Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
1st Session 5th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 8
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Pages 398 – 493
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable Joe Enook, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. Joe Enook (Tununiq)
Hon. David Akeeagok Joelie Kaernerk Patterk Netser (Quttiktuq) (Amittuq) (Aivilik) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible Mila Kamingoak Emiliano Qirngnuq for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation (Kugluktuk) (Netsilik) Commission Pauloosie Keyootak Hon. Paul Quassa Tony Akoak (Uqqummiut) (Aggu) (Gjoa Haven) Premier; Minister of Executive and Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Lorne Kusugak Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister (Rankin Inlet South) responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Hon. Pat Angnakak Minister of Community and Minister responsible for the Utility Rates (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Government Services; Minister Review Council Minister of Health; Minister responsible for responsible for the Nunavut Seniors’ Advocate; Minister responsible for Housing Corporation Allan Rumbolt Suicide Prevention (Hudson Bay) Adam Lightstone Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (Iqaluit-Manirajak) (Cambridge Bay) Hon. Joe Savikataaq Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for John Main (Arviat South) the Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Deputy Premier; Minister of Family responsible for the Status of Women; Services; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for Labour Simeon Mikkungwak Homelessness; Minister responsible for (Baker Lake) Immigration Deputy Speaker and Chair of George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) the Committee of the Whole Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. David Joanasie Margaret Nakashuk Government House Leader; Minister of (South Baffin) (Pangnirtung) Economic Development and Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister Transportation; Minister of Energy; of Education; Minister of Languages; Minister of Environment Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Cathy Towtongie (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) 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 ...... 398
Ministers’ Statements ...... 398
Members’ Statements ...... 401
Returns to Oral Questions ...... 406
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 408
Oral Questions ...... 410
Tabling of Documents ...... 433
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 434
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 493
Orders of the Day ...... 493
A. Daily References
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 ...... 398
B. Ministers’ Statements
029 – 5(1): Grant Program and Promotion of Inuktut (Joanasie) ...... 398
030 – 5(1): Breakfast Programs for Adult Learners (Savikataaq) ...... 399
031 – 5(1): Motor Vehicle Services and Examination (Sheutiapik)...... 399
032 – 5(1): National Nutrition North Month (Angnakak) ...... 400
033 – 5(1): Community Energy Planning Engagement (Sheutiapik) ...... 401
C. Members’ Statements
069 – 5(1): Quttiktuq Participants at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games (Akeeagok)...... 402
070 – 5(1): Alianait Arts Festival Aeroplan Drive (Lightstone) ...... 402
071 – 5(1): Hall Beach Search and Rescue (Kaernerk) ...... 403
072 – 5(1): College Foundation Program (Hickes) ...... 404
073– 5(1): Lack of Rehabilitation Services for Nunavummiut (Keyootak) ...... 404
074 – 5(1): Encouraging the Use of Inuktitut (Quassa) ...... 405
D. Returns to Oral Questions
Return to Oral Question 018 – 5(1): Marine Infrastructure (Sheutiapik) ...... 406
Return to Oral Question 014 – 5(1): Pangnirtung Airport (Sheutiapik) ...... 406
Return to Oral Question 021 – 5(1): Possible Amendment to the Western Canada Lottery Act
(Kusugak) ...... 407
Return to Oral Question 032 – 5(1): Justice of the Peace Appointments and Remuneration
Committee (Ehaloak) ...... 408
E. Oral Questions
081 – 5(1): Cannabis Taxation and Regulation (Mikkungwak) ...... 410
082 – 5(1): European Ban on the Sale of Seal Products (Lightstone) ...... 411
083 – 5(1): Pangnirtung’s Solid Waste Site (Nakashuk) ...... 412
084 – 5(1): Southampton Caribou Management (Netser) ...... 414
085 – 5(1): Grants and Contributions Spending (Main) ...... 415
086 – 5(1): Preplanning Study for Kugluktuk High School (Kamingoak) ...... 416
087 – 5(1): Housing (Qirngnuq) ...... 418
088 – 5(1): Spending Without Legislative Approval of GN Budget (Hickes) ...... 419
089 – 5(1): Government Liaison Officers (Rumbolt) ...... 421
090 – 5(1): Sports Funding from Lottery Revenue (Akoak) ...... 422
091 – 5(1): Addressing Mould Infestation (Kaernerk) ...... 423
092 – 5(1): Chartered Professional Accountants Act (Lightstone) ...... 425
093 – 5(1): Energy Strategy (Hickes) ...... 426
094 – 5(1): Justice of the Peace Appointments (Mikkungwak) ...... 427
095 – 5(1): Ensuring Safe and Adequate Foster Care (Kamingoak) ...... 428
096 – 5(1): Mine Training (Main) ...... 431
F. Tabling of Documents
020 – 5(1): FPT Meeting of the Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women (Ehaloak) ..... 433
021 – 5(1): Correspondence to North Arrow Minerals Regarding Mel Diamond Project
(Kaernerk) ...... 433
022 – 5(1): Alianait Launches Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Campaign (Lightstone) ...... 433
G. Motions
013 – 5(1): Extension of Question Period (Mikkungwak) ...... 424
H. Bills
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Economic Development and
Transportation – Consideration in Committee ...... 434
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Health – Consideration in Committee
...... 445
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Family Services – Consideration in
Committee ...... 476
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Environment – Consideration in
Committee ...... 479
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 398
Iqaluit, Nunavut Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good Members Present: afternoon, my colleagues, people of Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset, and Nunavut. Hon. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak, Hon. Joe Enook, Mr. George Mr. Speaker, as an Inuk from Nunavut, I Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie am proud to know that we have one of Kaernerk, Ms. Mila Kamingoak, Mr. the most progressive legislations that Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. Lorne promote and protect Inuktut as an Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. official language, on equal footing with John Main, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, English and French within our territory. Ms. Margaret Nakashuk, Mr. Patterk This level of statutory protection for an Netser, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. indigenous language has no precedent Paul Quassa, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. anywhere else in Canada. Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik, Ms. Cathy Towtongie. Mr. Speaker, on July 9, 2017 the last government brought into force the >>House commenced at 13:32 language service provisions of the Inuit Language Protection Act. Nunavummiut Item 1: Opening Prayer can now expect more services in Inuktut from various organizations operating in Speaker (Hon. Joe Enook) our territory, both from the government (interpretation): Mr. Netser, can you say and private sector bodies. the opening prayer, please. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture >>Prayer and Heritage has established the Namminiqaqtunut Inuktuuriaqarniq Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Grant Program to assist private sector Mr. Netser. Premier and members, good organizations to include Inuktut on afternoon. Nunavummiut who are signs, advertising, reception and watching the televised proceedings and customer services. While intake has been listening to the radio broadcast, welcome slow, a total of six grants have been to your Legislative Assembly. allocated so far, for a total of $29,790.75. We are hopeful that more We will now proceed with the orders of organizations will take advantage of this the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. financial assistance as we conduct an Minister of Culture and Heritage, outreach campaign in the next few Minister Joanasie. weeks and months.
Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture and Heritage will also be collaborating Minister’s Statement 029 – 5(1): with our partners, which will include the Grant Program and Promotion of Office of the Languages Commissioner, Inuktut (Joanasie) Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to develop a communication strategy. We
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 399 will be coordinating our respective this, over 20 students at the Nunavut efforts over the next few years to Fisheries and Marine Training promote the use of Inuktut among Consortium have had access to breakfast private sector organizations and among through this initiative. members of the public using their services. Mr. Speaker, we know that families in Nunavut experience food insecurity. By Mr. Speaker, the cornerstone of the making breakfast available to adult strategy will be Inuktuuqta: Let’s Speak learners in these programs, we are Inuktut! As we progress in developing supporting them in their pursuit of and implementing this strategy, I will training and self-sufficiency. We are also update my colleagues regularly on this alleviating some of the pressures they initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. may experience on a daily basis while they ensure their families are fed, often >>Applause at the expense of their own hunger.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, increased food security is Ministers’ Statements. Minister of an outcome identified in Makimaniq Family Services, Minister Savikataaq. Plan 2: A Shared Approach to Poverty Reduction. The outcome recognizes Minister’s Statement 030 – 5(1): initiatives such as breakfast programs as Breakfast Programs for Adult critical in supporting food security in Learners (Savikataaq) communities.
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, my department remains Speaker. I am pleased to announce that committed to strengthening partnerships my department is supporting breakfast across government departments and programming for adult learners across community organizations to improve the territory as part of a pilot project to Nunavummiut’s access to food. Thank address food insecurity. you, Mr. Speaker.
My department has partnered with >>Applause Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Consortium to make this possible. We Ministers’ Statements. Minister of are happy to have funding support from Economic Development and the Department of Health to [pursue] this Transportation, Minister Sheutiapik. initiative through the Nunavut Wellness Agreement. Minister’s Statement 031 – 5(1): Motor Vehicle Services and Since January 2018 approximately 127 Examination (Sheutiapik) students enrolled in programs with Nunavut Arctic College at 20 different Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik community learning centres across (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Nunavut have had access to breakfast Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am through this pilot project. In addition to pleased to announce the Department of
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 400
Economic Development and department and the Hamlet of Arviat on Transportation has been actively a pilot project. A representative from the working on a revised process for the department will travel to Arviat on April delivery of motor vehicle licensing and 2, 2018 to train municipal staff to examinations. (interpretation) I know become examiners. We are committed to that this has been the subject of working with other municipalities on a questions and I will be proving some similar program if they so desire. responses to those questions later this evening. Uqaqtitsijii, the department is committed to not only replacing the services (interpretation ends) As the members are provided by the RCMP, but to making aware, the RCMP will stop providing targeted improvements to ensure all motor vehicle examination services on Nunavummiut are able to receive their July 1, 2018. Our department commends driver’s licence. We understand the the RCMP’s dedication and long-term importance of having these changes in commitment to providing the services place before introducing a graduated alongside their other duties in the driver’s [licence] system. communities, but we recognize that there are other priorities that the RCMP needs Improving the driver’s licence system is to address too. a high priority of mine and I look forward to keeping my colleagues up to In light of this decision, I am committed date on this important initiative. to not only replacing the service (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. provided by the RCMP, but to use this opportunity to build an improved model >>Applause of service [delivery] for Nunavummiut. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. In short, we will have driver examiners Ministers’ Statements. Minister of visit every community in Nunavut Health, Minister Angnakak. before September to address the backlog of driver examinations. A schedule of Minister’s Statement 032 – 5(1): these visits will be finalized in the National Nutrition North Month coming weeks and to be shared with all (Angnakak) MLAs and municipalities. Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good Our department is fully committed to afternoon. ensuring Nunavummiut have access to driver’s licences and providing local (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, every service delivery where possible. We are year Canadians across the country examining how services can be best celebrate National Nutrition Month in delivered on a community-by- March. For 2018 the theme is community basis and focusing on the “Unlocking the Potential of Food.” strength of each community. Nunavut is an active participant as we With this in mind, I’m happy to continue to promote a diet of country announce an agreement between the food and healthy, store-bought foods.
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National Nutrition Month reminds us of senior administrative officers from the importance of healthy eating and the Nunavut’s communities as well as positive impact good nutrition has on our representatives from the Qulliq Energy health and well-being. Whether we are Corporation, Nunavut Housing eating country foods or store-bought Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik foods, it is important that we have lots of Incorporated, and the Government of variety to get the nutrients we need for Nunavut. good health. These community energy engagement Mr. Speaker, this National Nutrition sessions will explore ways to improve Month, Nunavummiut are encouraged to energy efficiency and reduce electricity discover the power of food. Food fuels consumption at the community level. In our bodies, prevents illness, connects us addition, we hope it will promote a to our land and culture, and brings us greater interest, awareness, and together. Activities are planned understanding of long-term energy plans throughout the territory by community to mitigate Nunavut’s greenhouse gas health representatives, the Department of emissions and to take action on climate Health’s dietitians, and others to help change. Nunavummiut unlock the power of food by having country foods, supporting Uqaqtitsijii, my department is healthy store-bought food choices, and committed to reducing greenhouse gas by bringing people together. Thank you, emissions across the territory and Mr. Speaker. supporting action that build a more sustainable, affordable, and self-reliant >>Applause Nunavut. I encourage my fellow members to share this information with Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. your communities. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Environment, Minister Sheutiapik. >>Applause Minister’s Statement 033 – 5(1): Community Energy Planning Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Engagement (Sheutiapik) Ministers’ Statements. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik would like to recognize our former long- (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. serving Sergeant-at-Arms. I would like Speaker. I again stand today to announce to warmly welcome Simanek Kilabuk. that my department will be hosting Welcome. energy planning engagement sessions to support communities in finding ways to >>Applause reduce their reliance on diesel and transition to a more self-reliant energy Moving on. Members’ Statements. system. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Akeeagok.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in the Item 3: Members’ Statements coming weeks my department will host
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 402
Member’s Statement 069 – 5(1): participating in the Games. They will be Quttiktuq Participants at the 2018 representing Arctic Bay and Arctic Winter Games (Akeeagok) Nunavummiut. We wish them the best of luck in the Games. (interpretation ends) Hon. David Akeeagok: Mahsi cho, Mr. Mahsi cho, Uqaqtittijii. Speaker. (interpretation) I am completely delighted to announce that An Hon. Member: Go Team Nunavut! the 2018 Arctic Winter Games will include an Arctic Bay contingent >>Applause participating in a variety of Dene games. They have become quite adept at these Speaker: Mahsi cho. (interpretation) Dene games and are ecstatic and proud Thank you. (interpretation ends) Go to take part. Team Nunavut! Hilii?
I want to acknowledge the following >>Applause junior women athletes: Teena Kalluk, Cheryl Tilley, Hilary Kines, and Horizon (interpretation) Members’ Statements. Willie. For the juvenile women athletes: Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Elvina Natanine, Crystal Enoogoo, Lightstone. Kristine Oyukuluk, and Ragilie Attagutsiak. For the junior men athletes: Member’s Statement 070 – 5(1): Owen and Rex Willie, Edmond Willie, Alianait Arts Festival Aeroplan Logan Willie, and R.J. Oyukuluk. For Drive (Lightstone) the open men’s athletes: Noah Qaunaq, Rex Willie, Lionel Willie, and Matthew Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Akikulu. Their coach is Thomas Levi Speaker. Today I stand to recognize one and the chaperone for the juvenile of our very important organizations to women athletes will be Lena Kalluk. our community and that’s the Alianait Entertainment Group, which is a I also wish to acknowledge someone registered charitable organization and is who travelled from the Yukon to Arctic most well-known for the Alianait Arts Bay, Doronn Fox, to assist the athletes. Festival that’s held here in town. They applied for suicide prevention funding to enable them to build a Dene Now, Alianait’s mission is to “…build a drum. They were taught how to healthier Nunavut through the arts.” The construct a Dene drum, which they organization works to strengthen completed recently. They will be doing a Nunavut’s cultural community through show tonight and it will be an interesting performances, workshops, and training show to watch, so I encourage members “while building strong, effective to attend. relationships in the music, cultural and community development sectors.” I would also like to recognize Andrew Jr. Reid, who won’t be participating, but As I mentioned, Alianait is most well- he has been very active in this area, known for the Alianait Arts Festival, along with Darlene Willie. All of her which “…sets the spotlight on Inuit and children as well as her husband are other circumpolar artists while bringing
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 403 together exciting world-class musicians, Member’s Statement 071 – 5(1): Hall circus acrobats, dancers, storytellers, Beach Search and Rescue actors, filmmakers and visual artists (Kaernerk) from across the globe.” Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would prefer closed Now, Alianait started as an annual eyes here. Just kidding. festival, but “Since 2010, Alianait has also been…” expanding and Good afternoon to my colleagues as well “…presenting a series of concerts as the residents of Amittuq. Firstly I throughout the year…” not just in Iqaluit want to apologize to my constituents for but also many other of our communities. not being present over the last two days due to illness. Today I stand to mention that Alianait needs all the support they can get and I I rise today to announce that members of have recently launched an Aeroplan the Hall Beach search and rescue were charitable pooling campaign where successful in finding a person whose members of the community can donate snowmobile had broken down. I wanted Aeroplan points as opposed to making to voice my pleasure in their abilities, financial contributions. Today I will be which is why I am making this making an Aeroplan contribution to the statement. organization and I definitely encourage the other Members of the Assembly as Mr. Speaker, I also want to provide well as members of the community to do some advice to Nunavummiut. It is flu the same and help this organization to season and people are getting quite sick. help us. My spouse’s friend was recently medevaced to Iqaluit where she spent the Now I would also like to take a moment entire time in the hospital, and I was just to mention that Alianait is actually informed she will be medevaced to having a festival at the Inuksuk High Ottawa today. School this weekend. The concert is titled as “Ice Music” and is an evening I want to advise the younger people of magical sounds played on instruments listening to please take care of their carved from natural ice and played by a elders during this flu season, and that world-renowned percussion artist, Terje only through working together can we Isungset. Sorry I can’t pronounce his overcome this seasonal sickness. Only name correctly. with assistance from others am I able to be here to make my statement today. At the appropriate time I would like to table a document with regard to Alianait. Mr. Speaker, I am also thankful that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. arrangements were made to bring my spouse to Iqaluit to provide assistance. I >>Applause will end my statement here, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for >>Applause Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I just wanted to commend the entire Members’ Statements. Member for class for their interest in what we do here Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. today. They’re sitting here behind me and at the appropriate time I would like Member’s Statement 072 – 5(1): to personally recognize and welcome College Foundation Program them to this very hallowed Chamber. (Hickes) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start off with quoting the >>Applause Nunavut Arctic College’s website speaking of the College Foundation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Program. “College Foundation is Members’ Statements. Member for designed for” students “who meet the Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. basic requirements for post-secondary programs but lack the specific, Member’s Statement 073– 5(1): Lack additional skills required for admission of Rehabilitation Services for to professional degree and diploma Nunavummiut (Keyootak) programs…” Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, “The program provides an you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the introduction to a variety of College people of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, programs, but primarily focuses on the people who are listening to and development of strong foundational watching the proceedings, as well as to skills…Upon successful completion, my colleagues. graduates will have improved their knowledge and usage of English and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice an Inuktitut as well as scientific principles ongoing concern held by my constituents and concepts. They will also have and some of our fellow Inuit in part. Mr. developed an understanding and Speaker, we are all aware that the Iqaluit appreciation of what it takes to be Beer and Wine Store was opened to successful in a university level Iqalummiut, and actually all Nunavut program.” residents with identification can purchase beer and wine. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago I not all affected Inuit were able to vote in had the distinct privilege and honour to the plebiscite to voice their opinions for host the political studies group at opening this store. Many Inuit could not Nunavut Arctic College on a personal vote in this process or, if they did, the tour of the legislature and answer any majority of Inuit voted not to open the questions that they have. Mr. Speaker, I store, particularly the elders. can attest that I almost felt like I was back on cabinet with the complexity of Mr. Speaker, we have heard that the some of the questions that were posed to store’s actual total revenues can’t be me and the real interest and desire to not provided without financial reports being only learn about our existing structure completed. Nonetheless, some members but to be a part of it. have been informed that just in the months of opening the beer and wine
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 405 store, they have accumulated large sums Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): of revenues from sales. Mr. Speaker, this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps I’ll was a point of real concern to many start off with saying “good day” to my Inuit, especially to my constituents. fellow residents of Igloolik and These types of institutions will flourish Nunavummiut, as well as those who are from the money out of people’s pockets. here in the House.
Today we are all aware that in Nunavut It is clear I tend to speak about our there are no addictions treatment centres language regularly. Our language is a nor are there addictions counselling personal matter to me and I tend to facilities for our residents who are advocate for retention of the language. suffering from various addictions, either On a personal note, I almost lost my alcohol or illegal drugs. Mr. Speaker, language when I spent time in the south residents would like the government to or when I was sent to residential school. place more emphasis on resolving these I almost lost my Inuktitut language. issues, particularly with the opening of However, I was able to regain it in that the beer and wine store, to allocate any anything can be brought back by being profit from the store towards facilities dedicated and committed. that provide assistance to Inuit or towards activities everyone can enjoy. Further, we created Nunavut as a means As an example, we have no treatment of protecting and preserving the Inuktitut centres, no healing centres, nor any language and culture. This has to be our counselling facilities for people suffering foundation as a territory. With that being from addictions. the underlying reason, as Inuit, we must use our language. Let us use it every day Mr. Speaker, we also know that when it and, if need be, take Inuktitut classes to comes to various social issues in relearn it. Nunavut, Inuit tend to have the highest statistics, whether it be suicides or issues Many of our constituents watch the in other areas. Part of the problem is the proceedings and observe members fact that there are no places to receive speaking in Inuktitut using their various treatment or assistance. For those dialects, and many prefer to listen to reasons, Inuit would prefer that those Inuktitut when watching members in the who are responsible for generating public. Many people say we should revenues from people’s pockets direct speak Inuktitut whenever we can, if we profits toward facilities that provide are Inuit and capable of speaking the assistance and to have plans in place to language. that effect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we have interpreters and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. translators available to communicate Members’ Statements. Member for with non-Inuit, and most of the Aggu, Mr. Quassa. interpreters are quite accomplished, enabling the various language speakers Member’s Statement 074 – 5(1): to understand one another. This is the Encouraging the Use of Inuktitut reason why interpreters and translators (Quassa) are available in the legislature.
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Whenever we can speak in Inuktitut, we funding available for marine ought to do so because of their skills. infrastructure.
