Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF

3rd Session 4th Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 86

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Pages 4864 – 4936

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable , M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. George Qulaut () Hon. George Kuksuk Hon. (Gjoa Haven) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) () Deputy Chair, Committee of the Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister Government House Leader; Whole of Languages; Minister responsible for the Minister of Education; Minister Nunavut Housing Corporation responsible for Nunavut Arctic College (-Niaqunnguu) Steve Mapsalak (Aivilik) Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (Hudson Bay) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. Johnny Mike Deputy Premier; Minister of () Alexander Sammurtok Economic Development and Minister of Family Services; Minister () Transportation; Minister responsible responsible for Homelessness; Minister for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Tom Sammurtok responsible for the Utility Rates Corporation (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Review Council Inlet) Simeon Mikkungwak Hon. Joe Enook (Baker Lake) () (Tununiq) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Minister of Community and Committee of the Whole Government Services; Minister of (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Energy; Minister of Environment Hon. George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Hon. Keith Peterson Isaac Shooyook Minister of Health; Minister (Cambridge Bay) (Quttiktuq) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial responsible for Suicide Prevention Hon. Management Board; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister () Premier; Minister of Executive and () responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; (Uqqummiut) Emiliano Qirngnuq Minister responsible for Immigration (Netsilik)

Officers Clerk John Quirke

Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simon Nattaq 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 ...... 4864

Ministers’ Statements ...... 4864

Members’ Statements ...... 4869

Returns to Oral Questions ...... 4899

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 4901

Oral Questions ...... 4903

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters ...... 4918

Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 4919

Tabling of Documents ...... 4920

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 4921

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 4933

Third Reading of Bills ...... 4933

Assent to Bills ...... 4934

A. Daily References

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 ...... 4864

B. Ministers’ Statements

373 – 4(3): Baffin Bay and Kane Basin Exportable Bears/Fox Pelt Increase (Savikataaq) ...... 4864

374 – 4(3): Newly Created Indigenous Advisory Circle at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (Kuksuk)

...... 4865

375 – 4(3): Arctic College Environmental Technology Program Celebrates 30th Anniversary

(Quassa) ...... 4865

376 – 4(3): Imago Mundi (Ell-Kanayuk) ...... 4866

377 – 4(3): Nunavut Sivuniksavut (Mike) ...... 4866

378 – 4(3): Indigenous Cultural Competence Training (Hickes) ...... 4867

379 – 4(3): Northern Youth Abroad in Nunavut (Quassa) ...... 4868

380 – 4(3): Be Prepared (Savikataaq) ...... 4868

C. Members’ Statements

648 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) ...... 4869

649 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Tununiq (Enook)...... 4870

650 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Gjoa Haven (Akoak) ...... 4872

651 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Aivilik (Mapsalak) ...... 4873

652 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok, T)

...... 4875

653 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Hudson Bay (Rumbolt) ...... 4875

654 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Netsilik (Qirngnuq)...... 4877

655 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu (Angnakak) ...... 4877

656 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Quttiktuq (Shooyook) ...... 4880

657 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing South Baffin (Joanasie) ...... 4883

658 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet South (Sammurtok, A) ...... 4886

659 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Uqqummiut (Keyootak) ...... 4887

660 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Sinaa (Okalik) ...... 4891

661 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Arviat (Savikataaq) ...... 4892

662 – 4(3): Solar Energy Expansion in Kugluktuk (Taptuna) ...... 4893

663 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing (Quassa) ...... 4894

664 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Cambridge Bay (Peterson) ...... 4896

665 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Pangnirtung (Mike)...... 4897

666 – 4(3): Recognizing Meeka Mike (Ell-Kanayuk) ...... 4899

D. Returns to Oral Questions

Return to Oral Question 817 – 4(3): Artefacts from the Franklin Expedition (Kuksuk)...... 4899

Return to Oral Question 820 – 4(3): Status of Operational Audit of Government of Nunavut

(Taptuna) ...... 4900

E. Oral Questions

867 – 4(3): National Trade Corridors Fund (Joanasie) ...... 4903

868 – 4(3): Inconsistent Road Signs in (Okalik) ...... 4905

869 – 4(3): National Trade Corridors Fund (Sammurtok, A) ...... 4906

870 – 4(3): Support for Nunavut Children and Youth in Care (Angnakak) ...... 4907

871 – 4(3): National Trade Corridors Fund (Keyootak) ...... 4909

872 – 4(3): Community Transportation Initiatives Program (Sammurtok, T) ...... 4910

873 – 4(3): Support for Small Business (Mikkungwak) ...... 4911

874 – 4(3): Mould Remediation in Public Housing Units (Shooyook) ...... 4913

875 – 4(3): Teacher Vacancies (Joanasie) ...... 4915

876 – 4(3): Property Damage Caused by Wildlife (Mikkungwak) ...... 4916

F. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters

Committee Report 035 – 4(3): An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of

Privacy Act (Sammurtok, T) ...... 4918

Committee Report 036 – 4(3): Corrections Act (Sammurtok, T) ...... 4918

G. Tabling of Documents

372 – 4(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation 2016-2017 Annual Report (Kuksuk) ...... 4920

