Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT

3rd Session 3rd Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 36

Friday, March 2, 2012

Pages 2002 – 2040

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 ...... 2002

Members’ Statements ...... 2002

Oral Questions ...... 2009

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 2017

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 2039

Orders of the Day ...... 2039

A. Daily References

Friday, March 2, 2012 ...... 2002

B. Members’ Statements

194 – 3(3): Appreciation to New Members of our Community (Tapardjuk) ...... 2002

195 – 3(3): Recognition of Athletes and Officials from Cambridge Bay at Arctic Winter Games

(Peterson) ...... 2003

196 – 3(3): Nanulik Participants at the Arctic Winter Games (Ningeongan) ...... 2004

197 – 3(3): Alternative Energy Sources (Curley) ...... 2004

198 – 3(3): Population Increase of Repulse Bay (Ningark) ...... 2005

199 – 3(3): Kitikmeot Cup - Kugluktuk Hockey Tournament (Taptuna) ...... 2006

200 – 3(3): Appreciation for All the Help Given to Victims of House Fire (Aariak) ...... 2006

201 – 3(3): Meeting of the High Arctic Council (Elliott) ...... 2007

202 – 3(3): Appreciation to Pages from Pond Inlet - Suzanne Killiktee and Kimberly Angnatsiak

(Enook) ...... 2008

203 – 3(3): Appreciation to Medical Staff (Ugyuk) ...... 2008

C. Oral Questions

298 – 3(3): Cancellation of New High School for Repulse Bay (Ningark) ...... 2009

299 – 3(3): Bill C-10 Goes Against Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Oshutapik) ...... 2011

300 – 3(3): Alternative Energy Source Policy (Curley) ...... 2012

301 – 3(3): Need for a New High School in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) ...... 2014

302 – 3(3): Local Housing Associations and the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Ningark) .....2015

D. Bills

Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Community and

Government Services – Consideration in Committee ...... 2017

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2002

Iqaluit, Nunavut Item 3: Members’ Statements Friday, March 2, 2012 Members Present: Member’s Statement 194 – 3(3): Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable Appreciation to New Members of James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, our Community (Tapardjuk) Mr. Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this morning to Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah speak about some of our concerns and Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, issues that are confusing us. Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Whenever an Inuk or non-Inuk has a Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter concern or problem, everybody looks for Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, a scapegoat or somebody to blame. As Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk. Inuit, sometimes we blame our government, either that or our >>House commenced at 9:00 corporations, our education system, our health system, and particularly our Item 1: Opening Prayer churches and/or religion. We tend to look for an easy scapegoat. Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before In particular, we look at teachers, nurses, we proceed, I would like to ask Mr. bureaucrats, business owners, Curley if he could lead us off with a churchgoers, Roman Catholics, and prayer, please. reverends and priests, but the one thing we tend to overlook, Mr. Speaker, is that >>Prayer these are our fellow human beings. They have their own relatives. They have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, children. They’re working in their lives Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) to live the healthiest they can. I think Ullaakkut, everybody. Mr. Elliott. some of us notice that right next to our house is a neighbour, a fellow human. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I When you see somebody dedicated to seek unanimous consent to move ensuring they live a good life, you can directly into Committee of the Whole. notice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe one of the problems we have, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. The Mr. Speaker, is the foundation of belief member is seeking unanimous consent to is so different sometimes that we proceed directly to Item 19 on the order automatically dislike others. At this paper, Committee of the Whole. Are time, in our community, we’re trying there are any nays? There is a nay. We retain the Inuit culture. Those who have will continue on in the orders of the day. arrived in our communities have grown Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Item 3. up with different cultures and sometimes Members’ Statements. Do you have a there’s a cultural clash because they Member’s Statement? Mr. Tapardjuk.

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2003 have a western philosophy as opposed to The people who arrive into the territory that of the Inuit. undergo a very hard time, especially those in Igloolik and Hall Beach. I thank Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for you for having come to our community unanimous consent to conclude my to assist us and those are the nurses, the statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. RCMP, teachers, as well as religious leaders. The majority of people come to Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. provide assistance to the community, but The member is seeking unanimous there are still some who cling to the old consent to conclude his statement. Are ways. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my there any nays? There are none. Please constituents, I would like to rise today to proceed, Mr. Tapardjuk. express my gratitude to everyone who has worked really hard, especially the Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank nurses, because many of them have you, my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. given their lives to serve the north. Speaker. Yes, there are always rotten apples in Again, to reiterate, we start running into every barrel, so we’ve obviously had issues when we don’t have a common problems. I want non-Inuit to know that culture or philosophical foundation. One as Inuit, we are not against them; we of the biggest problems we have is there want to work closely with them in tends to be a chasm of misunderstanding government, even if we have cultural when we don’t understand each other’s differences. We want to be understood culture or lifestyle. I believe one of the where we’re at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. things that can help to close this gap is to try to understand each other’s culture >>Applause and I will make that a priority. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. We should let it be known by those who Members’ Statements. Member for serve us that they have to ensure they Cambridge Bay, Mr. Peterson. know that this territory’s foundation is the Inuit culture in its nature. The Member’s Statement 195 – 3(3): attempts at assimilation of the Inuit into Recognition of Athletes and western society are already over. That Officials from Cambridge Bay at area is over, so now they have to come Arctic Winter Games (Peterson) and try and assist Inuit because they are living in our territory. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize all the As well, on the other hand, Inuit also Cambridge Bay athletes and officials have to realize that we have the capacity who are going to Whitehorse for the and capability to learn and grow, but we Arctic Winter Games between March 4 also need assistance to reach the next and March 10. Our community is very milestone. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, proud of them and wish them well. I I rise today. would like to recognize the individuals:

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2004

Audla Buchan, basketball; Austin Bruce, hockey; Linda Howard, basketball; Bradley Kaludjak; Chanda Evalik, basketball; Becky Ottokie; Brittany Hogaluk, basketball; Sandy Saviakjuk Jr.; Pearlie Mae Howard, soccer; William Nakoolak Jr. for wrestling. John Henry Etegik, speed skating; Zachery Roberts, speed skating; and From Chesterfield Inlet: Our own Attima Hadlari, our Elizabeth Kukkiak and James Tautu for interpreter/translator. He is going as Inuit games; an official. Brandon Ipkarnerk for basketball; Greg Tanuyak Jr. for hockey; and I wish them all well and have a good K.J. Putulik. time. Whitehorse is a fantastic city. I have been there many times. That’s my I also wish the very best to my Irngutaq birthplace as well. So I’m sure the Alayna Ningeongan from Rankin Inlet people will welcome them with great who is going to the Arctic Winter hospitality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Games, as mentioned by the member from Rankin Inlet South and Whale >>Applause Cove.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Peterson. We I wish all the athletes the very best and wish them all good luck over there and enjoy your participation at the Arctic also to Mr. Hadlari, who is back in the Winter Games. (interpretation) Thank booth there. Item 3. Members’ you, Mr. Speaker. Statements. Member for Nanulik, Mr. Ningeongan. >>Applause

Member’s Statement 196 – 3(3): Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Nanulik Participants at the Arctic We wish them all good luck. Members’ Winter Games (Ningeongan) Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley. Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to acknowledge the Member’s Statement 197 – 3(3): athletes from Nanulik who will represent Alternative Energy Sources Nunavut at the Arctic Winter Games. (Curley) We’re proud of their accomplishments. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, They are as follows: Mr. Speaker. I rise this morning to recognize the many Nunavutmiut who From Coral Harbour: work really hard, particularly the hunters Chantel Emiktowt, female basketball; who are out on the land providing Vivian Paniyuk, 15 and under female sustenance for their families. I think we soccer; have to acknowledge them. We also Naomi Emiktowt, 17 and under; have to remember that the mothers who Maggie Nakoolak, 17 and under; are staying at home to look after their Jay Pudlat, male soccer; children work really hard and I’m sure Wesley Siutinuar, my Irngutaq; some of them wonder what they will

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2005 feed their children today. You feel very brainstorm on that, Mr. Speaker. Thank sympathetic towards them. you.

With harvesters who have to go hunting, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. a lot of the materials and their supplies Members’ Statements. Member for cost a lot of money, specifically fuel. Akulliq, Mr. Ningark. Sometimes the prospect of catching wildlife is very uncertain from day to Member’s Statement 198 – 3(3): day. Mr. Speaker, be that as it may, Population Increase of Repulse Nunavutmiut have long been taught to Bay (Ningark) never give up, that a day will pass where the hunting will be better. I would like to Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank express my gratitude to the fact that this you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today because is a principle and value that people hold here in Canada, our territory of Nunavut, dear no matter how hard life becomes. and in the community of Repulse Bay, I want to share a piece of news that is Furthermore, in this day and age, we joyful and I want to share this with our seem to have that problem where government, our Premier, and my business owners are facing challenges of elected colleagues. survival. Money is required to run a business. That being the case, the current With respect to the survey in 2006-2011, practice is inadequate for business I recognize that the community of owners. We were recently informed that Repulse Bay is the fastest growing electricity rates will be increased in the community within Nunavut. Perhaps in next two years. That is government this period from 2006 to 2011, Repulse policy. Bay had a population of 748 in 2006 and five years later, in 2011, it had reached Mr. Speaker, we also have to be aware 945 residents. Again, in most surveys, of our future. Over the next two years, they’re usually a few years behind. So the price of oil is expected to nearly perhaps I could state that that is a double from today’s prices. Throughout population growth of 26.3 percent over a the world, the usage of oil is not period of five years. Again, in this five- shrinking but increasing in response to year period from 2006 to 2011, they growing demand. Its impact will be felt grew by 197 people. So I share that in Nunavut and cause hardships to some piece of news with the citizens of degree. I think we need to understand Repulse Bay, the Government of why. Nunavut, and the federal government because this assists us. We hear about the usage of oil, that the world consumes 89 million barrels of oil The one problem we have is that per day. In three years, that will rise to Repulse Bay was supposed to get a new 105 million barrels per day. The price is high school, but it was delayed and then expected to rise to this level. That is a taken off the capital projects list. frightening scenario and we need to Perhaps the Canadian government and figure out what we will do and try to the Nunavut government have not find cheaper sources. We need to recognized the growth and need for

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2006 larger infrastructure in the community. If Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. It’s you look at just the bare statistics, it’s too bad. I would like to see you score a the fastest growing community. At the hat trick. Members’ Statements. Member appropriate time, I will ask why they for Iqaluit East, Ms. Aariak. bothered to remove the high school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 200 – 3(3): Appreciation for All the Help Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Given to Victims of House Fire Members’ Statements. Member for (Aariak) Kugluktuk, Mr. Taptuna. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good Member’s Statement 199 – 3(3): morning” to my constituents, the Kitikmeot Cup - Kugluktuk residents of Iqaluit and indeed, all Hockey Tournament (Taptuna) Nunavummiut.

Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, during this week here in Speaker. I rise today to congratulate our capital of Iqaluit, we experienced community members in Kugluktuk, in some tragic events after a building my constituency, for organizing the caught fire, which resulted in quite a hockey tournament, the Kitikmeot Cup, number of people becoming homeless. It which is happening today and for the also showcased the ability and caring of next three days. The participants are many people as a result during this coming from Kugaaruk, Gjoa Haven, weekend. I want to express my sincerest Cambridge Bay, and a couple of teams gratitude to the multitude of people who from Kugluktuk. I’ve got to apologize to provided assistance to the people who the Kugluktuk team; I can’t be there to have now become homeless. score hat tricks for them. First of all, I thank the councillors and >>Laughter Mayor Madeleine Redfern especially, as well as the firefighters who undertook But in any case, Mr. Speaker, with the the battle and spent all night and day to facilities that we have throughout our fight the fire. Further, I wish to small communities, we appreciate the acknowledge NAC staff who went above fact that the facilities are there for and beyond the call of duty to handle the sporting events such as this. There’s misplaced students who lost all their nothing like bringing up the well-being belongings and homes. and self-esteem for our youth when it comes to sports. I wish all the Further, I want to thank the RCMP that participants well. Again, I want to thank continues to provide assistance, the organizers and coaches who put including the social service workers and these events together. Thank you, Mr. staff from the health and social services Speaker. department. They spent extra hours working with those affected. This >>Applause includes numerous government civil servants, among the NHC staff members.

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In particular, I want to express my Member’s Statement 201 – 3(3): thanks to the residents of Iqaluit who Meeting of the High Arctic took it upon themselves to provide Council (Elliott) assistance as volunteers, simply out of compassion towards the victims of the Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. fire. I sincerely thank each and every Good morning, members. As all resident who provided assistance during members are aware, I left the House this time. early yesterday to meet with the mayors of the High Arctic as the High Arctic Let us not forget people from other Council. It was an interesting meeting communities and jurisdictions, such as and it was nice to actually meet with my the people of Greenland, who offered mayors. It’s so hard to get everyone their assistance and gathered donations. together in a room. This includes members of various communities across Nunavut and even One of the main issues that the High our southern fellow citizens who Arctic Council has worked on over the expressed their desire to provide past three years is the high cost of assistance wherever they could. transportation within our three communities. Again, this all began in Many people cooperated to assist these 2008 with the commitment from the victims and they are far too numerous to Minister of Economic Development and mention. On behalf of Iqalummiut, I Transportation, and I think I would like thank all the people who showed their to convey my thanks to Mr. Taptuna and community spirit, compassion, and his department for his continued efforts. sympathy towards these victims. The meeting last night began at 6:00. Additionally, the majority of the now Again, the dedication and commitment homeless students were accommodated by my mayors, after meeting, as I did my with new units up to the current day. I’m Members’ Statement on Monday, hopeful that they will be able to put this coming down to have Baffin mayors’ behind them and concentrate on their meetings and spending the days in studies. meetings, much like we do, to then commit to come last night at six o’clock Furthermore, I would be remiss without to get them in a room to talk about mentioning those who tragically lost similar issues, to me, that speaks to the relatives. We send our thoughts and dedication that I have with the mayors prayers to them during their time of that I actually have in the communities grief. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay. So I’m really pleased with the >>Applause amount of dedication and the time and effort that the mayors of my three Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Aariak. Our communities put in to taking that extra heartfelt thanks go out to everyone time to, I guess they could have been involved in supporting the students and packing and getting ready to go home everyone else. Members’ Statements. today, actually spend time with me to Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott.

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2008 share their concerns and issues face to express my pride and urge them to face. complete their education to ensure they live their lives properly. We will see you At the same time, there was the in Pond Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. dedication of the staff of Mr. Taptuna. Pat Arnakak was there, Art Stewart was >>Applause there, John Hawkins, and Methusalah Kunuk was there as well. Again, meeting Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Item 3. after hours and meeting late into the Members’ Statements. Member for evening just to continue to work with the Nattilik, Ms. Ugyuk. mayors to come up with possible solutions to bring down the high costs Member’s Statement 203 – 3(3): that we do face in the High Arctic is a Appreciation to Medical Staff testament to the dedication of his (Ugyuk) department. So, Mr. Speaker, I would Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, like to thank his department for that. Mr. Speaker. As you are all aware, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. sometimes I have difficulty speaking and I apologize for that. We are still >>Applause experiencing issues. I’ll start with a good morning to the residents of Gjoa Haven Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. and Taloyoak. Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Yesterday, as you noted, I voted on behalf of the constituents and I thank the Member’s Statement 202 – 3(3): residents of Taloyoak. I still haven’t Appreciation to Pages from Pond heard any complaints from a resident of Inlet - Suzanne Killiktee and Taloyoak, so I would like to express my Kimberly Angnatsiak (Enook) thanks. Again, the children see and experience a whole lot. Whenever Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, there’s flu, the nurses have to look after Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the all the residents, so I thank them for the residents of Pond Inlet, especially my provision of services. godmother. I rise today to recognize and to share in the triumphant return of two The residents of Gjoa Haven didn’t individuals, as today is Friday, and the complain, but rather, they held a two pages we have shared this week, community fundraising event. They Kimberly Angnatsiak and Suzanne were able to pay for the parents’ travel to Killiktee, are serving as pages for the Edmonton. So I’m very proud of the last time today. I want to express my residents for that endeavour. The people thanks and I want to share my gratitude. of Gjoa Haven gathered with community spirit to assist the mother and father of I believe my colleagues noted that we this child who had to go to Edmonton. were served specifically by these pages. They did try to go through the proper There are additional people who have channels of the health system because served as pages, those from Iqaluit, so I when Inuit aren’t approved for particular am very thankful to them. I want to services, they look to meet that

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2009 challenge on their own. So I’m grateful Speaker, representatives of the Repulse for that. Bay DEA went to Sanikiluaq to tour the new high school that was constructed for I want to thank all the nurses, but we the community. This obviously led to have to remember that health expectations that they would now have a professionals aren’t gods. We also have new school in the immediate short term. to ensure we listen to our body and to At that time, I believed and so did the see a doctor when we feel ill or sick. We residents of Repulse Bay that when the shouldn’t wait until the last minute government tasked them to tour the because trying to suffer in stoicism can school by paying for the travel, the lead to problems. Thank you, Mr. representatives could see the facility. Speaker. However, we were informed >>Applause retroactively that the high school would not be constructed in the near term, even Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Item though Repulse Bay is growing rather 3. Members’ Statements. Moving on in fast and is the fastest growing the orders of the day. Item 4. Returns to community in Nunavut. Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral I would like to direct this question to the Questions. Member for Akulliq, Mr. Minister of Education. Do you recognize Ningark. the census results that are undertaken every four years for Canada’s population Item 6: Oral Questions surveys? Will you be following the data? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 298 – 3(3): Cancellation of New High School for Repulse Bay Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. (Ningark) Minister responsible for Education, Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank Madam Minister Aariak. you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated in my Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Member’s Statement, Mr. Speaker, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the federal government depends on the member. Yes, we know that and we census to allocate funding every four acknowledge and understand the years. Statistics Canada conducts a statistics and the growing population of census and that data is available. the students. They have already identified and recognized that they need Based on the latest statistics, the a school. There has to be a study done community of Repulse Bay is the fastest because of the population growth. Thank growing community and this statistic can you, Mr. Speaker. assist our government in obtaining more funding as the government depends on Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. the census. Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Further, this spring, as my colleague Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank representing Hudson Bay knows, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends)

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2010

My first supplementary question, capital plan, but the Department of (interpretation) I want to thank the Education would like to put that plan Minister of Education for recognizing back for the 2013-14 capital plan. the data from Statistics Canada. Now that we know she has recognized that The Department of Education is now growth in Repulse Bay, as she stated, working with the Department of people do know the growth and Community and Government Services population and you see the because everyone is aware that they are corresponding increase in the number of running out of space in that school. So students. Here we keep stating that therefore, they temporarily added two education is a priority. So why did the more classrooms. They will get two government remove the high school temporary classrooms for 2012-13 while from the capital projects list? Thank you, they’re constructing the new high Mr. Speaker. school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak. Your second supplementary, Mr. Ningark. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank Department of Education started the you, Mr. Speaker and Madam Minister. I plans on this and did a study along with thank her for that very clear and concise the Department of Community and response. She stated that they’re working Government Services. They went to together or cooperating with the DEA in Repulse Bay in the fall of 2010 to do this Repulse Bay, but personally, I tend to go study in regard to constructing a school. through the hamlet. Perhaps the proper term is (interpretation ends) prime public First of all, department officials went body. (interpretation) As I stated down to Repulse Bay on September 20, yesterday, I had a teleconference with 2010 and the officials went over there the mayor and SAO. They were again in February 2011. When they disappointed because they were led to started visiting the community, they believe that it was being built this found out that rather than getting an coming year and now it has been addition to the school, they need to build deferred to 2013-14. a new high school. In order to have the construction occur earlier and in order to The Premier is well aware that the save costs, we asked if they wanted to population is growing. The population have the same designed school that growth in Repulse Bay will end up Sanikiluaq has and they went to view the assisting Government of Nunavut new school that was constructed in revenues. So I would like to see this Sanikiluaq. project returned and it seems obvious that from 2011 to 2015, Repulse Bay We regret that we had to cut costs on our may continue to be the fastest growing expenditures. All the departments had to community in Canada, at least in cut costs. The school plan was taken off Statistics Canada’s eyes. Thank you. the Department of Education’s 2012-13

