Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 5th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 31
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Pages 1905 – 1947
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable Joe Enook, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. Joe Enook (Tununiq)
Hon. David Akeeagok Mila Kamingoak Emiliano Qirngnuq (Quttiktuq) (Kugluktuk) (Netsilik) Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Pauloosie Keyootak Paul Quassa (Uqqummiut) (Aggu) Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Hon. Lorne Kusugak Allan Rumbolt Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Rankin Inlet South) (Hudson Bay) Minister of Community and Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Pat Angnakak Government Services; Minister (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) of Human Resources Hon. Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak Adam Lightstone Premier; Minister of Executive and (Cambridge Bay) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Energy; Minister of Environment; Minister Labour; Minister responsible for the Qulliq John Main responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Energy Corporation (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Hon. George Hickes Simeon Mikkungwak Council (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) (Baker Lake) Deputy Speaker and Chair of Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Management Board; Minister of Health; the Committee of the Whole (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention; Government House Leader; Minister of Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Family Services; Minister responsible for and Compensation Commission Homelessness; Minister responsible for Hon. Patterk Netser Immigration; Minister responsible for the Hon. David Joanasie (Aivilik) Status of Women (South Baffin) Minister responsible for Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Nunavut Arctic College; Cathy Towtongie Education; Minister of Languages Minister responsible for the (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Nunavut Housing Corporation Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq)
Officers Clerk John Quirke
Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Charlie Audlakiak Innirvik Support Services
Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca
Table of Contents
Opening Prayer ...... 1905
Speaker’s Statement ...... 1905
Ministers’ Statements ...... 1906
Members’ Statements ...... 1911
Returns to Oral Questions* ...... 1918
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 1919
Oral Questions ...... 1919
Written Questions ...... 1942
Returns to Written Questions* ...... 1943
Responses to Petitions* ...... 1944
Tabling of Documents ...... 1944
Notices of Motions ...... 1944
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ...... 1945
First Reading of Bills ...... 1945
Second Reading of Bills ...... 1946
Orders of the Day ...... 1946
A. Daily References
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 ...... 1905
B. Ministers’ Statements
130 – 5(2): Minister Absent from the House (Sheutiapik) ...... 1906
131 – 5(2): Notice of Budget Address (Hickes) ...... 1906
132 – 5(2): Support for a Kivalliq Hydro-fibre Link (Savikataaq) ...... 1907
133 – 5(2): Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq 2019 (Joanasie) ...... 1907
134 – 5(2): Cape Dorset Tuberculosis Prevention Screening Clinic (Hickes) ...... 1908
135 – 5(2): Board of Governors Seeking Applicants (Netser) ...... 1909
136 – 5(2): Education Act Consultations Completed (Joanasie) ...... 1910
137 – 5(2): Raw Fur Shipment Program (Savikataaq) ...... 1910
C. Members’ Statements
217 – 5(2): Support for Elders on Medical Travel (Qirngnuq) ...... 1911
218 – 5(2): Team Nunavut at the Canada Winter Games (Angnakak) ...... 1912
219 – 5(2): Congratulations to Ronald Oolooyuk (Towtongie) ...... 1912
220 – 5(2): Sanikiluaq Athletes at the Canada Winter Games (Rumbolt) ...... 1913
221 – 5(2): Culturally Appropriate Practices (Keyootak) ...... 1913
222 – 5(2): Canada’s Apology to Ahiarmiut (Main) ...... 1914
223 – 5(2): Congratulations to Constituent who Graduated from NTEP (Nakashuk)...... 1915
224 – 5(2): Acknowledging Difficult Year in Igloolik (Quassa) ...... 1915
225 – 5(2): Child Abuse in Nunavut (Lightstone) ...... 1915
226 – 5(2): Arctic Inspiration Prize Award Recipients (Ehaloak) ...... 1916
227 – 5(2): Appreciation of Mothers (Akeeagok) ...... 1917
228 – 5(2): Celebrating 60 Years of Cape Dorset Co-op (Joanasie) ...... 1918
D. Returns to Oral Questions
Return to Oral Question 276 – 5(2): Issues with Boarding Homes (Hickes) ...... 1918
E. Oral Questions
283 – 5(2): Polar Bear Management (Quassa) ...... 1919
284 – 5(2): Proposed Airline Merger (Akoak) ...... 1921
285 – 5(2): Child Apprehension Policy (Keyootak) ...... 1923
286 – 5(2): Support for Elders on Medical Travel (Qirngnuq) ...... 1924
287 – 5(2): Driver’s Licences and General Identification Cards (Rumbolt) ...... 1925
288 – 5(2): Nursing Staff Shortages (Main) ...... 1927
289 – 5(2): Caribou Management (Towtongie) ...... 1929
290 – 5(2): Tax Policy (Angnakak) ...... 1931
291 – 5(2): Mould Infestation in Public Housing Units (Nakashuk)...... 1934
292 – 5(2): Hall Beach Airport (Kaernerk) ...... 1936
293 – 5(2): Child Abuse Cases in Nunavut (Lightstone) ...... 1937
294 – 5(2): Nunavut Nursing Program (Quassa) ...... 1938
295 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation Expenditures and Activities (Angnakak) ...... 1939
296 – 5(2): Issues around Polar Bear Defence Kills (Keyootak) ...... 1941
F. Written Questions
017 – 5(2): Child Abuse in Nunavut (Lightstone) ...... 1942
G. Returns to Written Questions
Return to Written Question 014 – 5(2): Public Service Statistics (Clerk) ...... 1943
Return to Written Question 015 – 5(2): Operations of Community Health Centres (Clerk) ...... 1943
Return to Written Question 016 – 5(2): Administration of the Municipal Funding Program (Clerk)
...... 1943
H. Responses to Petitions
001 – 5(2): 24-Hour Elder Care Facility for Kugluktuk (Clerk) ...... 1944
002 – 5(2): Road Paving for Igloolik (Clerk) ...... 1944
003 – 5(2): New School for Coral Harbour (Clerk) ...... 1944
004 – 5(2): Amendments to the Hamlets Act and the Cities, Towns and Villages Act (Clerk) .1944
I. Tabling of Documents
117 – 5(2): Correspondence Concerning the Gjoa Haven Airport (Akoak) ...... 1944
118 – 5(2): 2018 Nunavut Youth Parliament Hansard (Speaker)...... 1944
J. Motions
023 – 5(2): Extension of Question Period (Lightstone) ...... 1934
024 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Main) ...... 1945
K. Bills
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2019-2020 – Notice ...... 1945
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Notice ...... 1945
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – First Reading ...... 1945
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Second Reading ...... 1946
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1905
Iqaluit, Nunavut opportunity to publicly congratulate this Tuesday, February 19, 2019 year’s winner of the $1.0 million Arctic Members Present: Inspiration Prize, which was announced Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, last week at a ceremony held in Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Jeannie Whitehorse. Ehaloak, Hon. Joe Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie (interpretation ends) The seventh annual Kaernerk, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Mr. Arctic Inspiration Prize Awards Adam Lightstone, Mr. John Main, Ms. Ceremony recognized a number of Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Patterk excellent projects that were selected for Netser, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Mr. consideration based on their Paul Quassa, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. “contribution to the gathering of Arctic Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Elisapee knowledge and their plans to implement Sheutiapik, Ms. Cathy Towtongie. this knowledge to real world applications for the benefit of the >>House commenced at 13:31 Canadian Arctic, Arctic Peoples and Canada as a whole.” Item 1: Opening Prayer (interpretation) I am proud and delighted Speaker (Hon. Joe Enook) to congratulate the many residents of my (interpretation): Mr. Qirngnuq, can you community of Pond Inlet who have been say the opening prayer, please. working so hard to make the Pirurvik Preschool Program such a success for >>Prayer not only our beautiful community but a number of other communities in Speaker (interpretation): Good Nunavut as well. afternoon, (interpretation ends) Premier (interpretation) and my colleagues. In Let me share with you an excerpt from particular, good afternoon to our fellow the official citation for their work: Nunavummiut who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to “The Pirurvik – A Place to Grow team the radio broadcast, as well as those who received the $1.0 million Arctic are following us on the Internet. Inspiration Prize for their project which aims to change the lives of children Speaker’s Statement throughout Nunavut by developing innovative and comprehensive Early As this is our first day of the winter Childhood Education programs that are sitting, I welcome all members and rooted in Inunnguiniq and in traditional Nunavummiut back to the House. I do child-rearing practices, and that are know that we have a heavy workload responsive to the needs of each and I know that we’re going to be community. The goal is to augment working very hard on behalf of the current programming for infants and people of Nunavut. toddlers aged three months to five years in seven communities that span across Before we proceed with the orders of the all three regions of Nunavut.” day, I am very pleased to have the
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I would like to take a moment to (interpretation) Colleagues, please join recognize by name a number of me in paying tribute to the many people individuals who have made this initiative and organizations, including the Arctic a success, starting with the people who Inspiration Prize Charitable Trust itself, created this program: that have been recognized for their excellent work which is having such a • Karen Nutarak; and positive impact on so many lives and • Tessa Lochhead; communities.
These individuals have also been >>Applause involved in this initiative: Thank you. We will now return to the • Raymee Angnetsiak; orders of the day. Ministers’ Statements. • Ilisapi Haulli; Government House Leader, Minister • Celina Kalluk; Sheutiapik. • Leah Kippomee; • Samantha Koonoo; Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
• Ceporah Mearns; Minister’s Statement 130 – 5(2): • Denica Nahogaloak, and I do Minister Absent from the House apologize for my mispronunciation; (Sheutiapik) • Julian Oyukuluk; Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik • Pauline Pauloosie; (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. • Noodloo Peter; Speaker. I am very pleased to be back. • Tannikie Peterloosie; and • Sandi Vincent-Connelly. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise members that the (interpretation ends) Hon. Lorne (interpretation ends) I am also very Kusugak (interpretation) will be absent pleased to congratulate the From Scrap from the House today. Our hon. to Art initiative that was awarded the top colleague is on his way back. prize in the youth category. This (interpretation ends) He’s coming back initiative was started in the community from attending the Canada Winter of Cambridge Bay, and I note that one of Games in Red Deer, Alberta. the project’s organizers, Attiima Hadlari, (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. is with us today as one of our Inuinnaqtun interpreters. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of >>Applause Finance, Mr. Hickes.
I also wish to acknowledge and Minister’s Statement 131 – 5(2): congratulate a number of other excellent Notice of Budget Address (Hickes) projects that were formally nominated for recognition as part of this year’s Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. awards. They include the Northern Speaker. I am pleased to inform my Compass Project, the Uqarluta colleagues that on Wednesday, February Inuinnaqtun Project, and the Nunavut 20, 2019, which is tomorrow, I will Law Program.