For the foreseeable future, Inuktitut has (interpretation ends) The answer to the to be a source of cultural pride and [member’s] question is yes, the funding identity. I wanted to reiterate that from the program is available for studies statement. Further, I appreciate that and my department will be pleased to those members capable of speaking our work with communities to assess their language should speak with a sense of needs and identify their priorities. cultural pride and not to disparage their language capacity. Thank you, Mr. The funding available from the Speaker. Community Transportation Initiatives Program is limited, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause However, the department may also be able to help the community identify Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. other opportunities for funding once the Members’ Statements. Let’s proceed feasibility studies are complete. with the orders of the day. Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of Economic (interpretation) I partially responded to it Development and Transportation, yesterday, but I went ahead with this Minister Sheutiapik. return to an oral question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Return to Oral Question 018 – 5(1): Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of Marine Infrastructure Economic Development and (Sheutiapik) Transportation, Minister Sheutiapik. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Return to Oral Question 014 – 5(1): Speaker. In being so new to this process Pangnirtung Airport (Sheutiapik) I was not able to respond properly, so I will be providing a return to an oral Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik question. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This time I will get it right. I I will start first with the Member for would now like to respond to the Pangnirtung, Margaret Nakashuk, question raised by the Member for regarding the airport…I apologize. Pangnirtung regarding the funding for There are two oral questions I wish to the 2017 carryover of $529,000, which provide a return to. For (interpretation are called (interpretation ends) ends) marine infrastructure, carryovers, (interpretation) as she was (interpretation) I am sorry, but Member asking about this on March [7]. Cathy Towtongie asked a question about this matter. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to Mr. Speaker, on March [7], the member return to that question and provide the for Rankin Inlet North asked about answer to the member’s question. The
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 407 member asked how carryover funds in standing agreement with the Northwest the amount of $529,000 to relocate the Territories related to the marketing and Pangnirtung Airport had been spent. sales of Western Canada Lottery products in Nunavut. This agreement is a Mr. Speaker, work to conduct a very cost-effective means of managing meteorological study at the proposed Nunavut’s three online lottery terminals, location for the Pangnirtung Airport was and we have no immediate plans to tendered last year with those funds. establish a Nunavut Lottery Commission When all of the bids came in higher than or amend the agreement before it expires the budget available for the project, the in 2020. procurement process had to be deferred. Earlier this year the Government of the I would like the member from Northwest Territories (GNWT) Pangnirtung to know that the announced plans to form the Northwest meteorological study is still needed for Territories Lottery Commission the design of the Pangnirtung Airport, (NWTLC). The commission replaces the and the scope has been included in the NWT’s previous lottery mechanism submission made to the national corridor wherein revenues from the sale of fund for that project. (interpretation) Western Canada Lottery products in the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. NWT were payable to a non-profit agency referred to as the NWT Sport and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Recreation Council (SRC). The NWT’s Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of decision to form the NWTLC was Community and Government Services, prompted by a 2014 interpretation from Minister Kusugak. the Canada Revenue Agency that indicated NWT lottery proceeds could Return to Oral Question 021 – 5(1): be subject to taxation. Possible Amendment to the Western Canada Lottery Act The CRA interpretation and subsequent (Kusugak) formation of the NWTLC has had no Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): direct impact on the Government of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to Nunavut or its revenues from the sale of the people of Rankin Inlet. Western Canada Lottery products in Nunavut. The formation of the NWTLC I was asked a question by Mr. Akoak and dissolution of the SRC did require about the lottery commission. He asked an amendment to the existing agreement after his preamble, (interpretation ends) between the NWT-SRC and the GN “Can the minister clarify if the wherein the SRC was replaced by the Government of Nunavut is planning to new NWTLC. establish its own lottery commission and, if not, why not?” I will be quizzing you on this at the end of all this. I’ll answer both questions. The response is: The existing agreement with the GNWT is a practical means of operating The Government of Nunavut has a long- Nunavut’s lotteries and generating
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 408 revenue toward sport and recreation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. programs and services in Nunavut. In Returns to Oral Questions. Moving on. order to be a viable option, the Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, operational costs of a Nunavut Mr. Mikkungwak. commission would need to be offset by proceeds of lottery sales in Nunavut. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In addition to basic administration costs for office space, the operation of a Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry. I lottery commission in Nunavut would skipped an item in our orders of the day. require dedicated staff to manage I’m sorry. We had Returns to Oral accounts, marketing, training, and Questions and that’s why I went right distribution of Western Canada Lottery into Oral Questions. products within the territory. Given the GN’s current lottery revenues, it is Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. unlikely that a Nunavut commission Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. could operate on a cost recovery basis without compromising the GN’s existing Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the lottery revenue stream. Thank you, Mr. Gallery Speaker. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. know I’m excited as you are to get to the Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of oral question part of our agenda. Justice, Minister Ehaloak. >>Laughter Return to Oral Question 032 – 5(1): Justice of the Peace Appointments Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, I and Remuneration Committee had the distinct pleasure of participating (Ehaloak) in the Nunavut Political Studies part of Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): the College Foundation Program. I Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Thursday, would like to draw attention to the March 8, Simeon Mikkungwak asked me students of that program that are here in how many meetings have been held by attendance today and I would like them the (interpretation ends) Justice of the to stand when I say their name. I’m sure Peace Appointment and Remuneration many of us will see them in different Committee. endeavours in the future in the employment and maybe even here in this (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Justice House someday, Mr. Speaker. of the Peace Appointment and Remuneration Committee held their first First of all I would like to recognize meeting on June [13], 2017. They have Katelyn Siusangnark from Resolute Bay. since met on September 21, 2017; February 3, 2018; March 3, 2018; and >>Applause March 10, 2018. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sheena Muckpa from Arctic Bay.
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>>Applause I would like to formally recognize all of these students and their instructor, River Autut, currently from Iqaluit, but I Nicole Journal. Welcome to the know your family is from Chesterfield Chamber. Inlet. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Rosemary Kanayuk from Pangnirtung. Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for >>Applause Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Sheutiapik.
Naiomi Eegeesiak from here in Iqaluit. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. >>Applause Speaker. Although this individual was recognized, I would like to recognize >>Laughter Simanek Kilabuk. He was a council member when I was mayor. She’s being shy. >>Applause Matthew Dykstra from here in Iqaluit. Also, Naiomi Eegeesiak, I have spoken >>Applause to her. They’re both from my riding. Welcome. Thank you. And Laura Bourassa from Pangnirtung. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of tribute to the instructor, Nicole Journal. Visitors in the Gallery. Member for She wrote me a note and I hope she Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. doesn’t mind me sharing it with everyone today. In it she wrote, “I love Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank teaching Nunavut Political Studies you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to because it introduces students to the recognize individuals who have already workings of federal and territorial been recognized. They are my government in Canada and encourages constituents from Pangnirtung and are them to become informed and engaged here to attend college at the Nunatta citizens. It also introduces students to the Campus. Rosemary Kanayuk and Laura social and historical context of the Bourassa from Pangnirtung, welcome. Nunavut Agreement and encourages Thank you. them to explore how the Nunavut Agreement impacts their lives and how >>Applause they may be able to impact the future of Nunavut.” Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of
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Visitors in the Gallery. I have no more Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): names on my list. I’ll see if I’m correct. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time we Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, don’t have plans on when we will Mr. Mikkungwak. receive tax revenues, so I can’t say how much that revenue will be. However, we Item 6: Oral Questions have started planning on how we are going to collect that tax revenue Thank Question 081 – 5(1): Cannabis you, Mr. Speaker. Taxation and Regulation (Mikkungwak) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Your first supplementary, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Mikkungwak. Minister of Finance. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. On December 11, 2017 Canada’s Speaker. As I noted in the preamble to federal, provincial and territorial my initial question, the recent ministers of finance announced that they announcement by Canada’s finance had reached an agreement concerning ministers indicated that “Provinces and the taxation of cannabis, which is likely territories will work with municipalities to soon be legalized across the country. according to shared responsibilities towards legalization.” The announcement indicated that “Ministers agree to ensure, for two As the minister is well aware, years, that the combined rate of all municipalities across Nunavut, including federal, provincial and territorial Baker Lake, will face challenges of their cannabis-specific taxes will not exceed own when it comes to legal cannabis. the higher of $1 per gram, or 10 per cent Can the minister indicate what of a producer’s selling price. This tax percentage of cannabis tax revenue will room will be shared on the following be shared with municipalities? Thank basis: 75 per cent to provincial and you, Mr. Speaker. territorial governments; 25 per cent to the federal government. Provinces and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. territories will work with municipalities Minister Akeeagok. according to shared responsibilities towards legalization.” Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The bill has not Can the minister indicate today how been introduced in the House yet. The much tax revenue the GN is projecting it Members of the Legislative Assembly will receive during the first year after the will consider the bill. We have visited legalization of cannabis? Thank you, Mr. and consulted with 10 communities to Speaker. prepare for the taxation of cannabis. At this time only the Nunavut government Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. will be able to tax cannabis. Only when Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. the legislation is reintroduced before the House of Commons will the details finally be clear on how things will be.
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Liquor Commission as well. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. Yesterday my question was referring to the moratorium on the purchase of Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. European alcohol products. Now, the Speaker. The Government of Nunavut’s European sealskin ban is still a major official proposal for the regulation of problem here in Nunavut, but I would cannabis in the territory indicates that like to mention that the EU alcohol “The GN proposes that Nunavummiut products ban has proven to be an 19 and older will be able to purchase ineffective response to the EU’s ban on cannabis products from the Nunavut Nunavut sealskin products. Liquor Commission, which will oversee the territory’s cannabis system.” I believe a more powerful message to send to the EU would be to ban future Mr. Speaker, earlier this week it was European Union mining companies from reported that the Yukon government will exploring or potentially extracting spend around $2.7 million to purchase Nunavut resources. I was wondering: an inventory of cannabis for sale to what would be the minister’s position on residents. Can the minister indicate if the issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. our government is looking at doing the same thing here in Nunavut? Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Minister responsible for the Liquor Commission, Minister Akeeagok. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): the Liquor Commission, it is still our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time we stance that the EU ban is still in effect. are beginning the preparations on this. In Therefore, as the minister, I have given Canada there are approximately four direction that EU products do not land in distributors. We will go through an RFP our liquor store and I still stand on that. for the distribution of cannabis. At this If the House wants to make any changes time the Government of Nunavut has not towards this ban and if this House wants purchased nor is it planning to purchase to make any other trade-related bans to cannabis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the EU, it is up to this House. At this point we are honouring what was a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. House motion that was supported Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- unanimously by all members. Unless Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. that has changed, that’s the only position that I’ll have right now. (interpretation) Question 082 – 5(1): European Ban on Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the Sale of Seal Products (Lightstone) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Your first supplementary, Mr.
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Lightstone. that are being returned have eventually ended up in the dump and have not been Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. actually recycled. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response. Now, in the Nunavut Liquor What action has the minister taken or Commission’s annual reports, it’s shown will take to ensure that these products that the import permit fees are are not ending up in our dump? Thank continually on the rise. you, Mr. Speaker.
Would the minister inform the House Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. how much of the $700,000 import fee (interpretation ends) Mr. Lightstone, I permit revenues are related to the local have to remind you again (interpretation) establishments ordering products from that we have to ask questions on the other jurisdictions that are not currently same topic, so let’s be aware of that. available for purchase from the liquor Even though that’s the case, Minister commission? Akeeagok, I give you the opportunity to respond. Once again, how much of that $700,000 revenue from permits is from local Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): establishments ordering outside of the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation jurisdiction? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ends) If something like that is happening, and I encourage each of my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. colleagues, please come and see me. Minister Akeeagok. Recycling is not in our liquor commission, but we have a contract Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): arrangement with a local contractor to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have a accept those recyclables for alcohol. If detailed breakdown in front of me right there are any infractions or indications now. We get annual reports about these that aren’t being recycled, I would really things. Maybe I can table one of the like to hear from our members and from reports here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the public if this is happening so I can make appropriate actions. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Speaker. I thank the minister once again for his response and I do look forward to Question 083 – 5(1): Pangnirtung’s finding out that information. Solid Waste Site (Nakashuk)
My last question is regarding bottle Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank deposits. Now, we all know that bottle you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, deposits are intended to encourage colleagues and fellow residents of my recycling. It has come to my attention community who are watching and that all the Iqaluit beer and wine bottles listening to the proceedings.
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My questions are for the Minister of Pangnirtung I know this year it is being Community and Government Services. looked at in terms of what their dump needs are as well as where the dump Pangnirtung has identified for a number would be located. This work is now in of years the need to reduce the amount progress. of waste that piles up at the community dump. When too much waste has piled While we’re in this situation, we can see up, a lot of debris tends to be blown out that the design will be done next year and into the adjacent fiord. Waste and and then the construction would begin debris in this fiord affects the the following year, I believe, in 2020. environment and the animals that graze They would have to look at what would in the area, especially in the spring and be permitted to be discarded at the dump summer when the excess waste is and how it will be managed in burned. The smoke that is produced Pangnirtung. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. causes health issues, especially to people who have respiratory problems. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Ms. My question for the minister is: can he Nakashuk. indicate what his department is doing to help Pangnirtung reduce the amount of Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank solid waste that is piling up in the you to the minister for explaining that community dump? Thank you, Mr. clearly. Another part of my question is Speaker. that the garbage just gets blown away by the wind because the fence around the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. dump is in a poor state of repair. It’s Minister of Community and Government been like that for a very long time and it Services, Minister Kusugak. looks like it needs to be repaired.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): As you have indicated, it is being Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank reviewed and that you’re considering you for that question. Within Nunavut, if options for this year or the following our dumps are not full, they are in the year. I will appreciate receiving updates process of getting filled. as you decide what action is needed. I wish to ask the minister about his We’re working with the federal department’s plans for the dump fence government to get funding to work on today. Would the department be able to the dumps. In the past we could just provide funding to repair the fence if no build a fence around them, but we can’t decision is made to move the dump? just do that anymore. Today we have to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. plan for dumps and we have to follow all the environmental regulations, such as if Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there is a river or stream around it. We Minister Kusugak. have to look at all those things now. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): There are three communities that require Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question planning for their dumps, but for of whether a new dump will be made or
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 414 the present dump will be repaired is Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, being reviewed right now. With regard Mr. Speaker. Coral Harbour is situated to whether the fencing around the dump on an island and obviously our caribou should be repaired or replaced with a herd has no other areas to migrate to. higher fence, our department will meet This past winter and several winters with the hamlet to determine the best before that, quite a number of caribou solution that will solve the problem of died off, some we suspect due to illness garbage blowing out of the dump in or disease as many animals died. Pangnirtung. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This winter I recently went to get my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. summer harvested caribou cache. On the Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. way to my cache, I passed by about four Netser. dead caribou. Our hunters are very concerned about the herd. I know that Question 084 – 5(1): Southampton the Department of Environment does Caribou Management (Netser) caribou population surveys on Southampton Island. When will the next Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, caribou population survey be conducted? Mr. Speaker. My question today is for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the Minister of Environment. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This past fall we had a very bad Minister Sheutiapik. rainstorm in Coral Harbour. Ice then formed all over the land and a lot of Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik caribou were dying because of the (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. extreme cold. Speaker. I can say right now that caribou are certainly very important. As the Does the Department of Environment Department of Environment, we have a have any information on the (interpretation ends) co-management Southampton caribou herd? That’s my (interpretation) system with the federal first question, (interpretation ends) Mr. government, hunters and trappers Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you. organizations in the communities, the (interpretation ends) wildlife Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. management board, (interpretation) and Minister of Environment, Minister especially the hunters because they’re Sheutiapik. the ones who know the area. They usually meet and plan how the surveys Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik will be done. Right now I can’t say (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. whether there will be another survey Speaker. I wasn’t informed about that done in Coral Harbour, but I can check and I apologize, but I will look into it. into that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Netser. Your first supplementary, Mr. Netser. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you,
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Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, the so I would like further details or a Southampton caribou were surveyed breakdown on the total funds spent, and every two years in the past. Right now it whether the $23.6 million is legitimately has become very obvious that our used for viable projects and whether caribou have diminished in numbers and these funds provided tangible benefits to we are very concerned about them as Nunavummiut. How much benefit is this hunters. I strongly urge the minister to providing to residents? That is the reason be concerned about our caribou herd. why I would like a further breakdown of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. these funds. I am asking about these funds to get a better understanding and it Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I would also help my colleagues to get a didn’t hear an actual question in that better grasp of the benefits from this comment, but if the minister would like funding. to respond to that, it’s up to her. Minister Sheutiapik. I’ll ask my question in English. (interpretation ends) My first question is Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik pretty basic, Mr. Speaker. I’m not (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. looking for an exact number here. In Speaker. The department talks about 2016-17 the department spent over $3 caribou almost on a daily basis, but I million under its Strategic Investments can’t tell you when the study is going to Program. Can the minister tell us be done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. roughly how many jobs for Nunavummiut were created or sustained Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. by that funding? I’ll just clarify, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat Speaker. I’ll reiterate that I’m not North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. looking for an exact number; roughly how many jobs with regard to that Question 085 – 5(1): Grants and program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Contributions Spending (Main) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Main (interpretation): Good day, Minister of Economic Development and Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I rise today to Transportation, Minister Sheutiapik. direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. The government just recently issued a Speaker. I can’t provide a number, but release outlining the various grants and they’re being prepared. Usually annual contributions amounts. This paper that reports are tabled and this past week was released was previously tabled in there were a number of annual reports this House last fall. Within the context of that were tabled in the House. The report this document, it states that the is new, so I can’t tell you exactly what is Department of Economic Development being prepared, but we’re putting the spent $23.6 million under this line item report together. Thank you, Mr. for fiscal year 2016-17. Chairman.
It just speaks to grants and contributions, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.
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Your first supplementary, Mr. Main. I should mention that I am someone who has applied for and received grants Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, myself and I know that individuals who Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My receive grants and contributions have to next question would be: how do the report on how they actually spent the minister and her department evaluate the money they received. With a focus on actual results of these grants and the results, will the minister commit to contributions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. providing us with a summary report of what the recipients of her department’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. grants and contributions spending in the Minister Sheutiapik. 2016-17 fiscal year actual did with the public money that they received, yes or Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: That’s a no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. very good question. As the Minister of Economic Development, there are many Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. arms. As an example, it’s not just that Minister Sheutiapik. one program. I deal with the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik the Nunavut Credit Corporation. They (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. all have different programs. To stand Speaker. (interpretation ends) For sure here and answer one specific is very there are in the reports that are provided, hard for me as a minister because there for example, the Community are many arms. (interpretation) Thank Transportation Initiatives Program, it you, Mr. Speaker. details each community, what project was done for each community. Those Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) details are available, like I said. Your final supplementary, Mr. Main. Unfortunately at this moment for this year, this ends in 2017. I don’t want to Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, be providing you information from last Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. year. The end of March is coming (interpretation ends) I appreciate that shortly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. there are a lot of programs and a lot of Speaker. different arms under this department alone. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, The point I’m trying to get across is that Ms. Kamingoak. we need to be looking at the results for this program. In a few weeks’ time under Question 086 – 5(1): Preplanning the 2018-19 O&M budget, we will be Study for Kugluktuk High School considering whether to approve or not to (Kamingoak) approve the department’s budget. Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Without understanding the results, it’s Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and difficult to understand whether these Kugluktuk. grants and contributions represent a sound investment of government funds. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the there was a significant issue with mould minister for providing information infestation in the home economics room yesterday on the utilization rates for of the Kugluktuk High School. As you Nunavut’s schools. can imagine, every bit of space at the high school is needed for program I understand that the department uses the delivery and student education. Can the benchmark of an 85 percent utilization minister provide an update on what steps rate to determine when to proceed with have been taken to address the mould planning for capital projects. The issue and ensure that this space is information provided by the minister available for use? Thank you, Mr. clearly shows that the Kugluktuk High Speaker. School has consistently had well over the required 85 percent utilization rate Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for the past four years, in fact reaching Minister Joanasie. the highest utilization rate across Nunavut of 102 percent this school year. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak, Can the minister tell this House whether for that question. Mould and other issues preplanning for a new high school for in schools is a serious incident that we Kugluktuk has begun? If not, why not? try to look at and try to address as Thank you, Mr. Speaker. immediately as we can. The safety of our students and staff is one of the top Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. priorities. In order for our students and Minister of Education, Minister staff to work in a healthy environment, Joanasie. we try to address those ongoing lifecycle issues. In terms of if that has been Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. addressed for Kugluktuk, I’ll have to Speaker. Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak, look into that in greater detail and again for the question. Yes, the utilization get back to her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. factor of a school’s usage is a big factor that we look at in our capital planning Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. process. There are a number of schools Your final supplementary, Ms. that are reaching beyond and she stated Kamingoak. that Kugluktuk is one of them. In terms of where a new school for Kugluktuk is Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. at in the preplanning stage, I cannot say Speaker. I thank the minister for that for certain where it’s at, but I can answer. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the provide an update at a later date. Thank community of Kugluktuk needs a new you, Mr. Speaker. high school. The utilization rate has been consistently over 85 percent for several Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. years and student enrolment continues to Your first supplementary, Ms. grow. Kamingoak. Will the minister commit to directing his Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. officials to begin preplanning for a new Speaker. As well as being overcrowded, high school in Kugluktuk at the earliest
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 418 opportunity? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 25 of our communities to know where they stand on the NHC’s current ranking Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. list. When will the minister table this Minister Joanasie. information in the Legislative Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for that question. We are looking at Minister responsible for the Housing different schools for preplanning, Corporation, Minister Kusugak. whether there are expansions, replacements, or renovations that need to Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. take place. My department has submitted Speaker. The housing allocation criteria a preplanning envelope for 2018-19, so are provided to all the housing Kugluktuk is a part of that. We will see associations in every community in where to move forward after that Nunavut. I believe they all have copies preplanning stage. Thank you, Mr. of it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very Speaker. much.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. Mr. Qirngnuq. Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. Question 087 – 5(1): Housing Speaker. Yesterday the minister (Qirngnuq) described the housing shortage in Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Nunavut as a crisis. Can he confirm you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to when he will next be meeting with his my fellow members, Premier, and the federal counterparts to discuss housing people of Kugaaruk and Netsilik. Let’s issues? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. have a good day. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Minister Kusugak. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Housing Corporation. Speaker. I thank my colleague for the question. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, As the minister will recall, I wrote a the housing shortage in Nunavut is one letter to him in January of this year of the more critical issues. If we didn’t concerning the issue of the NHC have a housing shortage, many of our methodology for determining the problems would go away and we would community allocations of new public have a healthier lifestyle because a housing units. Yesterday the minister shortage in housing is a major cause of himself made a statement in the many problems. My federal counterpart Legislative Assembly on this issue. and I cannot solve the housing crisis just like that. At the end of this month and Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is the beginning of the next after three important for residents and LHOs in all weeks, we will be meeting to discuss
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 419 housing issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of Finance.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, as the minister understands Your final supplementary, Mr. very well, the basic principle of Qirngnuq. parliamentary democracy in our country is that the government is not allowed to Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank spend money until the elected members you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) of the legislature approve the proposed Yesterday the minister stated that he will spending. update the Legislative Assembly about funding under the new National Housing >>Applause Strategy when “more details are available.” Can the minister clarify what Mr. Speaker, yesterday, concerns were details remain unclear at this time? raised about the proposed capital budget Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of the Department of ED&T. Although the department’s proposed capital budget Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for the upcoming 2018-19 fiscal year has Minister Kusugak. not yet been approved by the Legislative Assembly, it appears that the department Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): has gone ahead and awarded tenders for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the the purchase of various pieces of federal government announces funding equipment for over one-third of their for our government, they rarely specify small capital projects and four of five what or where to spend the money on, transportation equipment purchases whether it’s for renovations, new proposed in the 2018-19 not yet construction, or building foundations. approved budget. I want to make it Few details are provided on what would perfectly clear that I do not oppose any be in the funded projects. Sometimes we of the specific purchases. However, just find out at the last minute that there is an important principle at stake they’re giving us this amount of money, here. including when we would receive the funds and for what purposes. Once they Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm give us the details, we will inform you. that the government has made it That is a great question, Mr. Speaker. perfectly clear to the companies Thank you. involved that the tenders are not going to be considered final until such time as the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. actual budget for the department has Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- been approved by the Legislative Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 088 – 5(1): Spending Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Without Legislative Approval of Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. GN Budget (Hickes) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation My questions today are for the Minister ends) I thank the member for raising that
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 420 last night in the Committee of the understand as well as anybody the Whole. I am currently looking into those challenges of putting forward budget very specific ones that were being proposals in an election year given the mentioned in terms of the tender. I do timing with our sealift and our resupply agree that we, as a government, cannot schedules. I know for O&M, we do an break our own Financial Administration interim appropriation to make sure that Act and, if it is, then we will look into it. government departments can move You are correct that no expenditure can forward with any plans and programs be done unless this House has authorized that they have allocated focused to it. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Nunavummiut. Speaker. In this review I think it would also be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. worth considering the schedule of Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. budget processes during election years if this is such an important issue where we Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can look at different alternatives if thank the minister for that commitment. necessary. It’s kind of just coming to me In it he stated that they were going to as I’m talking that we know when you’re look at the specific items that were looking at purchasing, there’s a brought forward yesterday. Can I also commitment for transportation get a further commitment from the equipment of over $1.6 million out of a minister that he will do a review of all $2 million budget that has basically been purchasing to make sure that no other spent already that we haven’t approved. uncommitted dollars have been spent to date? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There needs to be a real focus on the timing of these purchases and I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. appreciate the member’s commitment to Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. go forward in that regard, but I would also like the minister’s opinion on how Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): the current budget process timing is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation working for the Government of Nunavut. ends) Yes, you have my commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For capital planning, we’re very late in reviewing our capital plans and every Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. election it becomes a unique situation, Minister Akeeagok. especially for our tendering and our calendar year. There have to be unique Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): situations, so each one I am committed Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation to making sure that we are following our ends) The current budget process that we processes. (interpretation) Thank you, are in right now, we’re right in the Mr. Speaker. middle of our capital budgets. A little later on, through this bill, I have asked Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for an interim appropriation for our Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. operations and maintenance to ensure that we follow the House rules and our Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I legislation.