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Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. the new school, that will proceed, but I Madam Minister of Education, Minister was referring to two portable schools Aariak. that will be installed this fall in 2012.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): I think we all know and believe that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do Repulse Bay does require a new high recognize the census statistics and we, school and the new high school will be too, were rather disappointed that the constructed in 2013-14. Thank you, Mr. Department of Education chose to take Speaker. this project off during our budget cuts and we ended up deferring the project. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. That was unfortunate, but we have Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for shifted the planning and design phase for Pangnirtung, Mr. Oshutapik. 2012-13 because we are quite aware of the need of Repulse Bay to receive a Question 299 – 3(3): Bill C-10 Goes new school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Against Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Oshutapik) Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank Your final supplementary, Mr. Ningark. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Justice. Mr. Ningark: Final supplementary, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) yes, I thank the I have a question concerning a House of minister. Sometimes my hearing is a bit Commons initiative, Bill C-10. I would hard, perhaps because I’m aging, Mr. like to ask the Minister of Justice what Speaker. Did she refer to the date 2012? preparation the department is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. undertaking for this legislation. We are already expecting and everyone across Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. northern Canada has already stated their Minister of Education, Madam Minister concerns about the huge impact it is Aariak. going to have. The number of people who will be incarcerated will rise and Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): that seems to be the goal of that bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the planning, I stated that the plan or, Can the Minister of Justice inform this excuse me, what I was trying to say was House what work is being done on this because it was removed, which I have issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. already spoken to, it has now been reallocated to the 2013-14 capital Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. estimates. Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk.

This fall in the year 2012, there will be Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, two portable schools that will be Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that installed in Repulse Bay to alleviate the very important question. In regard to Bill overcrowding issue they face in the C-10, I’ve had many communications school at this time. While they’re with both the federal Minister of Justice undertaking the planning and design for and the federal Minister of Public Safety

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2012 in Prince Edward Island. We had Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. meetings a few weeks ago. I have also Minister of Justice, Minister Shewchuk. gone in front of the Parliament Senate Committee on Legislation on Bill C-10. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the member In both cases, I expressed the views of for his question and concern. The Nunavut on how Bill C-10 will affect us Department of Justice is always trying to as a territory. That is, with mandatory incorporate Inuit societal values and minimum sentencing, we will justice in the system as it is. Nunavut incarcerate more people and we need judges take that into consideration in the facilities and infrastructure to do that. I sentencing and procedures that take also expressed concerns that we are place right now, and we will continue to taking away our flexibility in sentencing do that. That is our view in relating our people. I also expressed our concerns concerns in regard to Bill C-10, that that about the funding resources we need to flexibility is taken away from our judges help us with crime prevention, and our court system. rehabilitation, and support for victims. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Moving forward in the future in any correctional facilities like the Rankin Speaker: Thank you, Minister Inlet Healing Facility, there are many Shewchuk. Your first supplementary, programs that incorporate Inuit values Mr. Oshutapik. and culture in the rehabilitation in those types of facilities and we will continue Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response on how they’re Speaker: Thank you, Minister preparing for this bill. I don’t have Shewchuk. Oral Questions. Member for expectations because we are always Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley. supposed to be optimistic about our future. Based on their language, it seems Question 300 – 3(3): Alternative obvious that it will definitely lead to an Energy Source Policy (Curley) increase in the number of incarcerations. If you’re not from Canada, maybe it’s Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, not a worry because it’s only for Canada. Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask my question to the Premier. I kind of alluded While you’re making preparations, I to it in my Member’s Statement, would like to ask if Inuit societal values particularly about the rising cost of oil will be increasingly applied so that it and the impacts on hunters and business. will not impact inmates too harshly. With energy costs and the subsidies After all, Inuit have a long history of required to assist these important sectors dealing with offenders. I’m asking: will of our economy rising, why isn’t that a Inuit tradition be recognized in the priority of the Nunavut government? justice system before this bill comes into Thank you. force? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister responsible for Executive and

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Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam Premier. Premier.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a matter colleague for asking that question. All of of high priority. Due to its importance, Nunavut is dependent on fuel which we have initiated a pilot project plan in pollutes our environment. This is also Iqaluit for a future hydro generation considered very important by my cabinet plant. There is an intense hydro potential colleagues, who can probably highlight feasibility study being conducted by my the work they have done in exploring executive colleagues as this is of ways to lessen our dependence on fuel to extreme importance. Once the study has generate power. been completed and debated, we will have to look at an energy policy, as per We have seen various studies done on the Ikummatiit document statements alternative power generation methods, which we have to try and implement, such as hydro power. They are exploring since this is very important to our solar energy, wind, and other non-fuel government and we review this based power generation methods periodically. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. because we want to lessen our dependence on fuel in the future. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Your second supplementary, Mr. Curley. At this time, we can compare ourselves to a person just on the starting blocks. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, We don’t even have hydro power, even Mr. Speaker. The reason why I brought though the plans have been developed this question up is because these for one. That is where we find ourselves methods are called conventional energy, at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. such as hydro that you mentioned, and some of these methods will not work in Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. all areas of Nunavut. I believe that this Your first supplementary, Mr. Curley. government has to take into consideration other means of power Mr. Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I generation, primarily in step with the made it quite clear why the government energy policy, which has to be carefully doesn’t treat the energy policy as a worded. I wonder when the Premier can priority of this government. That’s the announce a new energy policy in this point of my question. Mr. Speaker, when House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. will the Premier announce that energy as well as energy subsidies or programs are Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. the priority, if any? When will the Madam Premier. Premier or her ministers announce a policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. power generation, particularly now Minister responsible for Executive and depending on diesel, it’s an issue that we’re really trying to research to see

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2014 what the best methods of power Question 301 – 3(3): Need for a New generation we may be able to utilize here High School in Coral Harbour in the territory of Nunavut. (Ningeongan) Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank We’re basically at the initial research you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct stages of exploring alternative energy. In my question to the Minister of English, we’re basically in the research Education. With respect to the Member and development phase with respect to for Akulliq’s statement about the school power generation. It’s becoming clear as in Repulse Bay, I have noticed in the last we explore these options. However, if five-year capital plan that the plan for you were to look at all the other regions the new school in Coral Harbour was in Canada, Nunavut is the slowest when also deferred to the year 2014. I would it comes to alternative energy. We’re like to hear from the minister if that still one territory entirely dependent on capital project will proceed as planned fuel to generate power, but these for 2014. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. research studies into power generation are ongoing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Minister of Education, Madam Minister Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Aariak. Your final supplementary, Mr. Curley. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my I understand the comments the Premier colleague for raising that question. The just stated, but the residents of Nunavut Sakku School, which is for students have to hear about the type of policy that from kindergarten to grade 12, is the government is developing. With apparently in good condition, at least respect to making government policy according to the rating expert. It was more specific on a Nunavut-wide basis, renovated just a few years ago. when can we expect to see energy and However, we have to look at the caveat energy subsidy costs in the House? here, which is the number of students are Thank you, Mr. Speaker. also rising quite dramatically in that community. It is increasingly obvious Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Curley. that a new school will have to be Madam Premier. constructed in the future. The school is currently at 85 percent capacity. When Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): you look at the number of students, it Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is seems we will have to start planning for something that is being actively worked a new school or make an addition to the on and we will table it once the details existing school. Thank you, Mr. are worked out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. Oral Questions. Member for Nanulik, Your first supplementary, Mr. Mr. Ningeongan. Ningeongan.

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Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank You have to ensure that you start the you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister planning and design so that everything is for her response, but I didn’t seem to ready prior to the school becoming over hear a response to my question. The high capacity. school plans and design is supposed to start in 2014. I would like to raise my That’s just a comment, Mr. Speaker. I question again. Is the planning and believe I will be seeing the Premier later design still on for 2014? Thank you, Mr. today. I invite the Premier to come to Speaker. our community to tour the school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Minister of Education, Minister Aariak. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. That was just a comment. Item 6. Oral Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Questions. Member for Akulliq, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ningark. Department of Education, with the help of the Department of Community and Question 302 – 3(3): Local Housing Government Services, does assessments Associations and the Nunavut of the schools. They will work with the Housing Corporation (Ningark) DEA in Coral Harbour and others to start the planning stage in the spring of Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank 2014. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think I have ever raised a question to the Minister of Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister. Housing, so I would like to direct my Your second supplementary, Mr. question to him. Ningeongan. Is the Minister responsible for the Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank Nunavut Housing Corporation aware or you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister has he heard about whether or not the for her response. I believe she recalls recommendations expressed by the when I was first elected to the House as former Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, a member that it had already been have been implemented? The Auditor deferred within the five-year capital General’s report is a living document. In plan. I do know that we have to defer one of her recommendations, she stated capital projects and sometimes we don’t that there is a distinct lack of have alternatives but to defer projects communication between the Nunavut due to fiscal restraints. However, in my Housing Corporation and local housing estimation, if you keep deferring a authorities in the communities. Is the project, you start to worry about whether minister aware of this problem? Thank or not the project will be met. you, Mr. Speaker.