373 – 4(3): NEBS Pension Plan Annual Report 2016 (Savikataaq) ...... 4920

374 – 4(3): Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board Annual Report 2016-2017 (Peterson) ...... 4920

375 – 4(3): Public Service Annual Report 2016-2017 (Peterson) ...... 4920

376 – 4(3): 2016-2017 Annual Report of the Nunavut Liquor Commission (Peterson) ...... 4920

377 – 4(3): Council of Ministers of Education Canada Meeting, July 19 to 20, 2017 (Quassa) 4920

378 – 4(3): Report on the Payment of Indemnities, Allowances, Benefits, and Expenses to the

Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker) ...... 4921

379 – 4(3): 2016-2017 Annual Report on Contracting Activities of the Office of the Legislative

Assembly and the Offices of Independent Officers of the Legislative Assembly (Speake .4921

380 – 4(3): 2016-2017 Report on Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings

of Committees and Caucuses for the Period April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 (Speaker) ...... 4921

381 – 4(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) ...... 4921

H. Bills

Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act –

Consideration in Committee ...... 4922

Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – Third

Reading ...... 4933

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4864

Iqaluit, Nunavut provide information which will be Tuesday, September 19, 2017 beneficial for harvesters. Members Present: Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Recently released survey results show Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Mr. Joe that polar bear harvest levels from the Enook, Hon. George Hickes, Mr. David Baffin Bay and Kane Basin polar bear Joanasie, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. subpopulations are sustainable and have George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, been since the 2013-14 season. As a Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon result, I am pleased to announce that as Mikkungwak, Mr. Paul Okalik, Hon. of July 1 of this year, the negative non- Keith Peterson, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, detriment finding for these populations Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, was removed and the trade ban lifted for Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander pelts from the 2013-14 season to present. Sammurtok, Mr. Tom Sammurtok, Hon. With the lifting of this trade ban, all Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, polar bears in Nunavut are now Hon. Peter Taptuna. exportable.

>>House commenced at 13:33 Mr. Speaker, the effectiveness of the polar bear management system in Item 1: Opening Prayer Nunavut is a testament to the co- management process we have in place Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) and the quality of the co-management (interpretation): Mr. Taptuna, can you partners we work with. I am pleased to say the opening prayer, please. see that our sustainable management of polar bears has once again been >>Prayer recognized, and I look forward to seeing the trade in polar bear pelts from these Speaker (interpretation): Good subpopulations grow and thrive. afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut. Members, ministers, (interpretation Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ends) Premier, (interpretation) visitors in announce that as part of changes to the the gallery, and staff, welcome to the Fur Assessment and Advance program, House. the Department of Environment will be increasing the guaranteed minimum Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister payment for prime quality fox pelts from of Environment, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. $38 to $45 per pelt.

Item 2: Ministers’ Statements >>Applause

Minister’s Statement 373 – 4(3): The Fur Assessment and Advance Baffin Bay and Kane Basin program provides an advance to Exportable Bears/Fox Pelt harvesters for their furs and facilitates Increase (Savikataaq) access to markets through branding and similar activities, as well as subsidizing Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. the cost of shipping furs to market. Speaker. I am pleased to rise today to

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4865

Mr. Speaker, the Department of also influence the design of the future Environment continues to support Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art harvesting in Nunavut as the traditional Gallery. economy of the territory and as a practice that is deeply tied to the culture Further, since last May, ground has been and identity of Inuit. Thank you, Mr. broken at the future site of the Inuit Art Speaker. Centre adjacent to the Winnipeg Art Gallery. We look forward to the >>Applause construction of the new Inuit Art Centre and the impacts it will have on the Inuit Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. art world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. George >>Applause Kuksuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister’s Statement 374 – 4(3): Ministers’ Statements. Minister Newly Created Indigenous responsible for , Advisory Circle at the Winnipeg Mr. Paul Quassa. Art Gallery (Kuksuk) Minister’s Statement 375 – 4(3): Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Arctic College Environmental Good afternoon, Nunavummiut, my Technology Program Celebrates fellow residents of Arviat, and the 30th Anniversary (Quassa) people of Whale Cove. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to pleased to announce the Government of my fellow residents of Igloolik, Nunavut’s representation on the newly Nunavummiut, and my colleagues. formed Indigenous Advisory Circle at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG). Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise in the House today to The circle consists of Inuit, Métis and congratulate Nunavut Arctic College’s First Nations artists, leaders, scholars, Environmental Technology Program on and elders from across Inuit Nunangat achieving 30 years of success. and Manitoba. The Department of Culture and Heritage curator, Krista First started in 1987, the Environmental Zawadski, is a member of this circle. Technology Program is a two-year diploma program that has had many The circle was created to give voice to graduates who are now contributing to Indigenous people – Inuit, First Nations, our territory in a wide variety of and Métis – and is mandated to lead and environmental and research-related guide the discussion in the Winnipeg Art careers. Gallery’s overall structures, such as exhibitions, education, governance and Mr. Speaker, this highly successful and programming, in areas such as content, celebrated program has grown beyond collections, and training. This circle will its original home in Iqaluit to other