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There are different processes in terms of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. trying to ensure that if there are going to Minister of Executive and be time limits and time factors as a result Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of these tenders or much-needed projects Quassa. to go through, there are different processes that we follow and approvals Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): through our Financial Management Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Board and present to this House. There colleague for that question. To date there are different avenues for ways of are 24 communities with GLOs, even approving this. though there are 25 communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to applaud the Fourth Assembly for putting a capital Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. appropriation for a number of projects Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. that they deemed that needed to get the timing. I think it’s good progression as a Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government that we would look at these There have been a number of questions and start learning from our mistakes and and concerns about the issue of driver’s moving forward and to ensure that this licences and driver’s testing in our House is the House that approves our smaller communities. GLOs have played appropriations as we are elected to do. an administrative role in the driver’s (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. licence process.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Earlier today the Minister of Economic Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Development and Transportation Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. indicated that the government will “…build an improved model of service Question 089 – 5(1): Government delivery for Nunavummiut.” From the Liaison Officers (Rumbolt) perspective of the minister and his department, can he clarify whether or Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. not GLOs will play a role in this “new Good afternoon to the people of model of service delivery”? Thank you, Sanikiluaq and the people of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Executive and Minister Quassa. Intergovernmental Affairs, whose department is responsible for the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): government liaison officers in our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the communities. member for asking about that again. I’ll say it in English. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as of today, how many The Government Liaison Officer communities do not have a government Program is mandated to deliver liaison officer in place? Thank you, Mr. government programs at the community Speaker. level. Certainly the… . (interpretation) I can’t speak English properly anymore.
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>>Laughter Question 090 – 5(1): Sports Funding from Lottery Revenue (Akoak) (interpretation ends) The delivery of programs could include such things as Mr. Akoak: Thank you Mr. Speaker. issuance of driver’s licences or general Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and identification cards. That is the role of Uqsuqtuurmiut. the government liaison officers. At this time they’re not going to be out there If you will allow me, Mr. Speaker, I doing the testing and so forth, but they would like to finish off my questioning can actually deliver the driver’s licence and ask my second and final through that office. (interpretation) I supplementary question from seven days hope that’s clear. Thank you, Mr. ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. >>Laughter Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. This is going to the Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and I will quote from his return to oral Can the minister clarify what additional question, second-last paragraph on the new responsibilities, if any, will be second page. “The existing agreement placed on the GLOs in the coming year? with the GNWT is a practical means of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. operating Nunavut’s lotteries and generating revenue towards sport and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. recreation programs and services in Minister Quassa. Nunavut. In order to be a viable option, the operational costs of a Nunavut Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): commission would need to be offset by Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently to proceeds of lottery sales in Nunavut.” date I haven’t identified any additional responsibilities. As everyone is well Mr. Speaker, we always want the best aware, we are a new government and for our athletes in Nunavut where they have just started conducting reviews of play sports; basketball, hockey, these issues. It seems obvious that we volleyball, and other sports. My question will be able to provide a clear statement to the minister is: what proceeds of the in the future, but we still haven’t gone lottery sales in Nunavut go towards into that level of detail regarding new those sports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. duties the positions may acquire. At this time we don’t have the information the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. member is seeking. Thank you, Mr. Minister of Community and Government Speaker. Services, Minister Kusugak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Gjoa Speaker. All the proceeds of the lottery Haven, Mr. Akoak. revenue are geared towards sports in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. housing corporation do health Your first supplementary, Mr. Akoak. inspections in units or do you work with the Department of Health to investigate Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. mould? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can he tell us how much in an amount figure, or not the exact amount, but Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. would he tell us how much is spent Minister responsible for the Housing towards sports geared towards to our Corporation, Minister Quassa. Oh, young people of Nunavut? Thank you, Kusugak. I’m sorry. Mr. Speaker. >>Laughter Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): You’re not wrong because you said Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Quassa Kusugak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the lottery revenues >>Laughter down to the penny, $626,328 was our revenue for 2016-17 through the lottery Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My name is terminals that are provided in Nunavut, Quassa. Our officials at the housing and that was used towards the sports. corporation collaborate with other Thank you, Mr. Speaker. departments. Officials were identified to study the mould issue and what Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. contributes to the spread of the mould Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, within our public units. It includes a Mr. Kaernerk. remediation plan to clean up the mould infestation and how it would be properly Question 091 – 5(1): Addressing removed. We have a company Mould Infestation (Kaernerk) contracted to deal with the mould issue, and we really do need to remove all Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank mould from public units promptly. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Thank you, Mr. Speaker. my question to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. I asked this question on March 6 regarding units that are infested with Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank mould and what is being done to you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the remediate mould in units. I would also previous years, I would like to ask the like to state again that in my minister: how many units have been constituency of Igloolik there is a family vacated due to mould infestation, Mr. of 13 living in one unit. They believe Speaker? Thank you. that they’re getting sick from the mould in the unit. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Kusugak. I would like to ask the minister: does the
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Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, the LHO staff in the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have communities are now being trained on the information as to how many units how to remediate mould. There are have been vacated because of mould different strains of mould. Some of them infestation, Mr. Speaker. However, I are more dangerous and hazardous than know that they have been condemning others. I know that this is a very serious units for various reasons. I don’t know matter. If the family sees mould in their how many units have been vacated or unit, maybe they can clean it up, as the condemned due to mould, Mr. Speaker. mould doesn’t spread overnight. If Thank you. possible, if you see mould and you can clean it up, please clean it up. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Housing staff in the communities have been trained to remediate mould in units. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank These are issues that we have to deal you, Mr. Speaker. In my constituency with. Each local housing organization is community of Igloolik there’s a grave working hard to deal with this issue and concern in regard to mould infestation. I know that local housing organizations’ There is a family of 13 living in one unit staff have not stopped working. If and some of the family members have tenants of the housing corporation find been sent out by medevac because of mould, please report it to the their illness. I am very concerned about maintenance people of LHOs. it. We are in support of the family to clean Does the housing corporation have a up mould and if they don’t know how to policy that deals with remediation or is clean up the mould, the local housing there funding available for LHOs to organization staff know how to clean it remediate the mould? Also, is there a up. Please approach them. I know that report or was there an investigation or people can check the Internet to see how inspection of the mould in these units? to clean up the mould. We have to work The mould is not good for your health. I together with the local housing urge the minister to deal with this issue organizations and the tenants to move and perhaps move the family to an forward, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. empty unit that has no mould. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope I was Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. understandable. Members, please note that the time for question period has expired. Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mikkungwak. Minister Kusugak. Motion 013 – 5(1): Extension of Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Question Period (Mikkungwak) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking ten questions at Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): once. I’ll try to respond to them all. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Rule 39(7), I move, >>Laughter seconded by the Member for Iqaluit-
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Tasiluk, that question period be we will be tabling the bill during this extended. Thank you very much, Mr. coming spring session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order and the motion is Your first supplementary, Mr. not debatable. All those in favour of the Lightstone. motion, please raise your hand. Opposed. Abstained. The motion is Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. carried. Question period will now be Speaker. The proposed legislation extended for an additional 30 minutes. contains many provisions that impact Nunavut. I anticipate that my colleagues Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- on the standing committee reviewing the Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. proposed legislation will need to consult with our NWT counterparts as the two Question 092 – 5(1): Chartered bills move forward. Can the minister Professional Accountants Act confirm what discussions he has had (Lightstone) with his NWT counterpart concerning Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. this legislation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are again for the Speaker. Minister of Finance, but I promise I will stay on one topic. Mr. Speaker, my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. questions today are about accountants Minister Akeeagok. and I promise you and my colleagues that the issue is not as dull as you might Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): think. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut will have the Mr. Speaker, a bill was introduced same bill and parallel statutes. We have yesterday in the Legislative Assembly of been dealing with this for quite some the Northwest Territories to regulate the time. The NWT and Nunavut profession of accounting in both the governments have agreed to have NWT and Nunavut. The NWT minister parallel statutes and they will be announced that a parallel statute will be introduced in the House. Thank you, Mr. introduced in our legislature. Speaker.
Can the minister confirm when he will Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. be introducing our version of the Your final supplementary, Mr. proposed legislation? Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Speaker. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I thank the minister for that Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. response. Can the minister clarify the extent to which members of the Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): accounting profession in Nunavut have Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we’re in been consulted in the development of the preparation stages and I expect that this bill? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister tell us today what Minister Akeeagok. direction she has given to her officials regarding the importance of updating our Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): government’s energy strategy? Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is an you, Mr. Speaker. accountants’ society in the Northwest Territories and in Nunavut. They drafted Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the legislation and we have been Minister of Energy, Minister Sheutiapik. working with this body very closely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Thank you for the question. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Planning is very important to me and Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. though nothing has really gone forward, planning is good. I met with the people Question 093 – 5(1): Energy Strategy who started this. We’re planning this. (Hickes) (interpretation ends) One of my Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. strengths is planning, strategic planning, The Office of the Auditor General’s short, medium and long term. report on Climate Change in Nunavut was tabled yesterday. Although this strategy was created in 2007, there were not really plans on how Although I do realize my question that to implement. Those are lessons learned. was taken as notice from the Minister of I had a really great meeting with the Energy last week is due tomorrow, I’m auditor on the report. Obviously we’re going to start advancing my line of going to be revisiting what the strategy questioning on that today. I’ll start over was as a priority and ensure that there from where I was last week to the are timelines and which departments are Minister of Energy. going to be responsible. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As anyone who has worked with me for any length of time can attest, one of my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. great passions is energy that is both Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. clean and green. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Nunavut’s energy I’m sure anyone who has worked with strategy, Ikummatiit, was released back me knows that I’m also a great fan of in 2007, over a decade ago. Although action plans to go with strategies. many of the goals that are envisioned in the document, such as moving forward Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret that if we’re towards greater use of hydroelectricity, ever going to achieve real progress in the wind power, and solar power, remain area of hydroelectric power valid today, the strategy itself needs to development, we’re going to need real be updated to take into account investments from our federal partners. developments over the past decade. Two weeks ago the federal budget was
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 427 released. Can the minister tell us if the innovative financing for revenue- Government of Nunavut is satisfied with generating infrastructure projects.” the amounts contained in this year’s That’s a bit of a mouthful, Mr. Speaker. federal budget in respect to funding green energy initiatives that are intended I think that a new hydro project to to reduce the reliance of northern supply green electricity to paying communities on fossil fuels? Thank you, customers would certainly qualify as a Mr. Speaker. revenue-generating infrastructure project. Can the Minister of Energy Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. indicate how she is working with our Minister Sheutiapik. Minister of Finance, who is responsible for the government’s Public-Private Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Partnership Policy, to look at ways of (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. accessing these resources? Thank you, Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can say Mr. Speaker. this: great question and a statement I made when I was meeting with the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. auditor. In our area we have the first Minister Sheutiapik. impact easily, but we’re the ones that emit the least. Unfortunately because of Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik the cost of infrastructure, my statement (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. was this: “The lack of not acting is going Speaker. (interpretation ends) As a new to cost more.” When we talk about minister, I have been having dialogue infrastructure, if we don’t properly plan, with all ministers. I’m new and there are the impact of it is it’s going to cost us some returning, but some are new also. more. Those are the conversations I had We certainly have conversations when it with the auditor. (interpretation) Thank comes to financing. It’s not just federal you, Mr. Speaker. government; there are foundations out there that I think we can even look to tap Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. into. My thought is to think outside the Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. box when it comes to potential for Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Mr. Speaker. take it from that that the government is not satisfied with federal investments in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. northern infrastructure for energy Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, efficiency. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Speaker, the new federal Canada Question 094 – 5(1): Justice of the Infrastructure Bank is a Crown Peace Appointments corporation which is in the process of (Mikkungwak) becoming operational. Information Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. published by the institution indicates that Speaker. My questions are to the it is “…a new tool that provincial, Minister of Justice after the return to the territorial, municipal and Indigenous question. government partners can use to access
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The remuneration committee had five that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. meetings. With that, can the minister explain how the appointment and Speaker (interpretation): Your final remuneration committee determines the supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. communities in which it will begin recruiting Justices of the Peace? Thank Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank the minister for the commitment. How soon will the Speaker (interpretation): Minister of commitment take into place, as there are Justice, Minister Ehaloak. individuals that are interested in becoming Justices of the Peace in Baker Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. Lake? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. When we have vacant positions on this committee, a call for two Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. members of the community, a call for Minister Ehaloak. applications or names are submitted to my department and as Minister of Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. Justice, with the recommendation and Speaker. I can’t give you a definite time, approval from cabinet, we appoint these but I will have my department work on committee members. Thank you, Mr. that. As we speak, they are listening. I Speaker. will come up and give you some information as to when that can be done. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kamingoak. Speaker. I was asking in reference to Justices of the Peace. Question 095 – 5(1): Ensuring Safe and Adequate Foster Care As the minister is aware, Baker Lake has (Kamingoak) not had a Justice of the Peace for a Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. number of years. Can the minister tell us Speaker. I would like to direct my if the appointment and remuneration question to the Minister of Family committee plans to recruit Justices of the Services. Peace in Baker Lake in the near future and, if not, will she commit to obtaining Mr. Speaker, I was interested to hear the this information? Thank you, Mr. minister’s responses to my colleague’s Speaker. questions about foster care last Friday on March 9, 2018, especially when he Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. indicated that his department simply Minister Ehaloak. followed common sense when placing children in foster homes. He stated, and I Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Thank you, Mr. quote from the unedited Hansard, “The Speaker. I’m sorry I didn’t understand bottom line is that you would make sure your first question. Yes, I can commit to that the household is
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 429 healthy…physically, and financially and and identify any concerns with the that it will be a good place for the child director of children and family services to stay for a period of time.” in the applicant’s ability to provide adequate care. Within that adequate care, Mr. Speaker, in my community, social overcrowding could be an issue. workers have insisted that foster homes take in yet another foster child, even Upon approval of the foster parent though the foster parent tried to explain application, the community social that they did not have enough room for worker will request the following any more foster children. documents from the prospective foster parents within five business days: a Can the minister clearly explain how his signed oath of confidentiality, a criminal department ensures that common sense record check, a vulnerable sector check is followed, as well as the appropriate for all members of the household of that protocols when the social workers are are over 18 years of age, medical placing children in foster homes? Thank examination forms completed by an you, Mr. Speaker. appropriate health care practitioner for the primary and, where applicable, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. secondary giver, and they must also Minister of Family Services, Minister provide three references. Savikataaq. The fact that if the house is Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. overcrowded, then that would be a Speaker. My comments were common judgment call on the community social sense comments because I didn’t have worker and the foster parents and the all of the particulars on how to become a availability of other foster parents. foster parent. If anyone wants to become Thank you, Mr. Speaker. a foster parent, we’re always in need of more foster parents. If anyone out there Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. in Nunavut wants to help needy children Your first supplementary, Ms. or children who are vulnerable, please Kamingoak. go see the social worker and they can start the process for a family to become Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. foster parents. Speaker. I thank the minister for that answer. Mr. Speaker, the minister stated I’ll just go through here exactly the that the goal is to drop the number of process on someone who may want to children that are apprehended and taken become a foster parent. Individuals into foster care, but he also admitted that interested in applying to become a foster in some circumstances there is just no parent are asked to complete a foster way around it. parent application and submit this to a community social worker for further Can the minister clarify what steps review. Once the social worker gets the should be taken when there is no choice application, within three business days but to apprehend a child at the same time the community social worker will there is not enough foster parents in the conduct the departmental record check same community to take in another
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 430 foster child? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. so that apprehending children is no longer necessary. This is a wonderful Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. goal. However, we must accept the fact Minister Savikataaq. that situations will occur where, for the safety of the children, they are Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. apprehended. Sending those children out Speaker. In the unfortunate instances of the community should be a last resort. where a child has to be apprehended for However, foster homes are the child’s protection, then there is a overburdened and foster parents have series of options that would be available. their hands full. The first would be to place the child in immediate family foster care, the second Will the minister commit to considering would be in the extended family, and the the establishment of a group foster home third would be within the community. If in each region of Nunavut so that none of those options are available, then children in care do not have to leave the it would be a foster parent in another territory just to be safe? Thank you, Mr. community. We should be able to Speaker. accommodate that there, but in some instances if there are special needs or Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. health conditions involved, then we may Minister Savikataaq. have to send the child out of the territory. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was at a two-day conference Each case is very unique and it’s a case- in January, an emergency conference in by-case basis. I can’t give a generic Ottawa, and it was about indigenous answer saying, “If this child is taken children being in foster care and group from this family, this will happen.” Each homes. The whole theme of the message case is so unique that we can’t do that. I was there are too many indigenous kids can tell you the process, if everything who are being apprehended and put in is… . “Normal” is not quite the word or foster care or group homes. the proper word, but that’s the word I’ll use. If everything is normal, not the fact Our first priority is to keep them with that apprehending a child is a normal their family and work with the family, process, but if everything is simplified, but like the member said, sometimes we the child would stay in the community. don’t have a choice. I can’t commit to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. building a group home in every region. We can look at it. In some instances it Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. might be better, but it depends on the Your final supplementary, Ms. child. We have issues where there may Kamingoak. be behavioural problems or health problems for that child. Even if there Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. was a group home within the region, Speaker. I thank the minister for that they still may have to go south. answer. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the Department of Family Services Just to clear up misinformation here, we wants to work with families and parents have children who are down south for
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 431 out-of-territorial care, but not all of them is within budget. They have also stated are because there is no foster care. Some that they constructed an access road to are to do with because they have either the site that is 3.7 kilometres long. They behavioural or health issues that cannot constructed the road to enable the work be met within Nunavut. A child might be to prepare the underground phase of the born with a birth defect. The health proposed mine. service is covered by Health, but they may have to be placed in a family down The mining company likes to refer to south that can care for them, like Q3, Q1, or quarterly periods. Anyway, someone who is knowledgeable in they are stating that the Meliadine mine medical stuff that can treat the kids at will be opened by the fall of 2019, with a home. stated goal of hiring 50 percent Inuit to make up their workforce. They have said Not all kids out of territory down south that is their objective to have 50 percent are because they have been apprehended Inuit hires following their agreement and there was an unsafe situation in the with the Kivalliq Inuit Association. This house. Sometimes it’s because we is an admirable goal and one cannot help cannot meet their medical or mental but to support that goal. needs within Nunavut. I have heard from standing committee too that group I would like to ask the minister what the homes are an option and it will be government is doing regarding the looked at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Meliadine River mine project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Minister Joanasie. Question 096 – 5(1): Mine Training (Main) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my Mr. Main, for your question. Arctic question to the Minister responsible for College dealt with their capital projects. Arctic College. Keeping in mind that there is going to be a site or a mine, we try to plan to make Mr. Speaker, just near Rankin Inlet there sure that we’re filling the jobs that are is a big project that is going on and will being created in Nunavut and to have benefit the people of Nunavut. In opportunities for training on the job. We English it’s called (interpretation ends) would like to work with the mine as the Meliadine gold project they’re going to be operating in (interpretation) and in Inuktitut it’s Nunavut. It’s possible that they might called Tahirjuup ujaraqtariarvinga, if I create training opportunities or we can pronounced it correctly. provide training at Nunavut Arctic College. Agnico-Eagle Mines owns the operation. The company has stated that the If I say it in English, (interpretation construction is going quite smoothly and ends) we don’t want to be duplicating
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 432 our services in that sense for training, we want to have it at the community specifically for mine training. We want level as much as we can. Some of the to complement each other and enhance examples that I can say in terms of where we can build our partnership. modular type training that we want to That’s where the college is directing. provide is stuff like confined space Thank you, Mr. Chairman. training, worksite safety, driver training, airbrakes, land reclamation, and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. superintendent, site boss and supervisor Your first supplementary, Mr. Main. training. Those are just some of the things that we’re looking at. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response. I am I also want to state too that we are in excited by this opportunity as a resident discussions with the industry, like when of the Kivalliq because those jobs will we were before the committee the other help people to purchase their own day. We are striking up industry homes, those jobs will help people to lift advisory councils, which include themselves out of poverty and to feed industry partners, and looking at ways in their kids, Mr. Speaker. I am very how to best serve Nunavummiut to excited about this. At the same time I’m benefit from these large mineral concerned that yet again, in the Kivalliq, extraction operations. Thank you, Mr. we are going to miss the boat when it Speaker. comes to training and getting our residents ready for this opportunity. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Main. The fall of 2019 is the anticipated operation date. Can the minister please Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I explain how the college is planning to thank the minister. I appreciate that the ramp up the training opportunities in this college is going to be setting up sector time period in order to make sure that we councils, but I think we all know that we can maximize the amount of Inuit and are good at moving at the speed of Nunavummiut who are getting employed government. The thing with the mining with this project? Thank you, Mr. industry, based on my own personal Speaker. experience in working with them, is that they move very fast and the challenge is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. trying to keep up and take advantage of Minister Joanasie. the opportunity before it passes you by.
Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): With that in mind, I have a specific Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank question and suggestion. Will the you for your supplementary question. minister commit to sitting down with the (interpretation ends) The college and company, Agnico Eagle Mines, along Agnico-Eagle, there is an MOU in place with the Kivalliq Inuit Association and specifically on mine training, but the the other government departments, college, territory-wide, we are looking at perhaps Economic Development and a modularized approach in terms of Transportation, at the upcoming having training available. Like we said, Nunavut Mining Symposium to
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 433 specifically discuss the game plan for, which was held in Toronto, Ontario from say, the next two years with regard to November 8 to 10, 2017. Thank you, this project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Tabling of Documents. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Main for his Tabled Document 021 – 5(1): question. I’m still developing my Correspondence to North Arrow schedule over the upcoming few months. Minerals Regarding Mel Diamond I believe that the mining symposium is Project (Kaernerk) in April, and I think the vice-president of the college will definitely be there if I Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank cannot participate. I can’t commit right you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table a copy now, but if I can, I’ll try my best. Thank of my recent letter to the president of you, Mr. Speaker. North Arrow Minerals. My letter concerns the proposed Mel Diamond Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Project, which is located near my home Members, please note that the time for community of Hall Beach. I look question period has expired and it forward to tabling the president of North definitely cannot be extended today. Arrow Mineral’s reply to my letter once Let’s proceed with the orders of the day. I have received it. Thank you, Mr. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Speaker. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Tabling of Documents. Member for Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Tabled Document 022 – 5(1): Alianait Documents. Minister responsible for the Launches Aeroplan Charitable Status of Women, Minister Ehaloak. Pooling Campaign (Lightstone)
Item 13: Tabling of Documents Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to table the Tabled Document 020 – 5(1): FPT media release made by Alianait Meeting of the Ministers regarding the launch of their Aeroplan Responsible for the Status of charitable pooling campaign. Thank you, Women (Ehaloak) Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Koana, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. As Minister responsible for the Tabling of Documents. I have no more Status of Women, today I am tabling the names on my list. Moving on. Notices of 35th Annual Federal-Provincial- Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions Territorial Meeting of the Ministers for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Responsible for the Status of Women, Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills.
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Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item Development and Transportation? 19. Consideration in Committee of the Agreed? Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Mr. Rumbolt in the Some Members: Agreed. Chair. Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, In accordance with the authority No. 2, 2018-2019 – Economic provided to me by Motion 10 – 5(1), the Development and Transportation committee will stay in session until it – Consideration in Committee reports itself out. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Sheutiapik, Before we proceed to the Committee of do you have any witnesses that you the Whole, we will now take a 20- would like to bring into the Chambers? minute break. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Yes, please, Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. Chairman, my Deputy Minister Udloriak Hanson and Assistant Deputy >>House recessed at 15:51 and Minister John Hawkins. (interpretation) Committee resumed at 16:15 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Item 19: Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you, Minister of the Whole of Bills and Other Sheutiapik. Sergeant-at-Arms, could you Matters please escort the witnesses in. Sorry. Do members agree that it’s okay to bring the Chairman (Mr. Rumbolt): Welcome witnesses to the table? back, members. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Some Members: Agreed. Committee of the Whole we have the following items to deal with: Bills 1, 2, Chairman: Minister Sheutiapik, for the 3, and 4. What is the wish of the record, if you could introduce your committee? Mr. Main. witnesses, please.
Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We Mr. Chairman. To my right is Deputy wish to continue with Bill 1 and Minister Udloriak Hanson and to my left continue with the review of the capital is Assistant Deputy Minister John appropriation for the Department of Hawkins. (interpretation) Thank you, Economic Development and Mr. Chairman. Transportation, followed by the departments of Health, Family Services, Chairman: Thank you, Minister and Environment. (interpretation) Thank Sheutiapik. Welcome, Ms. Hanson. you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Mr. Hawkins.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Is the Today we’re going to start off with committee in agreement that we first questions from Ms. Nakashuk, if you are start with the Department of Economic prepared to start, please.
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Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank prioritizing capital projects. you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. minister and your officials. Chairman.
I wanted to ask these questions and Chairman: Thank you, Minister maybe I’ll start with (interpretation Sheutiapik. Ms. Nakashuk. ends) the capital budget. The Department of Economic Development Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank and Transportation’s proposed 2018-19 you. Thank you for the response to my capital estimates include funding for the question. I had asked (interpretation acquisition of three new pieces of ends) regarding the $528,000 capital equipment for the Pangnirtung Airport: a carryover. (interpretation) Your response runway inspection vehicle, a plow was for a study. It seems that the study attachment, and a new wobbly wheel hasn’t started. When would the study be compactor. started? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Can the minister or her officials clarify Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. how the department determined what Minister Sheutiapik. types of equipment is needed to be acquired for the airport? Not that I’m Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Through complaining. you, Mr. Chairman, the assistant deputy minister is going to answer that question. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Hawkins. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Each Chairman. If I understood the question year a call letter is sent to Nunavut correctly, it was in regard to the Airports requesting a list of the most equipment ordering for this year. Is that urgent capital requirements for each correct? region. The director of Nunavut Airports reviews those requests and prioritizes Chairman: Ms. Nakashuk, if you can them and sends them to headquarters for clarify your question, please. review. The criteria used for prioritization includes the impact that the Ms. Nakashuk: Sometime last week I project will have on safety, the age and had asked the minister in terms of the useful life of assets being replaced, and $528,000 capital carryover that was the current conditions of the asset being approved by the Legislative Assembly replaced. back in 2017. That was to be for the Pangnirtung Airport Relocation Project. The 20-year capital needs assessment The minister had provided an answer contains information on the condition today in terms of stating that the and useful life of current capital assets. meteorological study is still needed for This document provides useful the design of the Pangnirtung Airport. information that is used to assist in I’m just asking when that study is to be
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 436 done for Pangnirtung. Thank you. Nakashuk.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Hawkins. you. The (interpretation ends) capital budget (interpretation) for 2018-19 has Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. also not yet been approved, but it Chairman. Thanks for the clarification. includes the $210,000 for (interpretation That money is now in carryover. In order ends) lifecycle renovations. to access it, we would have to carry over it once more. We will be requesting that (interpretation) Does the minister know carryover and, if we’re successful, we if the Angmarlik Visitor Centre in would implement that study this year. Pangnirtung… ? Although it is not Thank you, Mr. Chairman. extremely old, it is also not new anymore. Is it scheduled for lifecycle Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. renovations or repairs? Can it be Ms. Nakashuk. considered for lifecycle renovations? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you. It has become clearer and we will Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. try to keep updated on it. Minister Sheutiapik.
I am going on to another subject. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation ends) The capital budget (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) identified by the Chairman. Yes, I can say (interpretation Department of Economic Development ends) expenditures include and Transportation for the 2018-19 interior/exterior infrastructure and capital estimates includes $100,000 in systems improvements which will funding for (interpretation ends) capital extend the useful life of these assets. planning studies. Examples include furnaces, painting, flooring, replacement of doors and (interpretation) Can the minister or her windows. (interpretation) Thank you, officials indicate what specific studies Mr. Chairman. the department plans to undertake during the 2018-19 fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. Sheutiapik. Ms. Nakashuk.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Minister Sheutiapik. you, Mr. Chairman. I don’t have any more questions. I just wanted to thank Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik you and your officials. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If the funding is approved, Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. they haven’t been prioritized yet. Thank We are on Economic Development and you, Mr. Chairman. Transportation. Transportation. K-3. Total Capital Expenditures. $6,468,000. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Ms. Mr. Qirngnuq.
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Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank understand me, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yesterday the other you. community I represent was the focus of my line of questions related to the air Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. terminal building. It has been over two Minister Sheutiapik. years since the airstrip was resurfaced by heavy equipment and they were stored Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik outside in the winter due to the lack of (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. garage space. I have also spoken about Chairman. (interpretation ends) We try this garage space shortage previously to include garages in our priorities every and they were trying to restart the year and we will try again next year. I equipment to remove the snow from the think I stated that yesterday as well. airstrip, especially since it is an alternate (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. landing destination. Chairman.
I wish to query the minister about Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. garages to house the airstrip Qirngnuq. maintenance vehicles currently used by the airstrip maintenance staff. Regarding Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank heavy equipment garage spaces, I would you, Mr. Chairman. I want to move on to like to ask if a potential requisition has a different subject related to the summer been scheduled in the future capital sealift season. I want to ask about this estimates. This is the reason for my issue. In Kugaaruk multi-year ice tends question, thank you, Mr. Chairman. to drift into Pelly Bay during the scheduled summer sealift. Albeit it Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. doesn’t occur every summer, but there Minister Sheutiapik. are times when the mouth of Pelly Bay is inundated with ice as it melts more Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik slowly than seasonal ice, sometimes (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. causing issues with the sealift offloading Chairman. I can say that right now it’s barges. unfortunately not a priority. There are other issues that we feel are a greater The hamlet feels that a better option priority and that garage is currently not a would be a wharf or port for the ships to priority. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. offload supplies and that a less expensive design would suffice. They Chairman: Thank you, Minister wish to set out a plan outlining the Sheutiapik. Mr. Qirngnuq. number of years before this facility would be built. What is the department’s Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank position on the viability of a port? I you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, the minister’s would like to understand this issue, response is clear. I know the airport’s thereby my question to the minister. lack of a garage is not going to be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. considered for this year according to her response. When will it be considered? Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. That is my question if you can Minister Sheutiapik.
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Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Needs Assessment, 2014-2034. These (interpretation): If I understood you communities will be receiving new air correctly, it’s about when the annual terminal buildings: Whale Cove, sealift arrives. If that’s the question, we Chesterfield Inlet, Naujaat, and will review it. Thank you, Mr. Taloyoak. The one in Kimmirut is an Chairman. ATCO trailer. My question is for the Chesterfield Inlet ATB. Where are you Chairman: Thank you, Minister at now on this? Thank you, Mr. Sheutiapik. Mr. Qirngnuq. Chairman.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I understand. Minister Sheutiapik. Thank you, Madam Minister. I would like to get clarification. When will you Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik be able to review the question of when (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. we can get that facility? Will it be in the Chairman. I can respond by saying that near future or next year? Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) preplanning is Chairman. being carried out right now by Community and Government Services. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. The required document should be Minister Sheutiapik. available out to prepare a submission for the GN capital plan as we speak. A Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik submission for funding has been made to (interpretation): I can tell you that we the national corridor funding as well have many requests throughout the year when we talk about the six submissions. and there is a committee that reviews the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. budget preparation. I can say that Chairman. (interpretation ends) each year my understanding is that sometimes our Chairman: Thank you, Minister department submits 25 capital projects Sheutiapik. Ms. Towtongie. and we only get 3 approved. Sometimes we recognize the needs in the Ms. Towtongie: Forgive me, Mr. communities, but at the end of the day it Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. is vetted through committees. (interpretation) The new ATBs that are (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. going to be built for Whale Cove, Chairman. Chesterfield Inlet, and Naujaat will be using the same design as Taloyoak’s air Chairman: Thank you, Minister terminal building. When can the Sheutiapik. Mr. Qirngnuq, you’re done? residents of Chesterfield Inlet expect to Okay. Thank you. Moving on, Ms. get an ATB? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Towtongie. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank Minister Sheutiapik. you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask the minister this question. I have read the Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Nunavut Airports 20-Year Infrastructure (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.
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Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. you, the assistant deputy minister is Minister Sheutiapik. going to answer that question. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Chairman. It is an obvious challenge that has been acknowledged and the Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Transportation Division recognizes the Chairman. We will go into preplanning lack of capacity. However, it would with CGS. They will kind of plot out require a study to review the needs and where it goes and any modifications that the Rankin Inlet Airport is a priority. have to be made to the design. The Thank you, Mr. Chairman. design would follow the year after that and then normally, based on all Chairman: Thank you, Minister approvals, the construction could start Sheutiapik. Ms. Towtongie. the following year, so it would be 2020. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If that is indeed the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. case, the community of Rankin Inlet is Ms. Towtongie. growing at a considerable rate and I would not want a study commenced in Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank the wintertime. Nonetheless, we urgently you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for need to upgrade it. With it being 2018 your response. With regard to the and the project having already Rankin Inlet terminal building, it is undergone deferrals, I wonder when or already bursting at the seams due to the which year the Rankin Inlet ATB would lack of capacity because of the be upgraded to accommodate the growth additional flights to the nearby mine, as in the air traffic and numbers of flights. well as the mine operating outside of When can we expect the ATB to be Baker Lake. All those flights land at the upgraded? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. airport. Sometimes there are as many as That was my final question. 15 planes on a daily basis that use the airport, as well as the many Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. (interpretation ends) helicopters Minister Sheutiapik. (interpretation) that land there. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik The question I want to ask relates (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. directly to Rankin Inlet. In looking at the Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’ll pass document, I wonder if a study can be it through you to John, please. started for (interpretation ends) upgrades. (interpretation) I don’t know Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. the Inuktitut equivalent for that word. When would the Rankin Inlet ATB be Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. enlarged and updated, or has this even Chairman. We do realize that Rankin been taken into consideration? Thank Inlet is now our most crowded airport you, Mr. Chairman. terminal building and we do want to take
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 440 that on, but we have to sort of scope that When we look at these safety-related out first. That is something we’re going violations, the proposed department’s $1 to undertake this year, the beginnings of million, will that be sufficient to tackle that, and then once we have done the the safety-related violations so that we first scoping of that, we would submit it can get all up to standard as airlines are to CGS for preplanning. Thank you, Mr. the only means of transportation to our Chairman. communities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll get right to the question Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik here. Which specific Nunavut airports (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. did Transport Canada identify safety- Chairman. (interpretation ends) Mr. related violations? Thank you, Mr. Hawkins is going to answer that through Chairman. you. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. Sheutiapik. Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Chairman. We believe that the $1 (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. million is enough to cover the items in Chairman. (interpretation ends) I read it the list. We will be doing a prioritization off yesterday. I talked about Arviat of them to sort of triage them. If there mandatory instruction signs, location are some that we can’t complete, we will signs, runways… . Instead of naming off have to go back to Transport and explain all the deficiencies, maybe I’ll just name to them when we will get them done. the communities: Arviat, Baker Lake, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Naujaat, Rankin Inlet, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Taloyoak, and Whale Cove. Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess this depends on the Chairman: Thank you, Minister answer that I get. The Canada Sheutiapik. I just want to remind Transportation Act Review Panel, it’s all members that this is our second day on in reference to a GPS approach, as I this department and a lot of questions have always asked. Is there a GPS were asked yesterday, so be careful on priority approach ranking from asking questions that were already Transport Canada and/or NAV asked. Mr. Mikkungwak. CANADA? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the reminder. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik.
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Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) It’s Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. NAV CANADA. (interpretation) Thank Chairman. When you look at Baker you, Mr. Chairman. Lake’s airport, there is a VOR which is, I believe, Transport Canada or NAV Chairman: Thank you. Mr. CANADA’s material and it sits on a hill. Mikkungwak. When you’re taking off, it’s a bit of an edge there to the hill for the aircraft, but Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. not really. It’s like an obstacle. Chairman. How many communities have been identified and how many I guess my question here is: if Baker communities are in the priority ranking, Lake is also listed for GPS approach, is if that is obtained? Thank you, Mr. that VOR, NAV CANADA or Transport Chairman. Canada building, an obstacle or not? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Chairman. I will read the list he’s asking (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. about; there are many: (interpretation Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through ends) Arctic Bay, Arviat, Baker Lake, you, Mr. Hawkins is going to answer Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset, Clyde that. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. River, Coral Harbour, Gjoa Haven, Hall Chairman. Beach, Kimmirut, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. Qikiqtarjuaq, Rankin Inlet, Sanikiluaq, and Taloyoak. Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That VOR would not be an Through the Chair, my assistant deputy obstacle. The hill that it’s on is an minister will follow up, please. obstacle. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All of the airports that were Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you. Can the listed have some sort of approach, but community of Baker Lake blast a some of them have not been GPS fraction of that hill and not affect the approached yet or do not have GPS VOR? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. approaches designed for them yet. Coral Harbour does not and Naujaat does not Chairman: Mr. Mikkungwak, your at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. questions are kind of getting out of line compared to the budget and what we’re Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. trying to deal with here today. I’ll allow
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 442 the question. Ms. Sheutiapik. minister elaborate on that? I would imagine that if we’re trying to link to Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik another jurisdiction by road, there would (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. be some sort of relationship in place or Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through some sort of discussion ongoing with you, I’ll have Mr. Hawkins answer that. regard to this project. Can the minister (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. please explain that a bit? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think the answer is I don’t Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik think they can blast the hill without (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. knocking the VOR out of calibration, Chairman. (interpretation ends) Mr. Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Hawkins is going to answer that one. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through Moving on, Mr. Main. you.
Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hawkins. have two questions. The first one is with regard to the Manitoba-Nunavut road Mr. Hawkins: That is correct. It would proposal; if the minister could just share be necessary for Manitoba to be a her latest information from the Manitoba participant in a road that would lead into government with regard to this project. their territory. It wouldn’t make much I’m just interested if the government is sense to make a road strictly to the supportive or if they’re aware of the territorial border. Thank you, Mr. proposal that’s in to the federal Chairman. government for this. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Sheutiapik. I’ll go back to my first question, which was: is the Manitoba government Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik supportive of this project? Are they (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. aware? Are there ongoing discussions Chairman. I responded to this yesterday. with regard to it? Thank you, Mr. We haven’t heard from or the Manitoba Chairman. government at all. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. have another question then. Can the Chairman. (interpretation ends) As a
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 443 minister who attended my first federal- engagement as well. We had reached out territorial ministers’ meeting, I had not to their officials by telephone and they heard anything. In talking with my had indicated that they were not going to colleague here, there hasn’t been a lot of be having a corresponding submission discussion with the Manitoba for that program, but they were looking government on this, like reaching out. at options to reach northern Manitoba or (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. to sort of rebuild the connection to Chairman. northern Manitoba. At this time I’m not aware what the status of their thoughts Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. are on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Mr. Main. thank the minister. I find it a bit concerning considering that I would Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. assume that their support would be It’s very interesting and I look forward valuable. Can the minister tell us if the to having further discussions. Manitoba government has signed on to the trades corridor application at all? My last question is regarding the facility Was there a letter of support, anything in that an airline in the Kivalliq is looking that regard, or was it the Nunavut at building at the Rankin Inlet Airport. government in it on its own? Thank you, This basically would be a waiting lounge Mr. Chairman. type facility financed by a private company. Yesterday the minister Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. indicated that land would be made Minister Sheutiapik. available for lease. I wonder if the minister would be able to take that a step Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik further and perhaps look into supporting (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. this facility in terms of maybe making Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m the land available free of charge or use going to pass this on through you to Mr. other means available. Thank you, Mr. Hawkins just because I was not aware of Chairman. how all these projects were… . They were submitted before I became Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. minister, so I’ll have him answer Minister Sheutiapik. through you. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) My Hawkins. understanding as a department is the rates for leasing on our property are very Mr. Hawkins: Thank you, Mr. low. They’re not like market rental per Chairman. When we submitted the se. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. proposal for the Manitoba-Nunavut road, Chairman. we did put in that our engagement in it would be conditional on Manitoba’s Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik.