I noted and I have been informed that the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. school is at 85 percent capacity. I believe Minister responsible for the Nunavut that when you look at the classrooms for Housing Corporation, Mr. Schell. kindergarten and new classes, you have to start looking at those signs of growth.

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Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Speaker. I thank Mr. Ningark for that Minister responsible for the Nunavut question. Yes, we are aware of all the Housing Corporation, Minister Schell. recommendations that the Auditor General has put in place and most of Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. these have been corrected and some of Speaker. I thank the member for that them are ongoing. I do agree with you question. We are working with the that we have lot of issues with our LHOs and I know that is an issue in the LHOs. They need more support and allotment committee, where we have we’re putting things in place, such as noticed that there are certain friends, the inventory, which is a big issue that she friends get housing units, and it depends had and we’ve still got that issue. Right on who is on the committee. So we now, we have about half of the LHOs know the issue, we’re working with it, that are actually complying with getting and we’re going to do an audit on all the the inventories done by the end of LHOs to make sure that they’re March. We’re working on the other half following the rules. Thank you, Mr. and hopefully within the next year, we Chairman. will have them all complying with that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you for clarifying that, Minister Schell. You can tell it is Friday Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. morning. Item 6. Oral Questions. Item 7. Your first supplementary, Mr. Ningark. Returns to Written Questions. Oh, sorry. Written Questions. It is Friday morning. Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleagues are all >>Laughter aware as I have discussed this issue with them outside of the sitting, which is the Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. fact that certain communities are treated Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. differently than others. When we are Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to trying to ensure Tamapta is our guiding Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing principle, it would be like our spinal and Special Committees on Bills and cord and if we believe in this mandate, Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of we have to have some backbone. Documents. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions There are quite a number of people who for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. are still waiting for housing, some of Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. whom have waited for a very long time. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item At the same time, there are others who 19. Consideration in Committee of the get new housing soon after moving in Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills from another community. With respect 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 34 with Mr. to this problem of equal treatment, can Enook in the Chair. the minister direct the regional offices to work more cooperatively with the local We will take a short 10-minute break housing organizations so that they are before we go into Committee of the aware of all the problems they’re facing? Whole with Mr. Enook in the Chair. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Sergeant-at-Arms. Services to make his opening remarks. Mr. Kusugak. >>House recessed at 10:02 and Committee resumed at 10:17 Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can start Item 19: Consideration in Committee now? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the of the Whole of Bills and Other opportunity to appear before the Matters Committee of the Whole to review the 2012-13 main estimates and business Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): plan for the Department of Community Good morning. I would now like to call and Government Services. I would first the committee meeting to order. In like to state that we appreciate the Committee of the Whole, we have the feedback we received from the standing following items to deal with: Bills 21, committee review of the 2012-13 main 24, 25, 26, 27, and 34. What is the wish estimates and business plan and look of the committee? Mr. Aupaluktuq. forward to hearing from you and your colleagues here today. Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the Today we wish to continue with the Department of Community and review of Bill 24 and commence with Government Services continues to the review of the Department of manage programs and services for local Community and Government Services, government, government services, followed by the Department of petroleum products, procurement, Economic Development and protection services, informatics, project Transportation, and if time permits, the and asset management. Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Finance. (interpretation) Over the past fiscal year, my department Thank you, Mr. Chairman. has focused on Tamapta priorities. This includes the drafting of the legislative Chairman (interpretation): Do members proposal for changes to the Consumer agree that we deal with the Department Protection Act and the introduction of of Community and Government the Building Code Act. Both Acts are to Services? be introduced during this current session. CGS continues to work with the GNWT Some Members: Agreed. and NEBS on a plan to introduce legislation to regulate the municipal Bill 24 – Appropriation (Operations & employees’ pension plan. Maintenance) Act, 2012-2013 – Community and Government The Nunavut Infrastructure Advisory Services – Consideration in Committee (NCIAC) has a balanced Committee government and hamlet membership, and has just recently completed the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. development of the long-term integrated At this time, I would like to ask the community sustainability plans, or Minister of Community and Government ICSPs, for each community in Nunavut.

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The completion of these plans will During the past year, CGS has ensure that the future planning process conducted a municipal funding review. takes into account environmental, The review is intended to ensure that cultural, social, and economic goals of hamlets are funded at adequate levels to the communities. In addition, the ICSPs meet their operational needs and at the will provide both government same time, ensure that the funding departments and agencies and the calculation process is more transparent community itself with a long-term vision and equitable for all municipalities. A for their infrastructure development. draft of a new funding model is now under review by a committee made up of Mr. Chairman, in consultation with representatives from NAMA, NAM, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern CGS. The working group is scheduled to Development Canada and NAMA, CGS finalize its review by mid-March. When is working with municipalities to that is complete, we will bring the establish daily procedures to assist review to the FMB and then the municipalities in complying with their legislature. water licence requirements. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development In fiscal year 2011-12, we were Canada is assisting the working group to successful in gaining the support of all seek federal funding for training members of the legislature to increase municipal operators to improve the municipal core funding by $4 million. management of their water and waste This increase was provided to offset the management programs. inflationary pressures that our municipalities have experienced since We continue to assist municipalities with 2006. The municipalities have all acquiring insurance coverage at expressed appreciation and have been affordable rates by providing ongoing busy putting that new funding to work in funding of $850,000 for the municipal increased services to their communities. insurance program, also referred to as NAMIX. In addition, we will continue to As well, CGS continues to invest fund up to $200,000 annually to NAMIX significant resources in training to and municipalities to provide ongoing ensure that we continue to improve risk management and loss prevention services and programs to our client training. groups. We continue to offer over 6,500 training days a year to municipal Block funding for mobile equipment employees through our collaboration implemented two years ago was with the Municipal Training increased to $2.5 million last year and Organization (MTO). will continue at that level this year. Each hamlet now receives $104,000 annually Our pending budget includes a modest to fund the purchase of their mobile net increase over last year’s main equipment requirements. It was the estimates. We have increased building support of the standing committee, maintenance budgets by almost $6 Executive Council, and regular members million in order to better focus our that made this increase possible and as a efforts in maintaining government assets result, all communities have benefited. and providing client service. This will

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2019 not only make our buildings healthier Mr. Chairman, PPD will continue the places to work but will also extend the early purchase program to try and life of the building and reduce the high maintain price stability following this cost of operations and energy usage in year’s fuel resupply. PPD monitors the the longer term. oil and currency markets daily and forecasts indicate fuel prices will again To strengthen the maintenance program, rise as we head into the spring and CGS has begun the process of summer months. While it is important to completing condition assessments of all achieve the best price for fuel, it is GN assets. We will enter and manage equally important to take steps to reduce this data in the real estate capital asset fuel consumption. priority planning, also referred to as RECAPP, system to track service life Our department continues to utilize and and recommendations for life cycle pursue substantial energy management renewal investments. initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of building designs, lighting We continue to improve the GN’s and heating systems. We are continuing procurement process and services and our work with an energy performance the reporting of this activity. The Office contract for GN building retrofits to of the Auditor General has recently improve lighting and HVAC systems for completed a review of procurement energy performance. This is funded practices within CGS procurement. A through potential future energy savings report will be presented in the legislature calculations. All of these efforts are in April. aimed at reducing our consumption and the costs associated with utilities. The Petroleum Products Division continues to manage the fuel provision Mr. Chairman, with respect to protection mandate for the GN. The global oil services and Nunavut Emergency market and currency trends continue to Management, the department has been be very unpredictable and we have seen working hard to improve the response both record high and low fuel prices programs available to the public for over the past 18 to 24 months while the search and rescue. We continue to train Canadian dollar is fluctuating against the community search and rescue US dollar and the Euro. PPD has no organizations, hamlets, and individuals control over these commodities, but the in assisting the RCMP and military in department is working to improve their responding to searches. procurement practices and moderate the cost impact to Nunavummiut. We try to The number of search and rescue capitalize on lower prices whenever they incidents is on the increase in Nunavut. become available through the early In 2011, there were 163 searches for 281 purchase of fuel. As a result of these individuals. In response to these efforts, we were able to reduce the cost statistics, we are developing an of gasoline and diesel to all education and messaging campaign with Nunavummiut for the third time in this the search and rescue responders to government’s mandate. ensure care is taken by Nunavummiut when planning a trip out on the land or

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2020 water. We will continue our efforts to partnerships and collaboration to meet promote the use of SPOT devices and the needs of government departments, increase awareness of the value of being communities, and the general needs of prepared when going out on the land or Nunavummiut. water. I look forward to your questions, Mr. The incidents of fire in Nunavut are also Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you. on the rise. We continue to focus prevention efforts on educating Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, communities and youth. CGS also Minister Kusugak. Do you have continues to provide a substantial witnesses that you would like to bring to amount of training and equipment to the table? Minister Kusugak. local fire departments throughout Nunavut. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman. Our protection services staff facilitated the development of emergency response Chairman (interpretation): Does the plans for each community. These plans committee agree to bring in the have now been completed and are in the witnesses? process of being adopted by communities through their by-laws. This Some Members: Agreed. work will go a long way to prepare hamlets for responding to emergency Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at- events. The department will now Arms, please escort the witnesses in. facilitate the development of a territorial emergency response plan to build on the Minister Kusugak, for the record, please community plans. introduce your witnesses. Minister Kusugak. Community and Government Services has, over this past fiscal year, advanced Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): the upgrade of the wide area, local area, Thank you, Mr. Chairman and my and municipal area networks, (WAN- colleagues. On my left is my Deputy LAN-MAN). CGS successfully Minister, Kathleen Lausman, and to my transitioned to the new network at the right is our Director of Finance for CGS, end of December 2011. This Ms. Alma Power. Thank you, Mr. government’s priority Tamapta Action Chairman. Plan will be supported through these and other technology improvements. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Improved communications with Minister Kusugak. Welcome, Ms. government is a priority for my Lausman and Ms. Power. Does the Chair department, working with EIA and of the Standing Committee on communities. Community and Economic Development have comments? Mr. Rumbolt. Mr. Chairman, I hope my comments give an appreciation of the progress that Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. my department is making in fostering Chairman. Yes, I do.