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introduce the 2019-2020 budget that and others in Ottawa to show the GN’s outlines our government’s financial support and meet with several federal priorities for the fiscal year 2019-2020. cabinet ministers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If this project becomes a reality, the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Government of Nunavut will become a Ministers’ Statements. Premier of consumer of hydro, offering an Nunavut, Premier Savikataaq. alternative to the Kivalliq region and finally getting some relief from our Minister’s Statement 132 – 5(2): reliance on diesel. Support for a Kivalliq Hydro-fibre Link (Savikataaq) Mr. Speaker, this initiative is a prime example of what can be achieved in Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Nunavut through partnerships, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good innovation and working together toward day” to the people of Arviat. nation building. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update my colleagues on a >>Applause Nunavut-led initiative that I was pleased to support earlier this month. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of As you may be aware, the Kivalliq Inuit Culture and Heritage, Minister Joanasie. Association is leading the way in a feasibility study looking at a hydro-fibre Minister’s Statement 133 – 5(2): link between their region and Manitoba. Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq The potential of this Inuit-led project is 2019 (Joanasie) very exciting. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the realities of power in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I congratulate Nunavut are complex and we face the people of Pirurvik for winning the obstacles at nearly every turn. Our Arctic Inspiration Prize. Members and territory is reliant entirely on diesel Nunavummiut, good day. power and we are eager to turn over to greener, renewable and more efficient Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you sources of energy. It will be better for about Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, Nunavummiut, our communities, and Nunavut’s annual celebration of Inuktut, our land. Additionally, the prospect of which coincides this year with the increased broadband into the territory United Nations International Year of will better serve our needs on many Indigenous Languages. levels. Mr. Speaker, while we take time in Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to be able to February every year to reflect on the join Kivalliq Inuit Association President importance, history, and diversity of David Ningeongan, Nunavut Tunngavik Inuktut in our territory, it is also a Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk, reminder of the immense value Inuktut
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plays in our daily lives. It speaks to our Minister’s Statement 134 – 5(2): Cape Inuit culture and traditions. It also Dorset Tuberculosis Prevention defines who we are as individuals, as Screening Clinic (Hickes) well as a distinct people in the world. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. This year’s theme is ᐃᓐᖏᐅᓰᑦ Speaker. Following the success of a ᐃᓐᖏᓐᖑᐊᕈᓰᓪᓗ (Inngiusiit community-wide screening clinic in Innginnguarusiillu). Traditional Inuit Qikiqtarjuaq in February 2018 and in songs and chants are a unique expression Whale Cove in October 2018, Cape of our Inuit culture. They have been Dorset was selected, with the hamlet’s passed on by countless generations of support, to be the territory’s third Inuit, teaching children about our community-wide tuberculosis (TB) society, engaging in friendly competitive prevention screening clinic. These games while preserving traditional clinics are part of the ongoing efforts by terminology and Inuit knowledge. Health to increase community awareness about tuberculosis and tuberculosis Mr. Speaker, my department plays a lead prevention, and to increase diagnosis and role in coordinating activities around treatment of both active and latent TB. language month and throughout the year, in collaboration with our communities. Mr. Speaker, Health is leading this This year alone, Culture and Heritage initiative with the support of the Hamlet awarded $2.15 million in grants and of Cape Dorset and other Government of contributions to support 34 community- Nunavut departments, notably the led Inuktut language initiatives across departments of Community and our territory. Government Services (CGS) and Education. These clinics are further The department also recorded over 80 supported by our partners on the songs and chants from various National TB Task Force, which includes, communities. A DVD will be released Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Nunavut this year, along with a transcription of Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), and the the songs. More resources and activities Government of Canada. will take place in the upcoming weeks and months across Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, screening is underway and several events have already taken place, Mr. Speaker, I call on all Nunavummiut including an information session and to share this important part of our culture community feast to provide the public with our children, elders, and friends. opportunities to ask questions and Atii, taki, Inuktuuqta! Thank you, Mr. receive information about TB, TB Speaker. transmission, TB screening and treatment, clinical information, and >>Applause about why Cape Dorset was selected for the clinic. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of We thank all the community members Health, Minister Hickes. from Qikiqtarjuaq, Whale Cove, and now Cape Dorset for their support. The
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1909 knowledge gained from these clinics will Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): help the department join the fight in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good eliminating TB across the entire afternoon” to my constituents in Coral territory. Harbour and Naujaat.
Mr. Speaker, one major initiative that is (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am currently underway for the Cape Dorset pleased to rise today to inform my clinic is a 12-week mental health and colleagues about the great work done by addictions program that will run the Nunavut Arctic College Board of alongside the TB clinic. This program Governors. This past January I had the aims to support the well-being of the pleasure of meeting with our board community and those struggling with members at their first face-to-face problematic substance use. Education meeting of the 2019 calendar year here and skills on how to reduce substance in Iqaluit. use will be provided, with a focus on the various aspects of wellness. Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to meet with the dedicated individuals who make Mr. Speaker, our efforts in Qikiqtarjuaq, up Nunavut Arctic College’s board of Whale Cove, and Cape Dorset are part of governors. Each one brings their own Health’s commitment to take action to professional and personal life experience prevent and cure TB in the territory, but that the college can rely upon to provide we do not fight alone. World TB Day strong, steady and consistent direction. 2019 is coming up on March 24. The annual event reminds us to continue Mr. Speaker, at this time I would also fighting the spread of TB with our like to formally announce that the board partners, not just in Nunavut but around of governors is currently seeking new the world. We are proud to join this members. I would like to take this global fight through our community- opportunity to call on anyone who is wide TB screening clinics and other driven, motivated, and has a desire or educational awareness-raising passion for education to go to our campaigns. We must all work together to website at www.nunavutarcticcollege.ca stop the spread of TB. Thank you, Mr. to submit your resumé and expression of Speaker. interest to join our dynamic board.
>>Applause Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College is on the precipice of great growth and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. transformation. Within the remaining Ministers’ Statements. Minister mandate of this government, I anticipate responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, achieving many more significant Minister Netser. milestones on the new and exciting path that we have set for the college. Minister’s Statement 135 – 5(2): Board of Governors Seeking If you are a dynamic, impassioned Applicants (Netser) individual with deep commitment to your community and to Nunavut, I would encourage you to log on to the
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1910 college’s website and apply. Furthermore, to ensure that as many (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. voices were heard, department staff also met with other key educational partners, >>Applause including every local DEA, the Commission scolaire francophone du Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut (CFSN), the Nunavut Teachers Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Association, the Office of the Languages Education, Minister Joanasie. Commissioner, as well as four student groups. Minister’s Statement 136 – 5(2): Education Act Consultations (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to Completed (Joanasie) thank all of the citizens, partners, and groups who took the time to participate Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. in these consultations. Although the Speaker. Mr. Speaker and fellow consultations are now finished, there is members, on September 4, 2018 I stood still a lot of work to be done. My just outside of this Chamber to announce department is currently busy reviewing the start of the consultations for the all of the comments, questions, and proposed amendments to the Education written submissions, with the intention Act and the Inuit Language Protection of releasing a report on the Act. In that announcement, I pledged to consultation’s findings in May 2019. Nunavummiut that all 25 communities would be visited and consulted. Today I Finally, I want to continue toward am proud to say that this commitment reaching a consensus by working with has been fulfilled. you, my fellow members, when the amendments to these key pieces of As staff from the Department of legislation are tabled during the Education, along with representatives upcoming spring 2019 sitting. Together from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated we can strive to reach our goals for (NTI) and the Coalition of Nunavut education. I wish to thank all District Education Authorities Nunavummiut, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. (CNDEA), travelled throughout the territory, they listened diligently to the >>Applause ideas and comments as well as answered the many questions from over 700 Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavummiut who attended these Ministers’ Statements. Minister of consultations. Environment, Minister Savikataaq.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to hearing the Minister’s Statement 137 – 5(2): Raw opinions and enquiries made by Fur Shipment Program Nunavummiut, I am pleased that my (Savikataaq) department had several meetings with Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): NTI and the Coalition of Nunavut DEAs Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again say to discuss these important changes to our “good day” to the people of Arviat. education system. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am
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pleased to announce that the Department Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off this of Environment is increasing support for winter sitting by expressing a concern harvesters by expanding its raw fur that I share with my constituents shipment project to include more fur- regarding health services for our elders bearing species. While demand for furs who often do not speak a second remains high, there has been a decline in language. participation of fur harvesting, and the goal of this expanded project is to Mr. Speaker, this issue has been a increase the incentive for participation concern since well before Nunavut by harvesters. became a territory. On too many occasions, elders are sent alone out of Currently the Department of the territory for medical treatment. These Environment covers the cost of shipping elders barely understand English, yet it raw, frozen wolf hides to southern has happened more than once that they buyers, removing the need for fur are left to look after themselves. harvesters to spend extra time fleshing and drying hides. We are expanding this Mr. Speaker, I worry about what would program to include furs from foxes and happen if the person is given a confusing wolverines. diagnosis about their illness or if they are given a prescription that must be Mr. Speaker, indeed there is money to be taken in a specific way that they don’t made from fur harvesting, and I understand. encourage Nunavummiut to get out there and take advantage of this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I worry about what would Thank you, Mr. Speaker. happen if the patient wanders off and gets lost in a strange city without any >>Applause way to communicate. I believe this has already happened more than once. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Moving on. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have much left to Members’ Statements. Member for say, so I ask for unanimous consent to Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq. conclude my statement. Thank you.
Item 3: Members’ Statements Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The member is asking for unanimous Member’s Statement 217 – 5(2): consent to conclude his statement today. Support for Elders on Medical Are there any nays? There are no nays. Travel (Qirngnuq) Mr. Qirngnuq, please proceed.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I deliver my you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my statement today, I would like to say colleagues. “good day” to my colleagues, cabinet members, our Premier, and to you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, this has happened more Speaker, as well as your staff. than once. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is important as MLAs that we
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speak up about this issue. We must make Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of our government understand our concerns years these young hockey players have and worries on behalf of our elders. It is shown tremendous commitment and important that our voices be heard. dedication to improving their skills on ice and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I as well as keeping their grades up. will have questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the head coach, Martin Joy, in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. bringing his team together, and special Members’ Statements. Member for recognition also goes to the team’s Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. director of operations, Wanda Joy, who has spent countless hours organizing, Member’s Statement 218 – 5(2): Team booking tickets, ordering gear, keeping Nunavut at the Canada Winter parents informed, and generally doing Games (Angnakak) everything possible to make sure that the team has a successful trip. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the Mr. Speaker, 12 of the Team Nunavut listening audience. hockey players are from the community of Iqaluit, with the others from Rankin (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I Inlet, Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, would like to talk about the Canada and Whale Cove. They have come Winter Games that Team Nunavut is at. together in an important first for our territory. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my pride and ongoing best wishes for all of Mr. Speaker, Team Nunavut hockey Team Nunavut at the Canada Winter won its first game against the Yukon in Games, which are currently taking place the preliminary round. It was exciting in Red Deer, Alberta. and a historic victory. I look forward to another great game of hockey in the Mr. Speaker, Nunavut have sent some of qualifying round on Wednesday, that’s our finest athletes to compete in tomorrow. badminton, table tennis, judo, speed skating, and for the first time ever, Mr. Speaker, I wish all of Team Nunavut hockey. Mr. Speaker, four years ago success at the Canada Winter Games, Hockey Nunavut committed to sending a but most of all, I encourage them to make hockey team to the Canada Winter enjoy the experience, the friendship, and Games, with funding from Sport healthy competition. Thank you, Mr. Nunavut and private donations, 20 Speaker. young men, three coaches, an equipment manager, athlete trainer, director of >>Applause operations, and the president of Hockey Nunavut all made it to Red Deer last Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. year ready to compete. Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Chesterfield
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Inlet, Ms. Towtongie. Sanikiluaq.
