Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF

2nd Session 4th Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 3

Friday, May 23, 2014

Pages 58 – 81

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Steve Mapsalak Allan Rumbolt (Gjoa Haven) (Aivilik) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Johnny Mike Alex Sammurtok (Pangnirtung) (Rankin Inlet South) Pat Angnakak Minister of Environment (-Niaqunnguu) Hon. Tom Sammurtok Simeon Mikkungwak (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Hon. Monica Ell (Baker Lake) Inlet) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Minister of Community and Deputy Premier; Minister of Health Government Services Samuel Nuqingaq Joe Enook (Uqqummiut) Joe Savikataaq (Tununiq) (Arviat South) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Hon. Paul Okalik Committee of the Whole (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Isaac Shooyook (Quttiktuq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister

George Hickes of Justice; Minister of Languages; Minister Hon. Peter Taptuna (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) responsible for Immigration; Minister (Kugluktuk) responsible for Labour; Minister David Joanasie responsible for the Qulliq Energy Premier; Minister of Executive and (South Baffin) Corporation Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Hon. George Kuksuk Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for the Utility (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Cambridge Bay) Rates Review Council Minister of Economic Development Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial and Transportation; Minister of Management Board; Minister responsible Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk Energy; Minister responsible for the for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation (Netsilik) Nunavut Housing Corporation Commission Government House Leader; Minister of Family Services; Minister Hon. Paul Quassa responsible for Homelessness; Minister (Aggu) responsible for the Status of Women Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Officers Clerk John Quirke

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

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

Table of Contents

Opening Prayer ...... 58

Ministers’ Statements ...... 58

Members’ Statements ...... 61

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 65

Oral Questions ...... 65

Notices of Motions ...... 79

Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ...... 80

Orders of the Day ...... 80

A. Daily References

Friday, May 23, 2014 ...... 58

B. Ministers’ Statements

006 – 4(2): Arviat Community Ecotourism – Global Award for Arviat (Kuksuk) ...... 58

007 – 4(2): Nunavut Coastal Aquatic Monitoring Program Successfully Launched in Igloolik and

Coral Harbour (Mike) ...... 59

008 – 4(2): Nunavummiut Join the Ranks of Tobacco Quitters (Ell)...... 59

009 – 4(2): Inuksuk High School Mock Trial (Okalik) ...... 60

C. Members’ Statements

022 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ...... 61

023 – 4(2): Update on Polar Bear Attack Victims (Shooyook) ...... 61

024 – 4(2): Cod Fishing Derby in Arviat (Savikataaq) ...... 62

025 – 4(2): Community Meeting for the Crime Prevention Strategy (Angnakak) ...... 62

026 – 4(2): Opening of Cape Dorset Elders’ Centre (Joanasie) ...... 63

027 – 4(2): Baker Lake Dancing Competition (Mikkungwak) ...... 63

028 – 4(2): New Catholic Church in Igloolik (Quassa) ...... 64

029 – 4(2): Megan Dialla Competes at North American Indigenous Games (Hickes) ...... 65

D. Oral Questions

021 – 4(2): Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program (Hickes) ...... 65

022 – 4(2): Status of Manitoba-Kivalliq Power Grid Extension (Savikataaq) ...... 66

023 – 4(2): Nursing Positions in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) ...... 68

024 – 4(2): Issuing of Photo Identification (Mikkungwak) ...... 69

025 – 4(2): Income Assistance Rates (Enook) ...... 71

026 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ...... 72

027 – 4(2): Status of Home Care Support in South Baffin (Joanasie)...... 73

028 – 4(2): Nanisivik Road Maintenance (Shooyook) ...... 74

029 – 4(2): Establishing a Hospital Board (Angnakak) ...... 75

030 – 4(2): Refusing Medical Client Services (Mapsalak) ...... 76

031 – 4(2): Response to Income Assistance Question (Hickes) ...... 78

E. Motions

003 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak) ...... 79

F. Bills

Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Notice ...... 80

Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Notice ...... 80

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 58

Iqaluit, Nunavut congratulate the Arviat Community Friday, May 23, 2014 Ecotourism Initiative and its coordinator Members Present: on receiving a prestigious international Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Monica Ell, award. Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Hon. George Kuksuk, In April, Arviat Community Ecotourism Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Coordinator Olivia Tagalik travelled to Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. China to accept the Community Award Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. from the World Travel and Tourism George Qulaut, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Council. (interpretation ends) This Alex Sammurtok, Hon. Tom award recognizes commitment to Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. sustainable tourism leadership in local Isaac Shooyook, Hon. Peter Taptuna, community development, empowerment, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk. and cultural heritage.

>>House commenced at 8:59 The Arviat Community Ecotourism project has been a priority for the Item 1: Opening Prayer community for some time, and with funding from Nunavut Tunngavik and Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) the Department of Economic (interpretation): Good morning. Ms. Development and Transportation, this Ugyuk, can you say the opening prayer, project has now gained international please. recognition.

>>Prayer Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut recognizes the potential of Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, tourism for our territory’s economy. Nunavummiut. Welcome. Before we Tunngasaiji: A Tourism Strategy for proceed, I would like to advise everyone Nunavummiut commits us to working to that the member from Gjoa Haven, Tony develop key attractions in our Akoak, will be absent from the House communities, and the Arviat Community due to illness. Ecotourism is a model of how this can work. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Member, Mr. This is a much needed economic Kuksuk. development and employment opportunity in the Kivalliq region. It Item 2: Ministers’ Statements attracts visitors and it is also a way for the community to promote its cultural Minister’s Statement 006 – 4(2): uniqueness. Arviat Community Ecotourism – Global Award for Arviat (Kuksuk) Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): the community of Arviat and Olivia Good morning, Nunavummiut and my Tagalik on their success. Thank you, Mr. colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Speaker.