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Chairman: Please. Pension Plan Protection Act was passed during the 2009 fall sitting. Members Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. were pleased to note that the Chairman. Good morning to the people Government of Nunavut listened and of Nunavut and the people of Sanikiluaq. acted on the concerns that we raised on the need to protect municipal employees Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to provide and their pension plans. The standing opening comments on behalf of the committee looks forward to further Standing Committee on Community and progress on the department’s plans to Economic Development on its review of “Work towards updated pension plan the 2012-13 main estimates and 2012-15 legislation to regulate the NEBS pension business plan of the Department of plan for municipal employees in Community and Government Services. Nunavut and NWT.”

The standing committee notes that the Mr. Chairman, the standing committee department’s proposed 2012-13 notes an increase in funding allocated operations and maintenance budget of under the Municipal Funding Policy, $188,127,000 has increased by which is used to assist municipalities to approximately 2 percent since the deliver programs and services. The introduction of the department’s 2011-12 department’s draft 2012-15 business main estimates. The number of positions plan indicates that one of its 2012-13 in the department is 344. This is the priorities is to “Develop options and same number of PYs as in its 2011-12 present recommendations for improved main estimates. municipal funding.” The standing committee is also pleased to see that the During the minister’s recent appearance department will be working to improve before the standing committee, members municipal funding and looks forward to took the opportunity to raise a number of receiving updates on this important issues and concerns. issue.

The department’s 2012-15 business plan The department’s proposed 2012-13 indicates that the department is main estimates include $2.5 million in continuing to review the Fire Prevention funding for the Mobile Equipment Block Act. Members were pleased to note that Funding Program. This program the department will bring forward “Provides annual core funding to assist amendments to the Consumer Protection communities in mobile equipment Act during this winter sitting. Members lifecycle planning, procurement and were also pleased to note that the maintenance.” The standing committee department will bring forward a new is pleased to note that the funding has Building Code Act during this winter remained stable since the introduction of sitting as well. The standing committee this program in the 2010-11 fiscal year looks forward to ongoing updates on and encourages the department to these legislative initiatives. continually review this program to ensure that adequate funding is provided Mr. Chairman, as you will recall, the to communities for their mobile Northern Employee Benefits Service equipment needs.

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Mr. Chairman, the department’s department to work with sealift suppliers proposed 2012-13 main estimates to ensure that the best possible service is include $850,000 in funding for the provided to all communities. Municipal Insurance Exchange to “offset incremental costs associated with The department’s proposed 2012-13 municipal insurance coverage and to main estimates include $500,000 in implement loss control program annual funding to provide training to initiatives with focus on such critical search and rescue organizations and areas as fire training and fire assistance with the purchase of prevention.” The standing committee equipment. The standing committee supports the government’s ongoing encourages the department to provide support of NAMIX until such time as the clear information to communities on the system can become self-funding and process by which they can access this looks forward to ongoing updates on this funding. The standing committee looks issue. forward to the minister tabling the 2011- 12 annual report, which is required by Mr. Chairman, on June 2 of 2010, the law to be tabled in the Legislative Minister of Community and Government Assembly under the territorial Services tabled the Considerations Emergency Measures Act. Regarding an Open Market System for Annual Sealift – Summary Report Mr. Chairman, the department’s 2012-15 December 2009 in the Legislative business plan provides an update on the Assembly. It was concluded that “a status of one of its priorities for the continuation of the RFP process gave the Office of the Fire Marshal. It indicates best combination of achieving price and that “The draft Policy and Standard services benefits for Nunavummiut Operating Procedures are currently being while at the same time offering the reviewed by other GN departments for opportunity for competitive tendering of input and will be finalized in the next service to each region.” fiscal year.” The standing committee looks forward to ongoing updates on this On June 9, 2011, the Minister of initiative. Community and Government Services tabled the Dry Cargo Resupply Program The standing committee notes that the – Activity Summary Shipping Year 2010 proposed budget for the department’s in the Legislative Assembly. It indicated Capital Planning and Technical Services that an “Alternate Dispute Resolution Branch is increasing from $33,671,000 approach to settling Sealift claims by in 2011-12 to $33,838,000 in 2012-13. Nunavummiut against the carriers was Most of this increase is due to a newly implemented during the 2010 season. created “Project Management Office” The Alternate Dispute Resolution will division. replace litigation for small claims.” The standing committee was pleased to see Mr. Chairman, the department’s draft that the final recommendation of the 2012-15 business plan provides an 2005 Review of the Annual Resupply update on the status of one of its Operations was implemented. The previous priorities, which indicates that standing committee encourages the “CGS, in consultation with AANDC and

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NAMA, continues to work with have undergone a condition assessment; municipalities to establish procedures to information will be used in the new assist municipalities in complying with capital planning process to facilitate a their water licence requirements” and replacement plan for aging that “CGS has hired Dalhousie infrastructure.” The standing committee University to conduct long-term studies looks forward to ongoing updates on this to better understand the capability of issue. Nunavut’s wastewater facilities and methods which can enhance their Mr. Chairman, earlier this week during effectiveness.” the government’s Budget Address, the Minister of Finance indicated that “The MLAs have spoken on a number of government proposes to transfer the occasions in the Legislative Assembly sport and recreation responsibilities of on the importance of drinking water the Department of Culture, Languages, quality and safety in Nunavut. The Elders and Youth to the Department of standing committee continues to Community and Government Services.” recommend that the department prepare The standing committee was pleased and table in the Legislative Assembly a with this announcement and looks comprehensive report on water quality in forward to receiving updates on this all of Nunavut’s communities. The initiative. standing committee also notes that the Department of Environment and the Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Department of Community and opening comments on the 2012-13 main Government Services are currently estimates and 2012-15 business plan of reviewing waste management options for the Department of Community and Nunavut. Members look forward to Government Services. Thank you, Mr. receiving ongoing updates on this Chairman. important issue and encourage both departments to continue working with Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, communities to ensure that they are Mr. Rumbolt. Before we proceed, I compliant with all territorial and federal would like to remind members of Rule legislation regarding waste management 77(1) and Rule 77(2). We now can recite in Nunavut. them from memory, having heard them repeatedly for a long time, so let’s just Mr. Chairman, the department’s keep them in mind. At this time, I would proposed 2012-13 main estimates like to ask if there are any general indicate that the department’s Petroleum comments to the opening remarks. Mr. Products Revolving Fund will have a Ningark. deficit of $10,936,000 in 2012-13. The standing committee encourages the Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank department to closely monitor this issue. you, Mr. Chairman. With the respect to the opening comments of the Hon. The department’s draft 2012-15 business Minister of CGS, I haven’t heard plan provides an update on the status of something that troubled my heart and my one of its previous priorities, which mind or I didn’t see anything that indicates that “All Nunavut tank farms bothered me. We shouldn’t always be

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2024 looking for issues and problems, but we (interpretation) I totally agree with that should be looking for something good in particular statement. The communities representing our constituents. should be utilized more in future projects so that all the dollars that are left in the On page 2 of the minister’s opening community will continue to recycle. I comments in the English version, the really appreciated that part of his first paragraph talks about the Nunavut comment. Infrastructure Advisory Committee. I like the wording as it applies to I would like to ask this question in economic development and building relation to his opening comments and I’ll infrastructure that improves the growth have no further questions after that. You of the community’s economy. That is made a statement about trying to grow what’s in the works. For that, I thank the communities, irrespective of whether the minister and I imagine we are all project is federal, territorial, or thankful. municipal, that you have to try to ensure local benefits wherever a contract is let I just added a bit on the community and leave more money in the local economy specifically with respect to communities. If there is a contract where contracts that are let. Where do these they are constructing a unit, they should projects come from? It can be the federal be able to utilize local resources like the government that creates a community local truck rentals and hotels so that the project. There are also territorial and money that they’re using with the provincial projects. There are also the contract will remain in the community. I local municipal governments that come know that the federal government firmly up with projects when they get funding believes in infrastructure development. for them. However, when an outside contracting company arrives into the Thank you for that nice little jingle. I’m community, there really is no benefit. I not sure whose jingle that was, but that’s really believe communities deserve more a nice tune. benefits because the minister feels, along with his deputy minister, that the needs That is my question, Mr. Chairman, so of communities be adequately addressed. I’ll stop there for the time being. Thank you. On page 4 of his opening comments in English, the minister mentions the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, procurement process. When we are Mr. Ningark. Minister Kusugak. contracting using public funds here in Nunavut, the government, through the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I Department of Community and enjoyed listening to Mr. Ningark’s Government Services, has certain comments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. beliefs, as the policy states. I’ll read it in The comments you just made are very English, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation understandable because we do want to ends) “Spending money locally returns see economic development in every benefits to the jurisdiction because a hamlet, as per our statement that we portion of the dollars spent locally are have to ensure communities and hamlets recycled locally,” Mr. Chairman. will deal with it down the road.

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The Nunavut Infrastructure Planning I would like to return to the opening Committee was just created, which looks comments, specifically on page 6. It at the capital projects and pro-rates them states that “The incidents of fire in as to their development planning. There Nunavut are also on the rise.” If we look is weight that is placed on each contract at the 2010 annual plan, it also states that and they have to review what kind of there were 123 buildings that had impact it may have in a community. burned. So that would be over 40 units These are the kind of factors they have per year that are damaged by fire in to look at, so I agree with that statement. Nunavut.