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4866 communities through the college’s [centimetre] canvas. (interpretation) Community Programs Division. For the There is great talent and imagination on previous two years the program has been display, using paint, pencil, stone, fur, offered in Cambridge Bay in anticipation beads, fabric, and many other materials. for the opening of the Canadian High In total 140 pieces were chosen for the Arctic Research Station this fall. “Land of Arctic Ice – Contemporary Inuit Artists” collection. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating our Environmental (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am Technology Program on its 30 years of excited by the opportunity for Nunavut success and in wishing them all the best artists to exhibit their work on the world of luck for 30 more years and beyond. stage at this prestigious event. Imago Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mundi and the Venice Biennale are outstanding international platforms to >>Applause promote art and culture.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The art produced and displayed by Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Nunavummiut will invite attendees of Economic Development and the event to engage with our Nunavut Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- artists’ work and experience the spirit of Kanayuk. the Arctic. I applaud the talent and achievements of Nunavut’s artists on the Minister’s Statement 376 – 4(3): world stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Imago Mundi (Ell-Kanayuk) >>Applause Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. It is my pleasure to announce (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Nunavut’s participation in an Statements. The Hon. Minister of Family international art exhibition, Imago Services, Hon. Johnny Mike. Mundi, entitled Land of Arctic Ice – Contemporary Inuit Artists. This project Minister’s Statement 377 – 4(3): is organized by the Benetton Foundation Nunavut Sivuniksavut (Mike) and is taking place in Venice, Italy from August 29 until October 29, 2017, Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): coinciding with the Venice Biennale. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Pangnirtung and Nunavut, (interpretation ends) Imago Mundi is as well as to the visitors in the gallery. Luciano Benneton’s vision of creating a Good day to my fellow members and global project which offers “art without ministerial colleagues. borders that transcends differences, breaks the silence, pushes civilization Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this towards new horizons.” opportunity to congratulate the 2017 graduates of Nunavut Sivuniksavut. Artists were invited to create an original work of art of their choice on a 10 by 12

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4867

The Nunavut Sivuniksavut program Statements. The Hon. Minister of plays an integral role in the development Health, Hon. George Hickes. of Inuit youth’s knowledge of Inuit history, culture, and language. With the Minister’s Statement 378 – 4(3): knowledge, skills, and abilities gained Indigenous Cultural Competence through the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Training (Hickes) program, graduates will contribute to the future of Nunavut. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Jury for the Coroner’s The Department of Family Services Discretionary Inquest into Suicide recognizes the importance of Nunavut recommended that a cultural orientation Inuit youth having opportunities to program provide frontline staff with a attend post-secondary education, good understanding of suicide risk and particularly those that foster unique protective factors, along with the effects cultural and academic learning that historical trauma has had on Inuit. experiences. Similarly the Qikiqtani Truth Through the Financial Assistance for the Commission Final Report, the Truth and Nunavut Students program, the Reconciliation Commission Final department demonstrates its Report, A Journey Through commitment to helping students achieve Heartache, and two recent inquests their goals by offering financial support recommended cultural competency to help offset the costs of pursuing a training. post-secondary education. Last year the department provided approximately $1.1 Mr. Speaker, we recognize that a long- million in support to Nunavut term, multi-pronged approach is Sivuniksavut and its students, and this needed. Last summer two deliveries of year we are providing approximately Indigenous Cultural Competency were $1.2 million in support. pilot tested and were seen to be valuable for Inuit and non-Inuit alike. Following Mr. Speaker, please join me in that, a train-the-trainer program funded congratulating the 2016-17 graduates of by the Specialized Training Fund was the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program, as run. There are now seven certified well as wish Nunavummiut entering the trainers in Nunavut. 2017-18 academic year of the program well. These students are keen to continue Mr. Speaker, the two-day training their education and enter the workforce, program covers our country’s history and I wish them the best of luck in their with indigenous people; self-awareness future endeavours. Thank you, Mr. of one’s own culture and values; Speaker. colonization and its impact on indigenous communities; the resilience >>Applause of indigenous people; the role of an ally; challenging racism; and personal and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. professional opportunities to contribute (interpretation ends) Ministers’ to reconciliation.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4868

Mr. Speaker, to date nearly two hundred Mr. Speaker, the Department of frontline, policy and senior managers Education is proud to support this have taken Indigenous Cultural program. Mr. Speaker, this program Competency Training. Training is promotes and supports Nunavummiut on ongoing with plans to deliver across the their educational journey by providing territory throughout the year. students with an adaptable curriculum that provides access to those with Mr. Speaker, we must know the past and different strengths and capabilities to understand ourselves before we can achieve their potential. respond to the challenges of today. I encourage all staff to take the Indigenous Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Northern Cultural Competency Training when it is Youth Abroad program for their 20th available in their community. Thank anniversary, but I also would like to you, Mr. Speaker. recognize them for their active efforts in supporting many young Nunavummiut >>Applause as they transition from youth into adulthood. Students involved in the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. program will be an ambassador for our Ministers’ Statements. Minister of territory as they interact and work with Education, Mr. Paul Quassa. other youth from the rest of the world. Our students will come back to us with Minister’s Statement 379 – 4(3): an enriched knowledge that will inspire Northern Youth Abroad in fellow youth in their community. Thank Nunavut (Quassa) you, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. >>Applause Speaker. Fellow members, please join me in congratulating the Northern Youth Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Abroad program on its 20th year Ministers’ Statements. Minister of anniversary. Each year the program Community and Government Services, supports youth living in Nunavut to Mr. Joe Savikataaq. acquire professional skills and training through hands-on experience while Minister’s Statement 380 – 4(3): Be earning high school credits. Students in Prepared (Savikataaq) the program are immersed in a cross- cultural work and learning experience in Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Canada or internationally. Speaker. I rise today as the Minister responsible for Nunavut Emergency Mr. Speaker, the 2016 program was the Management to remind people to be largest yet serving 30 youth from 17 prepared when boating or going on the communities across Nunavut. The land at any time of the year. I also want Northern Youth Abroad program serves to thank the ground search and rescue to enhance student participation and volunteers and members of the Canadian success in education, career Armed Forces who often assist people to development, and community make it safely home. leadership.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4869