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I have one more name on my list and Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik after he is done, I will move on. I think (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. we have covered this fairly well here Chairman. I stated yesterday that we today. Mr. Keyootak. have requested these projects, but we won’t hear back until the fall. Thank Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. I think I just have one question. Chairman: Thank you. Moving on, we are on K-3. Economic Development and Mr. Chairman, I have introduced a Transportation. Transportation. Total number of requests from Qikiqtarjuaq Capital Expenditures. $6,468,000. for a port. I introduced that to the House Agreed? here after the people of Qikiqtarjuaq made their own design. When the Some Members: Agreed. Premier and the ministers were in Qikiqtarjuaq, they met with the hamlet Chairman: Thank you. Moving to K-5. council to discuss this proposal. Can the Economic Development and minister explain to us where the request Transportation. Economic Development. from Qikiqtarjuaq for the marine port is Total Capital Expenditures. $250,000. at today? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Keyootak. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Sheutiapik. Chairman. I just have one question here under Economic Development. I know Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik we’re rich in minerals and whatnot, but (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. for the benefit of the people who do Chairman. This project is also listed wildlife hunting, the community of (interpretation ends) under the Baker Lake has been looking at submission for the national corridor constructing a meat plant, not overly fund. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. large but something small to start. Has Chairman. the department ever received any economic development proposals in Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. constructing or creating a meat plant Mr. Keyootak. within Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can the minister Chairman: Thank you, Mr. indicate when the people of Qikiqtarjuaq Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. will be given an update about what’s happening with this proposal? Thank Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, we haven’t received any Chairman: Thank you. Minister proposals. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you. Again, we are on Economic Development and
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Transportation. Economic Development. the Department of Health and we will Total Capital Expenditures. $250,000. begin with Minister Angnakak Agreed? presenting her opening comments.
Some Members: Agreed. Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Health – Chairman: Thank you. Go to page K-2. Consideration in Committee Economic Development and Transportation. Total Capital Hon. Pat Angnakak: Good afternoon, Expenditures. $6,718,000. Agreed? Mr. Chairman and members. I am pleased to have this opportunity to Some Members: Agreed. present the second part of the 2018-19 Capital Estimates for the Department of Chairman: Thank you. Do members Health. agree that we have concluded the Department of Economic Development The department is committed to and Transportation? providing facilities that are safe, efficient, welcoming, and Some Members: Agreed. environmentally friendly for clients and staff across the territory. As a result, the Chairman: Thank you. Minister focus of the department’s capital plan is Sheutiapik, do you have any closing on projects which will replace or comments? renovate our aging health care facilities.
Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik The department celebrated the (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. completion and opening of the new Chairman. Thank you for all the Arctic Bay Community Health Centre in questions that you have been asking September of 2017. The community yesterday and today. I can say that I will health centres in Sanikiluaq, Cape work hard to address your important Dorset, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Baker Lake questions. At any time please give me a are next on the list for replacement. call or write to me because sometimes during meetings, we’re not so close. I’m For fiscal year 2018-19, Health is open anytime at all. Thank you, Mr. requesting an additional $6.5 million for Chairman. three capital items. I am pleased to provide an overview of each: Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. On behalf of the committee, I thank you 1. The department is requesting $1.5 and your department for being here million to commence the detailed today to answer our questions. design phase for the Cape Dorset Community Health Centre. Planning At that, Sergeant-at-Arms, can you for the project has been completed, please escort the witnesses out of the the design package will be out for Chambers. tender soon, and the design phase is scheduled to begin in May of 2018. At this point we’re going to move on to
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This project capitalizes on design funding for emergency repairs during best practices learned from the four the winter months. most recent community health centre replacement projects. The detailed As promised during the standing design for the Cape Dorset facility committee review of these capital will be completed and the estimates, preliminary listings of the construction tender package issued department’s proposed ongoing lifecycle by March of 2019. projects and anticipated small capital requirements for 2018-19 have been The department anticipates provided to the Chair of the Regular requesting a further $18.35 million in Members’ Caucus. 2019-2020 and $12.8 million in 2020-21 for the first and second As my colleagues are aware, in June of phases of construction. An additional 2017 the Legislative Assembly approved $250,000 will be required in 2021-22 the first part of the 2018-19 capital to conclude construction and cover estimates. This included $15 million for the warranty period for the new the Sanikiluaq Community Health building. The Cape Dorset Centre replacement project, and I’m Community Health Centre is pleased to provide an update on that expected to be open and serving project. clients in the fall of 2021. As my colleagues know, the $15 million 2. The department is requesting funding approved for Sanikiluaq last June will of $1.5 million for small capital allow us to bring this project into the procurements. The annual small construction phase. The construction capital allocation is for the purchase tender package was issued in February and replacement of medical and closes in April. The first phase of equipment, vehicles, and furniture. construction will begin this summer.
3. Finally, the department is requesting The department plans to request an $3.5 million for ongoing lifecycle estimated $12.3 million in fiscal year and maintenance of Health’s fixed 2019-2020 for the second phase of assets. In response to the increasing construction and a further $250,000 in maintenance needs of departmental 2020-21 to complete construction and facilities, the department has for coverage for the warranty period. requested an increase of $1.5 million The Sanikiluaq Community Health in ongoing lifecycle and maintenance Centre is expected to open its doors by allocations over prior years. September of 2020.
This annual allocation is dedicated to In closing, this proposed capital plan is minor renovations, repairs, focused on ensuring that clinical modifications, and upgrades of facilities and the essential services they facilities territory-wide and is provide are available to Nunavummiut essential to ensure effective lifecycle across the territory. Our approach is all management of Health’s assets. We about meeting the needs of our have also set aside some contingency communities by replacing aging health
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 447 centres and facilities and through to discuss her draft capital estimates, ongoing building maintenance and members were given to understand that lifecycle management. future health centre replacement projects are in various stages of planning or I thank you for your attention as we preplanning, and members look forward review these important projects, and I to a detailed update on the status and welcome questions and comments from proposed timelines for these future members. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. projects as we proceed.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Chairman, members recognize that Does a member of the regular caucus including such features as staff housing have opening comments? Mr. Netser. within newly constructed health centre facilities is often not economically Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, feasible. However, members encourage Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) the minister to work with her officials Welcome, minister. and counterparts in the Department of Community and Government Services to Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to provide ensure that new staff accommodation opening comments on behalf of the needs are addressed when considering Regular Members’ Caucus as the all new health facilities and that any Committee of the Whole begins its such accommodation be formally consideration of the proposed 2018-19 designated for the use of health staff. Capital Estimates of the Department of Health. Concerns have also been raised with respect to the lack of morgue facilities in While the department’s currently many communities and, if such features proposed capital budget for 2018-19 is are not to be included in future health $6.5 million for three projects, it must centre projects, members urge the also be noted that the Fourth Assembly minister to work with her staff and previously approved $15 million as part colleagues to give further consideration of the Department of Health’s 2018-19 to ensuring that adequate morgue capital budget for another fourth project. facilities are established in all Nunavut communities. Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recognizes that replacing and updating Members have raised a number of community health centres across concerns with respect to the condition of Nunavut is a long-term goal. Part 1 of aging health facilities and health the 2018-19 capital estimates, which was equipment in some communities. approved in June of 2017, included Members urge the minister to work funding for the first year of construction closely with her counterpart in the of a replacement health [centre] in Department of Community and Sanikiluaq. The currently proposed Government Services to improve upon capital estimates include funding for the situations which have been identified design phase of a replacement health and to undertake the necessary [centre] in the community of Cape assessments to ensure that safety, Dorset. During the minister’s appearance comfort and cleanliness issues are
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 448 addressed before they become Health’s proposed capital budget problematic. includes a block of funding for ongoing lifecycle projects in its 2018-19 capital Mr. Chairman, members were estimates. Members would appreciate disappointed to note that the 2019-2023 receiving details on what projects will five-year capital plan does not include proceed under this line item once any future projects to address Nunavut’s priorities have been finalized. pressing needs in the areas of mental health, addictions treatment, boarding Mr. Chairman, members fully support homes, or elder care. While members initiatives for purchasing specialized recognize that initiatives are underway diagnostic equipment so that medical to open additional long-term care beds in clients are not required to travel far away some communities, the committee from home, often to other jurisdictions, encourages the minister to work with her in order to receive medical services. It staff to explore additional options in this has been noted that the use of the area, including partnerships with other telehealth technology for service entities to provide more long-term care delivery across Nunavut has been a long- for our elders within Nunavut. While standing option for health care. Members members recognize that many services would appreciate an overview of how in the areas of mental health, addiction, the telehealth system has been used since and boarding care receive additional its installation. support through federal program funds, the minister is strongly encouraged to Mr. Chairman, that concludes my intensify her efforts to increase and opening comments on the proposed improve access to such services within 2018-19 Capital Estimates of the the territory. Department of Health. I am confident that individual members will have Mr. Chairman, the Department of comments and questions; I have no Health’s proposed capital estimates doubt as well, as we proceed, Mr. include two blocks of funding for minor Chairman. (interpretation) Thank you. capital and small capital projects. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Ms. In addition to the department’s current Angnakak, do you have any witnesses fleet of over 80 vehicles across the that you would like to appear before the territory, the department’s small capital committee? Minister Angnakak. budget may include the purchase of new vehicles. Members continue to have Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. questions regarding policies and Chairman. Yes. Thank you, Mr. protocols governing the use of Chairman. departmental vehicles for patient transportation and what types of Chairman: Thank you. Does the situations are considered “medical committee agree to let the witnesses emergencies” during which clients may enter the Chamber? be transported. Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Chairman, the Department of
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Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- she said, “I’m sure each of us, MLAs, Arms, please escort the witnesses in. and the ministers are concerned about elders being taken out of Nunavut and Ms. Angnakak, for the record, if you that in Pond Inlet we will come up with could please introduce your witnesses. an idea of what to do with the elders.” Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Chairman, the issue of elders care in Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Rankin Inlet and across Nunavut is about Chairman. I would like to introduce my access; access to family, access to the deputy minister to my right, Colleen environment, language, and they’re Stockley, and also on my left is our being placed in what would be a foreign capital planner, Floreen Demavivas. I country for them. hope I have pronounced that correctly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All throughout the capital items that I have read, that I have gone through, I Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. haven’t seen any pre-study or design Welcome to your staff. phase for long-term care for our elders. With the deep machinery of government, Before we proceed, I would like to all of these planned stages, I’m even remind members that according to Rule tempted not to vote for the capital items 77(1), you will have 10 minutes to for health. That’s how important it is to speak, and according to Rule 77(2), our community. subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a We badly need elder care across matter under discussion but not until Nunavut. We cannot continue to send every member has a chance to speak. them to Ottawa. I believe that with saying that, I’m encouraging the minister At this time I will only ask for general to at least come up with a strategy to see comments. Are there any general how we can handle elders within our comments toward the Department of homes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Health? Ms. Towtongie. (interpretation) That’s it.
Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Any more Chairman. I would like to make general general comments? Mr. Quassa, do you comments. When the hon. minister first have general comments? appeared in front of the standing committee, we have a crisis happening Hon. Paul Quassa: Mr. Chairman, I just in Rankin Inlet and that’s the issue of want to say it’s kind of point of order elders being moved to Ottawa. One of because I believe we’re talking about a them most recently was my aunt, Annie very different area than what is being Tatty, quite well known. She is a talked about by our colleague, MLA Ms. matriarch in that community. Cathy Towtongie. We’re not talking about new budgets now. Thank you, Mr. Right away I questioned her about a pre- Chairman. study, predesign phase for long-term elders’ care. And I quote, this is what Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. I do
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 450 not believe it is a point of order because be asking for that for next year, but it’s we were just doing general comments. on our radar, it’s on the list. Thank you, Under that they can pretty well talk Mr. Chairman. about what they want to talk about. She was talking about capital issues for the Chairman: Thank you, Minister future and we will leave it at that. Angnakak. Mr. Mikkungwak.
We will now move on to… . We’re on Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. the Department of Health under Chairman. I thank the minister for the Directorate. Total Capital Expenditures. response. The preplanning will $6,500,000. Mr. Mikkungwak. commence as of next year, the new fiscal year or the end of this fiscal year. Thank Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Welcome to the minister and the officials. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. My first question here would be: how many other communities have been Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. identified as requiring replacement or Chairman. It was part of the ask that we renovated health centres in the near had for this year, but it wasn’t approved. future and, if so, which communities? We’re going to ask again next year for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. next year so that we can get into the preplanning, so they could start looking Chairman: Thank you, Mr. at what’s needed for the health care in Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. Baker Lake. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. I thank the member for his Angnakak. Mr. Mikkungwak. question. We have three. Excuse me. We have four. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for the Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. response. I look forward to that Mr. Mikkungwak. preplanning information in the near future. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is Baker Lake on the radar for Moving along, this has been an ongoing those three communities, as identified? issue in the Kivalliq, the regional health Thank you, Mr. Chairman. facilities. Rankin Inlet has a regional health centre, but my question here is: Chairman: Thank you, Mr. are there any plans being considered to Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. provide additional services at regional health centres in the near future and, if Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. so, what are they? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, Baker Lake is on the Chairman. radar, but we didn’t get preplanning approved for this year. We’re going to Chairman: Thank you, Mr.
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Mikkungwak. Mr. Mikkungwak, that’s Chairman. I thank the minister for that more of an operational type of question. response. When we look at that, what If you want to rephrase your question size? I’ll use the example here, and try to get it into capital, please do so. Tammaativvik. I have gone to visit it. It Mr. Mikkungwak. houses so many people. What size of infrastructure are we looking at? Thank Mr. Mikkungwak: Okay. Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. I’ll rephrase my question. Considering that Rankin Inlet has a Chairman: Thank you, Mr. regional health centre and when we look Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. at capital infrastructure in the near future, are there any plans of Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. constructing a regional boarding home Chairman. Obviously we don’t really so that Kivalliq patients do not end up have all of those details yet. We need to waiting at the airport terminal on hard, do some consultation and we also need metal seats? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to look at what services we’re going to be able to provide if we had the boarding Chairman: Thank you, Mr. home there. There is a lot of information Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. that we still need to find out before we can come up with that kind of a decision Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. of what size we’re looking at. Thank Chairman. There are actually two things you, Mr. Chairman. that we have planned. We did ask for the Rankin Inlet Kivalliq Health Centre Chairman: Thank you, Minister extension, but that was not approved. Angnakak. Mr. Mikkungwak. We’re going to ask again just like the Baker Lake Health Centre replacement. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. We’re going to ask again next year. Chairman. Moving on, I guess I see this as small capital or like a small capital I actually have some good news and I purchase. As we all know, in our local was going to wait until tomorrow to do a community health centres they have minister’s statement, but I feel with the health centre vehicles. How many of question, we have an announcement to these community health centre vehicles make that we have approval from the are currently used to provide patient indigenous services minister to go to an transportation? Thank you, Mr. RFP for a boarding home in the Kivalliq. Chairman.
>>Applause Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. That’s going to go forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Zero. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak.
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Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe you can rule me out of Chairman. Thank you for the answer. I order if you feel, but a follow-up to this guess this will be my last question. I’m question is: why are we purchasing not sure if it’s deemed small capital, but health centre vehicles when there are no you rarely see it in the majority of patient transports or is it because of Nunavut communities, stretcher service insurance or what is the reasoning? or a stretcher with wheels and whatnot. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Would that be considered small capital and, if so, are there considerations? For Chairman: Thank you, Mr. example, in Baker Lake we have the Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. Martha Taliruq Centre right across the health centre. At one point I was helping Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. carry an elder on a stretcher, but it had Chairman. Just one minute. no wheels, so we had to run across. I think that is a very essential small capital Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are a purchase item for health centres in number of reasons why they need communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. vehicles. One of them is for emergencies. For example, if you have Chairman: Thank you, Mr. somebody in the health care centre that Mikkungwak. Minister Angnakak. needs to go on a medevac plane, they will take them there. It will be used for Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. that. Chairman. I remember you telling me that story. When it comes to a private There are other instances too like when facility like that, the contractor that was you have to go from the health centre, running your elders centre should have let’s say you need equipment for home really taken that into consideration care or those kinds of services, you need themselves. With health care centres, if a a vehicle to take you here and there. nurse thinks that that’s what they need, There’s also, for example, everybody then they would inform the regional knows about the TB that we have in director of that region, and then it can be Nunavut. A lot of times our nurses are put forward onto the list. Thank you, Mr. going to homes to deliver medication Chairman. and to go see their patients and so we also have vehicles for that. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Lightstone. The vehicles are not used to transport patients from their homes to the health Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. care centre or the health care centre to Chairman. First I just want to thank the plane if they are going on medical Colleen Stockley for once again travel. They are not used for that. That’s appearing before the Assembly. Floreen not the use for them. It’s other uses. Demavivas, I believe it’s your first time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes. Welcome to the Assembly.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Before I begin my questions, I want to Angnakak. Mr. Mikkungwak. make a comment. When I’m reading the
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 453 substantiation sheets, it’s very clear that Mr. Chairman. there are some departments that do put effort in and provide the detail that’s Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. required. Health is definitely one of Minister Angnakak. them, so thank you very much for that. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. My first question is about the Cape Chairman. No, but the cost estimates and Dorset Health Centre. On page 3, under the designs will be completed. Thank the environmental impact, I just want to you, Mr. Chairman. commend the department for including the “Possible use of an exterior solar Chairman: Thank you, Minister wall panel system, which could be Angnakak. Mr. Lightstone. integrated in order to reduce the cost of heating and ventilation of the facility.” Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. I’m glad to see the department is Chairman. That was leading into my actually including the possibility of solar next question. Although there is in their designs. substantiation for the increase in 2018- 19, can the department substantiate the My first question is: has the department need for the increase in the budget in looked into the costs associated with future years going forward? Thank you, purchasing and installing the solar Mr. Chairman. panels on the facility? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Minister Angnakak. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. would like Mr. Demavivas to answer Chairman. I thank the member for that that question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question. Since this is still in the design phase, it’s something that we want to ask Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. for, but we don’t know how much it’s Demavivas. going to cost. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Demavivas: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Chairman. Yes, we can provide the Lightstone. information. Thank you.
Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Lightstone. Chairman. Thank you for that response. I’ll move on to the next project, the Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. ongoing lifecycle. Now, this is a large Chairman. That’s it. Well, actually my increase request compared to prior years. last question, as was mentioned during Although you have provided a lengthy the opening comments, I’m disappointed list of proposed 2018-19 ongoing that we don’t see anything in the plans to lifecycle projects, are all those projects create, build, or construct a Nunavut- to be completed in 2018-19? Thank you, based substance abuse rehabilitation or
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 454 addictions treatment centre. Does the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minister foresee such facility being constructed within the term of this Chairman: Thank you, minister. Next government? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. on my list, Mr. Akoak.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Angnakak. Welcome, minister and staff.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. This is always an issue; housing for Chairman. One second. health centre staff is often being raised as an issue of concern. Will new staff Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Kivalliq housing be built to accommodate staff at Mental Health Facility was already all new health centres? The reason I previously approved and so the next step bring this up is in the community of is to find out what kind programming Gjoa Haven we have health staff, we’re going to do there and the including mental health staff, living one preplanning phase. The project, business mile away from the health centre. It’s case, design brief, and class “D” pretty hard to go down to the health estimates by CGS will be done by March centre when there’s a patient that needs of 2019. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. help right away. Sometimes they have to share a vehicle and sometimes it’s not Chairman: Thank you, Minister always available. Angnakak. Mr. Lightstone. Again, will the new staff housing be Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. built to accommodate staff at all new Chairman. I’ll be a little bit more health centres? Thank you, Mr. specific in my question. With the recent Chairman. opening of the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store, I understand that it is aimed at Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Akoak. reducing the harm of hard liquor, but it Minister Angnakak. may also be feeding those who may have an addiction to alcohol. Would the Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. minister be able to provide any plans? Chairman. I thank the member for his… Does the minister plan on constructing . Yes, housing is an issue. It’s a goal of an addictions treatment centre here in ours that when we build a health centre, Iqaluit within the term of this current we could have the residence right there government? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. as well. We want to be able to control the housing situation. For example, in Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Angnakak. Arctic Bay the housing was separate and it belonged to the Nunavut Housing Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Corporation. Chairman. It’s really hard to answer some of these questions when we Going forward, we want to look at haven’t released our mandate yet, but I different options where, when we build can say that we are working with health centres, we can actually control Indigenous Services Canada on this. the residence too and have them maybe
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 455 part of the centre, but we have to look at I have talked to the mental health people how we can do that cost-effective. and they see a lot of people daily or Thank you, Mr. Chairman. every second day and it’s growing. I believe the mental health facility in Chairman: Thank you, Minister Cambridge Bay is too small now. It will Angnakak. Mr. Akoak. not help to support everyone in all of the Kitikmeot. That’s why I bring this up. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My next one is a favourite one of mine. My last question: have you had the Mental health issues are a growing area opportunity to address the need for the of concern across Nunavut. Does the additional health infrastructure with your Department of Health have any plans to federal counterparts and, if so, what establish additional mental health were the results of your discussions? facilities in Nunavut and, if so, which Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s it for communities are being considered for me. such a facility? I can only wish there was an RFP out for the community of Gjoa Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Akoak. Haven. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Angnakak.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Akoak. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Angnakak. Chairman. Can you give me a minute?