With respect to the contracts that the Just prior to Christmas up to date and member referred to, the requests and particularly here in Iqaluit, as was in bonuses are usually a part of the contract other communities, we have heard about and are reviewed. The contracts usually these fire incidents. It’s very sorrowful state local content and involvement, to hear about these events and the people including vehicle rental and any number impacted become affected because it’s of things because there are so many very stressful, but I think that one of the contracts. We look at the possible impact things that we have to look at is fire and benefits to the community where the prevention measures, especially down project is being undertaken. So these the road. So I’m wondering if the kinds of details are usually contained minister can tell us whether or not they within the contract, along with appended started focusing more on fire prevention agreements. measures. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am very happy that Mr. Ningark agrees Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, with our approach, Mr. Chairman. Thank Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. you. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Fire Minister Kusugak. Just to remind the prevention is a very important issue in members again that we have interesting Nunavut. We have seen many programs comments to hear with the statements on fire prevention, as well as pamphlets from the members. Please make sure that through schools and also in the offices. your cellphones are shut off so that we We see fire prevention posters and we can pay attention to what’s being stated see fire prevention commercials on TV. by the members. Thank you. That was This program is continuing and we’re just a reminder. Ms. Ell. now reviewing how we can improve it and strengthen the fire prevention Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. program. So we’re now looking at how Chairman. I also thank the witnesses we can enhance the fire prevention who are here to answer questions we program in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. may have. We know they have a very Chairman. difficult job, but again, they’re working towards improving our future and that’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, quite commendable. Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell.

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Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for saying that Chairman. When we get to the page-by- you will be reviewing this. We expect to page review, I will have further see the results. You have many staff questions to ask. At this point, can the members, I believe, that are open and we minister inform us as to how many have heard that there is currently no fire vacant positions still exist in his marshal here in Iqaluit. Could the department? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minister elaborate on that? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Perhaps about 25 percent of the positions Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): are vacant, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, at this time, we do have a fire marshal. Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ell (interpretation): If it is indeed at Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. 25 percent, I imagine there are over 90 positions that are vacant which have to Ms. Ell (interpretation): I imagine the be advertised and filled. Am I correct in fire marshal was just hired and that’s estimating the 90 positions? I’ll just stop why we haven’t heard about it. Thank there for now. Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The fire Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. marshal has actually been working in Nunavut for quite a while and he used to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I work in the Rankin Inlet offices. I think you just stated that you finished, believe he just moved here to Iqaluit in Ms. Ell. We will move on. Mr. Curley. January of this year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. I would like to make a few general Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, comments. Welcome to the Committee Minister Kusugak. Just to remind the of the Whole, hon. minister and your members that we are on general officials. There are three main items I comments and questions. When we go to want to discuss. the page-by-page review, you will be able to ask more questions in regard to The first is in regard to CG&S being the contents. Ms. Ell. very important to the business sector. There are a lot of buildings that require

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2027 inspections. When we get to the page- I want to thank everybody in search and by-page review, I will speak to this in rescue because without them, a lot more more detail. of us would be in peril. When people are in boats or inclement weather, they face As I stated, inspectors are a very hardship and it causes difficulties. In this important aspect of construction and day and age, when we no longer depend there is a shortage of them. If you’re on dog teams, a lot more people die. going to be getting a loan, you need to What I did want to mention is that a lot have your facility inspected to be able to of these search and rescues are too get the funds. That’s why, in some cases, focused on western society’s way of the units sit empty for a long time conducting search and rescue. because it requires further inspection, even though drywalls or plumbing, for If you hear the story about the Labrador example, are ready to be installed. incident, where a young person passed Although the units may be roughly away within 24 hours and nearby, the made, they still have to be approved by boy was dearly missed. I believe their an inspector. MP and Ottawa are conducting an investigation. We really have to change The private sector continually clamours the way it’s operated and adapt it to for more inspectors because it holds up a Nunavut because sometimes a blizzard is lot of construction and the construction the reason why search and rescue aircraft season is short. Again, we definitely don’t fly, even though the actual local need electrical inspectors. When your searchers will still be looking. I will ask electrical inspection doesn’t pass, you more questions on that later. can’t make a unit available. There are a lot of factors that are involved in With the third item, a lot of us have approving them. That is why having depended on the Auditor General’s more inspectors available is more report and recommendations on what important. I will provide more detail requires improvements. As the Standing later on. I just wanted to speak to this Committee on Government Operations issue. and Public Accounts, we will be reviewing that report in April. I just want I would like to thank his department, to mention this part because it impacts specifically the Emergency Measures the private sector. Organization, including Ed Zebedee. I noted sometimes that he spends 24 hours With Nunavut’s construction season or more working on an issue. They go being as short as it is, we have to create through very stressful and hard work, as an efficient and effective process. I will per what our colleague from Igloolik provide more detail on that as well. spoke about last year. There was an event that occurred in Igloolik where one You are also responsible for various of the rescuers unfortunately passed pieces of legislation related to the away when they were trying to save the Financial Administration Act, as well as hunter and his son. the Contracting Procedures Manual, which not all departments have. If they were followed properly, we would not

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2028 have to run into as many problems that beneficial to the community and we we do. would like to see the continuation of block funding in the communities. I would like to also mention that in my Communities should be given more constituency, we have some concerns flexibility. When they’re given more because we have been told that the flexibility, it benefits more people and Petroleum Products Division will be it’s beneficial to the community, moved to the Qulliq Energy Corporation. especially the smaller communities. I I think we will be interested to hear how spoke to this issue previously and I just many positions will be moved or want to say it again because we have whether they would be moved to Baker heard from our mayor. Lake, where Qulliq has its headquarters. On page 6 in the opening comments in I’m mentioning these four main areas as the middle paragraph, it states that there general comments and I will provide were 163 searches for 281 individuals in more questions during the page-by-page 2011. I am very pleased about the fact review, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. that you have looked at options on how we can improve this program in Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, searching for people on the land or sea. Mr. Curley. I didn’t hear a question. The government’s program in providing Minister Kusugak, would you like to SPOT devices has really helped. respond? Minister Kusugak. I have heard that there is a lack of Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I communication with the communities. If don’t have much to say, but I do want to the communities know about the SPOT say that I am very pleased that we will devices, they don’t necessarily have to be talking about these issues once we know how to operate a computer. A start the page-by-page review. The only harvester can take that SPOT device and way to resolve issues is to speak about be taught how to turn them on. I’m sure the issues in the House. It will be that it can be very helpful with SPOT interesting to hear once we start the devices. They’re not the same as GPS or page-by-page review. Thank you, Mr. computers. SPOT devices are easier to Chairman. handle. They’re more user-friendly. I’m sure that the elders who are unilingual Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Inuit can use those if they can bring Minister Kusugak. Mr. Ningeongan. them when they go out hunting. That is going to help them out more. Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the It would help save the lives of many minister and his officials. On page 3, the Nunavummiut if they bring their SPOT top paragraph, I would like to briefly devices. There have been hunters who talk about this issue because the have been using SPOT devices and they communities have developed more have saved lives. The communities through this block funding. The hamlets should be made more aware on how to can make their own decisions. I just use SPOT devices because sometimes want to state too that this has been very the hunters go out hunting without

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2029 telling anyone. The search and rescue training, municipal employees have team doesn’t even know where to start gained more confidence. I am very searching. Sometimes that creates a pleased to see that program continuing problem and a long delay before they and I would like to say how pleased I am find an individual. with that.

In our community, when there is a In regard to the issue of building hunter not coming back at a certain time maintenance, perhaps office buildings of that they’re supposed to, we start municipalities are aging and they are moving right away and acting on it, unable to keep up with the Canadian especially if there are hunters who don’t building codes. You talked about the say where they’re going. I am very buildings being improved to bring them pleased about that. I just wanted to make up to code. The office in my a comment on that because it’s going to constituency, for example, is around 30 help the communities. years old. Buildings become drafty. When the units are constructed and Even though SPOT devices are made designed, they identify the lifespan of a available, some communities take a long building. I will be asking questions in time to realize that, along with hamlet, regard to aging buildings. and the MLAs need to work together on this issue. This is just a general I know that your department has other comment, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. responsibilities, but we don’t like to see aging infrastructure being left behind. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, We would like to see the units or Mr. Ningeongan. Mr. Oshutapik. government buildings assessed. I will be asking questions in regard to that when Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank we get to the page-by-page review. I’ll you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to make conclude with that, Mr. Chairman. some general comments and I will be Thank you. asking questions when we get to the page-by-page review. I thank Minister Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Kusugak and his officials for appearing Mr. Oshutapik. I didn’t hear a question. before the committee. At this time, I have no more names on my list for general comments. We will On page 3, it states here that in the 2011- move on to the page-by-page review. 12 fiscal year, there will be $4 million We will start off with page J-4. for continuing the MTO program, which Community and Government Services. provides over 6,500 training days a year Branch Summary. Directorate. Total to municipal employees. This is very Operations and Maintenance, to be interesting to hear because we were Voted. $8,943,000. Do you agree? mayors at the time when this was initiated. I am very pleased to see that it Some Members: Agreed. is fully operational now. The individuals who took that training were not just Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. municipal employees; it has helped to Mr. Ningark. enhance the community. Through that