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 59

>>Applause and plan for further fisheries development. During the Igloolik camp, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. participants caught and sampled 200 Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. fish, some of which were donated to a (interpretation ends) Minister of community feast where seven graduates Environment, Mr. Mike. were presented with their training completion certificates. The final pilot Minister’s Statement 007 – 4(2): camp will be held in Kugluktuk in Nunavut Coastal Aquatic September, and other communities are Monitoring Program Successfully already enquiring about running an N- Launched in Igloolik and Coral CAMP of their own. Harbour (Mike) Mr. Speaker, this unique training Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): opportunity will increase capacity in the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I make fisheries industry and ensure the success my Minister’s Statement, I say “good of community-based fisheries, whether morning” to the residents of for personal or commercial use. My Pangnirtung. I say “good morning” to all department hopes to deliver the N- Nunavummiut and elders watching the CAMP throughout the territory in proceedings, and I hope you have a good support of other exploratory fisheries day. and community research. The pilot camps are being filmed in order to (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, develop further educational resources for aquatic monitoring and access to future programming. (interpretation) fisheries development opportunities in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavut are being improved thanks to the Department of Environment’s new >>Applause Nunavut Community Aquatic Monitoring Program. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation N-CAMP, for short, is a training and ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, data collection program that gives Monica Ell. Nunavummiut first-hand experience in fisheries research and development. The Minister’s Statement 008 – 4(2): program has been developed in Nunavummiut Join the Ranks of partnership with communities across Tobacco Quitters (Ell) Nunavut and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with funding from the Nunavut Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank General Monitoring Program. you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people who are watching the Three communities are piloting the proceedings. Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut program. The first camp took place in Tobacco Has No Place Here “Time to Igloolik in March, followed by Coral Quit Contest” ended with more than 600 Harbour in April. Both were great Nunavummiut from across the territory successes, with a total of 18 graduates committing to being tobacco-free for the working together to share knowledge month of March. The good news is that

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 60 many of the people who signed up for People who want more information on the contest remain tobacco-free. quitting and supports can call the Nunavut Quitline, 1-866-386-7848, or Mr. Speaker, the $50,000 in contest go to nuquits.gov.nu.ca. Thank you, Mr. prizes included four major prizes of Speaker. Canadian North flights. The prize winners were chosen in a random draw, >>Applause with winners chosen from each of the three regions in Nunavut. Each Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. contestant had a quit buddy to support Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation them in their goal to stay tobacco-free. ends) Hon. Member, Mr. Okalik, The quit buddies were eligible to win Minister of Justice. iPad minis. Minister’s Statement 009 – 4(2): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Inuksuk High School Mock Trial the four first-place winners. They are (Okalik) Joanna Mikijuk and her quit buddy, Joe Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Sageaktook, and Kristine Nakashuk and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, her quit buddy, James Akavak, all of the everyone. I apologize for my voice this Baffin region; Nancy Aqqaq, Kitikmeot morning. I think I celebrated a little too region, and her quit buddy, Becky much last night. Ogruk; and Howmik Muckpah, Kivalliq region, and quit buddy Kristy Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the annual Kablutsiak. Inuksuk High School Canadian Bar Association Mock Trial is being held at Mr. Speaker, a complete list of quit the Nunavut Court of Justice. contest winners is available on the Department of Health website and the The mock trial involves 29 Inuksuk High Tobacco Has No Place Here Facebook School students playing the part of page. witnesses, court workers, and lawyers to argue a case before a visiting judge. This Mr. Speaker, it is gratifying to see that learning experience involves coaching our efforts to promote awareness of the by volunteer lawyers from the Legal dangers associated with tobacco use is Services Board, Public Prosecution being recognized by Nunavummiut. Services, and the Nunavut Department People are taking the necessary steps to of Justice. be tobacco-free. In previous years, judges of the Supreme We made a major investment three years Court of Canada have presided over the ago in the Tobacco Has No Place Here trial. This year, the Hon. Justice Stratus campaign and we are seeing results. from the Federal Court of Appeal came People are quitting tobacco. They are an to Iqaluit to hear the case and speak to inspiration to others to lead healthy and the students. fulfilling lives. Mr. Speaker, it takes months of preparation and dedication by the

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 61 students, teachers, and volunteers to put Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of on this trial every year. I congratulate planeloads of children being flown out everyone involved in this event for their of the territory to receive dental services. hard work and dedication. As well, I If we had local, permanent dentists on encourage young Nunavummiut to staff, this huge cost could be avoided. pursue a career in justice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Rankin Inlet is a transportation hub for many >>Applause Kivalliq communities. It would make sense to have a permanent dentist Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I established there to provide services to don’t have any more names on my list the region. At this time, if there is a for Item 2. Item 3. Members’ dental emergency, clients are sent out of Statements. Member for (interpretation the territory at great cost. ends) Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the government to consider establishing a Item 3: Members’ Statements full-time dentist in the community of Rankin Inlet. Member’s Statement 022 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services At the appropriate time, I will have in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, fellow Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. residents of Rankin Inlet. Mr. Speaker, I Members’ Statements. Member for rise today to address the need for Quttiktuq, Mr Shooyook. improved dental services in the community of Rankin Inlet. Member’s Statement 023 – 4(2): Update on Polar Bear Attack (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I Victims (Shooyook) recognize that dentists and denturists travel to the community on a regular Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank basis. However, they only stay for a you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would short period of time. If problems arise like to say good morning to from the services they have provided, Nunavummiut and my colleagues, the the client has to wait until the next visit ministers and regular members, and the or, worse, until they can get another people of the High Arctic. appointment to get the problem fixed. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an One of my constituents received new unfortunate incident that happened dentures which broke only a couple of yesterday. There were a couple of people days later. Unfortunately she had to wait who were mauled by a polar bear. They a very long time before being able to get came in around ten o’clock last night. the problem addressed. They don’t look very pretty, but they’re all right. None of their bones are broken,