It is always a good idea to have a travel (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, plan with a buddy and to let friends and representing the people and community family know where you are going and of Baker Lake in the Legislative when you expect to return. It is also very Assembly has been the greatest honour important to ensure that you bring of my life. sufficient as well as extra fuel and supplies on each and every trip. Mr. Speaker, when I took my Oath of Allegiance and my Oath of Office in this A reliable source of communication Chamber four years ago, I was very should be an essential on-the-land tool, much aware of the heavy responsibilities whether it be a SPOT device or a radio that I assumed. or a satellite phone. As well, you need to ensure that you are familiar with your (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I want to area you will be travelling, review the thank my family for their support over maps/GPS coordinates, and discuss the past four years. (interpretation ends) potential issues with other I would not have been able to do my job knowledgeable hunters. without their strength.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough how Mr. Speaker, I always like to say that important it is that as leaders in our Baker Lake is a progressive community. communities we share the message of By that I mean that the community and being prepared. We are all responsible the people are always looking at ways to for taking care of ourselves and our build a better and brighter future. fellow Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, in recent years Baker Lake has experienced >>Applause unprecedented economic growth. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. proud to have had the opportunity over Ministers’ Statements. I have no more the past four years to support my names on my list. Moving on. Item 3. community in its efforts to ensure that Members’ Statements. Member for this growing prosperity benefits as many Baker Lake, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. residents as possible.

Item 3: Members’ Statements Mr. Speaker, over the past four years I have spoken out in this House for Baker Member’s Statement 648 – 4(3): Lake. I have spoken out in favour of Reflections on Representing Baker taking action to finally address the need Lake (Mikkungwak) to clean up the old power plant, and I have spoken out on the need for our Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): local housing organization to receive Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I new infrastructure and facilities. I have rise today to thank the people of Baker spoken out on issues related to housing, Lake for their support over the past four food security, elders care, business years. support, and many other matters that concern all segments of the community.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4870

(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as you immense pride and an honour to be a know, I have not been afraid to ask Member of the Legislative Assembly in tough questions of the government. terms of a personal impact in fulfilling (interpretation ends) Although we don’t my role as a representative for the always get answers to our questions, I Tununiq riding and most of all, in want to thank our ministers for doing serving the most scenic community from their best to at least provide us with all of Nunavut, namely, Pond Inlet. Did I responses. floor you?

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent >>Laughter to conclude my member’s statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been humbled and extremely proud as a regular MLA, and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. others who accepted me into their circle. The Member for Baker Lake is seeking I have been enabled by my colleagues, unanimous consent to conclude his namely, Mr. Shooyook, whose words I statement. Are there any nays? There are try to take to heart. Mr. Joanasie, you are none. Mr. Mikkungwak, please proceed. the youngest member here and I am proud of the things you say. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues. The friends I have made, all of my fellow members, I am always very Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by happy and proud that we are able to talk again thanking the people of Baker Lake frankly with the ministers. Although we for having entrusted me with the have had disagreements, through responsibility of representing them in discussion, the people of Nunavut are this House. I want to take this able to understand more things. opportunity to publicly confirm that I Sometimes I think I’m not getting an will be seeking their support again in the answer at all, but that’s not usually the upcoming election, and I look forward to case. That’s okay. We represent the returning home tomorrow to be with people of Nunavut and the government. them. (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, four years ago I had the honour of rising in this House to >>Applause formally and publicly express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. people of Pond Inlet for having placed Members’ Statements. Member for their trust and confidence in me to Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook. represent them in this House during the Third Legislative Assembly. Mr. Member’s Statement 649 – 4(3): Speaker, I again have this privilege Reflections on Representing today. Tununiq (Enook) Mr. Speaker, when I first took my seat in Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, this House, I committed to being a Mr. Speaker. It has been a source of

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4871 strong voice for my community and opportunity to speak for the community constituents. in achieving it.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this to conclude my statement today. Thank opportunity to thank my colleagues you. today for their unanimous support in approving significant amounts of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funding for the construction of new The Member for Tununiq is seeking housing units in Pond Inlet. Although unanimous consent to conclude his Nunavut continues to face a housing statement. Are there any nays? There are shortage, we have achieved progress. none. Mr. Enook, please proceed. Mr. Speaker, I very much look forward Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, to the next Assembly and government Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. demonstrating the same support for Pond Inlet’s air transportation infrastructure. I committed and continue to be As I noted in the House last week, I committed to raising their concerns and believe that there is growing awareness priorities with the government. I of the need to formally designate Pond committed to being Pond Inlet’s voice in Inlet as the hub of the North Baffin Iqaluit, not the government’s voice in region. I am happy to note that, yet much Pond Inlet. That’s what I have tried to work remains in this area to realize that do. and I look forward to being a part of it.