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I stated Chairman. At this time, for a mental earlier, I met with the Minister of health facility, we are looking at Indigenous Services to talk about the building a new Kivalliq mental health Kivalliq boarding home and the need for and addictions facility. We have a one. That was positive. I guess a review mental health facility in Cambridge Bay has been going on for two years and the that is part of the Kitikmeot. This is credit belongs to Mr. Paul Okalik and where we send patients that require that also to Mr. Hickes here who worked kind of need from the Kitikmeot to. hard on that file. We’re looking at building something in the Kivalliq and we have obviously the We met with the minister in early one here in Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. February to tell her how urgently we Chairman. needed to get a decision from her on whether or not this would be supported. Chairman: Thank you, Minister We have just recently found out Angnakak. Mr. Akoak. yesterday, really, that it would be supported, so that’s very good news. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s something. Yes, we do have a facility over in Cambridge Bay, but ever since I became Like I alluded to before, we are working the elected official, I have seen the with her department on other things that mental health issues climb in my I can’t really say until our mandate has community. been released. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Ms. Kamingoak. Angnakak. Ms. Kamingoak.
Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Correct me if I’m wrong, Chairman. Moving on, there is a we’re on this topic right now. I note that growing need for 24-hour care facilities my community is listed in the capital across Nunavut. What steps have been projects substantiation sheets for taken to address the need and plan for ongoing lifecycle for replacement of the additional facilities of this kind in the flooring. For that, I thank your near future? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. department for including my community. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. Minister Angnakak. Now saying that, can the minister advise me when the health centre will be Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. considered for replacement? Thank you, Chairman. One of the things that we’re Mr. Chairman. doing is we have a renovation going for the Cambridge Bay Continuing Care Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. Centre. We’re adding beds and that is in Minister Angnakak. the Kitikmeot. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you can just give me a Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Kamingoak. minute, we’re just going to find it in our files. Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is there any intention of the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It would be Department of Health in investing after Baker Lake. Thank you, Mr. capital dollars to any new elder Chairman. facilities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ms. Kamingoak. Angnakak.
Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When will that be? Chairman. I understand why she is asking the question, but it’s something I Chairman: Thank you. Minister just can’t answer right now until our Angnakak. mandate has been released. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next year we’re asking for Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. the Baker Lake preplanning, and then Netser. the following year after that we would be asking for Kugluktuk preplanning. It Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, would be going at government pace. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Welcome, minister.
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I note that it’s good to see that Cape have gone to the health centre at home a Dorset is in the books for a new health couple of times now in the last three centre, but the substantiation sheets note months due to influenza and in one of that the cost to build a new staff the rooms that I was admitted to just for residence is not included. Will the a checkup, I noted the floor tiles were department be coming forth with a worn right out and even going into the request for a budget to build staff subfloor or the plywood. My question to housing, and how many staff housing the minister: does her staff or the will they need when this health centre is director of the region ever visit these being constructed or finished health centres? (interpretation) Thank construction? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Minister Angnakak. Minister Angnakak.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Yes, they do. Chairman. One moment. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Netser. renovating the five-plex that is currently there and also we’re going to be adding Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you. another five-plex. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) I read through the Chairman. substantiation sheet that there’s nothing in this for Coral Harbour in the small Chairman: Thank you, Minister capital. Maybe he was invisible when he Angnakak. Mr. Netser. went to Coral Harbour, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In your community, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. I’m Rumbolt, you will be receiving a health not sure if that was a question or not. It centre, of which I’m very pleased. Does is? Oh, okay. Thank you. Minister your community have health centre staff Angnakak. housing to house the nurses who will be at your new health centre? Thank you, Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. Chairman. It’s in the 2018-19 ongoing lifecycle projects. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Chairman. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Chairman. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Netser: So he was visible. Thank you. That’s all I have for now. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Netser. (interpretation) Thank you.
Mr. Netser: Good. My last question. I Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Mr.
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Hickes. Hon. Pat Angnakak: One moment, please. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to follow up on my Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re still at colleague Ms. Kamingoak’s question on the assessment phase. We don’t know the 24-hour care facilities. Maybe I how many beds we want to add. We’re missed it in the response, but I seem to at that phase. That’s where we are. recall the Legislative Assembly We’re doing assessments to figure out approved some monies for a feasibility exactly what we need there. Thank you, study of expanding either the Gjoa Mr. Chairman. Haven or Igloolik, I can’t remember exactly which one of those facilities. As Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. their design is the same, I believe the Hickes. intent was one feasibility study would encompass both projects. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To me, part of what a preplanning As I’m sure all members know from the process is, is to decide what is most O&M budget, those 10-bed facilities are economically beneficial. very inefficient and not too fiscally responsible. A feasibility study would be Is there any intent on doing any an important step in addressing how preplanning on any of the other elder valuable or how efficient the facility, if it care facilities that the Department of increased in size. Maybe the minister Health has responsibility for or forgot that component or maybe she contracted through, whether it be could elaborate on where that feasibility societies like in Baker Lake, Iqaluit, and study is. Thank you. Arviat, or the facility in Cambridge Bay or here in Iqaluit, like I said? Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Chairman. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Angnakak. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. It was approved last year for Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. preplanning for the Igloolik Continuing Chairman. We got preplanning for the Care Centre. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Cambridge Bay Continuing Care Centre renovation and we have not asked for Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. preplanning for the other facilities at this Hickes. time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Where is that preplanning stage at right Angnakak. Mr. Hickes. now? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. As I’m sure all of us have been very well Minister Angnakak. aware and it has been a very hot topic of senior care across the territory, making
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 459 existing facilities more economically Chairman: Thank you, Minister viable might be a good step in certain Angnakak. Mr. Hickes. areas to increase the capacity of these facilities. I’ll leave that alone right now. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That sounds like fantastic progress. I’m I would like to step back to something just wondering: when is phase 4 or the my colleague, Mr. Lightstone, brought fourth part anticipated to be completed, up of the feasibility of a substance abuse and when can we expect any further rehabilitation centre. Is there no work on discussions on a facility of this nature a feasibility to date going on such a here in the legislature? Thank you, Mr. project? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Angnakak. Minister Angnakak.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, there is. That’s the one I Chairman. Due to consultations and that alluded to that we’re working with the that we still need to do, we’re expecting Minister of Indigenous Services. Thank this to be completed by the fall of 2018. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hickes. Angnakak. Mr. Hickes.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I must have missed that when I was I’m going to jump over to the small looking at other data and my apologies capital. In 2018-19 there is $1.5 million to the minister. Maybe I missed as well for small capital. I guess my initial too: what kind of timetable is that on question would be: have all the small right now? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. capital items requested in the 2017-18 been purchased to date and, if not, which Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. ones will be carried over for purchase in Minister Angnakak. this fiscal year, 2018-19? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: If you can just give me one minute, please. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Angnakak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. An RFP went out and it’s a four-phase study and we’re Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. just completing the third phase. We’re Chairman. Can you give me a minute? working with Indigenous Services Canada and NTI on this. We have other Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Everything stakeholders also that we’re working on that was for small capital last year has this issue with. Thank you, Mr. been purchased and delivered. Thank Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you, Minister director, and then we also work with Angnakak. Mr. Hickes. CGS. That’s how the list is made up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m sure the minister was following the Chairman: Thank you, Minister discussions going on last night and Angnakak. Mr. Hickes. today. I have to ask this question: has anything from the list in 2018-19 been Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. purchased yet? Thank you, Mr. It was just pointed out to me that the Chairman. small capital project list that we have in the substantiation sheet is from 2017-18. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Would it be possible to get a list of the Minister Angnakak. 2018-19 small capital projects? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you can give me another Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. moment. Minister Angnakak.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. already ordered the vehicles because of Chairman. As stated in my opening the sealift and the timing. It’s election comments, it was provided to the year, so the timing is off. Thank you. Regular Members’ Caucus Chair, Mr. Main, on March 5, 2018. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Hickes. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes. As the Minister of Finance has already committed to doing a review of that Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. process, I won’t go into any further It must have gotten lost in depth on it. I was just trying to see how communication. kind of widespread this practice was. I do have a question and without seeing Going back again into small capital, how the list, I’ll hope that it’s on there. One does the department identify and of the items that the Iqaluit Qikiqtani prioritize which small capital items shall General Hospital purchased last year be purchased within a given fiscal year? was a CPAP machine, which has Thank you, Mr. Chairman. probably paid for itself many times over through the saving of medevacs and, if Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. not, eliminating and reducing the Minister Angnakak. requirement to intubate small infants and newborns. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Basically we get feedback I’m wondering if there is any intention from the nurse at the health centre who of the department rolling these out to at works with the regional executive least the regional centres, if not, to more
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 461 health centres across the territory. I Chairman. know having babies in the community isn’t really a practice, but there are a Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. couple of communities that have Minister Angnakak. midwife services and as well through emergency early birth, which would be Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. especially vulnerable and maybe Chairman. Maybe it’s the pizza, but I especially beneficial to have these really don’t understand the question. Can continuous positive air pressure the member please rephrase it? Thank equipment available to them. Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, minister. If you Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. could rephrase your question, please, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. That kind of machinery is Say, for example, you have a community very specialized, but we can look at it. I that has a particular health need. Yes, think we have to keep in mind the you put more staff or you commit more staffing that we have at the community resources on the O&M side to deal with centres. That’s a specialized type of that. Is there a corresponding process equipment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. where capital needs are identified based on the health of the population in a Chairman: Thank you, Minister community? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Angnakak. Before we go any further, we will take a 15-minute break. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Angnakak. >>Committee recessed at 17:57 and resumed at 18:15 Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you give me minute, Chairman: I call the meeting back to please. order. I hope everybody had a good break. Next on my list for questioning is Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, it’s Mr. Main. Go ahead. possible that that might happen, but it still has to go through the process. The Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I deputy minister would take it to the welcome the minister and your staff. deputy ministers’ table to start those kinds of discussions. Thank you, Mr. I’m going to start out with a couple of Chairman. general questions with regard to capital planning in Health. To what extent does Chairman: Thank you, Minister acuity, in terms of how dire the health Angnakak. Mr. Main. needs are in a community… ? To what extent is the actual health condition of Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I the individuals in a community feed into thank the minister. What I’m trying to the capital process? Thank you, Mr. get at is my home community of Arviat,
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 462 from my understanding, has one of the Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. highest acuity rates across the territory, Chairman. Actually we don’t use meaning that there is the most need. utilization rates as schools do. That’s not Getting more specific on this, with what we do. We follow the process that regard to the health centre in Arviat, I the government uses. It’s just got its own believe it’s in preplanning for an pace. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. expansion to the facility. If the minister could share a bit more information on Chairman: Thank you, Minister that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Main.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If Minister Angnakak. there isn’t a utilization rate that drives things, is it simply the life of a facility Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. or, I’m trying not to repeat myself here, Chairman. Actually that’s the “ask” now are there other factors that are for the Arviat Health Centre extension. considered when you’re deciding where you need to invest capital dollars? Thank Just to clarify, it’s going to be for next you, Mr. Chairman. year because we did ask for it, but it wasn’t approved for this year’s asks to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. go into preplanning. We’re going to Minister Angnakak. bring it forward for next year’s. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The things that are taken into Chairman: Thank you, Minister consideration when determining where a Angnakak. Mr. Main. project priority lies is they look at the age of the facility, population projection, Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and the current condition of the facility. That’s a bit concerning considering the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. length of time required to get a project actually built. Preplanning next year, Chairman: Thank you, Minister that’s five or six years out and the needs Angnakak. Mr. Main. are there today. I wonder if the minister could explain in terms of the utilization Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. rate, I love that term, when it comes to Without straying into O&M, I’ll note the Arviat health facility, if she could that the health centre in Arviat is maybe provide some information in woefully understaffed and capacity terms of how much of that facility is issues in terms of the day-to-day being used. Thank you. workings of the facility may not be too evident, but I think that if the health Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. It has centre was fully staffed, we would be taken me nine years to get to the stage seeing a lot more capacity issues in I’m at with my health centre. Ms. terms of the size of the facility. Angnakak. Would the minister be able to tell me >>Laughter how many people or what size of a
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 463 community the Arviat Health Centre was challenges there. designed for? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In terms of that health centre, there have Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. been a number of heating issues, Minister Angnakak. ongoing issues with the heating system, and my understanding is that it has Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. impacted delivery of services, Chairman. The current facility in Arviat particularly in the winter. Are there any was constructed in 2000, so it’s not that plans to address those issues? Thank old. Its lifecycle is for 30 years. We are you, Mr. Chairman. at year 18. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Just Chairman: Thank you, Minister to remind you, maintenance on a Angnakak. Mr. Main. building is not necessarily a capital issue; it’s usually an O&M issue. Ms. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Angnakak. thank the minister. My point was not that the facility is old. The point that I’m Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. trying to make is that the facility was Chairman. We don’t know anything designed for a smaller community and about that situation at your health care its forced growth, Mr. Chairman. I’ll ask centre. It would be good if the nurse or the minister again: what size of a somebody can raise it. Thank you, Mr. community was the health centre Chairman. designed for in terms of how many people? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m looking through the list of small Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. capital here. In 2017-18 and 2018-19 I Chairman. The year it was constructed, it don’t see anything in there for Arviat. states here the population was 1,899 Am I missing something? Thank you, people and the projection for 2015 was Mr. Chairman. 2,521 people, so increase in the current year is 33 percent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Chairman. Minister Angnakak.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Angnakak. Mr. Main. Chairman. Any kind of issues that the health centre notices, like something is Mr. Main: I thank the minister. I’ll missing or something needs replacing, is move on, but I think that there is a raised. There is a process that they go capacity issue there and I’ll reiterate that through. It might be that the nurse hasn’t I think it is being hidden by the fact that raised anything. Here you have a the health centre in Arviat is terribly defibrillator and also an infusion pump, understaffed and they’re facing some big there are monitors for vital signs, there is
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 464 radiograph positioning equipment, so Coral Harbour, and Whale Cove. That is there are a few things in there that I due to the distance to the airport; it’s a hardly know how to pronounce. The long way to go to the airport. nurse would be the one to know what she needs in terms of her medical The department does not provide equipment, then she would raise it as a transportation to a health centre or from need, and then it has a process that it a health centre to home after treatment, goes through. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. as this is not a covered service. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for that. I did indeed Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I miss those. Thank you. When it comes thank the minister. It’s a tough nut to to providing transport for patients, my crack in a small community like Whale understanding is that some communities Cove. have contracted services where a private company can offer ambulance service I’ll just add as a comment that there has and some communities don’t. Are there been some concern from the community criteria laid out for that in terms of and from staff, to my knowledge, in whether it’s going to be contractors who terms of how to provide transportation deliver it or whether the government is for somebody, for example, who is in a going to provide it? Thank you, Mr. wheelchair, because you may require a Chairman. specialized vehicle for that. My understanding is that the health centre in Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Whale Cove doesn’t currently have that Minister Angnakak. type of vehicle that can transport somebody in a stretcher or somebody in Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. a wheelchair. Chairman. This has been an issue that has been brought up quite a few times. If she could elaborate on the situation in Whale Cove, if she has any information, The Department of Health covers I would appreciate it. Thank you. emergency inter-faculty transfers, for example, a health care centre to a Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. medevac plane if an emergency service Minister Angnakak. is not available in the community, so then the health centre staff will transport Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. that client. Chairman. We are not aware of the situation in Whale Cove, but that is Non-emergency transportation to the something that we can check out. airport for approved medical travel is covered by NIHB as an insured service I just want to also mention that in the for eligible Nunavut Inuit in four city of Iqaluit or if you’re in Ottawa, or communities: Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, anywhere like that, you have to call an
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 465 ambulance. You have to find your own Mr. Main (interpretation): Yes, the ways. These are opportunities where the elders are worth supporting. If the elders community can come together and work centre is owned by the housing in partnership to provide a service like corporation, does that create a problem, that. (interpretation ends) yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For example, in Kugluktuk they have done that. If there is an emergency Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. situation, then the hamlet, I think, runs Minister Angnakak. that. They will go and get the patient, and then they bill back the federal Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. government. If it’s a non-emergency, Chairman. If you give me a second. then it’s the community itself that covers that cost. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, we haven’t had any problems so far. All the I just want to bring to everyone’s services that are provided are through a attention that nowhere else is that service contract, just like the other communities. provided. It’s not the mandate of Health Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to provide that kind of service. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Yes, I understand that now. Thank you. Indeed Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, I have heard from elders that this is a Mr. Chairman. From what I understand, problematic issue. The elders centre was the facility that houses the elders centre supposed to be renovated. I think last in Arviat is not owned by the year they were going to renovate it and it Department of Health. It’s owned by the was deferred until this summer based on Nunavut Housing Corporation. I would my understanding of the construction like to know if my understanding is schedule. Is the minister aware of this? correct and I want to ask if this is This is within the capital estimates, causing a problem. Thank you, Mr. which we are discussing, related to the Chairman. elders centre. (interpretation ends) In terms of the condition of the building Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. and whether that renovation is going to Minister Angnakak. be going ahead, does the minister have information to share? Thank you. Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is owned Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. and operated by the housing corporation. Minister Angnakak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. That building belongs to the Angnakak. Mr. Main. Nunavut Housing Corporation and we understand that there are renovations
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 466 that are going to be done. There are She mentioned earlier regarding elders monies that were approved last year. facilities that there may be a study or There was $1 million and that was going consideration given. I would just like to to be split between Arviat and the one confirm that that also applies to the here in Iqaluit. I’ll just read the briefing Arviat facility. Thank you, Mr. note. Chairman.
The renovations are planned for this Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. summer, 2018. Thank you, Mr. Minister Angnakak. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. We’re considering all elder Angnakak. Mr. Main. care centres that are in place now and possible new ones. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll continue talking about that elders Currently it costs us $13,500 per month centre until I’m blue in the face. Has the per bed in Arviat. Thank you, Mr. minister had any discussions with the Chairman. housing corporation in terms of transferring that asset over to the Chairman: Thank you, Minister Department of Health? Thank you, Mr. Angnakak. Mr. Main. Chairman. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. wonder if the minister would be able to Minister Angnakak. provide similar statistics for all the elders centres across Nunavut. Thank Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Yes, we have just started that. It’s very preliminary. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Chairman. Minister Angnakak.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Angnakak. Mr. Main, you have a minute Chairman. Yes, we could. Thank you. to turn blue. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Main. >>Laughter Mr. Main: Thank you. I have a few Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. more seconds here. Continuing with that facility, in terms of the cost per bed, I realize we’re talking With regard to the Kivalliq mental health about capital here, but what I would and addictions facility, which the really like to see in Arviat is an minister I believe the term was expansion to that facility because my “considering,” I wonder if the minister understanding is that it is undersized in can provide any further information on terms of the services that we could that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. provide.
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Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Chairman. Thank you. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Angnakak. Chairman. We’re currently in the preplanning stage. Thank you, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, there are ongoing discussions and I’m aware of Chairman: Thank you, Minister that. I know it has been a concern, but it Angnakak. Mr. Main. don’t really fall under the Department of Health. We’re more towards Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. preventative health. Are they looking at different communities as part of that? Thank you, There are four morgues and they are in Mr. Chairman. Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, Taloyoak, and Naujaat. There’s a morgue attached to Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. the health centre, but they’re very small Minister Angnakak. and it’s not convenient for those who want to see family members who have Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. passed away. With the staff in the centre Chairman. No, we’re just looking at with other duties, it becomes Rankin Inlet right now. Thank you, Mr. inconvenient timewise. We’re Chairman. considering that communities should be the ones responsible for that. Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Minister Mr. Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Main, your time has run out, so we will move on to the next Chairman: Thank you, Minister person on our list. Mr. Kaernerk. Angnakak. Mr. Kaernerk.
Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll try to stick to the you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. capital estimates. Also in your plans it says that the stretcher is in bad shape. Can you In your opening comments you indicate when this will be addressed? It mentioned lifecycle items and health says that here in the (interpretation ends) centres that require renovations. In Hall substantiation sheets. (interpretation) Beach the health centre is one of the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. older facilities. I want to ask a question that might not be under capital and it’s Chairman: Thank you. Minister regarding the hamlet and the Hall Beach Angnakak. coroner. It’s almost springtime and we don’t know when the next death is going Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. to occur. It has been a real concern in Chairman. I’m not sure if I understood early spring that there’s no morgue in the question. If I can get the member to Hall Beach. Can this be addressed? That repeat his question, then hopefully I will would be my first question, Mr. be able to give him an answer. Thank
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 468 you, Mr. Chairman. you could rephrase your question, please. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Kaernerk, if you could Mr. Kaernerk: Okay. rephrase or re-read your question, please. Thank you. >>Laughter
Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank What is the current operational staffing you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) status of the Qikiqtani General Hospital? In the substantiation sheet it says here Is it operational and, if it is not, what is that at the Hall Beach Health Centre, the issue that is affecting its operational their stretcher is in bad shape, so it’s in a status? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. high matter. Can the minister clarify Chairman. when this would be looked at? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kaernerk. Chairman. That is strictly an O&M question and I will not ask the minister to answer it at Chairman: Thank you. Minister this time. Do you have any other Angnakak. questions that are related to capital? Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You’re looking at last year’s Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Okay. stretcher, so it has already been bought I’ll switch to the community. This has and delivered. Thank you, Mr. been a problem. Yes, you told me it’s Chairman. under Community and Government Services. I don’t have any more Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kaernerk. questions, so I’ll stop there for now. I’m getting really warm. That’s it. Thank Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Oh, I you. see. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Moving on to a different subject, the people of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kaernerk. the Baffin go to the hospital here. The Trust me, we have all been there. I don’t doctors and nurses might be an O&M think there was any kind of question in matter. How is it running? Is it running there, so I will move on. Mr. Qirngnuq. properly? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kaernerk. you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to Minister Angnakak. welcome the minister and her officials.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. We’re under capital, so I will ask about Chairman. I do apologize, I did not capital. First of all, the health centre in understand his question. Can I ask the Kugaaruk is quite old. Are there any member to ask his question again? considerations in the future for that Thank you, Mr. Chairman. health centre? That’s my first question, if you understood it, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kaernerk, if Thank you.