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 62 but their faces are scratched up and >>Applause bitten. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The polar bear came into their tent when Members’ Statements. Member for they were sleeping. My grandchild had (interpretation ends) Arviat South, Mr. been bitten and pulled out of the tent. Savikataaq. The polar bear had bitten his head, pulled him out, and then the other Member’s Statement 024 – 4(2): Cod individual started making noise and got Fishing Derby in Arviat his rifle. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t (Savikataaq) get it right away. Due to that, they both Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank have huge scratches on their backs and you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” one of them has a sprained arm. to the people of Arviat. Today being Friday, I don’t think that there are many They don’t look too good, but I’m people listening to us in Arviat as they relieved that they’re okay physically. are all out cod fishing right now. They are now at the Qikiqtani Regional Hospital and doing well. They’re very I wish them good fishing as the weather fortunate, and I’m very happy for them. I is nice and the fishing spots are nearby. I am grateful to the people who provided can just visualize them having tea and assistance. snacks while jigging for the biggest cod. I wish them a pleasant time during this There is an annual fishing derby in our cod fishing derby. I wish I could be out community and this year I took part in there with them. Thank you, Mr. that joyous occasion. There were many Speaker. tents that were camped at the lake. Being out on the land and being with your >>Applause family in the spring helps you out physically and mentally. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for I’m very pleased to congratulate two Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. women who are now getting older. Sarah Issigaitok was diagnosed with lung Member’s Statement 025 – 4(2): cancer last year. They didn’t have much Community Meeting for the Crime hope for her at the time she was Prevention Strategy (Angnakak) diagnosed. With treatment, she is now getting better. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the Sarah even participated in that fishing people of Iqaluit and Nunavut. derby with her grandchild, for which I’m (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. very pleased to announce. She caught Speaker. I rise today to speak about the largest fish, but then Ooloota Olayuk Iqaluit’s recent community meeting for ended up getting the largest fish not too the development of the government’s long afterwards. I am very pleased to Crime Prevention Strategy. The meeting make those joyous announcements, Mr. took place on May 1 at the Parish Hall in Speaker. Thank you. I am proud of them. Iqaluit.

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Mr. Speaker, I would first like to express Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. my appreciation to the Department of Members’ Statements. Member for Justice for organizing the meeting, South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. which provided a public forum for residents to discuss crime prevention in Member’s Statement 026 – 4(2): the city. Opening of Cape Dorset Elders’ Centre (Joanasie) Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the local elders, the RCMP, and the Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank many residents who participated. I am you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to pleased to report that the meeting was announce that the elders’ facility was well attended by a diverse group of opened in Cape Dorset last month. This residents who had much to contribute on facility was renovated on the outside and the subject of crime prevention. inside so that it could be used by the elders of Cape Dorset. Mr. Speaker, during the meeting, residents expressed concern about the This year, the elders will be celebrating a high crime rates in Iqaluit, and 20-year anniversary in August and the recognized the need to identify elders are going to be congregating there underlying causes. It was agreed that from all over Nunavut and other regions. there is a lack of support in Iqaluit for I congratulate the elders for opening people who suffer from trauma, their facility. I did participate in the addictions, and poverty. grand opening and we had a community feast at the official opening. Participants also agreed that without proper resources and support to cope The chairperson of Illuajummiut, the with these issues, people may instead elders’ society, noted that the building turn to criminal activity. The meeting originally was a school and asked about was very productive, and I look forward who went to school there. A lot of seeing the next step in the development individuals put up their hands. of the Crime Prevention Strategy. I’m pleased to see that this facility will Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see once again be utilized by the people of that the government is engaging Cape Dorset. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. communities in the development of the strategy, as it is critical that constituents >>Applause have the opportunity to directly contribute to policy in this area. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for On Monday, I will have detailed Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak. questions on this subject for the Minister of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 027 – 4(2): Baker Lake Dancing Competition >>Applause (Mikkungwak) Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 64

This spring, after the conclusion of the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. standing committee meetings, I returned Members’ Statements. Member for to Baker Lake to a very happy occasion. Aggu, Mr. Quassa.