Member’s Statement 219 – 5(2): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cheer on Congratulations to Ronald Sanikiluaq’s badminton players who will Oolooyuk (Towtongie) be representing Nunavut in Red Deer, Alberta at the 2019 Canada Winter Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank Games. you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I wish to provide further information of the time I Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have tried for the premiership, where I stated spoken highly of our badminton players that I had largely been raised by Hattie before and they continue to make us and David Alagalak. I am clarifying that proud. For a few of them, this will be my Attalaaq, Hattie would occasionally their first appearance at the Canada look after me mainly during the summer Winter Games. I would like to breaks. I wanted to provide more details recognize: so I have just explained it here. • Mina Mannuk, Nonetheless, the reason why I rise today • Davidee Kudluarok, is to inform the residents of Chesterfield • Mike Kavik, Inlet and Rankin Inlet, and I ask that • Sappa Cookie, and they listen carefully. (interpretation • Johnassie Iqaluq. ends) I would like to recognize the son of Bobby and Sandy Oolooyuk. Ronald The badminton event will begin James Unainnuk Oolooyuk graduated Monday, February 25 in Red Deer, from Red River College, having received Alberta. I would like to wish all our mechanical engineering program, and athletes good luck, and most of all, to that’s a civil engineer. Congratulations have fun and do their best. Thank you, R.J. Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause >>Applause
We’re very proud of you. Thank you so Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. much. Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. >>Applause Member’s Statement 221 – 5(2): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Culturally Appropriate Practices Members’ Statements. Member for (Keyootak) Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” and Member’s Statement 220 – 5(2): “good afternoon” to the people of Clyde Sanikiluaq Athletes at the Canada River and Qikiqtarjuaq who are Winter Games (Rumbolt) watching and listening to the proceedings. Good afternoon to my Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. colleagues. Good afternoon to the people of
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise an Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. ongoing concern that I will continue to Members’ Statements. Member for query the minister about during our Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. winter session. Member’s Statement 222 – 5(2): Mr. Speaker, today my concerns Canada’s Apology to Ahiarmiut continue to grow as it relates to families (Main) in our communities here in Nunavut, and Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, in many of our communities, we have Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues mental health workers working with our and Premier. residents. I am particularly disconcerted by the fact that their counselling is Now, just this past month on January 22 predicated on entirely different culture, the residents of Arviat held a celebration language, and traditions than ours. Our centred on the Ahiarmiut clan. This was precious children and grandchildren are reported in the news media and I am taught confusing facts based on a ecstatic firstly that more Canadians and different culture that seems to belittle Nunavummiut will finally learn of the their own, that causes pity. This isn’t the many abuses of a paternalistic way Inuit counsel their own, as it is government of the era. Now, the federal based on positivity, retention of the government issued an official apology to nuclear family, and teaching of family the members of the Ahiarmiut clan in the relationships and kinship. community of Arviat, to which I was invited, and I thank the Ahiarmiut for Today we have life wellness counsellors that. The emotions were palpable as as the term applies; personally, they are every feeling seemingly was felt there not at the counsellor level to me. They from happiness to pride, feelings of come from a different culture while regret over the hardships they suffered, living in our communities. I am deeply and survivors’ guilt. My colleague, Mr. concerned about this cultural impact in Savikataaq, was there too. my community. They are causing strife amongst our families by asserting Nonetheless, at this time in order to cultural supremacy in this field. Since move this forward, I want to express my Nunavut was created for Inuit, this must immense pride in members of the stop. We have to go back to embracing Ahiarmiut clan and to celebrate with the family. We need counsellors who them. Mr. David Serkoak in particular focus on keeping families together, not has been instrumental in moving this separating them. claim of the Ahiarmiut forward and I am proud of him. Right now, looking at the Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on members of the Ahiarmiut clan, they are this topic at the appropriate time to the spread out in Nunavut. Some clan Department of Family Services during members now live in Iqaluit, not just in this winter session. Thank you, Mr. Arviat. They have spread around and Speaker. some of them are involved in boards and economic development. The descendants >>Applause of the Ahiarmiut have become quite capable in their capacities, and we
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extend our pride in their wish to express my pride regarding her accomplishments. dedication.
Lastly, David Serkoak had a comment to She is now teaching the kindergarten make and perhaps I can read it, Mr. classes in Pangnirtung and her name is Speaker. Alice Elaine Harper. She has five children and was able to complete her (interpretation ends) “We forgive but we education. She and her husband moved will not forget. We intend to use the here for a while, and I just wanted to commemoration and education funds to acknowledge her. Thank you, Mr. ensure that no one else does either. The Speaker. country needs to know about and learn from past mistakes.” >>Applause
(interpretation) That is all, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Member’s Statement 224 – 5(2): Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Acknowledging Difficult Year in Igloolik (Quassa) Member’s Statement 223 – 5(2): Congratulations to Constituent Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, who Graduated from NTEP Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the (Nakashuk) people of my community. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you. I say “good day” to the people of Actually, I rise today to announce that my community. I, too, wish to our community up north has undergone acknowledge people from our episodic hardships this winter. We have community, which we should as fellow had to bury many people in our Inuit. community, and I share in the feelings of loss of my fellow residents, as do my We continually encourage our students colleagues, I am sure. Although to continue their education. While on residents of Igloolik have undergone this topic, I want to recognize this hardships this winter, they have mother of five children, and I can’t recall continued moving forward. the exact year, but it’s in the 2000s. In Pangnirtung she was a student in the I just wanted to inform my fellow Teacher Education Program for two residents of Igloolik that you are in our years. Due to running into thoughts and prayers and wish you to complications, she was unable to move along life’s path. Although I am complete her courses at the time. She unable to return to the community at this doggedly pursued the final required point, my heart feels just as affected as courses for the second year here in those reeling from events this past winter Iqaluit which she was able to that have caused stressful times to my accomplish. I am very proud of her and fellow Inuit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. where to find support. I call on this Members’ Statements. Member for government to create a campaign to raise Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. awareness for frontline workers as well as parents and children. Member’s Statement 225 – 5(2): Child Abuse in Nunavut (Lightstone) We need to train our teachers and nurses how to identify the symptoms and flags Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. of child abuse, as well as how to Speaker. I would like to raise a properly assist children. We need to disturbing issue, an ugly topic that provide support to children who are people do not like to address. It’s the living through the traumatic experiences. issue of child abuse in Nunavut. Unfortunately in many cases, children are interviewed multiple times, resulting Children and youth in Nunavut in the child reliving the experience, experience incidents of abuse at a rate causing further trauma. I call on the ten times the national average. We all government to formulate a collaborative hear about it in the media and know it’s approach to address the issue to protect going on, and yet it appears that nothing the vulnerable children. is being done to address it. I’ve raised the topic on several occasions and the At the appropriate time I’ll have Minister of Justice has indicated that questions on the issue. Thank you, Mr. there are nearly 500 registered sexual Speaker. predators in our communities. Studies have suggested that as much as 90 Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. percent of sexual abuse goes unreported, so this figure may only be a fraction of >>Applause the true amount. Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is a Cambridge Bay, Ms. Ehaloak. difficult topic to discuss, but I believe it’s our duty to stand up for those who Member’s Statement 226 – 5(2): cannot stand up for themselves. Mr. Arctic Inspiration Prize Award Speaker, I applaud Natan Obed, Recipients (Ehaloak) President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami for their work to address the prevention of Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): child abuse and child sexual trauma Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation among Inuit in Canada and I agree with ends) I am proud to say today that last Mr. Obed that it’s imperative to talk week ten men from my riding of openly about sexual violence and child Cambridge Bay became laureates of the abuse in our communities. 2019 Arctic Inspiration Prize in the youth category for their involvement in I believe that we need to work together the Scrap to Art project. This recognition to make change. Our government, Inuit includes a cash prize of $100,000. organizations, and our communities need to address the scourge and attempt to As our Cambridge Bay residents, Aitauk remove the barriers to let people know Allupik and Andrew Kitigon, stated in
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1917 their acceptance speech, the project has Are there any nays? There are no nays. changed their lives. These individuals Ms. Ehaloak, please proceed. are Kaitak Allupik, Brandon Kavanna, Mike Haniliak, Andrew Anavilok, Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. Andrew Kitigon, Bradley Maghagak, Speaker. Daryl Taptoona Haynes, Robert Taptoona Haynes, John Anavilok, Tyler This prize will help the project to get a Agligoetok, with the support from Marla step closer to a permanent studio in the Limousin, our very own Attima Hadlari community. This phase of the project and his wife, Elizabeth Hadlari. will purchase welding equipment and materials in order to set up a new In 2016 the idea of developing a project welding studio space. where marginalized youth could participate in a project that would The money will be used to create a provide sculptures in a heritage park was teaching guide for these young men and being developed. This was a way of they will be involved in the program for trying to reduce suicide in the several years. They will have a job in the community. The concept was to teach studio, not only creating and selling art the youth usable skills that would put but also hone their leadership skills and cash in their pockets but also help them technical skills so they may be mentors develop their skills, self-confidence, and to other youth in the community and self-esteem through art therapy and throughout Nunavut. teamwork. The project would have helped the youth gain respect in the Their sculptures in our heritage park community by being able to provide represent Inuit resilience. How fitting. valuable contributions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The first time this group of men were >>Applause brought together, they spoke about the spray painting of various items in the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. community. At first they called it Members’ Statements. Member for vandalism, but as they dug deeper into Quttiktuq, Mr. Akeeagok. the conversation, the young men suggested, “Maybe it’s just the boys Member’s Statement 227 – 5(2): wanting to be heard,” and suspected that Appreciation of Mothers this reflects their desire to be heard. This (Akeeagok) desire to be heard has changed from Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): negative acts to ones that truly inspire Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good our community. day” to the people of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay. I seek unanimous consent to continue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the month of February we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and this year happened Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to be the 50th anniversary, yesterday The member is seeking unanimous actually, of a person my dear late mom consent to conclude her statement today. gave birth to who is standing here.