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Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank particular regulations that you have to you, Mr. Chairman. This is probably just follow? a comment. Mr. Chairman, is that under training? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Ningark, please rephrase your question so that I Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): can get it clarified. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that excellent question. Based on Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank what we know, we have no option but to you. You or the minister can reply to me. adhere to the regulations and there is no Are we on page J-5 or J-4? way around them whatsoever. The contract regulations are all followed as Chairman (interpretation): We’re on much as possible with respect to page J-4. contracts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Yes, I’ll Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan) ask my question later on. I apologize for (interpretation): Thank you, Minister being on the wrong page. So therefore, I Kusugak. Mr. Curley. have no further questions. Thank you. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Yes, I really wanted to hear that from the Mr. Ningark. Mr. Curley. department because sometimes we hear that the Contracting Procedures Manual Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. doesn’t seem to be followed properly. I want to raise a question regarding this The reason why I bring it up is there are division. If you look at CGS for policy two different contracting processes: one and planning, there is no doubt they’re specifically deals with procurement in implemented. My question is a general all departments, including the large question, as per my general comments. departments of Health and Education, and then the other one is the Contracting CGS is guided by particular policies, Procedures Manual, which is recognized. especially when they’re dealing with Wherever the procurement policy contracts. They’re governed by several applies, you have to respect its pieces of legislation, such as the provisions. Financial Administration Act, as well as the Contracting Procedures Manual. A second note is that not everything is There are also recommendations we the same. There are legal obligations, have received from the Office of the such as Article 24 of the land claims. Auditor General which helped to Unfortunately, they don’t work together ameliorate the challenges we face. seamlessly all that well, so we don’t catch everything. Maybe the minister’s Are you putting enough emphasis on the officials can be more consistent. I hear principles of the Contracting Procedures about the review announced by the Manual? Are you adhering to the Premier. Once again, I think some of us can say that before the review is

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2031 completed, we have to ensure that our Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, officials respect existing policies and Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. legal obligations. I don’t want to hear that it is only after the review is Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. completed that they will fulfill their legal I thank the minister for that because obligations. (interpretation ends) Thank whenever there is a request for you. proposals, we tend to have a wish list. It can be a short list of requirements and/or Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, other things can be added. Even just Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. having only one requirement could be sufficient. Having two might be better, Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): but adding requirements would not Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have a necessarily create an onerous process. section in the Department of CGS with specific expertise on contracts. Not all Allow me to ask this question. If there contracts stem from CGS. Whenever a was a factual error found in the different department requires a contract, department, do they conduct a thorough whether it’s Education or investigation as to why this particular Transportation, they inform our contract didn’t follow the Contracting department what they want to contract Procedures Manual? Do you also look at out, what they want in the contract, and the factors that may lead to non- the skills and abilities they require. The compliance? Thank you. contract staff starts looking at the requests for contracts and checks to see Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, that they are adhering to the various Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. policies and legal obligations that they have. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There is no Yes, it’s obvious that there are some obligation that cannot be followed. If departments throughout government that there were problems and we learn about are less knowledgeable about our steps that we should take, if there were contracting regulations. However, after any unintentional omission, Mr. the Office of the Auditor General Chairman, they are told what steps conducted an audit where they checked should be taken. There is no room for 35 different contracts that were let in disputes when the contracts are being put prior years, they didn’t find any issues. I together because it’s very important to was pleased to see that. We do have to the public that there be no disputes learn more. It’s true that we can have a arising from spending the public’s better understanding of the material, Mr. money. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I can tell my colleagues here that despite the review that will take Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): place, we are required to follow the Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. existing policies and regulations. Curley.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I hope I Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. answered him correctly. That’s very good to hear and I’m glad

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2032 that you stated it that way. The reason I adhere more to the legislation since that want to raise this is that when we are issue has come to light. Thank you. going to put out a tender, CGS has the discretion to sole source because that’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, one of the options of the deputy minister. Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak.

My colleague sitting right next to me Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): will probably recognize that the Yes, I believe I signed that particular Municipalities Act was bypassed in document to move it forward, but we some of the contracts. I hope that has make every effort to honour any been rectified. I don’t have the section obligation that we have to follow. that speaks to it, but it seems to state that Sometimes, however, even when you’re if there are any funds that will be following the correct legal procedures, allocated to the hamlet, irrespective of someone doesn’t agree. In those cases, if whether it is from the Department we need to make corrections, then we do Economic Development and so. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Transportation or your department, the minister has to approve it. Will you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, ensure that that is followed down the Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. line? Thank you. Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Perhaps the best way is to simply get the Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. hamlet to facilitate the construction because of the short construction season. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On the sole I keep referring back to the Auditor sourcing that the member talks about, General. When you look at these each government department, including projects, you have to look at the best and the departments he mentioned, we don’t most effective use of public funds. When have a say. I can tell the member that you look at the tender process, this might where CGS is involved, we ensure that actually be a problem and that’s why the we adhere to the regulations pertaining Auditor General assumes that a non- to sole sourcing. Thank you, Mr. tendered contract would be a lot more Chairman. effective. Will you be giving more weight to these recommendations and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, look at trying to create a more effective Minister Kusugak. Mr. Curley. means of contracting?

Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you. The reason is that in Nunavut, we have a In Cape Dorset, there were allegations lot of businesses that depend on these that various contracts were awarded government contracts and their unfairly, which the minister were to have employees want to be able to have an signed and approved, but were done at opportunity to work. That is the reason the hamlet level and have subsequently why I want an answer to this. Thank become court matters. Perhaps they will you.

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the minister indicate what changes they Mr. Curley. Minister Kusugak. are proposing to the legislation?

Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I believe, this fall, there was a statement Thank you, Tagak. Your questions are about introducing amendments to quite clear and it’s good to hear the legislation at our winter 2012 sitting, but reasoning behind your questions. I was I would like to know if the minister can very happy to note, and you may have indicate what changes they’re proposing noted it yourself, that when we talk to the legislation. Thank you, Mr. about a sole source contract, the number Chairman. of sole source contracts has started to dwindle and it has been dwindling ever Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, since. I am very happy to see that. Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak.

As I stated in my comments, the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): divisions in certain departments handle Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m sorry, but these contracts that are let by various I didn’t quite get the question. It was not departments. We have talked with them intentional, Ms. Ell. Thank you, Mr. and supported them in reducing the Chairman. number of sole source contracts. Again, the departments are also online with Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, limiting the number of source contracts Minister Kusugak. Again, I apologize to and we are collaborating on this issue to you, Mr. Minister. I think we had a try to make it a more effective process. slight glitch with the interpreting equipment. Perhaps you can ask your Mr. Chairman, hamlets have their own question again, Ms. Ell. contracting procedures and processes, but our department does also provide Ms. Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. assistance to hamlets in that regard. (interpretation) I’ll speak in English. (interpretation ends) Your department’s Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hopefully draft 2012-15 business plan indicates I’m understandable. that one of the 2012-13 priorities is to “Propose amendments to the Consumer Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Protection Act.” It indicates that these Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. amendments will be brought forward during this sitting. What changes to the Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. legislation is the department proposing? Chairman. I also thank the minister. I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. believe we’re on page J-4. Your department’s draft 2012-15 business Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, plan indicates that one of the 2012-13 Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. priorities is to “Propose amendments to the Consumer Protection Act.” It Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): indicates that these amendments will be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you brought forward during this sitting. Can for that clarification. We are proposing to make amendments. I think we all have

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2034 received phone calls in regard to our federal and other jurisdictions deficit situation. We would like to make concerning the fees, as you mentioned, some changes to reduce the discretionary by retail stores for financial services. authority of debt collectors. For Does this include things like money example, if I had a store and you took transfers? What is your department too long to pay your bills, despite considering? When will you be sending you correspondence urging you introducing this to the Legislative to settle those bills, I would keep trying Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to contact you to avoid further action to collect. That would be covered under the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Consumer Protection Act. Those are Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. some of the changes we would like to see and will review it this year. Thank Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. That portion is still under consideration and construction, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. We will, at the earliest Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. possible time, be able to bring that forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s indicated in the business plan that this Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, will come in two phases. Can you Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. indicate when they will be brought forward and what the two phases mean? Ms. Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On Thank you, Mr. Chairman. page 164 of the business plan, your department’s draft 2012-15 business Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Ell. plan indicates that one of the 2012-13 Minister Kusugak. priorities is to “Develop an infrastructure plan for Nunavut to address the existing Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. deficit in infrastructure.” It also indicates Chairman. The amendments to the that your department will “Develop a Consumer Protection Act will involve long-term financing plan for the inclusion of harmonized agreements implementation of the infrastructure stemming from Nunavut’s membership plan.” I think it says “implementation.” on the Consumer Measures Committee In my book, it says “implantation.” and ensuring consistency of Nunavut’s When do you expect the infrastructure legislation with consumer legislation in plan and financial plans will be other jurisdictions of Canada. Thank completed and implemented by your you, Mr. Chairman. department? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister Kusugak. Ms. Ell. (interpretation) You noticed something that I wouldn’t have noticed. Minister Ms. Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Kusugak. Thank you for that, minister. You mentioned that your department is Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): looking into harmonizing with the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are doing

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2035 a review at this time, working with the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut Association of Municipalities. Chairman. I don’t want to speculate on In regard to the municipalities, we all things like that. It would be good to see, know that the infrastructures of to have that kind of a problem, where we municipalities are aging. We are now would get that kind of money to deal doing a condition assessment and I’m with infrastructure. I’m sure, with the sure that it’s going to take a while. I planning process that we have underway, believe, hopefully by the fall, we will get the review that we did will go a long the results from the condition way in being able to immediately start to assessments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. look at where the priorities are in spending that kind of dollars. We would Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, need to increase our personnel in our Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. departments. I would just like to say that it would be a nice problem to have, to Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have that kind of infrastructure dollars wanted to continue on with the line of available. I’m sure our department questioning that Ms. Ell had brought would own up to the challenge and deal forward from page 164 in your priorities with it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. for the 2012-13 fiscal year, specifically in regard to the infrastructure plan. In the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Budget Address put forward by Minister Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Peterson, there was mention of $6 billion worth of infrastructure that was needed Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. over the next 20 years. When I did the Thank you for the answer. It would be math, it was about $30 million of nice because I think that leads into my infrastructure a year to keep up with our next question. In terms of the $6 billion aging infrastructure. Currently, we have figure, is that a wish list of what the approved, in the fall sitting, around $100 communities would need or is that with million in infrastructure. ongoing… ? Viewing what the communities need in terms of power Again, with some of the over- generators that are failing, schools that commitments or problems that occurred need to be repaired, schools that need to with the Nunavut Housing Trust, when be built upon because they are more funding was provided, the capacity expanding with population, is that based within the department… . At least with on a true figure or is this more of a wish the Nunavut Housing Corporation, it list? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. seemed it was hard to deal with that. What I’m wondering is: would your Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, department be able to handle an increase Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. of $200 million worth of infrastructure dollars? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would even go so far as to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, say that that’s a conservative look at the Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. costs. At this point, it may be a wish list, but that’s the reality. We do need these kinds of dollars in order to get caught up