In April, Baker Lake was host to people Member’s Statement 028 – 4(2): New from Arviat, Taloyoak, Rankin Inlet, and Catholic Church in Igloolik Gjoa Haven. They came together to join (Quassa) in a square dance showdown. Elders, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): youth, and children participated during Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning the drum dancing workshop that took to the people in my riding, in Nunavut, place as well. It is something that we as well as my colleagues. Every will remember. community has churches or religious organizations that have been around for The Baker Lake accordion players a long time. organized that occasion. I would like to thank them all because I was the emcee Around the 1940s, I believe, the first for that square dance showdown. church was built in Igloolik. The people of Igloolik and the people of Nunavut During the square dance, in first place probably remember that there was a was the Inuksuk square dance group unique stone church built in Igloolik from Baker Lake. In second place was during the 1960s era. the Amauligaq square dance group from Gjoa Haven. In third place was Rankin In early spring, we opened a new Inlet’s square dance group. Catholic church and it’s now being utilized in our community. I believe all In the youth and children categories, Nunavut communities have churches, third place was Rankin Inlet’s Ilannaariit but I would like to commend my square dance group. In second place was community for building that church and Baker Lake’s Piqannaariit square dancer for utilizing it. The first wedding in the group. In first place was Gjoa Haven’s new church has taken place already, and Qavaanngittuq square dance group. there are many occasions taking place in the religious sector. No matter where the square dancers came from, it was a joyous occasion and We had invited different delegates. we had very good entertainment. I wish Donat Milortok is here, and I believe he them well in their line of entertaining. went to Igloolik for the official opening When people congregate, it is always a of the new church. I would like to joyous occasion. congratulate the church because it’s a benefit to our community. Thank you, To the people of Baker Lake and Mr. Chairman. Nunavut, have a very good day. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

>>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 65

Member’s Statement 029 – 4(2): has been involved in numerous Megan Dialla Competes at North organizations. I would like to recognize American Indigenous Games Mr. Donat Milortok and I would like the (Hickes) House to give him a warm welcome. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s with great pride that I stand today >>Applause and mention one of our Iqaluit athletes also participating in the North American Speaker (interpretation): Welcome, Indigenous Games, as my colleague, Mr. Donat Milortok. Recognition of Visitors Enook, was talking about the other day. in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. She is originally from Pangnirtung. Member Mr. Hickes. Megan Dialla has been living in Iqaluit for a number of years now. She just Item 6: Oral Questions turned 13 and competed in the AWG in Alaska when she was 12. Question 021 – 4(2): Homeowner Fuel Rebate Program (Hickes) Mr. Speaker, she plays badminton. She has not won any medals yet, but she has Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. been invited to register at the NAIG in My question today is for the Minister of Regina, Saskatchewan and is training Finance. very hard for that and eagerly looking forward to competing again. I just As the minister will recall, the first wanted to mention that Megan is the question that I asked in the House daughter of one of our interpreters, concerned the possibility of Andrew, here in the House. Thank you, reintroducing the government’s Mr. Speaker. homeowner fuel rebate program. I was very pleased when the minister took >>Applause action and reintroduced this program.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister update the House today Members’ Statements. I have no more on how many residents of Nunavut have names on my list. Item 4. Returns to received assistance under this program? Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Mapsalak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the (interpretation ends) Minister of Gallery Finance, Hon. Member, Mr. Peterson.

Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to be Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Mr. able to recognize in the House a very Speaker, to date, almost 1,100 well-known Nunavut person. He was Nunavummiut have received assistance involved with the Nunavut land claims from this program. Thank you, Mr. negotiations right from the beginning. Speaker. He has been in every position; mayor, board member, committee member. He

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 66

Speaker (interpretation): Your first Nunavut Housing Corporation? Thank supplementary, Mr. Hickes. you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. thank the minister for that response. Mr. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Speaker, in 2011, the Minister of of Finance, Mr. Peterson. Finance informed the Legislative Assembly that approximately 1,300 Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut homeowners took advantage of Speaker. When we did the research on the government’s fuel rebate program. the program, we used statistics from The minister also indicated that the Stats Canada. We estimated that there government spent between $600,000 and were as many as 2,000 private $700,000 on the program. homeowners in Nunavut. The Nunavut Housing Corporation, of course, has Can the minister indicate if the more detailed information than us. If government anticipates spending a they request information, I’m sure we higher or lower amount on the renewed can share it with the Nunavut Housing fuel rebate program? Thank you, Mr. Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Peterson. Question 022 – 4(2): Status of Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Manitoba-Kivalliq Power Grid Speaker. I thank Mr. Hickes for that Extension (Savikataaq) question. Mr. Speaker, I know of at least one person who is planning to apply, Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. hopefully before September 30. That’s Speaker. My questions are for the the deadline. I anticipate a higher Minister of Energy. Hopefully the power amount, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. won’t go out today before the minister answers the question. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. >>Laughter

Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Yesterday, I raised the issue of the also anticipate that the homeowner fuel proposed winter road between Manitoba rebate program will help to provide the and the Kivalliq. Today, I want to focus government with a current snapshot of on the status of efforts to connect the the number and location of private Kivalliq to Manitoba’s electric grid. homeowners in the territory, which will help the Nunavut Housing Corporation One of the scheduled items on the with its work to review programs for agenda of last month’s meeting of the homeowners. Is the Department of Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Finance sharing information from the Round Table was the power grid homeowner fuel rebate program with the