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>>Laughter Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to I personally enjoy celebrating a birthday, the people of Cape Dorset and and sometimes I feel I go a bit Kimmirut. (interpretation ends) Happy overboard. However, I am grateful that belated birthday, Mr. Akeeagok. my parents were able to conceive me and then bore me. I especially felt this (interpretation) Today I rise to recognize past month that many of my friends lost and state my congratulations to the mothers, even though they are now Kinngait Co-op that recently celebrated adults. When one loses their mother, you their anniversary this year in 2019, their always miss your mother the most. With 60th year of operations that I want duly that being the case, the period acknowledged. immediately after losing one’s mother is the hardest. Even though it has been Mr. Speaker, the Kinngait Co-op has many years since I lost my dear mother, been in existence for a long time and has I still feel the gratitude my parents had assisted our community tremendously. when these days arrive. Mr. Speaker, this past fall they opened a cultural arts and crafts centre for the Throughout my life, many women have people of Cape Dorset. That is what assisted me: my mother-in-law, my wife, makes us unique in the world and it is my sisters, and many good friends who geared towards Nunavummiut. are women to whom I am especially grateful to, as mothers are very precious. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to state how I wanted to inform friends here that if proud I am of the Kinngait Co-op, your mother is still alive, please give her especially by thanking the board a hug and express your thanks, as we are members now serving. I am also grateful all going to pass. that Nunavummiut buy their arts and crafts, that this is how they are able to Nonetheless, I am very happy to thrive. They have been running for 60 celebrate my 50th birthday and I am years and we look forward to another 60 quite proud to pass that iconic age, and I more years of success. Mr. Speaker, I am am pleased to be able to say that. To my grateful for the Co-op and when they “little mommy” who is now in heaven, if celebrate this year, the people of Cape she could hear this, I thank you for Dorset are invited to attend. Thank you, giving birth to me. Thank you. Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause >>Applause
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Members’ Statements. I have no more South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. names on my list. Let’s proceed. Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of Health, Member’s Statement 228 – 5(2): Minister Hickes. Celebrating 60 Years of Cape Dorset Co-op (Joanasie) Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions*
*See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 276 – 5(2). Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1919
Return to Oral Question 276 – 5(2): Visitors in the Gallery. Oral Questions. Issues with Boarding Homes Member for Aggu, Mr. Quassa. (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Item 6: Oral Questions Speaker. I have a return to Question No. 276 – 5(2) concerning issues with Question 283 – 5(2): Polar Bear boarding homes. The question was asked Management (Quassa) by the Member for Netsilik. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my response is detailed and Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the I have filed it with the Clerk for Minister of Environment. distribution to members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will be aware, an incident recently occurred in Igloolik Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. involving the defence kills of two polar Returns to Oral Questions. Recognition bears. I want to take this opportunity to of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for pay tribute to the elder who was Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. involved in the situation.
Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the This incident illustrates the need for Gallery clear information to be provided to communities concerning the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, government’s rules and regulations in Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to rise as this area. we rarely get visitors from Arviat. My first question is this: when a defence >>Laughter kill of a polar bear takes place, who is entitled to possession of the hide? The I would like to recognize the people individual who killed the bear, the local behind me whom I love, my father, hunters and trappers organization, or the Gordy Main, and my mother, Martha Department of Environment? Thank Main. Welcome to the gallery. you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Minister They rarely go to Iqaluit to visit the Savikataaq. House, but now that they have two grandchildren who live in Iqaluit, maybe Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): they will come here more often, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will provide a Speaker. Thank you. brief explanation here so Nunavummiut will be aware of how defence kills are >>Applause processed in the communities when fearful for one’s life, in defence of one’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. property, and where a person is required Mr. and Ms. Main, welcome to your to shoot a polar bear. Legislative Assembly. Recognition of
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If a polar bear is killed in defence, such weather, it can sometimes take a wildlife as what occurred in Igloolik, when the officer several days to arrive and in bear is killed, then immediately after the some cases they are unable to go. In event, they must report it to the local those cases the hunter who had to wildlife officer or inform them. The butcher the polar bear or the hunters who wildlife officer then conducts an delivered the meat to the HTO can investigation. If the kill was a proper receive payment for their services, as the defence kill, then the paperwork is hunter undertook the wildlife officer’s processed, with the polar bear hide duties after the death of the animal in seized and it is provided to the local processing and butchering it. HTO at the end of the investigation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the situation in Igloolik he is querying me about, at this time I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. cannot say today and I am not aware if Your first supplementary, Mr. Quassa. the hunter received payment for their services or how much payment was Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, allocated towards that as each payment Mr. Speaker. Sections 97 and 98 of the is different. If the defence kill required Wildlife Act, which I am holding here, extra gas due to the distance and if it concern the subject of “emergency required an inordinate amount of work to kills,” which our communities often deliver it, it would also be reflected in refer to as “defence kills.” Section 98 the payment and it would be different provides that “the Superintendent may from one butchered in a community. authorize payment in the prescribed Looking at it individually is the issue as amount and manner to any person in it would pay differently, albeit I do know consideration for that person that it wouldn’t be a very large payment. transporting or handling wildlife that has Thank you, Mr. Speaker. been lawfully killed to preserve a person’s life or property.” That’s what Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. section 98 states regarding the payment Your final supplementary, Mr. Quassa. for the person who skinned the wildlife. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Can the minister clarify what payment Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister the department makes in a circumstance for clarifying that for us because such as the one that recently occurred in Nunavummiut should be fully informed Igloolik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of that.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. My final question is: can the minister Minister Savikataaq. confirm how many defence kills of polar bears have taken place in Nunavut over Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): the past year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That portion you just read, yes. Where a defence kill Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. has occurred with predator-human Minister Savikataaq. interactions, it can occur far from a community. Indeed, with inclement
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Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): released the consultation paper on the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t say merger and it is my understanding that right now how many defence kills of the deadline for formal written polar bears there have been. The submissions was January 12 of this year. harvesting season opens on July 1, but polar bear defence kills vary from year Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate to year. Sometimes there are many kills what position the Government of while other times there are only a few Nunavut took in its formal written kills. It depends on the weather, ice submission to the Federal Department of conditions, and how cold the Transport, and will he commit to tabling temperature is. There are many factors a copy of the Government of Nunavut’s that lead to polar bears coming into the submission before the end of our current community or approaching hunters. I Winter Sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. can’t say at this time how many polar bears are killed in defence every year in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Akeeagok. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Gjoa Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Haven, Mr. Akoak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. The matter you Question 284 – 5(2): Proposed Airline commented on has already resulted in a Merger (Akoak) submission to the federal government, specifically to the Hon. Marc Garneau Mr. Akoak (interpretation): Thank you, offices, outlining the position of the Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to all the Government of Nunavut and its concerns people of Gjoa Haven and my children about this matter, including how and grandchildren. My wife is in Nunavummiut may be impacted by the Taloyoak. I say “good afternoon” to merger. The (interpretation ends) them. Consumer Protection Competition Bureau (interpretation) was also (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. informed about the intended merger. The Speaker. My questions are for the formal written submission will be Minister of Economic Development and included in this review and once that is Transportation. completed, our colleague will make a report and we will table them all at once, The proposed merger between Canadian once we have all the information. Right North and First Air is an issue that now we are currently reviewing all the affects every single resident of Nunavut documentation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. given our isolated communities’ reliance on air travel. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your First Supplementary, Mr. Akoak. As the minister will recall, I asked him questions in October of last year Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. concerning this issue. The Federal Transport Canada’s consultation paper Department of Transport subsequently indicates that the parent entities of the
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1922 two airlines filed a merger notification and Transportation will be participating with the Commissioner of Competition in the evaluation process for this multi- on September 28, 2018. In his responses million dollar contract. to my questions that I asked during our sitting of October 25, 2018, the minister Given its expertise in this area, can the stated that, and I quote; “We have minister clarify how the government’s indicated to the Competition Bureau that request for proposal for medical travel, if there is going to be a review, our duty travel, and air freight is taking into government is very interested in making account the possibilities that the two any kind of submission.” Can the largest air carriers currently serving minister update the House today on the Nunavut will be merging into a single status of the Government’s submission entity within the next 12 to 18 months? to the Competition Bureau? Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Whether the merger does take ends) Thank you for your keen interest place or not, our request for proposal for on this particular merger. I too am very medical travel, duty travel, and air interested. We have two levels that we freight has no bearing into whether they have submitted. One is very technical merge or not. Within the timelines that and that’s being done through our we have set for the request for proposal working group of various departments, each airline may or may not submit. It’s that’s going for the technical reviews up to each airline now to submit to our that’s taking place and a more general request for proposal, regardless of what one that my Deputy Minister has airline it is. That’s one of the reasons submitted on behalf of the Government why we go through the request for to both Transport Canada and to the proposal is to allow every opportunity Competition Bureau. Thank you, Mr. for airlines to submit. Speaker. As a government, we haven’t had Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. conversations with First Air or Canadian Your Final Supplementary, Mr. Akoak. North, in terms of how they’re going to submit. Once we put the request for Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In proposal in, I don’t want to have January of this year, the government discussions with any of the airlines issued its Requests for Proposal for because if I do, I’ll have to do that to Medical Travel, Duty Travel and air each and every one of those that are freight services on scheduled airlines. interested, and we don’t know who is The Requests for Proposal closes on interested or not. To be fair for March 15, 2019, just a few weeks from everyone, I don’t go asking how it’s now and it is my assumption that the going to affect their merger. A merger is Department of Economic Development a business decision that they have made,
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1923 as two major airlines in Nunavut. That Thank you, Mr. Speaker. will be up to them. As a government, we did not say how it’s going to impact our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. request for proposal. (interpretation) Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister Oral Questions. Member for indicate to the House about foster homes Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak and who is responsible for setting up the policies that will be applied to the family Question 285 – 5(2): Child and to the children? Thank you, Mr. Apprehension Policy (Keyootak) Speaker.