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2036 in infrastructure in Nunavut. When that’s communities doing the assessments, but taken out with the help of the I was wondering if you could give us an community sustainability plans that have update on… . been developed, that’s really close to the real figures, give or take a million, I I’m not sure quite what it’s called, but think, but that is the sad reality of our you were travelling or your department infrastructure needs in Nunavut. was travelling around to all the communities across the territory doing a We need power plants. The Chairman is really comprehensive inventory of what talking about the power failures in his is in the community, I think even down community. I think almost all the to, at least with the way it was explained constituents we have could attest to the to me, the detailed information of what same needs. We all need new schools. boilers in a certain building and what We all need new health centres. Well, nozzle they had to have for that so there maybe not all of them, but a lot of them. would be a complete inventory. I was We all need new community halls, wondering if you could give us an hamlet offices, arenas, just the very basic update on the progress of that. Thank necessities of our communities, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman, and yes, that is very close to the figure. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the question, Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Elliott. Yes, that work continues and Thank you for that response. Resolute I think it will continue for a while. The Bay recently had about 10 or 11 hours plan is to put it all into a database. We without power and Grise Fiord as well are still continuing to enter the had some interesting things that information into the RECAPP database happened with their power plant during that I mentioned in my opening the spring runoff where water runs statements. That’s ongoing and through the actual facility. So it is hopefully that part of it will be definitely a need, but you have answered completed in the near future. Thank you, my next question because I was going to Mr. Chairman. ask how you actually receive those figures and you mentioned the Nunavut Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, community integrated sustainability Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. plans, which have helped you come up with dollars figures to be able to assess Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. what is needed. At this point, you had mentioned the database and data entry has been I remember last year in lines of ongoing, but have all communities questions that we had and also just from across the territory been visited and has travelling around to my three the inventory been taken? Have all the communities and bumping into different communities been visited and now it’s CGS personnel who were in the just a matter of data entry or is it still

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2037 ongoing that communities have not been and is working hard to try to help us find visited? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. more federal dollars, and we will continue to do that. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. We do have gas tax dollars that are going to continue to flow. There are P3 Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. possibilities. We do have a bit of the Chairman. No, all the communities have Building Canada Fund that we can not quite completed their inventory yet. access. It is a struggle. There is no That’s still continuing. We still have a simple solution, but we strive to handful. By handful, I really don’t know continue to try to find those solutions exactly how many, but we’re near the and work with the federal government to end of that. Nonetheless, we are starting find some of those solutions. Thank you, the work with the RECAPP process. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Getting back to the human capacity issue Again getting back to the $6 billion with within the minister’s department, I think, the potential of $3 million a year and the most recently, we’ve had about $85 $2 million shortfall, if this is for needed million worth of capital carryover infrastructure for our basic needs, as the projects. I’m wondering, in terms of minister had said, I guess it scares me a keeping up, whether we can get an little bit. What are we going to do and update today as to how those project where are we going to find the funding dollars are coming along in terms of for this? It sounds like sometimes our needed infrastructure in our communities will slowly start to fall communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. apart and maybe needed services won’t be there when they need to be there. I’m Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, just wondering: what’s the department Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. doing to meet that shortfall? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I could ask my deputy Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to elaborate a bit on that issue. Thank Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak. you, Mr. Chairman.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Ms Lausman. Chairman. It’s a very serious issue. We do need more money. We’re talking with Ms. Lausman: Thank you, Mr. the federal government and seeking Chairman. In answer to that question, more money. Our finance minister and which is a very big question, we have my colleagues are constantly trying to put together a capital planning process access more federal funding. Our that’s really going to allow a lot of pre- Member of Parliament works with us planning on projects. We would get a lot

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2038 of technical information and we would staff on and paying people when the understand the scope better. That would work couldn’t be finished until the next allow us to deliver projects in a more phase was approved. I’m just wondering timely fashion and have a better sense of whether your department has looked at what the actual costs would be. We’re that in terms of implementing a building transitioning into that new process now. code. We expect that over the next couple of years, we will be able to have fewer Again, I think a building code is capital carryovers. We will know exactly something that we need to look at. With when the capital dollars will be used for wheelchair accessibility and with recent construction and when they’re going to developments in terms of fire codes and be needed for consultant work. So we whether there should be fire suppression expect that whole problem to actually systems and sprinkler systems in taper off a lot. Thank you. buildings, I think it’s needed. At the same time, I don’t think they want to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, slow down the process of construction Ms. Lausman. Mr. Elliott. because we have such a short construction period anyway. I’m Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. wondering if your department has Thank you for that answer. In terms of looked into that and what resolutions the Building Code Act that’s before the have been made in terms of staffing a House, one of the concerns I have… . I position like that or staffing the number think I might have to ask it later when of people to go through the building we get onto staffing, but I’m sure that code and follow through on the the directorate would have looked into procedures. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. this. I think some of the other members were asking questions around this as Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, well. Mr. Elliott. Minister Kusugak.

When there was construction going on Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. with the Nunavut Housing Trust, there Chairman. Good points, Mr. Elliott. Mr. were a lot of houses being built. One of Chairman, we’ve had issues in the past the concerns that was brought to me and we will again in the future, many times was the idea that unfortunately, in dealing with construction was being held up by not inspections in a timely manner, which having either electrical inspectors or a was and has been an issue in previous building inspector coming in to approve construction seasons. at different stages. I won’t pretend to understand what all those stages are and That was twofold, partly because we when it has to be done, but I know, in were short of staff and partly because of the way it was explained to me, the scheduling by the contractors concern was that it presented a problem themselves, where we had in place with to the contractor to get work done, which the contractors to say, for example, actually translated to more money being “Please let us know a couple of weeks or spent on keeping individuals in the a month or so before your inspection is community and housing them or having required.” Many contractors followed

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2039 that and more often than not, we would to make a motion to report progress. get a call to say, “We finished this (interpretation) Thank you. portion of it. Could you come and inspect it now?” And in the meantime, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the people who specialize in that field, if Mr. Ningeongan. There is a motion on it’s an electrical inspection or a vapour the floor to report progress and the barrier inspection or what else, they may motion is not debatable. All those in have been at another project at the time. favour of the motion, raise your hand. Thank you. Opposed. The motion is So we’re working with the departments carried. I will now rise to report and contractors to deal with that part of progress. it, but it’s very important that the inspections do take place because safety Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the is the ultimate goal here and that proper witnesses out. Thank you. electrical, boiler, and what other inspections take place in a timely Speaker: Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at- manner and that they be done properly Arms. Moving on in our orders of the so that we are not jeopardizing the health day. Item 20. Report of the Committee and well-being of Nunavummiut. of the Whole. Mr. Enook.

When we do work with the building Item 20: Report of the Committee of code, it will be not to speed up the whole the Whole construction process but to ensure that safety comes first, that the two can Mr. Enook: Mr. Speaker, your marry and go in a timely fashion. We committee has been considering Bill 24 will work to ensure that personnel are in and the main estimates, and would like place so that the code is properly to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I adhered to. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Speaker. Minister Kusugak. We will go back to the page we were on. We were on page Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. There J-4. Community and Government is a motion on the floor. Is there a Services. Branch Summary. Directorate. seconder? Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be The motion is in order. All those in Voted. $8,943,000. Do you agree? favour. Any opposed? The motion is carried. Some Members: Agreed. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Ningeongan. Item 22: Orders of the Day Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Looking at the Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. clock, (interpretation ends) I would like Speaker. A reminder that this afternoon at half past one in the Nanuq

Friday, March 2, 2012 Nunavut Hansard 2040

Boardroom, there’s a meeting of the  Bill 26 Standing Committee on Legislation.  Bill 27 Orders of the Day for March 5:  Bill 34

1. Prayer 20. Report of the Committee of the 2. Ministers’ Statements Whole 3. Members’ Statements 21. Third Reading of Bills 4. Returns to Oral Questions 22. Orders of the Day 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Thank you.

Gallery Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. 6. Oral Questions Members, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our pages who have 7. Written Questions been here assisting us this week. From 8. Returns to Written Questions Pond Inlet, Suzanne and Kimberly, thank you very much for coming down 9. Replies to Opening Address and I hope you enjoyed yourselves and 10. Petitions learned a lot this week. Also, from Iqaluit are Acting Sergeant-at-Arms 11. Responses to Petitions Amanda and Joe Michael. Thank you 12. Reports of Standing and Special very much. I thank our Sergeant-at- Arms, the technicians, the interpreters, Committees on Bills and Other and everybody. I hope you all have a Matters wonderful weekend

13. Tabling of Documents We will be watching our athletes in 14. Notices of Motions Whitehorse commencing this weekend. I wish them all the best of luck this week 15. Notices of Motions for First in Whitehorse. Reading of Bills >>Applause 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills With that, this House stands adjourned until Monday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m. 18. Second Reading of Bills 19. Consideration in Committee of Sergeant-at-Arms.

the Whole of Bills and Other >>House adjourned at 12:03 Matters  Bill 21  Bill 24  Bill 25