I committed to respecting the wisdom I wish to take this opportunity to and experience of Pond Inlet’s elders formally state that I will be again while also advocating for our youth and seeking the confidence of the people of their aspirations for the future. Mr. Tununiq in our upcoming election. Speaker, I hope that I have lived up to their expectations. Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude with some personal reflections. Mr. Speaker, four years ago I publicly stated in this House that I would be a (interpretation ends) Although our strong advocate for improved marine deliberations and debates in this House and air transportation infrastructure in can get heated, I believe that this reflects Pond Inlet. a sincere desire on the part of all members to represent our constituents to I want to take this opportunity for the very best of our ability. thanking my colleagues today for their unanimous support in approving millions (interpretation) We are all passionate in of dollars in funding towards the our commitment to represent our construction of Pond Inlet’s new marine constituents and this can lead to heated facility. I thank all of you sincerely. debates, but it has no personal Pond Inlet has been calling for this connotation. We try to work hard investment for many years, and I am together for the betterment of all very honoured to have had the Nunavummiut.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4872

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, you I understand this morning when my have served a full term as our Speaker, granddaughter woke up, the first thing and I want to thank you for your steady she said was, “Two more sleeps.” hand throughout this Assembly. It has been my distinct honour and privilege to >>Laughter serve as your deputy during that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to I want to conclude by saying that none offer my reflections on representing of us would be able to fulfill our heavy Gjoa Haven these past four years. responsibilities without the support of our families. Mr. Speaker, as Gjoa Haven’s representative in this House, my goal has >>Applause been to voice the concerns of my constituents. I would like to express my (interpretation) To my friends, I gratitude to the residents of Gjoa Haven sincerely thank you. To the many for placing their trust in me, and to the constituents who encouraged me to community representatives and local continue serving them and those who organizations for the support that they advised me when I made mistakes, I provided me over these past four years. thank you all. Mr. Speaker, prior to my election, I was Lastly and most importantly, not very involved in politics. Unlike (interpretation ends) I must say that my many of my experienced colleagues, I wife, Mary, is my foundation and did not have the benefit of experiencing without her I would not be the member I what it was like to represent a am. I thank her for her patience and community on a committee or on a unconditional support. Mary, I give you hamlet council. all of my love. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my work as a Member of the Legislative Assembly has been a >>Applause great learning experience for me. During my tenure there have been many people Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. that have given me important advice, Member’s Statements. Member for Gjoa and I would like to say a special “thank Haven, Mr. Tony Akoak. you” to each and every one of them.

Member’s Statement 650 – 4(3): Mr. Speaker, today I learned a new piece Reflections on Representing Gjoa of advice, and I quote, “speak from the Haven (Akoak) heart, and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” I pass that advice Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. along to all of the incoming legislators Good afternoon, my colleagues, who will be elected in the next community of Gjoa Haven, and my Assembly. family watching.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4873

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the Last year the Legislative Assembly Legislative Assembly, I have focused approved funding for almost 100 new my efforts on addressing… . public housing units across the territory. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent colleagues for supporting this initiative to conclude my statement. Thank you, and for approving funding for the Mr. Speaker. construction of a significant number of new public housing units for Gjoa Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Haven. (interpretation ends) The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to his statement. Are there any nays? There thank my family for the support that they are none. Please proceed, Mr. Akoak. have provided me during my term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. It Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. is with their love and understanding that Thank you, colleagues. I have been able to fulfill my duties, and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the Mr. Speaker. Legislative Assembly, I have focused my efforts on addressing the need to >>Applause increase support for community-based search and rescue initiatives, the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. importance of retaining job positions Members’ Statements. Member for within the community, and the need for Aivilik, Mr. Steve Mapsalak. more accessible and nutritious food across the territory. Member’s Statement 651 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Mr. Speaker, in my role I have also Aivilik (Mapsalak) supported the economic development and tourism sectors within my Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank community. With the discovery of HMS you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the Erebus and HMS Terror, Gjoa Haven people of Naujaat and Coral Harbour. continues to grow in popularity with tourists from around the world. I look Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my forward to the exciting opportunities that gratitude while I have the opportunity to these growing sectors will bring. the people of Naujaat and Coral Harbour for having re-electing me to represent Mr. Speaker, there is still much work the riding. I receive a warm reception that needs to be done in Nunavut. whenever I go to Coral Harbour to Nevertheless, I believe that we have attend to constituency matters and they made good progress during this have always been very hospitable on Assembly. every visit to their community.