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Minister Sheutiapik. my question to the Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. As I indicated earlier in my member’s Speaker. The review is done so that they statement, I indicated that I would ask can decide how long they’re going to be questions about Family Services. Can in the foster home. They arrive at a the minister indicate to us who gives decision and some are apprehended for consent when the children are going to just a short time. If they would like be apprehended? Who gives the treatment for… . There are various approval when they’re talking about factors that we have to use to make a apprehending a child or children? Thank decision. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Minister of Family Services, Minister Keyootak. Sheutiapik. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik you, Mr. Speaker. My question was: (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. who drafts up the decisions and who Speaker. I am sure that we’ve all been decides which policies they’re going to affected when our children are involved be using? I have a big document here with Family Services. What I can say on outlining the policies in regard to this subject is that usually the staff talk children who are going to be about how they’re going to deal with a apprehended. For example, if I wanted child. (interpretation ends) The my grandchild, these policies would departments recognizes the importance apply. If I wanted my grandchild who is of working with families in collaboration apprehended, I would have to follow and flexible ways, and ensuring where these policies. Who drafts these policies? possible, that children, youth, and adults Thank you, Mr. Speaker. are supported in their families, extended families, or community. (interpretation) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
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Minister Sheutiapik. our elders should be left to travel alone, especially those who live alone. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain Speaker. (interpretation ends) Our what his department’s plan is to ensure community social service workers that elders on medical travel are properly provide adoption services for all supported while they are travelling and adoptions in Nunavut, except those after they return home? Thank you, Mr. under the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Speaker. Recognition Act. There is more than one Act that we deal with in Nunavut. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Minister Hickes. The department recognizes the importance of finding children Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. permanent families and continue to Speaker. I thank the member for raising support families in becoming adoptive this issue. Mr. Speaker, in 2015 the homes, but we do have our own Department of Health revised its adoptions under the Adoptions Act. Medical Travel Policy to include escort (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. travel for unilingual elders aged 65 or over upon their request. To my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. knowledge, I do know of instances Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, where elders have not requested an Mr. Qirngnuq. escort or they have been specific that they don’t want an escort, but to my Question 286 – 5(2): Support for knowledge, all anyone who is 65 or over Elders on Medical Travel and unilingual have to do is ask and they (Qirngnuq) will get an escort. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Kugaaruk and Taloyoak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Earlier I didn’t say “good day” to them Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. and I apologize for that. My colleagues are close by, so I said “good day” to Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank them first. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minster for his response. I’ll ask for (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I further clarification. would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my statement earlier, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my occasionally people go missing when member’s statement earlier, elders are they are in a city far away from home. being sent on medical travel without These people are somebody’s parent, escorts. It is happening today and it will somebody’s mate. These people have happen tomorrow. We are aware that family and friends who worry about there are not enough funds for all of our them. needs. However, this does not mean that
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Will the minister commit to tabling an Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. action plan to ensure that Nunavut’s Speaker. I appreciate the member’s elders will be well cared for and able to request for clarity. To be clear, until the live more easily than they currently do? medical travel review is complete, I Thank you, Mr. Speaker. won’t be able to share or table anything likely during this sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Minister Hickes. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Speaker. I hesitate because I just brought Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. this up with my officials the other day as we were reviewing our Medical Travel Question 287 – 5(2): Driver’s Licences Policy. I’m an action plan kind of guy, and General Identification Cards Mr. Speaker. Whenever something (Rumbolt) comes out, I like to have definitive Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. timelines and responsibilities for people My questions are for the Minister of who are behind the scenes doing this Economic Development and work. As far as committing to tabling an Transportation. action plan at this time, I can’t commit to that right now, but when we do For many years, Members of the complete our medical travel review, I Legislative Assembly such as me have will definitely take a look at timelines been repeatedly raising concerns about and activities associated with the long delays in issuing in driver’s implementation. If there is an action plan licences and general identification cards that’s associated with it, I would be to residents of smaller, non- happy to share it with members. Thank decentralized communities. you, Mr. Speaker. In March of 2014 the government of the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. day began the process of replacing its Your final supplementary, Mr. Motor Vehicle Information System. Qirngnuq. Members such as me approved the government’s many funding requests for Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank this project, and it was our you, Mr. Speaker. This matter is understanding that the system would, to something I really wish to comprehend, use the minister’s description of the and it requires clarity with how the project at that time, “improve service minister’s officials deal with these delivery” in our communities. matters, so I will ask this question. (interpretation ends) Will the minister Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that commit to tabling an elders action plan although the government’s new Motor before the end of our winter sitting? Vehicle Information System is now (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. operational, it has not actually been able to significantly reduce the length of time Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. that it takes to issue new identification Minister Hickes. documents for residents of smaller, non-
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1926 decentralized communities. As the minister stated, one of the reasons that has been provided for why it takes Can the minister clearly explain why the so long to issue driver’s licenses and new MVIS system is not improving this general identification cards to residents situation for residents of smaller, non- such as Sanikiluaq, is that bandwidth decentralized communities? Thank you, limitations prevents digital photographs Mr. Speaker. and other information from being sent by mail. Instead, this information has to be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. put onto flash drives and physically Minister of Economic Development and shipped to Iqaluit, and if there’s even a Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. small imperfection with the data the flash drive has to be sent back to the Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. community and the process starts all Speaker. Thank you for the question. For over again. the Motor Vehicle Information System, we have got this up and running now. Mr. Speaker, the Government of That’s the backbone of all the systems Nunavut’s undersea fibre optic cable for motor vehicles. I thank the House for installation project is now being their continued support in building and considered by the Nunavut Impact updating our Motor Vehicle Information Review Board. It is my understanding System. This will improve the whole that the government plans to bring fibre system in itself. optics to Sanikiluaq within the next few years. Can the minister indicate if his In terms of issuing and requesting for department will be able to use the licences within the communities, at this connection for the purpose of improving point the renewal is for changing their the time that it takes to process and issue specific computer programs to start driver’s licenses to my constituents? getting into the application process. To Thank you. Mr. Speaker. date it is continued that the folks in the communities will have to send the USBs Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. back to one of the four communities that Minister Akeeagok. we have our systems in. That one we are still continuing to work to improve and Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. one of the things through updating the Speaker. I do hope that it will be able to motor vehicle systems and updating our do that through fibre. One of the things computer systems, one of the areas that that we are working very closely with is we have encountered is that our on the information/technology side and bandwidth is the ability to send the high trying to figure out how we can deliver qualities through email or through other this better and through the diligence of secure ways of sending electronically. our staff. They’re working a lot closer Thank you, Mr. Speaker. with the community members that are doing this so we can reduce the wait Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. times. In just general standard practices Your First Supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. that have taken extra time to try and reduce that but any bandwidth that is Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. coming into this territory, whether it’s
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through that or through another form, taking the pictures and actually taking it’s going to help improve our bandwidth the applications. throughout the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our department has gone further and will be, if they already have not, set up a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 1-800 number specifically for those that Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. do fill those applications, and do take those cameras. There are steps taking Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. place, and also we have staff that are As a Member of the Legislative traveling across territory trying to Assembly, I want to ensure my address that and working closely with constituents in Sanikiluaq they are kept the communities. (interpretation) Thank informed of how the government is you, Mr. Speaker. addressing their concerns. As we stated, fibre optics is several years away. Can Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the minister clearly describe what Oral Questions. Member for Arviat specific actions are being taken by his North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. department in the near term to reduce the turnaround time for issuing driver’s Question 288 – 5(2): Nursing Staff licenses and other information Shortages (Main) documents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister Akeeagok. Minister of Health. Thank you for the written response regarding my question Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. on hospital staff shortage. From the Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for this year it has response it states that they lack been challenging with trying to get the employees, they lack nurses, which Motor Vehicles information systems up sometimes affects the health centres that and running, to getting our computers are being closed or affected. updated and the loss of our RCMP services. With all that combined, I I also want clarification on this and ask applaud our staff for trying their best in the minister what problems we are terms of trying to get the backlog. facing in terms of keeping the health centres open. How can we find more As a result of all these, I think one of the nurses? How can we find more staff? good things that have come out is that What are the problems in hiring more our dedicated staff have been traveling nurses right now in Nunavut? Thank all over the territory to addressing the you, Mr. Speaker. backlog and training examiners. I think through that, I’m hoping that we get Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. those backlogs done so we can focus on Minister of Health, Minister Hickes. new applications and further training on our new systems, as we move to a newer Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. camera and a newer software, work with Speaker. When it comes to hiring and the person that’s actually going to be retaining nurses, or all health care
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1928 professionals in the territory of Nunavut, want to call it through that, I spoke at we are competing against a national and one this year in Iqaluit a few weeks even international shortage of health back. I believe it was 11 new nurses that care workers. we recruited to the territory. The optimism and excitement from those We all know from the communities we nurses, and the majority of them had live in, what a great territory Nunavut is, worked here in previous casuals or and how fantastic of an opportunity it is Agency positions. The excitement that to gain experience to work up here. It you can feel walking in there that they’re does take a special type of person to stay excited about working and staying in long term. One of the challenges that we Nunavut, being more flexible as a do have with the recruiting side of things department on making sure that we’re is making sure that we’re getting the providing opportunities for job-sharing right people come into Nunavut to work and exploring other options on that are going to commit to being here. employment of hours of work is going to Commit to owning a home and raising lead to more improved staffing levels, their families in Nunavut. The more but again, we are competing against a lot welcoming our communities are, the of other jurisdictions for the same people more opportunities we have for our and we have a higher need of expertise healthcare professionals to stay in the in our communities. territory. Those are the frontlines of our health With regard to recruitment, we’re care system. There are not doctors in all actually doing a fairly decent job. In communities. It’s the nurses, nurse 2017, I believe, we recruited 101 practitioners, and health care workers in indeterminate nurses. Last year, I believe those health centres that are expected to it was 54 until the fall of 2018. Our provide a very elevated level of care. recruitment numbers are not ideal, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. they’re actually quite good. It’s the retention, making sure that we’re Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. providing the supports in place, like the Your first supplementary, Mr. Main. member mentioned, when we’re talking health centre closures, it puts a lot of Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, undue stress on our staff, the amount of Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. hours that they’re expected to work to (interpretation ends) I guess to follow up provide the quality of care that our on that, if the issue is largely one of residents expect, is quite daunting. When retention, my next question for the you’re dealing with a very serious issue minister is: what is the trend in terms of of somebody coming into the health retention? Are we on a downward slope centre in the middle of the night, or where the average term of service for a numerous occurrences within a few nurse in Nunavut is going down or are days, it puts a lot of burden on any things improving? Are we gradually individual. retaining our nurses longer and longer? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve implemented an orientation program. We’ve put two classes, if you Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
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Minister Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I don’t have the exact numbers Minister Hickes. or statistics to formulate a specific response, but anecdotally the impression Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. that I get from my officials is we are Speaker. I really appreciate the member doing better with the retention side of asking that question. The data that we’re things, but we’re also hiring a lot more gathering from the standardized nurses indeterminately. Those numbers collection of the data itself helps us in would be kind of skewed. Over the years assisting with peak hours in health as we’re recruiting more, we’re retaining centres when we need to make sure more numbers numbers-wise. we’ve got sufficient staff in place at those times. Sometimes hours of Whether the percentage of recruitment to operation are things we’re looking at. It retention is stable, going down, or going helps us gain more specific data per up, I don’t have that level of detail with health centre, not just territorial or me today, but I’m sure my officials are regional, a lot of it per community to paying attention right now and I look assist us with our model of care to make forward to receiving an update on actual sure that we’ve got sufficient staff in the numbers that I can update the member. health centres. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These types of things of short closure Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. times, full-day closures, the reasoning Your final supplementary, Mr. Main. behind them, all this data collection helps us to be able to make educated Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, decisions on making sure that we’re Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I providing our staff with the supports thank the minister. I personally support needed to be able to provide the any measures or anything that we could community with the health care needs do to retain more of our health that the communities expect. Thank you, professionals in Nunavut. I don’t think I Mr. Speaker. need to tell the House how important nurses and health professionals are to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. every community in Nunavut. They’re Oral Questions. Member for Rankin among our very most important Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Ms. employees. Towtongie.