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 67 extension between Manitoba and the planning to have another meeting in Kivalliq. Baker Lake on the matter. At that time, there will be some reports on studies that Can the minister update the House today are being done now. After that meeting on the discussions that occurred last takes places, I’ll be able to give you a month in Churchill? Thank you, Mr. more detailed response. Thank you. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Savikataaq. of Energy, Mr. Kuksuk. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Speaker. As my friend and colleague Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I from Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu noted also thank the member for the question. yesterday, the Senate Committee on As I stated yesterday, in April, we had a Energy, the Environment and Natural meeting with government Resources has been travelling across the representatives and discussed two main north as part of its study on renewable topics in Churchill in regard to the and non-renewable energy development winter road and also your question about in the three territories. the power grid extension between Manitoba and the Kivalliq. I was not the Can the Minister of Energy indicate if he only government representative there. will be making a submission to the There were a few of us. It was good to Senate committee on the issue of have those people there, with many connecting the Kivalliq to Manitoba’s interesting discussions. power grid? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I stated, the idea of getting power Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. from Manitoba to Nunavut is not new. It (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister has been a hot topic of discussion of Energy, Mr. Kuksuk. recently and different parties are very interested in working together, along Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): with the delegates from Manitoba. I can Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated say now that we are working to try to previously, the energy matter from connect the power grid from Manitoba to Manitoba to Nunavut has been discussed the Kivalliq. The work is happening. a lot and there is some real work being done on it right now. A working group Discussions on electricity between committee was appointed and a QEC Manitoba and Nunavut are proceeding. finance controller was appointed to the The working committee that has been set working group. Different departments up will have representatives from our are represented, such as Economic government, the Manitoba government, Development and Transportation. and Manitoba Hydro. Therefore in regard to your question, the I can’t respond fully yet to the member’s matter is being worked on. However, we question. However, in September, we’re expect to be shown different reports on,

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 68 for instance, what would be the cheapest be able to fully respond to your way of doing it and the water use question. Thank you. necessary. They will be looking at different forms of energy at that meeting Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. as well. After that meeting takes place in Oral Questions. Member for the fall in Baker Lake, we will have (interpretation ends) Hudson Bay, Mr. more information to report on. Thank Rumbolt. you. Question 023 – 4(2): Nursing Positions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) Your final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Health. Speaker. In 2002, the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba signed a formal Mr. Speaker, well over a year ago, the memorandum of intent on a northern government of the day announced an energy strategy. In 2010, both increase in the number of full-time governments signed a memorandum of nursing staff for several Nunavut understanding which included a communities, including Sanikiluaq. commitment to “sharing best practices and technology” in the area of renewable Can the minister indicate how many full- energy. Would the minister commit to time nursing staff positions currently tabling in the Legislative Assembly a exist at the Sanikiluaq Health Centre and report on the status of implementing how many of those positions are filled at these agreements? Thank you, Mr. this time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell. of Energy, Mr. Kuksuk. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Speaker. I thank the hon. member for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some of the that question. The current numbers that I previous government agreements called have for Sanikiluaq are three full-time MOUs are quite applicable today. This nurses and one psychiatric nurse. was also discussed in the agreement to Currently, the three nurses are filled in work closely together. They have to Sanikiluaq and I believe the psychiatric consider different things and try to strike nurse position might be vacant at this a new MOU. That will be dealt with. time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

However, until such time as the details Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. are set out, I will not be able to get into Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. any of them right now. Only after we can get a new MOU struck on sharing Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. energy and plans on collaborations will I When it was announced that there was

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 69 an additional PY going to Sanikiluaq for staffing nurse. If that’s not possible, then nursing, at the time, there were already we look to agency nursing. three nurses in the community. I was under the understanding that a fourth As I have stated in the past in this nurse would be going to the community. House, we do have a shortage of nurses From the minister’s reply to my in Nunavut and that is still continuing. question, she says that there are only We do compete with other jurisdictions three staffing positions in Sanikiluaq for in Canada as well as the United States nurses. Can the minister confirm that and we also compete internationally. there are actually only three nursing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. positions in Sanikiluaq? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell. Question 024 – 4(2): Issuing of Photo Identification (Mikkungwak) Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The information that I have at Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): this present time is that I have three full- Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I time nurses in Sanikiluaq. Thank you, questioned the minister yesterday. My Mr. Speaker. questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Transportation. Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. As I noted yesterday in my Member’s Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Statement, many residents of Baker Lake I had the unfortunate opportunity to have expressed frustration with the observe the nurses at the Sanikiluaq length of time that it can take to receive Health Centre working long hours for new general identification cards and extended periods of time and part of this driver’s licences. situation appears to be due to a lack of staff. Can the minister describe what Earlier this year, the Legislative steps are being taken to ensure that Assembly approved $2.8 million in adequate staff are in the community of capital funding for the Department of Sanikiluaq? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. EDT to replace its motor vehicle information system. This project is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. intended to modernize the department’s (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister system and improve service to of Health, Ms. Ell. Nunavummiut.

Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Can the minister update the House today Speaker. As an example, a nurse may on the status of the replacement of its want to go on vacation or if there are motor vehicle information system? requirements for extended periods for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. nursing, we do try to assist with a casual

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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. with us on this issue to upgrade the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of 1970s system that we are still using. Economic Development and There was a delay in modernizing the Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk. system and we’re in the process of catching up today with respect to issuing Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): driver’s licences. We’re getting rid of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the the old system and using the new member is correct. The motor vehicle system. information system was delayed for a while, which is my responsibility. Along At this time, I can’t really give any with Community and Government information. I will provide you the Services, we’re trying to rectify the information as we do more work on the problems that we are experiencing. modernization of issuing driver’s Thank you. licences so that Nunavummiut don’t have to wait that long for their driver’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. licences. We work along with CG&S Your second supplementary, Mr. with respect to this. As we do the Mikkungwak. modernization, I will be able to give you more information. Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Municipal Council of Baker Lake Your final supplementary, Mr. recently passed a resolution concerning Mikkungwak. the length of time that it takes for residents to renew their driver’s licences. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): The council noted that in some cases, it Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I can take up to six months for the licence also thank the minister for his response. to be issued. As I noted yesterday in my questions to the Premier, it is hoped that the position Can the minister indicate what the of Baker Lake’s government liaison department’s target time is for officer will be filled in the near future. processing applications for driver’s licences? Thank you very much, Mr. Will the minister commit to having his Speaker. regional staff work with Baker Lake’s new GLO to identify a way of improving Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. motor vehicles services to the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of community? Thank you very much, Mr. Economic Development and Speaker. Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said Economic Development and earlier in response, we’re not the only Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk. department that is dealing with this system right now. Community and Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Government Services is working along Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree with the