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Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. government employees. What is the Minister Angnakak. lifecycle of these buildings or how many years does it take before plans are made Hon. Pat Angnakak: One minute, to renovate or replace these existing please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. buildings? Perhaps the minister can respond to my question. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What I’ll do Chairman. is I’ll read off the list and I’ll say where his health centre is at. We completed Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Arctic Bay last fall. We’re doing the Minister Angnakak. Sanikiluaq construction this summer. Cape Dorset we have in preplanning or Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. design. Qikiqtarjuaq will be next, Baker Chairman. Can the member elaborate Lake, Kugluktuk, and then Kugaaruk. further on which building he’s talking Thank you, Mr. Chairman. about? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq. Qirngnuq.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What year will we you, Mr. Chairman. Kugaaruk’s know about the Kugaaruk Health (interpretation ends) health centre Centre? Will it be renovated or will it be (interpretation) is what I was referring replaced with a new facility? I know it’s to, if you understand. Thank you, Mr. a two-part question, but if you can Chairman. respond to it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Minister Angnakak. Minister Angnakak. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): Chairman. We don’t have any Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It might be a information stating that it needs while yet. Health centres have to be renovations. It has never been raised. planned and sometimes you have to wait Thank you, Mr. Chairman. because construction projects cannot be done all at once. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq. you, Mr. Chairman. To move to another matter, when plans are made to begin Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank construction on any type of facility, it you, Mr. Chairman. The second question includes the interior furniture or I wish to raise relates to decentralized equipment requirements. Does the government buildings that are fairly minister know what the useful lifecycles large and are used to house specific are for the furniture or equipment
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 470 included in the facility? I imagine the What is the perception of the minister minister may be aware of the lifecycles related to the future as it relates to the or perhaps departmental officials have centre? I believe it was cited earlier on this information and can respond. I hope more than one occasion by my that was clear, Mr. Chairman. Thank colleagues. When would the health you. centre employees be able to get staff housing? I hope that I am clear in my Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. questioning and I would like the minister Minister Angnakak. to respond to my question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Pat Angnakak: If you would give me a minute, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Chairman. Minister Angnakak.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): correction from my last comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I completely Actually Kugaaruk is on the 2018-19 don’t understand the member’s question. list. For ongoing lifecycle, the health Perhaps I can ask him to rephrase his centre will be getting a mechanical and question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. electrical upgrade and also office space modification. Those are the two things Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. that are going on for the health centre. Qirngnuq.
In regard to his other question on the Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank process of how long it takes, it really is a you, Mr. Chairman. I was trying to CGS question, but it could take up to reference nurses specifically. I was eight years. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. mentioning nurses and hopefully someone can understand my wording. Chairman: Thank you, Minister The nurses are faced with limited office Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq, do you have space within the health centre as it any further questions? Go ahead. houses their sleeping quarters. When will they be able to get a staff unit that’s Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank not connected to the health centre? you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the When would you be able to consider minister’s response and I am thankful for that? I hope that was clearer, Mr. that. The underlying reason for my Chairman. Thank you. question about the health centre in Kugaaruk is because of the cramped Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. working space for the nurses. They have Minister Angnakak. limited office space with no elbow room to conduct their paperwork. In thinking Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. of that reality, I am asking about this Chairman. As I stated before, we have matter. Kugaaruk on the lifecycle list. There’s office space modification. This is to ease I want to move to another matter here the overcrowding in this health centre. that I also want to ask the minister about. They’re going to remove a wall between
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 471 the supervisor’s office and the front Part A, overview, page 1 of 5. office is required. There is work going (interpretation) I’m trying to get on towards office modification. I don’t clarification for the 2022-23 fiscal year. know anything about his other point of When can we expect to see some having offices outside of the health documentation in regard to that? I hope centre. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you can understand me, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Minister Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I understood Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. the minister’s response. That’s what my Chairman. If he’s referring to the Cape question was about. Dorset replacement health centre, by the time we go into 2022-23, the project is Moving on to another question on what’s completed. Of course there would be called in English the (interpretation nothing in those boxes. Thank you, Mr. ends) capital projects substantiation Chairman. sheet, (interpretation) looking at it, it lists (interpretation ends) preplanning, Chairman: Thank you, Minister planning, design, construction, and Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq, no more warranty. (interpretation) The figures are questions? Thank you. Moving on, Mr. written here starting from the 2018-19 Keyootak. fiscal year to the fiscal year 2022-23 for the five-year plan. When can we expect Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank to see those for 2022-23? That’s my last you, Mr. Chairman. Most of the question, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. questions I was going to ask have been posed, but I would just like to ask about Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. the Qikiqtarjuaq Health Centre that is Minister Angnakak. included in the plans. I didn’t quite understand when the design phase will Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. be started. Is it 2018 or 2019? Thank Chairman. Will the member please you, Mr. Chairman. clarify which project he’s talking about? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Keyootak. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Mr. Qirngnuq, if you could clarify, Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. please. Chairman. I’m just trying to find my notes. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The CGS facility planner visited Under the capital project substantiation Qikiqtarjuaq last summer in July and sheet, in Part C, capital cost, the diagram they researched the potential site of the on the preplanning, planning, design, new health centre. The design brief and construction, and warranty, it’s under the project business case are anticipated
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 472 to be completed by March of 2019. The This tells me funding for the Sanikiluaq earliest possible date that the new Health Centre project to proceed in community health centre could make it 2018-19 was approved by the Fourth into the capital plan for construction, Assembly in June of 2017. This project when they would start the construction, will require ongoing funding until at is 2020-21. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. least 2021. I’m wondering why this is not reflected in your five-year capital Chairman: Thank you, Minister plan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Angnakak. Mr. Keyootak. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Minister Angnakak. you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister for her explanation. Would that Hon. Pat Angnakak: I’m sorry. Can include the staff housing? According to you give me a minute, please, Mr. your plan, the study included the staff Chairman. housing during the construction of the health centre. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s not reflected right now because it was Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Keyootak. already approved. Thank you, Mr. Minister Angnakak. Chairman.
Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Chairman. If you just give me a minute. Ms. Towtongie.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, that’s Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. always our intention. When we build Chairman. The replacement health health centres, we do want to see centre in Cape Dorset is in the capital residences as part of the package. Thank project substantiation sheet if that had you, Mr. Chairman. already been approved and the estimated cost is $33.05 million. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Keyootak. No? You’re In saying that, there are three proposed done? Okay. Thank you. Moving on, cost-saving measures. Three projects: Ms. Towtongie. Artic Bay, Repulse Bay, and Taloyoak. It’s not clear whether the new health Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank centre projects being built are according you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) to a common design or if each project Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was looking will be tailored specifically to the through the substantiation sheets 1. I saw requirements of each community. May I one for Cape Dorset. However, the get an update as to what this design is? It 2018-2022 five-year capital plan was proposed by the Legislative reprioritized the Sanikiluaq Health Assembly that as a cost-saving measure, Centre Replacement Project to begin in the three projects would have a common 2017-18, ahead of the Cape Dorset design. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. project. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie.
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Minister Angnakak. move directly towards the analysis of whether or not any design modifications Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. are required for a specific location rather Chairman. The common design issue has than just starting at the design process been talked about and looked at. As from the very beginning. It is difficult to we’re building our new health centres, compare specific buildings for accrued like the one we just finished in Arctic savings given the unique environmental Bay and the one we have designed now and physical factors in construction, for Sanikiluaq, we’re always making square footage, and the types of services improvements. In the Cape Dorset one provided within. we’re happy to say that we really got the community involved in the design. The (interpretation) There are different clinical staff were also part of that factors and sometimes it’s really difficult design. Oh, that’s for the Sanikiluaq to find out how the common design design. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. helped. We are happy with the way it has been designed. Each time we build a Chairman: Thank you, Minister health centre, we learn something from Angnakak. Ms. Towtongie. it, including the one that was built in Arctic Bay and the one that is being built Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. in Sanikiluaq. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can she clarify to me why Chairman. she’s talking about Sanikiluaq? I’m talking about a common design. Is Chairman: Thank you, Minister Sanikiluaq tailored to the requirements Angnakak. Ms. Towtongie. of Sanikiluaq? What is the situation? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister, for your Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. response. Are there any other Minister Angnakak. communities that have been identified as requiring replacement, or renovated Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. health centres in the near future? If so, Chairman. I think I was referring to which communities? Looking through Sanikiluaq to give an example of how the capital substantiation sheets, I don’t we worked with a common design for see the community of Chesterfield Inlet their health centre and how we have often. I’m just wondering which other learned from every health centre. We’re communities we will have. Thank you, starting to learn what works and what Mr. Chairman. That’s the end of my doesn’t, and it takes time to do that. We questions. (interpretation) Thank you. think that we’re really getting close to a really good common design. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Minister Angnakak. We support the use of common building design in the planning and design phase. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Obviously having the common building Chairman. To answer the member’s design for a new health centres saves question: Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, time because it allows the project to Qikiqtarjuaq, and then others further on
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 474 down. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. am I supposed to tell my constituents? I’m frustrated with this. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Angnakak. Mr. Main, this is your second An Hon. Member: Agreed. go-around. I’m going to limit you to maybe three questions. If you decide to Mr. Main: I’m very frustrated. ask all three questions in one, so be it. Mr. Main. As recent as 2016, the then Minister of Health, Paul Okalik at the time, Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. mentioned that an addictions treatment Three questions, okay. centre should be located in a smaller community, somewhere where the I’ll just continue my line of questioning language is strong, where the culture is on the Kivalliq mental health and strong. That seems to indicate to me at addictions facility. The minister some point that there was a possibility to indicated that the decision has already locate an addictions centre outside of a been made to locate that facility in regional centre. Rankin Inlet. I wonder if the minister can explain the decision-making I’m just going to reiterate myself: how methodology behind that. Thank you. was this decision arrived at and what was the decision based on? Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Mr. Chairman. Minister Angnakak. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Minister Angnakak. Chairman. It’s a regional hub and there is a health centre there. It makes sense to Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I hear you, but this decision was made by the previous government. Chairman: Thank you, Minister It’s not for me to say why or what. The Angnakak. Mr. Main. other thing too about having an addictions centre is there is a benefit for Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I having an addictions centre near where understand it’s a regional hub, but at the there is a hospital, where there are end of the day, at some point we have to doctors. Maybe that was also taken into invest in communities outside of the consideration. We had other people in regional hub. roles last term that made some of these decisions. An Hon. Member: Agreed. That’s not to say that you’re not going to Mr. Main: I’m not sure what I’m get one. It’s not to say that we’re not supposed to tell my constituents. Am I going to build an addictions centre supposed to advise my constituents, somewhere else in Nunavut. This is the “Well, we’re not going to be getting any current plan right now. It doesn’t mean kind of infrastructure investment that other people aren’t going to get one. because we’re not a regional hub”? What You’ve got to have an open mind too
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 475 here. I think we’re all trying to do what good debate on this particular budget we can with what we have. I guess the item and I think it’s time to move on to a last government felt that this one should different line item. be placed in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With that, we are currently on H-3. Health. Directorate. Total Capital Chairman: Thank you, Minister Expenditures. $6,500,000. Agreed? Angnakak. Mr. Main. Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have an open mind. I have an open Chairman: Thank you. Go to page H-2. mind when it comes to the Kivalliq Health. Total Capital Expenditures. boarding home, which would be located $6,500,000. Agreed? in Rankin Inlet. I have a very open mind when it comes to regional infrastructure Some Members: Agreed. to be built in a regional centre, but I would assume that the opposite would be Chairman: Thank you. Do members true, that the government would have an agree that we have concluded the open mind to placing infrastructure Department of Health? outside of the regional centre. It’s very frustrating. Some Members: Agreed.
Just as a final question on this, I’ll just Chairman: Thank you. Minister ask for clarification in terms of what Angnakak, do you have any closing stage the planning is at for the Kivalliq comments? Go ahead. mental health and addictions facility. Is it in preplanning? Where is it at? Thank Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. No more further Chairman. I would just like to thank questions allowed by you, Mr. everybody here for the opportunity to Chairman. present our budget.
>>Laughter I would like to thank my staff who are my rock. They’re the ones that can help Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. me do my job and learn my job. It was a Minister Angnakak. good experience for me. Thank you and thanks for your patience. Thank you Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. very much, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. The project is at the preplanning stage. Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman. Angnakak. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you and your staff Chairman: Thank you, Minister for being here today to answer questions. Angnakak. Not meaning to cut anybody off if it’s a good line of questioning, but Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could please we have been debating this topic now for escort the witnesses out. the last three hours. I think we’ve had a
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Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, families. These funds are critical in No. 2, 2018-2019 – Family Services improving the efficiency and – Consideration in Committee effectiveness of program service delivery in communities across Nunavut. Thank you. We’re going to move on to the next department, which is Family Mr. Chairman, the department’s request Services. I will ask the Minister of of $3,440,000 in capital funding for Family Services if he has any opening fiscal year 2018-19 will facilitate the comments. Mr. Savikataaq. delivery of quality services to Nunavummiut. I look forward to your Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. ongoing support as we work to better Chairman. Yes, I do. serve communities across the territory.
Chairman: Please go ahead. Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments on the proposed Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Mr. Chairman 2018-19 Capital Estimates of the and hon. members of the standing Department of Family Services. I committee, I am pleased to be here today welcome any questions or comments to present the 2018-19 Department of that members may have as we proceed. Family Services’ capital estimates. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Department of Family Services is Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. requesting a total of $3,440,000 in Does a member of the regular caucus capital funding for the year of 2018-19. have opening comments? Ms. Of this request, $1,640,000 is for the Kamingoak. continued development of the case management system for the Children and Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Family Services Division, which will Chairman. I am pleased to provide assist frontline staff in making more opening comments on behalf of the informed case management decisions, Regular Members’ Caucus as the ultimately improving the quality of Committee of the Whole begins its service provided to Nunavummiut. The consideration of the proposed 2018-19 remaining $1.8 million is for small Capital Estimates of the Department of capital requirements, such as office Family Services. space renovations and tenant improvements, vehicle replacements, Mr. Chairman, the Department of and regular replacements of furniture Family Services’ proposed capital and equipment. budget for 2018-19 includes two projects: the final year of funding for a These capital funds will allow the newly developed case management Department of Family Services to better system for the department’s Children support its staff in the delivery of critical and Family Services Branch and the services at the community level, ongoing small capital budget for including the provision of income upgrades and repairs of facilities and assistance, labour market programs, and equipment. support services for children, youth, and
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Mr. Chairman, members were Mr. Chairman, the Department of disappointed to note that the Family Services’ proposed 2018-19 department’s five-year capital plan does capital estimates include $1.8 million for not address any future infrastructure small capital projects, including repairs, needs for community-based children’s renovations, and replacement of group homes or facilities in Nunavut. equipment at facilities. Members Several members have raised concerns appreciate receiving information from regarding the lack of foster parents the minister on those facilities which fall across Nunavut’s communities as well as under the jurisdiction of the Department the heavy burden placed on those foster of Family Services, including details on parents who do provide this much- caseloads, the number of beds, and type needed service. of client.
During the in-camera discussion with the Mr. Chairman, the Department of minister to discuss his draft capital Family Services’ proposed 2018-19 estimates, members were given to capital estimates include $1.64 million to understand that there is a commitment continue to implement an electronic case across Canada, in partnership with management system for the department’s indigenous organizations and leaders, to Children and Family Services Division. move away from providing residential Members note that the need for such a care systems for youth, in particular system was identified in the Auditor indigenous youth. General of Canada’s 2011 and 2014 reports on child and family services in While members are in wholehearted Nunavut and commends the department support of all intents and measures to on its efforts to address the Auditor provide greater preventative supports General’s recommendations in this area. and guidance for parents and families The committee notes further that this is a and to address the underlying root causes three-year project with an overall cost of which lead to children being placed in close to $5.4 million and looks forward care, many members remain of the view to regular updates on its implementation that Nunavut must make more effort to and rollout across the communities. keep children who are taken into care within the territory. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed It has been noted that far too many 2018-19 Capital Estimates of the Nunavut children are currently being Department of Family Services. placed in foster care and most often in Individual [members] may have residential foster care outside of the questions and comments as we proceed. territory and away from their culture, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. language, and families. Members encourage the minister and his staff to Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. take a more proactive role in planning I will now ask Mr. Savikataaq if he has for a future where Nunavut children do any witnesses that he would like to bring not have to leave the territory to receive to the table, or would he like to work care. alone today? Mr. Savikataaq.
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Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Chairman. I don’t want to be lonely, so I Minister Savikataaq. would like my staff to come with me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All government facilities are Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. inspected by the appropriate inspectors; Does the committee agree to let his staff you have the fire inspectors, the health members enter the Chambers? and safety inspectors. It is just part of not so much our department but other Some Members: Agreed. departments to check that they are in safe building conditions. If there are any Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- issues with it, then we deal with the Arms, if you could escort the witnesses issues. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. in, please. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Thank you. For the record, Mr. Ms. Towtongie. Savikataaq, if you could introduce your witnesses, please. Ms. Towtongie: Looking at the draft capital estimates, it indicates that a Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. number of facilities under the Chairman. To my right is the DM, jurisdiction of your department require Yvonne Niego, and to my left is the renovations and upgrading. I’m acting ADM, Sol Vardy. Thank you, Mr. wondering how these needs are Chairman. prioritized because, in asking the first question, the estimates describe the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. condition of a number of these different Welcome, Ms. Niego and Ms. Vardy. facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I will now ask members if there are any Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. general comments. If there is not, we Minister Savikataaq. will move on. We are doing Family Services. Corporate Management. Total Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Capital Expenditures. $3,444,000. I said Chairman. Any facility that’s inspected the number wrong? $3,440,000. Ms. and fails, then we would go on fixing the Towtongie. part of the inspection that has failed. Health and safety issues would be right Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. on the top issues. Functionality would be Chairman. My question to the minister… another. I don’t have it in front of me, . Thank you, minister. Under the but just common sense in terms of there jurisdiction of your department are are regulations or standards that you group homes in Chesterfield Inlet, have to abide by and there are others that Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, and Rankin just make the place run smoother and Inlet. I’m wondering how your better. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. department ensures that these facilities are safe and secure for residents. Thank Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Towtongie.
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Ms. Towtongie: Does that mean your agree that we have concluded the department identified any need to build Department of Family Services? new facilities during the period covered by the five-year capital plan? It does Some Members: Agreed. include that your draft capital plan is an increase to $1.8 million, but that’s for Chairman: Thank you. Minister small capital projects. I’m just curious Savikataaq, any closing comments? about that, Mr. Chairman. That’s my final question. Thank you, sir. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank all the members for Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. their time and their tough questions. It’s I would like to remind you that you have good to be last late in the evening, I to address the Chair before you start guess. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. your question and again when you finish your question. Thank you. Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Savikataaq. On behalf of the committee, I thank you for answering the questions. You didn’t Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. need your staff after all. I hope you all Chairman. I don’t fully understand the have a good day. connection between inspecting the buildings and then planning for a new Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort the facility, but the closest to answering that witnesses out, please. I could be is if a facility was inspected and the repairs were more than replacing Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, it, then we would start the process of No. 2, 2018-2019 – Environment – replacing it. Consideration in Committee
As for the $1.8 million, it’s all for small Thank you for your patience. We are capital for minor repairs of renovation, now moving on to the Department of buying mobile equipment, and buying Environment. Before we begin, I will furniture. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. ask Ms. Sheutiapik if she has opening comments that she would like to do at Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. this moment. Ms. Sheutiapik. We are on Family Services. Corporate Management. Total Capital Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Yes. Thank Expenditures. $3,440,000. Agreed? you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman and members, I am pleased to be here again Some Members: Agreed. today, this time, to introduce the Department of Environment’s capital Chairman: Thank you. Go to page D-2. plan for the 2018-19 fiscal year. For this Family Services. Total Capital fiscal period, the Department of Expenditures. $3,440,000. Agreed? Environment is proposing a capital budget of $2.25 million. This Some Members: Agreed. expenditure will permit the department to concentrate on two program areas: Chairman: Thank you. Do members wildlife management and parks and
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 480 special places. Arviat. We will complete land surveys for the campground territorial parks: Within our Wildlife Management Tupirvik in Resolute Bay, Tamaarvik in Division, we will be spending $370,000 Pond Inlet, Pisuktinu Tunngavik in on the replacement of old mobile Pangnirtung, and Inuujaarvik in Baker equipment. This equipment is used for Lake. patrols to ensure compliance with Nunavut Wildlife Regulations, to assist It is also our intention to continue to in search and rescue where appropriate, monitor and maintain infrastructure in and to support wildlife research all of our territorial parks and activities. [campgrounds] throughout Nunavut.