In the response to a written question on Question 289 – 5(2): Caribou the first page, it mentions that as of Management (Towtongie) December 2018, the reporting of closures and reduced services has been Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank standardized within the Department of you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to Health. Can the minister explain what the people of Chesterfield Inlet and benefits are anticipated to flow from this Rankin Inlet North. My grandson, Justin standardized reporting? (interpretation) Issakiark Towtongie, I wish you a happy
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birthday, if you are listening. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Ms. My questions are for the Minister of Towtongie. Environment. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. On December 10, 2018 the minister Speaker. As the minister is well aware, I publicly issued an official statement in have been raising concerns for some response to the Government of Canada’s time now about the health of the caribou announcement about changes to the populations in the Kivalliq region and federal Nutrition North program. the impact that unregulated private sales of caribou meat to other regions are (interpretation ends) In his statement, the having on their health. minister indicated that “…I sincerely hope the Harvesters Support Program Can the minister clearly explain what will take into consideration the delicate specific actions are needed to be taken balance required to maintain sustainable by the government and its wildlife harvests for generations to come.” management partners, including Nunavut Tunngavik, to address concerns Can the minister take this opportunity to about potential overharvesting in the clearly explain to the listening public Kivalliq? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. exactly what he meant by his statement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Savikataaq. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Minister Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Speaker. As I stated many times in this House, the selling of legally harvested Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. wildlife is a right that a beneficiary in Speaker. Yes, I can clarify or explain or Nunavut has. It’s in the Land Claims Act more detail on that statement. Nutrition that a beneficiary has the right to buy, North, which is a federal program, has sell, trade, or barter. Until that provision stated that there’s going to be some type is changed, we as a government cannot of a harvesters’ assistance program. Up infringe on the right of beneficiaries for to today we don’t know what that will the right that they have. look like, but I cautioned it in that statement in terms of if it’s a full subsidy The hunters and trappers organizations, for caribou, we have some caribou herds the regional wildlife organizations, that are on decline that do not have a NWMB, or NTI can ask if the members total allowable harvest on them. We just would voluntarily not sell caribou meat have to be mindful that if it’s a full or sell less caribou meat, or the Nunavut freight subsidy for caribou, the amount Agreement could be amended so that of caribou being sold and harvested for right was not there. The way it is written commercial use may go up and that right now and the way it is, we as a would be detrimental to some caribou government cannot stop a beneficiary on populations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. infringing their right to sell their legally harvested wildlife. Thank you, Mr.
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Speaker. buying caribou from one region to another to supplement the wants and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. needs of another region’s caribou desire. Your final supplementary, Ms. You ask what needs to be done. I believe Towtongie. that NTI and the regional Inuit organizations and the government have Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. to sit down and try to come up with a Speaker. As the former elected president plan. of Nunavut Tunngavik, I need no lectures from anyone about the We can ask Nunavut beneficiaries not to importance of standing up and fighting sell caribou, as long as it’s their right, for Inuit rights. This includes harvesting it’s just asking. Until the provision is rights. However, I have also said very changed, altered, or amended then I clearly that when it comes to harvesting can’t see too many options that we have Kivalliq caribou, the right to sell meat on our hands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. for profit becomes meaningless if there are no caribou left to hunt. We will have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. all the rights and no caribou. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. Can the minister indicate what is needed to bring the government’s wildlife Question 290 – 5(2): Tax Policy management partners to the table in (Angnakak) order that this issue can be discussed in Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. an responsible and open manner? Recent Speaker. Since tomorrow is Budget Day, I saw caribou sold for $600 from $400. my question will be for the Minister of There is no limit to the cost of selling a Finance. He always appreciates our caribou. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. questions.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that there Minister Savikataaq. are only two certain things in this world: death and taxes. That’s where my Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. questions will be today. You have to Speaker. I agree with the member that listen to the key words. Mr. Speaker, the it’s a right that they have, but if there is federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution no more meat to sell, then it’s a useless Pricing Act, that was passed by right. She is correct in that. Parliament last year, and the deadline for the Government Nunavut to prepare for In order for us to go to the next step, I the July implementation of the carbon believe that the Inuit organizations, NTI tax in this territory is rapidly and the government would have to sit approaching. down and come up with a plan. Currently as it is, we at the GN have our In May of 2018, that’s coming up to a hands tied because of the Nunavut year ago, the Legislative Assembly was agreement. I’m sure that when an informed that the government anticipates agreement was negotiated they did not taking over $15 million in carbon tax see some caribou herds collapsing, and revenue during the upcoming 2019-2020
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fiscal year. Can the minister assure this that’s perhaps an area for the minister to House that tomorrow’s budget would look at. include measures to ensure that every penny of carbon tax revenue taken in by Mr. Speaker, it is important that our this government will be rebated to the government’s approach to tax policy residents of this territory? Thank you, encourages the birth of new businesses Mr. Speaker. which will help to breathe new life into our economy and create jobs. It’s very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. important. Minister of Finance, Minister Hickes. I have received concerns directly from Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. small businesses and professionals who Speaker. We know that we’re nearing have considered setting up shop here in the Budget Address tomorrow, there will Nunavut, but then they’re hesitant to do be a number of different topics, so because of the high cost environment including the carbon tax that is being in which we live. administered on behalf of us by the federal government. That being said, Mr. As the minister is well aware, Nunavut’s Speaker, we’re still working on the finite current tax rate for small businesses is details of exactly how we’re going to higher than those which are in place in putting those tax revenues back into the the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, pockets of people that are most impacted Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New by it. Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. There are a number of different models around the country that is being utilized. Can the minister assure this House that We have an opportunity to be able to tomorrow’s budget will include tax relief learn from some of those practices, for small businesses? Thank you, Mr. without the time constraint right now Speaker. that we have until July. We do have a number of different options that will be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. approaching decision making levels at Minister Hickes. the Cabinet level in the near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the challenges we have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. as a territory is we have limited Your first supplementary, Ms. opportunities to raise our own source Angnakak. revenues. One of the ways we do that, and to be able to provide the level of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. service that is expected of the Speaker. The minister did make government to provide the service across reference to several models. I happen to the territory in our communities to our like the Yukon model because I’m a residents, we have limited opportunities Yukon fan, it seems, when it comes to for our own source revenues. Out of our different models, but they’re giving $2 billion plus budget, under $200 rebates all back to their people. I think million comes from own source
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revenues. response. It kind of leads into exactly what I’m going to ask in my next When we’re talking about small business question. and providing incentives, we have departments such as Economic I do want to state that when we talk Development and Transportation that about small businesses, we’re not talking helps encourage different industries and about a great number in Nunavut. We different opportunities for small don’t have a lot and they do create quite businesses across the territory. We have a few jobs and so it’s kind of like a different opportunities within the mining domino effect. By providing more sector for rebates available for new support, perhaps we will have more jobs. mineral development, junior mining companies doing the research and Mr. Speaker, nobody enjoys paying looking into different opportunities in taxes, but we know that it is necessary in that sector. order to fund essential programs and services, exactly what the minister said. One of the sectors that we’re looking at really enhancing is right now we rely The opening of the new mines in the heavily upon mining; we rely heavily territory is a good news story. However, upon civil service. We need to do more as we know, a significant portion of the for the industries that we have right now workforce is transient workers who work that have opportunities, tourism as an in the fly-in and fly-out basis. You can example. There are burgeoning tourism almost set your watch to the Nolinor jet opportunities across the territory. that takes off from here every day, going up flying people back and forth from I’m not going to sit here and tell you that Montreal up to Mary River. I’m going to be reducing taxes for corporate businesses tomorrow because, What consideration is being given to again, that takes revenues away from increasing the payroll tax on transient what we’re doing. We’re always going workers who do not claim Nunavut as to be exploring different ways to make their permanent residence? Thank you, sure that we’re maximizing the benefit Mr. Speaker. of that in a fair and clear way. Something that I can commit to doing is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. making sure that taxes that are received Minister Hickes. by the Government of Nunavut are expended in a way that’s fiscally Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. responsible and the accountability to the Speaker. If I may elaborate a little bit on government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the opportunity the member gave me in a previous response, where we are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. exploring different opportunities to Your final supplementary, Ms. generate/increase revenue, there is Angnakak. nothing that’s off the table. I’ve been in this role now for about seven or eight Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. months and I’ve had numerous Speaker. I thank the minister for his discussions with my officials and it’s
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1934 been discussed amongst my colleagues Motion 023 – 5(2): Extension of on how we can look at generating more Question Period (Lightstone) revenue from our own basis. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. When the member talks of small Speaker. Pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move business, we have some of the lowest and seconded by the member for Iqaluit- small business tax rates in Canada. Niaqunnguu that the time allotted for We’re at 4 percent for under $500,000, Oral Questions be extended. Thank you, so there are opportunities out there to Mr. Speaker. grow a business. The member is correct, there are a lot of transient workers, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. especially in the mining industry and The motion is not debatable. All those in that’s where we’ve got programs, again, favour, please raise your hand. Thank to make sure that we are training and you. All those opposed. Thank you. The developing our own population, to be motion is carried and question period has able to take advantage of those been extended by 30 minutes. employment opportunities. That to me is (interpretation ends) But before we do, I where we need to focus our resources, have just made an executive decision Mr. Speaker, so that those transient and that is we are taking a 15-minute mining opportunities are being hired break. from local communities. That’s where the employment really needs to be Sergeant-at-Arms. triggered. I hope that kind of answers that members’ question to a degree. >>Laughter
Just to reiterate, there’s nothing that’s >>House recessed at 15:28 and off the table. When we’re looking at resumed at 15:46 generating our own source revenues, we look at tobacco taxes and income taxes, Speaker (interpretation): We can now corporate taxes, there’s limited proceed. Question period was extended opportunities we have to generate by an additional 30 minutes starting revenue from a population size that we now. Oral Questions. Member for deal with on a day to day basis. I can’t Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. commit to specific directions that we are going but the dialogue is very open right Question 291 – 5(2): Mould now and we need to take a serious look Infestation in Public Housing on reducing our expenditures and Units (Nakashuk) increasing our revenue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. My Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. questions are for the Minister Members please be aware that the time responsible for the Nunavut Housing for question period has expired. Mr. Corporation. Lightstone. As the minister is very much aware, the issue of mould infestation in public
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1935 housing units is a serious concern across Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the territory. Minister Netser.