In my early term I stood in this House to Mr. Speaker, I also want to especially speak about the issues of overcrowding, thank my constituency assistants from homelessness, and the need for more this mandate, in Naujaat Levi Katokra public housing units in my community. and in Coral Harbour Selma

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4874

Angootealuk. They were instrumental in as ample room for delegates and meeting keeping me apprised of any spaces. developments in my riding whenever a constituent wanted assistance on a Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent matter. I appreciated their ability to keep to conclude my statement. Thank you, me informed. Mr. Speaker.

Furthermore, the person to whom I have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the biggest gratitude is my wife, as she The Member for Aivilik is seeking has provided unconditional support unanimous consent to conclude his throughout our lives whenever I have put statement. Are there any nays? There are my name forward to represent the riding none. Mr. Mapsalak, please proceed. or in other elected public positions. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker, during my tenure as an you, Mr. Speaker. Members, thank you. MLA in the Second Assembly I worked tirelessly to push for more jobs for the Mr. Speaker, I really wish to extend my smaller, non-decentralized communities appreciation to the many officials who in Nunavut, to have more employment work in the Legislative Assembly, as opportunities from the government to be they prepare all of the work to ensure the placed in the smaller communities that House runs smoothly, including our would receive funding support from this travel needs and the spaces required for government. Upon my re-election for the various meetings we are required to second time, I spoke about the need to hold. The meetings usually proceed with keep the smaller, non-decentralized no complications. communities in consideration, especially when considering government positions Furthermore, I would be remiss without that can be created in these smaller mentioning the interpreters, as I communities. personally use their essential services that keep us informed in our language. I certainly hope that more emphasis will They provide the linkage for us where be placed on these non-decentralized MLAs may prefer to hear their language. communities by the next government for the Fifth Assembly, to make this a I also thank the Members of this House, priority in creating job opportunities as I was able to work closely with many where possible. Currently the lack of of you. Without exception, I thank you employment is the biggest hurdle faced all. by residents living in non-decentralized communities. Mr. Speaker, I also personally thank you since you have been a model of Mr. Speaker, I wish to reiterate and hope consistency. We also went to school that Naujaat will be considered after the together. You are always welcoming in upcoming election for a possible retreat various meetings. of the MLAs when they consider the direction of the new government. Our I would like to tell my constituents that I community has the resources now, such will not be running again in the next

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4875 general election. I extend my best wishes Mr. Speaker, I have risen in this place to to the people who will put their name for support our hunters in their occupations election to replace me and all the people and I was very pleased to hear the recent who will become a candidate. I wish announcement regarding the pilot project them good luck. Thank you, Mr. for the testing of meat for trichinella in Speaker. Nunavut, which is something I have lobbied for. >>Applause (interpretation) As you are aware, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker, and as all of my fellow Members’ Statements. Member for members are aware, I have been a strong Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. advocate for services for our elders and Tom Sammurtok. youth. There is still much left to be done in these areas. Member’s Statement 652 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield (interpretation) I would like to confirm Inlet (Sammurtok, T) that I will be seeking another term as the elected representative for Rankin Inlet Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): North–Chesterfield Inlet. I feel that I still Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to have work to do for the benefit of these reflect on representing Rankin Inlet communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. North-Chesterfield Inlet. Good day to the people of Rankin Inlet and >>Applause Chesterfield Inlet. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. First of all, I would like to thank my Members’ Statements. Member for family for supporting me and for being Hudson Bay, Mr. Allan Rumbolt. understanding of the time I had to spend away from home. Member’s Statement 653 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Mr. Speaker, I have also appreciated the Hudson Bay (Rumbolt) support and confidence of my constituents in Rankin Inlet North- Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Chesterfield Inlet and it has been a true Good afternoon to the people of honour to sit in this House and represent Nunavut. them. They have encouraged me. I have brought forward a number of issues and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the concerns throughout my term. If I’m re- past nine years of representing the elected, I would like to make sure that constituency of Hudson Bay and the these issues and concerns are brought great people of in the forward throughout my term. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I have Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by brought forward a number of issues and thanking my family for their support and concerns throughout my term. patience over the past nine years.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4876

Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this focused my efforts in the Legislative opportunity to publicly confirm, with the Assembly on issues of concern to the blessing of my family, that I will again community and its residents. These have seek the confidence of my constituents included the need to address the high in the upcoming general election. cost of living, the need for new infrastructure such as office space, Mr. Speaker, we all know that there are recreational facilities, public housing, still many challenges ahead. However, if staff housing, and a new health centre, the next Assembly approaches these the need for effective programs, issues in the spirit of consensus and services, and economic development, the compromise, we can continue to make a need to support our hunters, and the need difference in this great territory. to protect the unique environment of Hudson Bay and the very beautiful Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent community of Sanikiluaq. to conclude my member’s statement. Thank you. >>Laughter Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, when we work together in The Member for Hudson Bay is seeking this House, we can accomplish a great unanimous consent to conclude his deal. It gives me great pleasure to see 15 statement. Are there any nays? There are new public housing units and 2 new staff none. Mr. Rumbolt, please proceed. housing units being constructed in Sanikiluaq for this year alone. For the Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. past three years medical patients have Thank you, members. enjoyed the comfort of larger aircrafts to and from their appointments in Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take Winnipeg. A new health centre for this opportunity to say that my work in Sanikiluaq has been approved with the Legislative Assembly on behalf of construction scheduled to begin next Sanikiluaq has been helped by the strong summer. I look forward to seeing other cooperation and friendship that I have infrastructure improvements in the near enjoyed with many Members of this future. House.

Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to rise in Mr. Speaker, the community of the House and recognize the growth and Sanikiluaq is a very unique and special success of Sanikiluaq’s young athletes in place. Representing the community and such sports as table tennis, badminton, people of Sanikiluaq has been one of the cross country running, and other sports. greatest honours of my life. I thank all of Opportunities to participate in regional, my constituents for the trust they have territorial and national competitions have placed in me to serve on their behalf and increased and I would like to see this I look forward to serving the community trend continue. There are many benefits in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to leading an active and healthy lifestyle. >>Applause

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4877

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. there is much work ahead of all of us. I Members’ Statements. Member for believe that we were all created as Netsilik, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq. equals, and I believe that we all have an equal responsibility to work together for Member’s Statement 654 – 4(3): the betterment of our people. Reflections on Representing Netsilik (Qirngnuq) Mr. Speaker, my family are in my prayers at all times, and I want to finish Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank today by thanking them with all my you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to heart. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the people of Kugaaruk, Taloyoak, and Nunavut, as well as my fellow MLAs. >>Applause

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. today to thank you and my colleagues Members’ Statements. Member for for the support that you have given me Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak. since my election to the House in the past year. Member’s Statement 655 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Mr. Speaker, as you know, the people of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu (Angnakak) Kugaaruk and Taloyoak chose me to represent them in the by-election that Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. was held last year. Since that time I have Speaker. (interpretation) Good day. very much appreciated the support that I have received. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in every human being’s life, there are days Mr. Speaker, as you also know, the that forever stay in one’s memory: tragedy that struck Kugaaruk has demanded attention and action on the  The day you got married; part of this House and the government. As the MLA for Netsilik, I want to thank  The day your children were born; all of the Members of this House for and acting quickly to approve the necessary funding to rebuild.  The day that you took on the most important responsibility of your life. Mr. Speaker, as an MLA who represents two communities, I have done my best to Mr. Speaker, four years ago I rose in this advocate for both Taloyoak and House to express my gratitude to the Kugaaruk. I believe that this is the right people of beautiful Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu thing to do, and if I am fortunate enough for having entrusted me with the to earn the trust of my constituents in the responsibility of representing them upcoming election, I will continue to do during our term of office. I am amazed so. at how time flies. It seems like the swearing-in ceremony only happened Mr. Speaker, the only thing that I can yesterday. say for certain about the future is that

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4878

Mr. Speaker, over the past four years I Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. have worked hard to fulfill the Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. expectations that were placed on me, and you may have noted, some ministers I know that it is not easy being on that more than others, that I am not afraid to side of the House. There are a lot of speak out on issues that are of concern to expectations placed on ministers from my constituency, the city, and the the public and from us, the regular territory as a whole. MLAs, sometimes even to be miracle workers who will solve the complex Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that issues that we often raise in the House we must not be afraid to speak honestly on behalf of our constituents. Thank you and sometimes forcefully regardless of for having patience with me. how difficult or uncomfortable the issue might be. That belief has been the Mr. Speaker, the members on this side of foundation of my work here in this the House have the responsibility of Assembly. holding the government to account for its decisions and actions. Collectively we Mr. Speaker, we all have distinct roles the regular members are the voice of and responsibilities to fulfill. those Nunavummiut who are asking questions and wanting to know what our As Speaker, you have presided over our government is doing with regard to deliberations during the Assembly with programs and services that it provides to fairness and dignity. You have even Nunavummiut and how it proposes to given us a bit of humour on those days achieve success. when you accidentally promoted some of us on this side of the House as Mr. Speaker, earlier in our term we held minister. important televised hearings in this Chamber on the issue of air service in >>Laughter the north. These hearings raised public awareness and understanding of the Mr. Speaker, our ministers have the complex issues facing Nunavut in this responsibility of looking beyond the area, as well as putting pressure on the boundaries of their own constituencies airlines to address the concerns that we and working for the betterment of the raised with them. territory as a whole. We held those hearings as a Full Caucus, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent which allowed both regular MLAs and to conclude my statement today. ministers to ask questions of the invited witnesses from the major airlines. Our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. ability to undertake such work together The Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu is is a unique strength of our non-partisan seeking unanimous consent to conclude system of government and I hope that her statement. Are there any nays? There the next Legislative Assembly will are none. Ms. Angnakak, please proceed. undertake more work of this nature.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4879