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 71 member that the GLOs in the Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): communities work along with our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the department and the other department Member for Tununiq for his question with respect to issuing driver’s licences with respect to social assistance. I’m not and general identification cards in the exactly sure whether it’s the same all communities. around for providing food for social assistance recipients in other I would just like to let the member know jurisdictions in Canada. The Minister of that the GLO for Baker Lake will be Finance also deals with social assistance given some information and some funding. I’m not sure how much training with respect to issuing licences assistance is provided to Canadians in and general IDs. The individual may other jurisdictions. I hope that helpful. have to take some additional training Thank you, Mr. Speaker. either in Rankin Inlet or Gjoa Haven so that he or she will be able to do the job Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. properly. Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to ask this Mr. Enook. question. In your previous answer, you have stated that while the cost of living Question 025 – 4(2): Income is very high in Nunavut, you had no Assistance Rates (Enook) discussions with the federal government. Why has your department not had any Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, discussions with your federal counterpart Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to about increasing the funding to lower the my wife. Good morning to cost of living? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavummiut and the people of . Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. question to the Minister of Family (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Services with respect to the response that of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. she provided. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, we all know that it’s very Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the expensive in the north to try and live or Member for Tununiq for his question in make a living. Let me ask this question relation to the cost of food and the high first. Is the social assistance that is cost of living. This is very provided to members of the public the understandable. There has been no dent same assistance that is provided to all to the cost of living ever since Nunavut individuals across Canada? That is my was created. We have a basic welfare first question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. system. In the coming years, we will be taking a look at the regulations Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. pertaining to the cost of living. I (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister presume I am making sense. Thank you, of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. Mr. Speaker.

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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. my question to the (interpretation ends) Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. Minister of Health.

Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Mr. Speaker. In previous replies, it is Member’s Statement, there is a need for stated, and when I had queried her, she full-time dental services in the had stated that it will be reviewed. In the community of Rankin Inlet and the written answers, it states that in the Kivalliq region. coming years, these will be looked at. My question is: what do you mean by (interpretation) Can the minister describe the coming years? Is it going to be a what consideration has been given to century from now or a decade from establishing a full-time dental office in now? What future date or years are you the community of Rankin Inlet? Thank looking at? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. of Health, Ms. Ell.

Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Member for Tununiq for his question in colleague for the question in regard to trying to nail down when we would be dental care in the Kivalliq region. Way taking a look at this. I understand that back in July to October 2013, the dental the review of the rates will be completed office was closed temporarily for five in 2015. It would not be just for the food months because there was flooding in costs, but also for fuel, education, the building. The problem has been assistance for daycare, and all kinds of rectified, but regardless of that, the other things that are geared towards the dentist was able to see people with alleviation of the cost of living to the dental appointments at the school. Now residents of Nunavut. It is this way that I that dental office is back in operation can answer him. Thank you, Mr. and the dentist is now back in his or her Speaker. office. They don’t just deal with fillings, but they also do orthodontic work. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for (interpretation ends) Rankin Inlet South, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Sammurtok. Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 026 – 4(2): The Need for Improved Dental Services in Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) Speaker. I recognize that dental teams visit Nunavut communities on a regular Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank basis. However, they only stay for a you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct short period of time and they are gone. Clients have to wait to have dental issues

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 73 addressed. Can the minister explain how Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the number of dental visits and length of (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister each visit are determined by her of Health, Ms. Ell. department? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This has already been dealt Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. with. This summer, there will be a full- (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister time dentist residing in Rankin Inlet. of Health, Ms. Ell. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. The full-time dentist Oral Questions. Member for in Rankin Inlet would be based there. (interpretation ends) South Baffin, Mr. The Government of Canada is Joanasie. responsible for the provision of dental care to Inuit, under Health Canada. Question 027 – 4(2): Status of Home Care Support in South Baffin We have an agreement with the (Joanasie) Canadian government that they provide Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank dental services 200 days a year. With you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. My respect to this agreement with Health question today is for the Minister of Canada, we always have ongoing Health. discussions as to whether there could be an increase in the number of days. In the Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues Kitikmeot region, they had additional will agree with me that for individuals hours added. We do address these issues. with a long-term illness or disability, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. who need care and support, being able to stay at home and near family, is very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. important to their continued well-being. Your final supplementary, Mr. Home care workers play an important Sammurtok. role in this regard.

Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank However, it has come to my attention you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the that home care services in the minister for her response. I will ask this community of Kimmirut are being question, although she had just steadily decreased. Can the minister mentioned that Rankin Inlet has a full- confirm that home care services in the time dentist. Perhaps the person is community of Kimmirut have been occasionally taking time off and is not decreased and explain why this is aware. (interpretation ends) Will the happening? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. minister commit to establishing a full- time dentist position in the community Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of Rankin Inlet? (interpretation) Thank (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister you, Mr. Speaker. of Health, Ms. Ell.

