year but last year, the year before, and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the year prior, with the same problems Mr. Ningark. Mr. Aupaluktuq. cropping up time and again based on the complaints sent to the MLAs. Yet we Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. haven’t brought up any solutions as a Chairman. Education, in my opinion, is government, spending our time sparring the only way to advance as a society. It’s politically over these complaints with no the very essence and foundation in all resolution in sight. We never presented aspects of life. In saying that, Mr. any solutions and just kept opposing the Chairman, the health department is very actions of the government and we also sensitive and life-altering every day to never heard of any initiatives to improve Nunavummiut. the situation.
Health and social services by way of our Mr. Chairman, this motion is meant to nurses in health centres and other provide this government with assistance professionals, even those extended down since MLAs continually receive calls in the south, all public servants and from their constituents who are professionals, and even professionals experiencing problems. Although we’re need to continue to be educated. With not doctors or health professionals, Nunavut’s distinctness, we have our own we’re quite aware of the fact that if some distinct barriers and also along the way individuals had received early and come education and being informed. appropriate medical treatment, they would still be here with us today. This I think this is a very good tool that seems quite obvious to many of us. would be able to inform everybody to be able to address all the main issues where With that in mind, Mr. Chairman, this people have to leave home to deal with recommendation for a comprehensive very legitimate life-altering issues. So review is to look at the operational with this sense, I will support the issues and how complaints can be lodged motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and through which channel. Here in Nunavut, most communities have only one health centre and if we’re not
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1996 satisfied with the care provided, we have the motion. The debate is now closed. no alternatives in trying to get a second We will now vote on the motion. We opinion. Due to this reality, Mr. will have a recorded vote. At this time, I Chairman, when we’re cognizant of the would like the members to stand if they problems that exist within our health support Mr. Tapardjuk’s motion. Please system, we will be better able to provide stand and sit down when I call your concrete solutions to improve it. Without name. Those in favour of the motion, this knowledge, we don’t know how to please rise. make improvements. Mr. Tapardjuk. The minister stated that he cannot support this motion due to the already Mr. Oshutapik. overflowing amount of work the department has to undertake. I can make Ms. Ell. this opposite statement: I want this motion supported because too many of Mr. Enook. our constituents have received secondary health care provisions for far too long Mr. Curley. and we have to represent their interests first and foremost to be given the best Mr. Ningark. health care in the health centres. Mr. Aupaluktuq. The usual precept of most Canadians is their belief that when they go for Mr. Rumbolt. medical treatment, they will be given the assistance they require, but it hasn’t Thank you. I would now ask the turned out that way. members who oppose the motion to They become disillusioned by the health please rise. system. Although they’re experiencing medical problems, they’re worried that Ms. Ugyuk. when they turn to the health centre for health care provision, they will receive Mr. Peterson. no medical treatment. No one should have that thought amongst our Mr. Schell. constituents, principally our elders. Mr. Shewchuk. With that, I’m going to support this motion. I also requested to have a Mr. Taptuna. recorded vote on behalf of our constituents so that it can be visible Ms. Aariak. through this vote which members are truly representing their constituents. Mr. Arreak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Kusugak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. That was the last reply to
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Thank you. The other matter I Maintenance. $176,298,000. Do you overlooked that has to be included is: are agree? there any abstentions? No abstentions. Some Members: Agreed. At this time, based on the recorded votes, I can announce that there are eight Chairman (interpretation): Go to page for the motion and eight opposed. As H-8. (interpretation ends) Health and part of my mandated powers as Chair of Social Services. Branch Summary. the Committee of the Whole, it is now Health Insurance Programs. Total my discretion to vote on the motion, Operations and Maintenance. Mr. which happens to come in handy on Curley. occasion, such as with this moment. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. As an individual from a small I have a question regarding the NIHB community, I can understand exactly program, which I believe is on this page, where the motion is coming from. Mr. that we receive funding from the federal Tapardjuk stated that as residents of government. How many years is this small communities, the only recourse we current agreement for and how much is have in the health sector are the local provided through this agreement nurses and health centres. If we aren’t annually? Can we get this information at satisfied with the service, there are no this time? Thank you. other options, especially for our elders. With that reason and at the Chair’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, discretion, I support the motion. The Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. motion is carried. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. >>Applause Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the question. As Mr. Curley would know as Thank you for the opportunity. Now we the former Minister of Health, it’s can smile and work together again, as is renewed annually. Thank you, Mr. the usual practice. Chairman.
At this time, I would like to ask the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, committee if they would like to complete Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. the Department of Health as we are currently past our allotted time and that Mr. Curley (interpretation): The second is my next request. Do you want to part of my question related to the annual conclude this department? amount that is provided to Nunavut for this program. This was part of my Some Members: Agreed. previous question. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): We’re on Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, page H-7, which the motion was specific Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. to. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. Health and Social Services. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Treatment. Total Operations and Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 1998 question. The amount in the current government and our Nunavut health fiscal year is $27,750,000. Thank you, departmental representatives. My Mr. Chairman. question is: did this meeting produce any improvements and what exactly was Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, implemented if recommendations were Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. provided? Perhaps the minister can elaborate. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Based on the figures, it is Some of the concerns relate to the fund. quite understandable that the Non- To cite an example, patients need to hire Insured Health Benefits total of $27 a taxi because ambulances also break million is specific to aboriginal people down on occasion, but there are no and doesn’t form part of the land claims funds. Were some of these matters agreement. This program is specific to considered during the meeting with the aboriginal people in Canada. Even if we federal government officials? Thank didn’t have a land claims agreement, this you, Mr. Chairman. fund would still be available to Inuit. I wonder: are the funds allocated to the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, escort policy coming out of the Non- Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. Insured Health Benefits? Thank you. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. question. If Mr. Curley can clarify what meeting he is referring to, it would really Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. help us. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the question. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley (interpretation): As I said, I Minister Peterson. Mr. Curley. believe it was either this spring or summer when there was a meeting Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, between the federal government and our Mr. Chairman. With the various government officials on NIHB. The concerns expressed and with this fund official sitting beside him was there and earmarked for aboriginal groups, I he is quite aware of that meeting. They believe that it has to be carefully conducted a review of the problems with monitored as to who can benefit from the program delivery to resolve some of these funds. I thank the minister for that. the issues they face. My question is: did this meeting produce any results? If so, I also want to ask this question. NTI and what kinds of improvements were the other organizations conduct a review produced as a result of this meeting? of this fund annually to analyze the That is my question. Thank you. utilization of the funds. Just recently, I believe it was this summer when a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, meeting occurred between the federal Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson.