In July of 2016 the housing corporation Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): issued a request for proposals for mould Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We consider assessment and remediation. The RFP mould remediation very important and identified 14 units in Pangnirtung that we don’t want funding to be a barrier, required work. It is my understanding but the funding we allocated last year that additional units in the community has lapsed. Mould is not good to breathe require mould remediation. as it causes health problems. We will be working on removing mould from our Can the minister provide an update on housing units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the status of the RFP for the work to be done on the housing units in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Pangnirtung? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Ms. Nakashuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Housing Corporation, Minister Netser. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for being able to provide a Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): response on that. During the Legislative Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mould is of a Assembly’s sitting of October 25, 2018, concern to the housing corporation. We the president of the housing corporation would like the communities to inform us indicated that, and I’ll say it in English, which housing units have mould. We (interpretation ends) the Nunavut have trained LHO staff on level 1 and Housing Corporation was in the process level 2 mould remediation. Level 3 of producing a substantive report on the mould remediation requires specialized issue of mould prevention and expertise, so we have issued a tender for mitigation. Can the minister update the that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House today on the status of this work and will he commit to providing a copy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of this report to all local housing Your first supplementary, Ms. organizations and Members of the Nakashuk. Legislative Assembly? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. minister for explaining that. He stated Minister Netser. that workers are trained on dealing with levels 1, 2 and 3 mould. Even though the Hon. Patterk Netser: Thank you, Mr. workers are trained, the LHOs haven’t Speaker. I would like to go back to received training to date. Have they correcting my first statement on having allocated funds in the 2019-2020 budget our LHOs receive training on level 1 and for mould remediation in Pangnirtung? level 2. My note says that the NHC has Thank you, Mr. Speaker. provided levels 1, 2 and 3 mould remediation training to all the LHOs in
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the 25 communities that we serve, with over three years, which is almost $10 the aim of improving participants’ million that the federal government understanding of mould, its root causes, recently announced. Thank you, Mr. and identification/remediation practices. Speaker. 191 persons have been trained. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. For her question, I will consult with my Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. staff as to what we can do for her. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. indicating the start date. I always support Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, my constituents. I also push hard for Mr. Kaernerk. Inuit employment. Can the minister indicate what the Inuit employment level Question 292 – 5(2): Hall Beach will be for the rehabilitation of the Hall Airport (Kaernerk) Beach Airport? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, people of Minister Akeeagok. Amittuq and Nunavut. Good afternoon, my colleagues. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I correctly Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to grasped the question, the member the Minister of Economic Development wished to know the minimum Inuit and Transportation. labour content requirement for this project and while the contract is being As we all may be aware, the federal awarded or when we are awarding the government announced almost $10 contract to identify the minimum labour million for the rehabilitation of the Hall content requirement for Inuit. At this Beach Airport. As you also may be time, like yesterday, based on what we aware, I fully supported my constituents heard, the agreement outlines the on this project. requirement, but we must still sign off as the Government of Nunavut with the With that being said, can the Minister of federal government. As this information Economic Development and will be part of this agreement, we will Transportation indicate when this project provide the details at that time. We don’t will begin? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. have anything set yet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. Your final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk.
Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The start date you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to for the project is the 2019-2020 fiscal seeing the percentage. The federal year and the funding will be allocated announcement indicated that the federal
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government and that the Hall Beach these alarming statistics of child abuse in airport is an important hub for residents our territory, my question to the minister and businesses in the regions and it is has he identified any trends in the would be of benefit to the residents and amount of investigations alleged child businesses. I am very proud because and youth abuse cases? Thank you, Mr. we’re a small community and there are Speaker. going to be improvements made on the airport. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Justice, Minister Ehaloak. Will the minister commit to formally recognizing the Hall Beach Airport as a Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): hub for the North Baffin? That is my Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation final question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ends) Thank you, Mr. Lightstone for your question. The increase in violation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. against children in Nunavut is troubling. Minister Akeeagok. The number of increased violations went from 49 to 103 within the last few years. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): This does not mean that the incidents Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you occurred in that year. There are several very much for your question. The factors that could cause this increase. monies will be used to improve the More and more children have grown up lighting and to resurface the airport. The and have now come out and spoke about airport can be used for landing different some of their incidences. More and more types of aircraft. It’s up to the airlines. children are coming out and expressing It’s the airlines that make those decisions their concerns and their incidences. The as to where they’re going to be landing Department of Justice is working with in the communities. Thank you, Mr. multiple partners to ensure that crime Speaker. prevention within our communities is reduced, by working together and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. coming up with strategies. Thank you, Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Mr. Speaker. Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 293 – 5(2): Child Abuse Your First Supplementary, Mr. Cases in Nunavut (Lightstone) Lightstone.
Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are for the Speaker. I thank the Minister for that Minister of Justice. response. That increase is alarming but I think it is something that needs to be I have in my hand the needs assessment, brought to the public’s attention. as well as the feasibility study produced by the Arctic Children’s and Youth Mr. Speaker, in the Arctic Children and Foundation. In this report it’s identified Youth Foundation’s reports, it was noted that in 2013 alone, over 429 reports of that other jurisdictions that prosecutors child abuse occurred in Nunavut. Given are often frustrated due the difficulty of
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prosecuting child abuse cases and feel like they’re victimized, we do have getting guilty verdicts. My question for Community Justice Outreach workers in the minister is; Do prosecutors in our communities who work with Nunavut face similar difficulties, and if individuals and with other organizations, so, what are they? Thank you, Mr. our partners such as Family Services and Speaker. RCMP to ensure that these children are helped. There are services available Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. within our community for those children Minister Ehaloak. who feel like they need support, they need the assistance to carry on with their Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. daily lives. To not walk the streets in Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Lightstone for fear of being victimized again and we do your question. Unfortunately I don’t care. The Department of Justice works have that level of detail of information very closely with individuals and groups but I can assure the member that I can to make sure that we help those children. get the information for him. Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Mr. Final Supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Quassa.
Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Question 294 – 5(2): Nunavut Nursing Speaker. Thank you, Minister. I do Program (Quassa) appreciate receiving that information at a later date. Now, as I had mentioned, the Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, prosecutors are frustrated for quite a Mr. Speaker. My question first of all is good reason. These children that are to the Minister responsible for the Arctic making the allegations of the child College. sexual abuse do have to take part in the court proceedings and it can be quite There is a shortage of medical staff, that traumatic for them, which is what leads we have a shortage of nurses. We also to the low prosecution rates or guilty heard that they try to fly in nurses and verdicts during these cases. My final they prefer to fly them in to work in question to the minister is; In the Nunavut, and that recently 11 new instances that the court cases do not nurses have arrived. come up with a guilty verdict, what sort of supports are there in place for these My question for the new minister is children afterwards? Thank you, Mr. regarding the critical need to have nurses Speaker. who are residents of Nunavut. Due to that need, can the minister inform us if Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there will be nursing graduates? That’s Minister Ehaloak. my question, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. When the accused is found not Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic guilty and the children or the victim still College, Minister Netser.
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Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Arctic College Mr. Speaker. I think the Government of delivers the Nursing Program. To date Nunavut has recognized the importance we have 21 students, of which eight are of the Inuktitut language. Do the Inuit. I am proud to say that we now students also receive training in have a nurse who is a resident of Coral Inuktitut? We know that before we had Harbour who took the program here in nurses, we had Inuit who were healers. Iqaluit. She began working in the fall. I Do they receive training in Inuktitut? am very proud of her. We deliver the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nursing Program every year here in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Netser. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Quassa. Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t tell our Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, colleague if they are provided training in Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that Inuktitut, but I can say that from 2004 to update. It’s very important. 2018, there have been 57 nursing Nunavummiut are capable of becoming graduates, of which 22 are Inuit. I don’t nurses. We shouldn’t be relying on know if they receive training in flying in people from the south. Inuktitut. (interpretation ends) That’s a Nunavummiut are more than capable detailed question which I don’t really get and our fellow residents want to see into, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. nurses who can speak Inuktitut. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister tell us if the Nursing Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Program will continue for years to come Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. while there’s a shortage of nurses in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 295 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation Expenditures and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Activities (Angnakak) Minister Netser. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): Speaker. My questions are for the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree with Minister responsible for the Qulliq our colleague. We should have nurses Energy Corporation. I’ll probably be who speak Inuktitut, but we can’t tell the seeking some details. graduates that they have to work in Nunavut because it’s up to them to As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, I asked decide where they want to go. Mr. some detailed questions during the Speaker, I can say that Arctic College previous Legislative Assembly regarding will always work on training nurses. overtime expenditures across the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government. Information provided in response to my questions and those Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. asked by other members over the past Your final supplementary, Mr. Quassa. couple of years revealed that the Qulliq
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Energy Corporation’s expenditures on are sent to smaller communities to overtime increased from approximately undertake heavy maintenance and $4 million in the 2014-15 year to repairs on generators and other approximately $5.8 million in the 2016- machinery at the local power plant, they 17 fiscal year. This represents an are actually being flown back to Iqaluit increase of over 25 percent. at the end of the week before the work is completed so that the QEC can avoid Mr. Speaker, the QEC’s 2017-18 annual paying overtime for the weekend. They report does not clearly indicate how are then being flown back to the much corporation spent on overtime community at the start of the following during the fiscal year, but I assume the work week. minister has asked for this, and has been provided with this information. Can she Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that these tell us today if overtime spending at the practices my not actually be saving a lot corporation went up, went down, or of money, and maybe causing some stayed the same during the recent 2017- unintended consequences, such as staff 18 fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. leaving their positions due to the extended time away from family. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Will the minister commit to reviewing Energy Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. these practices and reporting her findings to the House? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) At this time, I don’t have that level Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of detailed information, but I can assure Minister Ehaloak. you that the 2017-18 year end expenditures that are up-to-date, I will Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): ensure that information is provided to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ends) Yes I can commit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Ms. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Angnakak. Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is another expression Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. that’s good to remember here in Speaker. I recognize that the minister is government. I’m sure the Finance not an engineer, but I have also been Minister is well aware of this, is don’t be hearing concerns that the QEC’s pennywise and pound foolish. I have attempts to reduce overtime are having heard concern that in an effort to hold an impact on its heavy maintenance down overtime costs, the QEC may be schedule for gen sets and other engaged in an operational practice that equipment. I have been told that work, may not make a lot of sense. For which used to take place during the example, I have heard that when crews warmer summer months is not slipping
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into the colder seasons, where power far. Maybe in this fiscal year, I would plants are under the greatest stress. think it would be more relevant for defence kills for people who butcher the Will the minister commit to reviewing bears, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. this issue and reporting her findings to the House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ehaloak. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): minister for his response. Mr. Speaker, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation some communities haven’t had a ends) Yes I can commit. Thank you, Mr. wildlife officer for a long time. Part of Speaker. the reason the payments could not be made is that there were no wildlife Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. officers. I know for a fact that that has Oral Questions. Member for been the case in my community. When Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. there were no wildlife officers, some people didn’t get paid. It’s not too long Question 296 – 5(2): Issues around ago, maybe two years ago or starting last Polar Bear Defence Kills year, some people haven’t been paid (Keyootak) because there are no wildlife officers. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Can this be looked into further? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Environment. One of my colleagues asked about polar bears Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. defence kills. There were supposed to be Minister Savikataaq. payments made to many people who were not paid. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree for Mr. Speaker, perhaps those who haven’t those who don’t have wildlife officers in received any payment can expect to be terms of polar bears. There have been paid. The minister did state that the issues about defence kills and skin amount paid out is not very much, but preparation. If we don’t have an there are many people who have not employee on the ground, I would ask for been paid. Can those people expect to assistance. We could look at this for get paid? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. sure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment, Minister My colleagues, please note that the Savikataaq. extension for question period has expired and it can’t be extended again. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): We will proceed with the orders of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For those old day. defence kills, some are too old; they’re not new. I wouldn’t want to go back that However, before we proceed further, I
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would like to give you a reminder. I listed as registered sex offenders in know that we would like to get to work Nunavut? because we haven’t been sitting for a while, but I would like to remind you 2. How many individuals currently again that when you are referring to listed as registered sex offenders in documents, please slow down so that all Nunavut are convicted with a child Nunavummiut will understand our sex offence? comments and responses to our questions. Thank you. 3. What is the process for determining high-risk child sex offenders? Let’s proceed with the orders of the day. Written Questions. Member for Iqaluit- 4. How many individuals currently Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. listed as registered sex offenders in Nunavut are convicted with a child Item 7: Written Questions sex offence and listed as high-risk child sex offenders? Written Question 017 – 5(2): Child Abuse in Nunavut (Lightstone) 5. Of the individuals that are currently listed as registered sex offenders in Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut, how many reside in Iqaluit Speaker. My written question is for the both in correctional facilities and out Minister responsible for the Department of correctional facilities of Justice and the subject is child abuse respectively? in Nunavut and registered sex offenders. 6. Of the individuals that are currently Sexual violations against children and listed as registered sex offenders in youth in Nunavut is a pressing concern, Nunavut and have been convicted as children and youth in Nunavut with a child sex offence, how many experience sexual abuse at a rate 10 reside in Iqaluit both in correctional times the national average. Not only do facilities and out of correctional these offences have immediate negative facilities respectively? physical, emotional and psychological impacts; they can also have damaging 7. Of the individuals that are currently long-term effects on children and youth listed as registered sex offenders in who are the victims of these crimes. Nunavut and have been convicted with a child sex offence and listed as I believe it is in the best interest to make high-risk child sex offenders, how this information public in order to many reside in Iqaluit both in identify areas of concern and to properly correctional facilities and out of address them. correctional facilities respectively?