The Wildlife Management Division will In closing, the Department of also be spending $750,000 on wildlife Environment’s capital plan is focused in office maintenance projects to [create] the areas that clearly support the needs safe and good working environments in and priorities of Nunavummiut. which staff can deliver the department’s (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. mandates and programs. The wildlife Chairman. office renovation budget for 2018-19 will be committed to renovations to the Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. Arctic Bay and Gjoa Haven wildlife Does a member of the Regular offices. Members’ Caucus have opening comments? Mr. Qirngnuq. Mr. Chairman, our territorial parks and special places have an important role in Mr. Qirngnuq: I do. Thank you, Mr. the protection and promotion of Chairman. Nunavut’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage, and they provide Chairman: Go ahead. positive recreation and tourism services to meet the needs of Nunavummiut and Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. our visitors. Chairman. I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the In keeping with the Umbrella Inuit Standing Committee on Community and Impact and Benefits Agreement for Economic Development as the Territorial Parks, we will commence the Committee of the Whole begins its implementation of the recently consideration of the Department of completed infrastructure planning for the Environment’s proposed 2018-19 capital Kugluk Territorial Park in Kugluktuk estimates. Members note that the and Ovayok Territorial Park in department’s proposed capital budget for Cambridge Bay, as well as for the new the 2018-19 fiscal year is $2.25 million. park in Sanikiluaq, Kinngaaluk. We will The department’s capital budget for the also commence the infrastructure 2017-18 fiscal year was $2 million. planning for Sylvia Grinnell/Qaummaarviit in Iqaluit, Mr. Chairman, the department’s Katannilik in Kimmirut, Iqalugaarjuup proposed 2018-19 capital estimates Nunanga in Rankin Inlet, and Nuvuk in include $750,000 to undertake wildlife
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 481 office renovations in various the minister’s recent appearance, communities and $1.5 million for the members raised concerns regarding the department’s small capital projects. manner in which the department allocates this funding. Mr. Chairman, during its fall 2015 sitting, the previous Legislative The standing committee encourages the Assembly approved $1.2 million for the department to provide a detailed list of Resolute Bay wildlife office replacement the specific mobile equipment that it project. However, in his January 21, plans to purchase each fiscal year. The 2016 correspondence, the minister of the standing committee also strongly day informed the standing committee encourages the minister to begin the that the department had decided to practice of providing a detailed renovate rather than replace the existing breakdown of its small capital wildlife office in Resolute Bay. expenditures after the end of each fiscal However, during her recent appearance year. before the standing committee, the minister indicated that the department Mr. Chairman, that concludes my has yet to begin the construction phase opening comments on the proposed of these renovations. The standing 2018-19 Capital Estimates of the committee notes with concern that the Department of Environment. department has yet to reach the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. construction phase of this project more Chairman. than two years after receiving approved capital funding. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. I will now ask the minister if she has any Mr. Chairman, the department has witnesses that she would like to appear previously indicated that it planned to at the witness table with her. Ms. replace all 25 wildlife offices in Nunavut Sheutiapik. communities over a 26-year period. During her recent appearance before the Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Yes, please, standing committee, the minister Mr. Chairman. indicated that this project is currently on hold indefinitely due to the costs of Chairman: Thank you. Do members replacing wildlife offices. The standing agree to have the witnesses enter the committee encourages the minister to Chambers? provide ongoing updates on the status of this project. Some Members: Agreed.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- proposed 2018-19 small capital budget Arms, if you could escort the witness to includes funding for the replacement of the table, please. mobile equipment and the development of infrastructure in territorial parks, For the record, Minister Sheutiapik, if including $320,000 to replace its office’s you could please introduce your witness. mobile equipment in a number of communities across the territory. During
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Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman, I welcome my Deputy Sheutiapik. Ms. Towtongie. No? Okay. Minister, Paul Suvega. Qujannamiik, Thank you. Mr. Netser. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I Welcome, Mr. Suvega. have just one question here on the minister’s… . First of all, welcome. I will now ask the committee if there are (interpretation) Mr. Suvega, welcome. any general comments. There being no general comments. Moving on to (interpretation ends) In the minister’s questions. We’re at the Department of opening comments on page 1 of 3, the Environment. Program Management. third paragraph, she’s investing Total Expenditures. $2,250,000. Ms. “$337,000 on the replacement of old Towtongie. mobile equipment. This equipment is used for patrols to ensure compliance Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. with Nunavut Wildlife Regulations, to Chairman. I was currently in assist in search and rescue where Chesterfield Inlet where I noticed the appropriate…” wildlife officer using his own vehicle to do polar bear within the community and My question to that is: does the a lot of polar bears were going into the department anticipate searching for lost community of Chesterfield Inlet, animals or wildlife out there? Is that why including in and around the school and it’s there? (interpretation) Thank you, the hotel. Mr. Chairman.
I noticed the department’s 2018-19 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. capital estimates include $1.5 million for Minister Sheutiapik. small capital projects. Information provided by your department indicates Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik that it plans to use approximately (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. $320,000 of this funding to purchase Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through new mobile equipment. Can you list the you, Paul is going to answer that, the specific vehicles that your department deputy minister. (interpretation) Thank plans to purchase during the 2018-19 you, Mr. Chairman. fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sometimes we are asked Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik to assist with search and rescue and we (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. try to be available at any time to search Chairman. (interpretation ends) Our for people. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. department is currently working with CGS to compile our list. (interpretation) Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Netser.
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Mr. Netser: Thank you. What a relief. I Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. thought maybe the department would be searching for the lost polar bear that Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik went down to Timbuktu or caribou that (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. ended up down in, I don’t know, maybe Chairman. I apologize for not speaking Vancouver. That was just a comment. (interpretation ends) to your statement (interpretation) That’s it. on the wish for a plant. I certainly made a note of it earlier. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Mr. Mikkungwak. On the rest of the question on contaminants, through you Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, the deputy minister is going Chairman. Welcome to the minister and to (interpretation) answer. Thank you. the official. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik There are no current planned capital (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. expenditures around environmental Chairman. (interpretation ends) The protection for things like gathering Department of Environment has not contaminated soils, for example, but we heard either. (interpretation) Thank you, do try to proactively work with other GN Mr. Chairman. departments and agencies throughout Nunavut to proactively, again, try to Chairman: Thank you, Minister address any spills, mitigate the spills and Sheutiapik. Mr. Mikkungwak. any contamination when they do become known. We also try to work with federal Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. departments and agencies to mitigate Chairman. The Baker Lake HTO has any impacts around contamination been looking into this avenue for quite and/or spills. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. some time. Maybe that can be discussed with the Minister of ED&T in the near Chairman: Thank you. I would like to future. remind members to put their phones on silent mode, please, so as not to interrupt Moving on, on here you also indicate on the proceedings. Mr. Mikkungwak. I-3, Environmental Protection. Are there any capital investments regarding Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. contaminated soil and is that with the Chairman. In your Program Department of Environment if there is Management Branch summary, I just contaminated soil that needs to be want to get a clarification here. “This contained somewhere outside of the support is available to people, community and needs to be land farmed? stakeholder organizations, and the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. private sector.” How is the private sector connected to the Department of Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Environment? Thank you, Mr.
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Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the response. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik With that response, does the NNI Policy (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. also adhere? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. (interpretation ends) There are private companies like Nunavut Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Excavating as an example. Mikkungwak. The NNI Policy is not a (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. capital project, but if the minister wants Chairman. to reply. Minister Sheutiapik.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mikkungwak. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you. Can the you, Paul is going to answer that one. minister elaborate on Nunavut (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Excavating? Is that excavating Chairman. contaminated soil or land farming or… ? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mikkungwak. Minister Sheutiapik. If and when possible, we do try to utilize companies, northern companies Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik especially. A lot of the work tends to be (interpretation): I apologize, Mr. specialized and can only be done by Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through certain companies depending on the you, Mr. Chairman, my DM is going to activity taking place. Thank you, Mr. answer that. (interpretation) Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): The minister did just provide one brief Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. example. These companies typically Moving on to fisheries, I know that the have to be specialized in environmental communities have different kinds of fish. remediation. Their staff have to be For example, Pangnirtung has benefited trained and certain safeguards have to be obviously. Outside of Baker Lake they taken if they’re remediating something had done studies where fisheries can be that is contaminated. The private sector developed. Is it a major or minor capital generally applies to everybody. They plan? Has it been considered all across would have to have certain Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. specifications that they meet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr.
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Mikkungwak. Ms. Sheutiapik. that sense. Many people help during hard times and that’s how we are too. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time they’re not there. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sheutiapik. Ms. Nakashuk.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Akoak. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, minister (interpretation ends) and Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. official. (interpretation) You said that Good evening, minister and staff. you will be spending $370,000 on the (interpretation ends) replacement of old In line with my colleague Mr. Netser’s mobile equipment. (interpretation) It’s line of questioning on the search and hard to tell which communities would be rescue, are you saying that you’re able to receiving the equipment. How do you lend out the equipment to the search and prioritize the replacement of old mobile rescue committee? Thank you, Mr. equipment? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Akoak. Minister Sheutiapik. Minister Sheutiapik. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can respond, but they use up Chairman. The staff uses the equipment the whole line item to replace the mobile for their job and sometimes when they equipment and it’s based on the need to provide assistance to search and lifecycle. We use that procedure. Thank rescue, they do use the equipment for you, Mr. Chairman. that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you, Minister Sheutiapik. Ms. Nakashuk. Sheutiapik. Mr. Akoak. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Akoak: Just a clarification, your you, Mr. Chairman. Some members staff has to participate in the search and asked about search and rescue and that rescue exercise. Thank you, Mr. the wildlife officers can make Chairman. That’s it. themselves available to help with the search and rescue. There are times when Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Sheutiapik. some communities don’t have wildlife officers. What would occur when there’s Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik an emergency case for search and rescue (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. if there are no wildlife officers in the Chairman. It’s evident when there’s a community? That’s it. Thank you. person lost out in the smaller communities, many people provide Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. assistance and we are quite unique in Minister Sheutiapik.
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Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik right now. I can say that they can review (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. as to whether the department takes care Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through of that or if other entities are responsible you, the deputy minister is going to for that, but I can give you a list. Thank answer that question. (interpretation) you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Sheutiapik. Mr. Main.
Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When there are Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. emergencies such as search and rescue, We regularly work on Nunavut parks. If it’s very difficult because only the the Department of Environment gets one employees can use the equipment. of their employees to deal with that, I Sometimes we work together with other think that they can save costs. This is entities, such as the RCMP, and if we just a comment. know any other entities that are in the community or federal officials, we can For the (interpretation ends) Arviat also work with them. Thank you, Mr. Territorial Park Development, Chairman. (interpretation) it was $150,000 in 2017- 18. Have these funds been expended Chairman: Thank you, Suvega. Ms. already? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Nakashuk. No? You’re done? Okay. Thank you. Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome back, minister and Pauloosie, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation) welcome. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a minute. (interpretation ends) I just have a couple of questions. On the small capital, (interpretation ends) The Government of looking across the territory, there is a lot Nunavut’s Department of Environment of park development. I’m just wondering Parks and Special Places Division, your how much of this work is done by question is, working closely with contractors and how much is done in- stakeholders in the community, a house in just looking at these projects. location was identified and NP&SP has Thank you, Mr. Chairman. initiated the establishment of a community joint management and Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. planning committee which will lead to Minister Sheutiapik. the development of park master plans and management plans that will guide Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik the park establishment and development (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. process. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It varies. As he said, there are Chairman. various parks in Nunavut that are managed. I can’t respond to the question Chairman: Thank you, Minister
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Sheutiapik. Mr. Main. over to the next one. Again, it’s also dependent on working together with the Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, community joint management planning Mr. Chairman. Was the $150,000 committee. (interpretation) Thank you, expended? (interpretation ends) Was the Mr. Chairman. money spent? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Main. Minister Sheutiapik, he’s asking how that money was spent. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No further questions. I just wanted to Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik: Sorry, clarify that and I hope that any monies clarify, Mr. Chairman. that were committed to that project stay committed to that project. Thank you, Chairman: Thank you. He asked how Mr. Chairman. the $150,000 was spent to date. I think that was the question you were getting Chairman: Thank you. It’s just a at. Mr. Main, if you want to clarify. comment. Mr. Qirngnuq.
Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Yes, was the money spent and how? you, Mr. Chairman. I have one question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In my other constituency community of Taloyoak, the municipal landfill was Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. remediated in 2015, but there is no fence Minister Sheutiapik. and the garbage is flying all over the place. Would they approach the Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Department of Environment or would (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. they have to go somewhere else to get Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through support to build a fence around their you, our deputy minister is going to landfill? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. respond to that. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. Minister Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. If there had been any previous Chairman. (interpretation ends) Landfill expenditures, a lot of it is around responsibility is under CGS, so I would planning and working with the imagine that they would be installing a community joint management planning fence around landfills. (interpretation) committee in accordance with the Inuit Thank you, Mr. Chairman. impact and benefits agreements. Any remaining activities sometimes require Chairman: Thank you, Minister review and approval first. Depending on Sheutiapik. Mr. Lightstone, you had a the fiscal year, if something was left question? over in a previous fiscal year, it’s moved
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Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. I would like to ask this question: do you Chairman. I do have one question, but have any plans to renovate the visitor before I get into that, I just want to say a centres’ elder rooms? They have been brief comment. I really do enjoy what saying that the Angmarlik Visitor Centre the Department of Environment has elder room needs to be renovated so that done with the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial they can use it to provide training and be Park. It has really come a long way in more community friendly. Thank you, the last 10 years or so and I’m really Mr. Chairman. looking forward to seeing what it will be like in another 10 years from now. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister Sheutiapik. I noticed a few times in the substantiation sheet the mention of the Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik proposed master and management plan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. for the park. I was wondering if the Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through minister would be able to share those or you, my deputy minister is going to just Sylvia Grinnell’s. Thank you, Mr. answer that question. (interpretation) Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Working with the local Chairman. (interpretation ends) For committee, we would identify these parks, the deputy minister had everything that we make plans on. mentioned that there is a working group Everything that is for public use that is involved in these parks. Through them, identified by the local committee is what through discussion, we gladly share each we rely upon for making and appropriate community the plans once implementing the plans. Thank you, Mr. it’s approved through this working Chairman. group. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Ms. Nakashuk. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Sheutiapik. Ms. Nakashuk. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you. I completely understand that. The Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank community has to make the proposal for you. The (interpretation ends) capital an upgrade to a present facility. Thank projects substantiation sheet, park you, Mr. Chairman. centres, on page 5 (interpretation) it states that some tourist destinations are Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. inhabited by elders. I also know it is the Minister Sheutiapik. same in Pangnirtung and I know when we were in Pond Inlet there were elders Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik there too. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.
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Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through fiscal year. Can you clarify what your you, the deputy minister is going to department’s current plans are for answer that question. (interpretation) replacing the aging wildlife offices in Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If the proposal comes Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik from the community, sometimes we (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. can’t provide the funds right away. We Chairman. Right now I can say that in have to work with the Department of 2017-18 it would be (interpretation ends) Economic Development and Gjoa Haven renovations. (interpretation) Transportation to do those things. In the Kivalliq right now we are leasing However, we’re trying to work with (interpretation ends) Arviat, Rankin committees that have been created in the Inlet, and Baker Lake. (interpretation) In communities. We try to follow the the Baffin region (interpretation ends) priorities that they set. Thank you, Mr. we know that Arctic Bay is poor and Chairman. needs replacement. Plans for renovations are for 2019-2020. Clyde River Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Nakashuk. renovation was completed in 2015. Pangnirtung was replaced in 2015. Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank Resolute Bay, a renovation had been you for explaining that. I thought it planned for 2016-17. Ongoing would be a different department. I renovations are for 2018-19. figured it would come from (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Economic Chairman. Development, (interpretation) but the visitor centres are under the Department Chairman: Thank you, minister. Ms. of Environment. That’s why I asked the Kamingoak. question. Elders occupy part of the visitor centre in Pangnirtung. Thank you Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. for answering the questions. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you for that answer. Mr. Chairman. Can she inform me when or where the Kugluktuk wildlife office is standing? Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Kamingoak. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. As I stated yesterday, we do not refer to Chairman. The department of wildlife fellow members as he or she. Please has previously indicated that it would refer to them properly. Ms. Sheutiapik. replace one wildlife office in Nunavut each year according to a 26-year cycle. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik However, your department has not (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. allocated funding to a wildlife office Chairman. (interpretation ends) Our replacement project since the 2014-15 department is currently working with
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CGS on our capital planning for our Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank building replacements. (interpretation) you, Mr. Chairman. Let me try again. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to you and your deputy minister. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Kamingoak. You stated earlier that the $370,000 is Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. for, I believe, purchasing boats and other Chairman. Have you considered the equipment. Which communities will be wildlife office in Kugluktuk in any time getting that equipment? Thank you, Mr. in the near future? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kaernerk. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Kamingoak. Minister Sheutiapik. Minister Sheutiapik. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I do Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through believe I had answered that question. you, the deputy minister is going to (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. answer that one. (interpretation) Thank Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Ms. Sheutiapik, please.
Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik As the minister mentioned, we work (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. with Community and Government Chairman. (interpretation ends) That Services as well as other departments as response was that we’re currently we try to prepare potential future capital working with CGS and setting priorities projects. It’s difficult at the best of times for the purchases. (interpretation) Thank to try to conduct these assessments you, Mr. Chairman. regularly when you have many competing projects throughout the Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Kaernerk. territory. Kugluktuk is no exception. We try to do a general assessment regularly Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): If you’re working in partnership with Community going to be purchasing that equipment, and Government Services. We try to when will the old equipment be made prioritize especially the older buildings, available for bidding in the anything above 20 years. That’s about communities? Thank you, Mr. the best assessment that we can do at the Chairman. That is my final question. moment given the multiple competing priorities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Sheutiapik.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Kaernerk. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When we’re going to
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 491 purchase new assets, it has to be down south, Mr. Chairman? Thank you. approved by this House first. (interpretation ends) Before they’re Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. It’s decided on where they’re going to go, I my understanding that when items are do believe there is a process when placed in a dump, it becomes the you’re dealing with end-of-life vehicles municipality’s responsibility. Ms. within a department. (interpretation) Sheutiapik. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Chairman: Thank you, Minister (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Sheutiapik. Mr. Netser. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Yes, that’s a municipal responsibility. I know Mr. Netser: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, there are different communities that have for getting back to me. I just have a done it. Iqaluit is an example. I know couple of quick questions. one year Mittimatalik is in the process of organizing their metal. It’s not just I note (interpretation) here in Coral vehicles but any metals. That’s a Harbour, (interpretation ends) Fossil municipal responsibility. (interpretation) Creek, there is one for 2017-18 for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. $20,000 and another one for 2018-19 for $10,000. Could the department give Chairman: Thank you, minister. Mr. details on how and what this money was Netser. used for? (interpretation) Thank you. Mr. Netser: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. That brings up the question: have the Minister Sheutiapik. hamlets that do that come to the department for assistance in terms of Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik maybe sending them down south to the (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. junkyard or metal depot or whatever Chairman. It was for a (interpretation they are? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. ends) grader. (interpretation) Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Netser. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Minister Sheutiapik. Sheutiapik. Mr. Netser. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mr. Netser: I thank you for that. (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Through (interpretation ends) My next question is you, I’ll have the deputy minister (interpretation) old vehicles, such as respond to that. (interpretation) Thank ATVs, cars, and skidoos, and old scrap you, Mr. Chairman. metal are becoming very unsightly. I know they’re at the dump, but the pile is Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. getting bigger and bigger all the time. Has there been any consideration given Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, to see if they can be shipped by sealift Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends)
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Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Expenditures. $2.25 million. Agreed? (interpretation) Even if it isn’t identified in the capital estimates, sometimes we Some Members: Agreed. partner with other departments to include that. It has been done like that in Chairman: Do members agree that we the past. Sometimes there has been have concluded the Department of funding from the federal government. Environment? Yes, we have been able to do that to this day, even though we haven’t received Some Members: Agreed. new funding for that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Does the Minister of Environment have any Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. closing comments? Ms. Sheutiapik. Keyootak. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Some of my Chairman. (interpretation ends) I must questions were already responded to, so say that Paul has been a savior for me I just have a short one. If I am out of because this is a new territory for me. I order, please tell me. really appreciate the help he has given me. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. We are all aware that many communities Chairman. have experienced damages caused by wildlife and there is money available for Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Sheutiapik. that. Has the funding that was made On behalf of the committee, I thank you available for wildlife damage been and Mr. Suvega for your time here today depleted this year for things like skidoos and answering questions. or cabins? Has the budget been spent already? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Keyootak. That is an O&M question, so I will rule Considering that we have completed that out of order for now. Do you have what the committee wanted to do today, any other questions that you would like I will now recognize the clock and rise to ask? Mr. Keyootak, are you done? to report progress to the Speaker. Thank Okay. Thank you. you.
We are with the Department of >>Applause Environment. Program Management. Total Capital Expenditures. $2,250,000. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Agreed? Sergeant-at-Arms. Going back to the orders of the day. Report of the Some Members: Agreed. Committee of the Whole. Mr. Rumbolt.
Chairman: Thank you. Go to page I-2. Environment. Total Capital
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Item 20: Report of the Committee of 10. Petitions the Whole 11. Responses to Petitions
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 12. Reports of Standing and Special Your committee has been considering Committees on Bills and Other Bill 1 and would like to report progress. And, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Matters Report of the Committee of the Whole 13. Tabling of Documents be agreed to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 14. Notices of Motions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 15. Notices of Motions for First There is a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Reading of Bills The motion is in order. All those in 16. Motions favour of the motion, please raise your hand. Thank you. All those opposed. 17. First Reading of Bills Thank you. The motion is carried. 18. Second Reading of Bills
Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. 19. Consideration in Committee of Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) the Whole of Bills and Other Mr. Clerk. Matters Item 22: Orders of the Day
Bill 1 Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Bill 2 Speaker. Just a reminder that there’s a meeting of the Full Caucus tomorrow at Bill 3 eleven o’clock in the Nanuq Committee Bill 4 Room. 20. Report of the Committee of the Orders of the Day for March 15: Whole
1. Prayer 21. Third Reading of Bills 2. Ministers’ Statements 22. Orders of the Day 3. Members’ Statements Thank you.
4. Returns to Oral Questions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 5. Recognition of Visitors in the This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 15, at 1:30 p.m. Gallery 6. Oral Questions Sergeant-at-Arms.
7. Written Questions >>House adjourned at 20:20 8. Returns to Written Questions 9. Replies to Opening Address