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Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the Mr. Curley. Minister Peterson. question. I’ll have the deputy minister answer that question. Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I thank Mr. Curley for the question. Mr. Chairman, I haven’t even Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, read the complete document yet. We Minister Peterson. Mr. Ma. would have to get agreement from Health Canada to do such a thing, so I Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can’t commit to anything right now. believe Member Curley is referring to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the Non-Insured Health Benefits audit of the medical travel component. I think Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that’s what he’s making reference to and Minister Peterson. I have no more names he’s nodding his head, so I’m assuming on my list. (interpretation ends) H-8. that is correct. We did, in fact… . Health and Social Services. Branch Actually, let me give you the Summary. Health Insurance Programs. chronology. It’s best to describe it that Total Operations and Maintenance. way. $54,497,000. (interpretation) Do you agree? As part of the undertaking between the respective organizations, Health Canada Some Members: Agreed. and ourselves, in 2011-12, we agreed that there would be a review of the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. medical travel component of the Non- We will go back to page H-3. Insured Health Benefits program. The (interpretation ends) Department draft report was issued, I believe, this Summary. Health and Social Services. summer. It was reviewed between the Detail of Expenditures. Total Operations respective parties. From that, we have a and Maintenance. $316,677,000. management action plan that has been (interpretation) Do you agree? put into place and both sides have agreed in principle to that management action Some Members: Agreed. plan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Do we agree Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that the Department of Health and Social Mr. Ma. Mr. Curley. Services is concluded?
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Chairman. This is very useful because we have to continually make Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. improvements, especially based on the Thank you, Mr. Minister and your concerns expressed earlier. Could the officials. Do you have any closing minister agree to table the management remarks? Minister Peterson. action plan to the committee? Thank you. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the
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Committee of the Whole for an Chairman: Thank you, Minister interesting three days. As I said before, Peterson. Thank you to your officials. it’s like being on a roller coaster. So I We do realize that the Department of thank you. We got a lot of good Health and Social Services is not an easy comments and questions. We take task, but we mean well each time to everything you say and all of your become better instruments as we move questions very seriously. We do know along. So we appreciate your hard work that health is near and dear to our hearts in that regard. Thank you. across Nunavut. As public servants, we (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please are in the public service because we escort the witnesses out. want to serve the public. Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. When I started in the Department of Ningark. Health, I didn’t realize how unique the department is. It has been a privilege in Mr. Ningark: Thank you, Mr. the first few months here. I have met a Chairman. I would like to make a motion lot of very dedicated and hard-working to report progress. Thank you. health officials across Nunavut and in all the facilities. They have told me a lot of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, good stories. There is a lot of really Mr. Ningark. There’s a motion on the caring people out there. I want to say to floor and the motion is not debatable. All them today, don’t feel dejected by those in favour of the motion. Thank anything I said in the House. you. Opposed. One opposed. The motion is carried. I will now rise to report I think all MLAs and all politicians on progress. Thank you. both sides of the House care about what we do. It’s your job to ask questions and Speaker: Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at- it’s our job to answer questions and Arms. Moving right along with our strengthen our departments. I think that’s orders of the day. Item 21. Report of the what we will continue to do. We now Committee of the Whole. Mr. have a lot of important initiatives that Ningeongan. we’re going to continue to work on. So that’s very positive. Item 21: Report of the Committee of the Whole I would just like to thank all the officials I have met who have explained to me Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. what they do, all the people who have Speaker. Your committee has been worked very hard on briefing notes and considering Bill 24 and would like to taking the time to send clarifications for report progress, and also, there was one me. I would like to thank Debora Voth committee motion adopted. Therefore, for her time here as well and to Peter Ma Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of also for his time. the Committee of the Whole be agreed to. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. I wish you all the best in future deliberations on your next departments. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There is a motion on the floor. Is there a
Thursday, March 1, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2001 seconder? Mr. Schell. Thank you. All 19. Consideration in Committee of those in favour of the motion. Any the Whole of Bills and Other opposed? The motion is carried. Matters Item 22. Third Reading of Bills. Item 23.
Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. Bill 21 Bill 24 Item 23: Orders of the Day Bill 25 Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Bill 26 Speaker. Orders of the Day for March 2: Bill 27 1. Prayer Bill 34 2. Ministers’ Statements 20. Report of the Committee of the 3. Members’ Statements Whole 4. Returns to Oral Questions 21. Third Reading of Bills 5. Recognition of Visitors in the 22. Orders of the Day Gallery Thank you. 6. Oral Questions Speaker: Thank you very much, Mr. 7. Written Questions Clerk. This House stands adjourned until 8. Returns to Written Questions Friday, March 2, at 9:00 a.m. in the morning. I’ll see everybody bright and 9. Replies to Opening Address early tomorrow morning. 10. Petitions Sergeant-at-Arms. 11. Responses to Petitions 12. Reports of Standing and Special >>House adjourned at 18:28 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 18. Second Reading of Bills