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Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank home care workers in Kimmirut so that you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member those who receive care at home can get for that question. According to the the attention and support that they need documents that I have been given in in order to get through their daily lives? regard to Kimmirut, there are two full- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. time nurses working there and there has been no change in that status. We are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. definitely not trying to decrease the (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister number of nurses in the community of of Health, Ms. Ell. Kimmirut. We have discussions with our fellow ministers and counterparts as to Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank the possibility of increasing them, as a you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member matter of fact, but it’s only the frequency for that question. My staff is watching of visiting nurses from the south that has this session and the questions that are decreased. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. being posed to me. I will ask them for an update on the status of nursing in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kimmirut in relation to home care, Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. including visiting nurses and full-time nurses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. provide further information on how the Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, number of home care workers for Mr. Shooyook. Nunavut communities is determined? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 028 – 4(2): Nanisivik Road Maintenance (Shooyook) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank of Health, Ms. Ell. you, Mr. Speaker. I have another question relating to Nanisivik that I Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. asked previously. I had a query from one Speaker. The total positions as of March of my constituents who had a question 31, 2014 for nurses in Nunavut, we have relating to Nanisivik. an occupancy rate of 69.17 percent. Nurses totalled by region, as an example, The contract relating to Nanisivik is for person years, in Iqaluit, 90; Baffin, usually for four years. There has been no 59; Kitikmeot, 61; and the Kivalliq, 69; indication of whether there will be an for a total Nunavut full-time person year extension. Will there be no maintenance nurses of 279. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. work done this summer? Is this the end of the funding cycle for that? Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister you, Mr. Speaker. Will the minister of Economic Development and commit to increasing the number of Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk.

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Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): I’ll make sure that the contract is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning adhered to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to my colleagues. I would like the member to clarify which road or port Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. he’s asking about. I heard two questions. That was just a comment. We will go I have possibly misunderstood and I back to Oral Questions. Member for apologize. I would like him to rephrase Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. his question. Thank you. Question 029 – 4(2): Establishing a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hospital Board (Angnakak) Mr. Shooyook, can you clarify your question, please. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank my question to the Minister of Health. you, Mr. Speaker. It is in regard to the Nanisivik highway, which has to be Mr. Speaker, as we are all well aware, maintained on a yearly basis. What I we have one acute care hospital in would like to ask about is whether the Nunavut. Since the dissolution of the Nanisivik highway is going to be Baffin Regional Health Board, the maintained or revamped from Arctic hospital has been managed by the Bay to Nanisivik. I hope you understand Department of Health, formerly the now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department of Health and Social Services. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Mr. Speaker, across Canada and in many of Economic Development and developed nations, it is well recognized Transportation, Mr. Kuksuk. that the most accepted and efficient mechanism for governing and operating Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): hospitals is through a board of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, management. the government will maintain the Nanisivik highway, and we are going to Can the minister indicate what keep snow clearing and maintaining the consideration, if any, has been given to road in the summer. Thank you. establishing a board of management for the Qikiqtani General Hospital? Thank Speaker (interpretation): Your first you, Mr. Speaker. supplementary, Mr. Shooyook. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister you, Mr. Speaker. The highway from of Health, Ms. Ell. Arctic Bay to Nanisivik is quite long and there are some steep hills and mountains, Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank which makes it very dangerous when it’s you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank not properly maintained. From what I the member for posing that question. have heard, a contractor maintains the I’ve had meetings with the hamlets and road. When I go back to my community, various organizations and they have

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 76 asked about establishing a board of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. management for the Qikiqtani General Your final supplementary, Ms. Hospital. Our department has not Angnakak. considered this idea. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank However, we did create the Patient you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Relations Office where patients who Mr. Speaker, our government’s new have complaints or concerns can call. mandate, Sivumut Abluqta, commits to This office was created recently and “review government programs to we’re looking at how well the office is determine what is working well and going, but I have heard that it is what needs improvement.” This is operating very well. That’s where we’re something that we all agreed on. As part at currently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. of that review, will the minister commit to reviewing the governance of the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Qikiqtani General Hospital? Thank you, Your first supplementary, Ms. Mr. Speaker. Angnakak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) of Health, Ms. Ell. A board of management can respond to situations and make management Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. decisions much more quickly than any Speaker. I will ask my staff to look into government bureaucratic process can. that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, the running of Nunavut’s only hospital is significantly impeded by the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. bureaucratic processes of our Going back to the orders of the day. Oral government. Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak. Would the minister agree that the operation of the Qikiqtani General Question 030 – 4(2): Refusing Medical Hospital would be much more efficient Client Services (Mapsalak) if its management were at arm’s length from the government? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister The minister is well aware, as I brought of Health, Ms. Ell. this up at the winter session, of patients who go to another community or to a Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. central location to be assessed and Speaker. I can’t answer that question at diagnosed of their illnesses. this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been told on more than one occasion that the patient knows that there is something wrong with their

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 77 body, but are not assessed. In talking to with problems or concerns can contact these clients, there was one person who that number? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. almost died and had to pay his own transportation to get to a central location Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for assessment by health professionals. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell. With those types of incidents happening, Nunavummiut have to know when Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): The patients are not seen by health hospital and health centres are provided professionals or by doctors, who they with this information. When we first got can call to get help so that they are elected, I sent out letters and contact provided proper services. Thank you, numbers for the liaison office. Whenever Mr. Speaker. we travel to any of the communities in Nunavut, we make sure that this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. information is brought and put in public (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister places. Again, when I get a call or if I of Health, Ms. Ell. get visited, I send out business cards that provide the information in English, Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Inuktitut, and Inuinnaqtun. Thank you, you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank Mr. Speaker. the member for asking that question. Anyone who goes to a health centre or Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. seeing a staff member at the hospital, Your final supplementary, Mr. and looking at the way the process goes, Mapsalak. if they have a complaint, if they are not provided proper services, not assessed or Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank diagnosed, denied services, or would you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the like some answers to their questions, minister. I recall receiving that they can direct their questions to the information at that time, but what I Patient Relations Office. It is set up to wanted to know was whether this provide services to those types of clients. information is put in a public place, at The Patient Relations Office has a toll- the clinics, or where people go for the free number and it is 1-855-483-3003. services that are provided by the health The staff can be contacted any time to centres so that they can access the provide those types of services. Thank liaison office if they need such you, Mr. Speaker. information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Yes, the minister for her clear response. Do the information is provided to all the the regional hospital and health centres clinics. They’re put in a public place in the Nunavut communities provide the either by the door or in the clinic. If contact information so that the people they’re unavailable, make sure to let me