Mr. Speaker, my questions are detailed 8. What conditions or court orders are and I request to enter them into the placed on registered sexual Hansard as read. offenders?
1. How many individuals are currently 9. What conditions or court orders are
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placed on registered sexual offenders 18. How often are the penalties for convicted of child sexual offences? failing to comply with a registration order applied? Please provide the 10. What conditions or court orders are number of failures to comply for the placed on registered sexual offenders last five fiscal years respectively. convicted of child sexual offences and listed as high-risk child sex 19. Are registered sex offenders required offenders? to inform the RCMP of any travel out of their listed community? If 11. Is the public notified when registered travel advisory is not required, why sex offenders are released from not? correction facilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 12. Are there extra precautions taken when releasing a high-risk sex Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Do offender from a correction facility? members agree to have the written question entered into the record as read? 13. What are the reporting requirements Do you agree? of registered sex offenders in Nunavut? Some Members: Agreed.
14. What are the reporting requirements Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of registered sex offenders listed as Therefore it will be tabled as read. high-risk child sex offenders in Written Questions. Responses to Written Nunavut? Questions. Returns to Written Questions. Mr. Clerk. 15. How often are persons convicted of a sex offence and listed as high-risk Item 10: Returns to Written child sex offenders required to Questions* provide updates for change addresses or legal name, employment or Return to Written Question 014 – volunteer activity, and how is this 5(2): Public Service Statistics enforced and verified? (Clerk) Return to Written Question 015 – 16. How often are persons convicted of a 5(2): Operations of Community sex offence and listed as high-risk Health Centres (Clerk) child sex offenders required to provide updates for change addresses Return to Written Question 016 – or legal name, employment or 5(2): Administration of the volunteer activity, and how is this Municipal Funding Program enforced and verified? (Clerk) Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. 17. What penalties exist if sexual Speaker. I wish to table the returns to the offenders do not meet the reporting three written questions that were asked requirements? during the fall 2018 sitting of the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Written Questions 14 – 5(2), 15 – 5(2), and 16 – 5(2). Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1944
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. opportunity to table a collection of Replies to Opening Address. Item 10 recent correspondence concerning the Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Gjoa Haven airport. Petitions. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Speaker, I will have detailed Item 11: Responses to Petitions* question for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation on this Response to Petition 001 – 5(2): 24- issue during our current Winter Sitting. I Hour Elder Care Facility for encourage all members to review these Kugluktuk (Clerk) documents with her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Response to Petition 002 – 5(2): Road Paving for Igloolik (Clerk) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents. I have one. Response to Petition 003 – 5(2): New School for Coral Harbour (Clerk) Tabled Document 118 – 5(2): 2018 Nunavut Youth Parliament Response to Petition 004 – 5(2): Hansard (Speaker) Amendments to the Hamlets Act and the Cities, Towns and Villages Thank you, colleagues. I’m very happy Act (Clerk) today to table a document, the official Hansard from the Seventh Speaker’s Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish Youth Parliament, which was held at the to table responses to four petitions that Legislation Assembly in November of were presented during the spring 2018 2018. As my colleagues are aware, this sitting and the fall 2018 sitting of the event is held every two years, and it House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. brings together high school students from across the territory. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Responses to Petitions. Reports of Our 2018 Youth Parliament was a great Special Committees on Bills and Other success, and I would like to express my Matters. Tabling of Documents. Member appreciation to the Commissioner of for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak. Nunavut, and to the Minister of Education for their participation in the Item 13: Tabling of Documents event. I also wish to make special mention of my own constituent, Dustin Tabled Document 117 – 5(2): Pewatoalook, who served very capably Correspondence Concerning the as Speaker for the event. I taught him Gjoa Haven Airport (Akoak) very well. I encourage all members to review the Youth Parliament Hansard Mr. Akoak: Mr. Speaker, as you know, with care, as it contains important the community of Gjoa Haven has been information regarding the aspirations working hard to identify infrastructure and concerns of our territory’s youth. improvements that will help support Thank you. economic development in such sectors as tourism, which is why I’m taking this Notices of Motions. Member for Arviat
*See Appendix for full text of Responses to Petitions 1 – 5(2), 2 – 5(2), 3 – 5(2), and 4 – 5(2). Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 1945
North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Hickes. Item 14: Notices of Motions Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income Motion 024 – 5(2): Extended Sitting Tax Act – Notice Hours and Days – Notice (Main) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Speaker. I give notice that on give notice that on Thursday February Wednesday February 20, that Bill 19, An 21, I will move the following motion: Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member Speaker. for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. days as the Speaker deems fit to assist Notices of Motions for the First Reading with the business before the House of Bills. Motions. First Reading of Bills. during the Winter 2019 Sitting of the Minister of Finance, Minister Hickes. Legislative Assembly. Item 17: First Reading of Bills (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I request consent of this Notices of Motions. Notices of Motions Assembly to waive the one-day notice for First Reading of Bills. Minister of requirement to allow for the first reading Finance, Minister Hickes. of Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Item 15: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The minister is requesting unanimous Bill 15 – Appropriation (Operations & consent so that Bill 19 can be read for Maintenance) Act, 2019-2020 – the first time today. Do you members Notice agree?
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, February 20 that Bill 15, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Appropriation (Operations and We are in agreement. Minister of Maintenance) Act, 2019-2020, will be Finance, Mr. Hickes, please proceed. read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – First Reading Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Notices of Motions for the First Reading Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. of Bills. Motions. My apologies, I had Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I move, something missing from my document. seconded by the Hon. Member for Notices of Motions for First Reading of Cambridge Bay, that Bill 19, An Act to
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Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, that the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be read for the second time. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. There is a motion on the floor. To the Mr. Speaker, this bill harmonizes certain motion. All those in favour, please raise provisions of the Income Tax Act with your hand. All those opposed. The amendments made to the Income Tax Act motion is carried. (Canada) in 2016 and 2018, repeals spent provisions, and clarifies certain First Reading of Bills. Minister of provisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finance. I am making some mistakes here. My apologies. Second Reading of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister The motion is in order. To the motion. Hickes. All those in favour of the motion, please raise your hand. Thank you. All those Item 18: Second Reading of Bills opposed. The motion is carried and Bill 19 can immediately be referred to the Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Standing Committee on Legislation. Speaker. We’re all a little rusty. It’s the first day. Second Reading of Bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Mr. Speaker, I request consent of this Other Matters. There are no items for Assembly to waive the one-day notice that today. Report of the Committee of requirement to allow for the second the Whole. Third Reading of Bills. reading of Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Income Tax Act. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Clerk. Speaker. Item 22: Orders of the Day Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The minister is requesting consent to Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. have second reading of Bill 19 today. Do Speaker. A reminder that the Standing members agree? Committee on Legislation will meet in 10 minutes after the close of this sitting Some Members: Agreed. and again at nine o’clock tomorrow. Both meetings are in the Nanuq Speaker (interpretation): The members Boardroom. have agreed. Minister of Finance, please proceed. Orders of the Day for February 20:
Bill 19 – An Act to Amend the Income 1. Prayer Tax Act – Second Reading 2. Budget Address
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. 3. Ministers’ Statements Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. 4. Members’ Statements
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the 5. Returns to Oral Questions
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6. Recognition of Visitors in the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Gallery >>House adjourned at 16:32 7. Oral Questions 8. Written Questions 9. Returns to Written Questions 10. Replies to Opening Address 11. Replies to Budget Address 12. Petitions 13. Responses to Petitions 14. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 15. Tabling of Documents 16. Notices of Motions 17. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 18. Motions 19. First Reading of Bills • Bill 15 20. Second Reading of Bills 21. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 22. Report of the Committee of the Whole 23. Third Reading of Bills 24. Orders of the Day Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 20, at 1:30 p.m.
Appendix – February 19, 2019