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 78 know so that we can send out directives. understanding, all the finance ministers The Department of Health directors were in Canada meet, including Nunavut, and here. We made a presentation to the work together and set up the income directors and we also defined the roles support figures. The finance ministers and responsibilities of those directors. agree with each other as to how much Thank you, Mr. Speaker. money will be in the budgets. That’s how I can reply to your question. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes Question 031 – 4(2): Response to Income Assistance Question Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I (Hickes) think the minister may be a little bit Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. confused from the response that she had Like my colleague from Pond Inlet, I provided to Mr. Sammurtok. I quite noted with some interest the written clearly was discussing programs response to Mr. Sammurtok’s question. delivered by the Government of Canada, not by Income Support. With your responses to my colleague from Pond Inlet on the negotiation or Is this minister willing to commit to discussions with the federal government having discussions with the federal on adjusting programs delivered by the government on federal programs governments of Canada and Nunavut, I administered to the residents of Nunavut didn’t hear a commitment on whether on recognizing the significantly higher you’re willing or able to initiate those cost of living here in Nunavut? Thank types of discussions. Would the minister you, Mr. Speaker. be able to respond to that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minster Speaker (interpretation): Please clearly of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. indicate which minister you’re asking. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Mr. Hickes: My apologies, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to It’s the Minister of Family Services, my colleague for that question. As to Minister Ugyuk. whether we can set up a meeting with the government that provides the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funding, I have to meet with the finance (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister minister first before I can respond to of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. your question properly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. member for the question concerning Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. whether or not we will have a financial meeting on income support. From my

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Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I The other departments don’t really have thank the minister for that response. anything to do with it. Thank you, Mr. Also in the response from the written Speaker. question, it said, “Initiating such change through dialogue with the federal Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. government would require consultation Oral Questions. Member for and involvement of several GN (interpretation ends) Baker Lake, Mr. departments.” Mikkungwak.

The minister has mentioned the (interpretation) I’m sorry. I wasn’t Department of Finance. What other keeping an eye on the time. The time departments would the minister have to allotted for this item has expired. Going discuss or consult with to initiate back to the orders of the day. Item 7. discussions with the federal government Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to on just getting them to assist and Written Questions. (interpretation ends) recognize the high cost of living in Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Nunavut? Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing I think it’s quite a well-known fact that and Special Committees on Bills and the cost of living in Nunavut is higher Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of than anywhere else in Canada. I’m a Documents. Item 14. Notices of little unclear on what kind of Motions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. consultations would be needed to have Mikkungwak. that discussion with their federal counterparts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Item 14: Notices of Motions

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Motion 003 – 4(2): Extended Sitting (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Hours and Days – Notice of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. (Mikkungwak) Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to May 26, I will move the following my colleague for requesting clarification motion: on who we should be meeting with. I would like my colleague to understand I move, seconded by Hon. Member for that we are starting to look into this in Netsilik, that the Speaker be authorized the family services department to see the to set such sitting days and hours as the differences in food prices. There are Speaker deems fit to assist with the really no figures in the Department of business before the House during the Family Services that we can work with. spring 2014 sitting of the Legislative The Department of Family Services is Assembly. conducting a food price survey to compare them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I can respond by saying that I would Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have to speak with the finance minister. (interpretation ends) Item 15. Notices of

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 80

Motions for First Reading of Bills. The 1. Prayer Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson. 2. Budget Address

Item 15: Notices of Motions for First 3. Ministers’ Statements Reading of Bills 4. Members’ Statements

Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & 5. Returns to Oral Questions Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – 6. Recognition of Visitors in the Notice Gallery Bill 03 – Supplementary 7. Oral Questions Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 – Notice 8. Written Questions

9. Returns to Written Questions Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 26, 10. Replies to Opening Address 2014, that Bill 2, Appropriation 11. Replies to Budget Address (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015, be read for the first time. 12. Petitions

13. Responses to Petitions Also, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 26, 2014, that Bill 3, 14. Reports of Standing and Special Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Committees on Bills and Other Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Matters

15. Tabling of Documents Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 16. Motions. 16. Notices of Motions Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. 17. Notices of Motions for First Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. [Consideration in] Committee of the Reading of Bills Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Item 18. Motions 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills.  Motion 2 – 4(2) Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk.

19. First Reading of Bills Item 22: Orders of the Day  Bill 2

Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr.  Bill 3 Speaker. Just a reminder that there’s a 20. Second Reading of Bills meeting of Management and Services Board at half past one in the Tuktu 21. Consideration in Committee of Room. the Whole of Bills and Other

Orders of the Day for May 26: Matters

Friday, May 23, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 81

22. Report of the Committee of the Whole 23. Third Reading of Bills 24. Orders of the Day Thank you.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, May 26 at 1:30 p.m.

(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.

>>House adjourned at 10:43