Mr. Speaker, as you know, many It is so important, as other members have Nunavummiut, including members of expressed today, to have our families the Iqaluit Sailivik Society, have been and loved ones at our side, especially working tirelessly to improve the quality when the pressure is on to find solutions of care that we must provide to our to complex issues that we raise in the elders and seniors. House or address on a daily basis when working with our constituents. Although the Sailivik Society has made some progress in terms of getting a Mr. Speaker, I have been able to do my business plan developed for a long-term job as an MLA because of the support care facility in Iqaluit, our journey down and guidance that I have received from this road is only beginning. I was my husband, Archie, who is here with us anticipating to be much further ahead today. I would like to thank him very with this project than where we are much from my heart for always being at today. However, I am hopeful that the my side. I would also like to thank my next government will take elder care and children and grandchildren. They keep the need for elder care in all me grounded. I want to publicly thank communities much more seriously than them all for the stability they have in the past and address this need as a provided me to do my job. priority. I would also like to thank my mother and Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this father, Margaret and Michael Gardener, opportunity to thank the members of the who have always been at my side, as Sailivik Society for all that they do in well as my sisters and my extended this area. family members who live in Iqaluit and Pangnirtung, who have all been there for Mr. Speaker, Nunavummiut across the me when I needed them. territory will be making important decisions about our future in the weeks Mr. Speaker, my job has been made ahead. I am confident that many good easier by the excellent work of my women and men will be putting their Constituency Assistant, Kailey Arreak, names forward in the coming election. who is also here in the House today, and I want to thank Kailey for being so At this time I would like to publicly diligent in her work. confirm that I will be asking the people of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu to again place Mr. Speaker, my list of people to thank their trust and confidence in me. I am continues. I want to recognize and thank looking forward to healthy debates and our staff on the third floor. In particular I discussions in the weeks ahead. would like to say how I have appreciated the help of Alex, Siobhan, and Karen. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also reflect You have guided me and have allowed on how important our families are when me to grow in my position as an MLA it comes to successfully fulfilling our over the last four years through roles as Members of the Legislative opportunities to debate issues through Assembly. the writing of questions that I wanted to ask, of which you challenged me to think

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4880 them through better, and through our that there are interpreters and I start general conversations about some of the rambling on as fast as I could go to get difficult issues that Nunavummiut face my question in as fast as I can. Thank on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing you for having the patience with me, and your wisdom and your knowledge with I really appreciate the support and the me. work that you do.

Mr. Speaker, my list of people to thank In conclusion, I would like to take this is still not over. I want to take this time opportunity to wish everyone seeking re- to thank John Quirke, the Clerk of this election the very best of luck. To those Legislative Assembly. John, your seeking election for the first time, I hope guidance through our sittings has been that you will enjoy your time finding out greatly appreciated. Your experience and about the issues that your potential knowledge is fundamental to the success constituents face. of the past, the present, and hopefully future assemblies. Thank you for your It is a time where you will learn a lot dedication. I would like to take this time about how people are feeling in your to congratulate you once again for your community and your constituency, and 45 years of service in the government. you will gain a greater appreciation of the fact that there are no easy answers to Mr. Speaker, I want to also recognize the problems we face in Nunavut. and thank Stephen Innuksuk for providing us with his support and Mr. Speaker, despite the difficulties that guidance in the House during our we face, I truly believe that through sittings, during our Committee of the teamwork and working together, we can Whole meetings, and especially during do and accomplish great things. Thank our in-camera deliberations on proposed you, Mr. Speaker. legislation. Thank you very much, Stephen. Your help has been greatly >>Applause appreciated. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Last but certainly not least, I want to Members’ Statements. Member for thank our support staff on the first and Quttiktuq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook. third floors, our bookkeepers, our travel and budget administrators, staff that look Member’s Statement 656 – 4(3): after our computers; I always have Reflections on Representing computer problems. It’s really good that Quttiktuq (Shooyook) I can go to somebody and say “help me,” staff that maintain the building that we Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank sit in here today, staff that make sure you, Mr. Speaker. I can hardly stand up. that we have everything we need to do our jobs, but often they’re in the Good day, Nunavummiut who are background. watching the proceedings. For the visitors in the gallery, welcome, as well Of course to our interpreters, thank you as to our Premier, ministers, and my for keeping up with me when I forget fellow members first of all.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4881

I want to start with a preamble about the can overcome stage fright in a public campaign that got me elected, albeit I role. won’t be forthcoming about my many abilities. Tony Akoak, my ningauk, I wish to clarify that it was due to my spoke about government operations. I passionate feelings about this issue. had no idea of how the government While sitting here, the idea came into my operated, as I am just a long-time hunter. head that I had to publicly make a stance Hunting was my only life and had no by walking out in protest and I did this idea of how government operated. during an actual sitting.

During the Fourth Assembly I wish to Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent atone of my personal battle that took to conclude my statement. place. Mr. Speaker, I was feeling depressed and an idea popped into my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. head for the first time that I had to take The Member for Quttiktuq is seeking this opportunity to become a candidate. I unanimous consent to conclude his stopped that idea, as I felt inadequate for statement. Are there any nays? There are the role. Within the same time frame, none. Mr. Shooyook, please proceed. over several days of that week, the idea kept returning. Whenever the idea Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank popped into my head, I would dismiss it you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my fellow by thinking of my inadequacies. members.

I loathe wearing formal dress for any As I was saying, I walked out in protest. occasion and I didn’t have anything That was my first challenging time as an prepared, so I could not accept that idea. MLA. I was extremely passionate about When the election writ was issued, a the need to protect Inuit beliefs. As an person approached me saying that I had example, I recalled the first retreat where to put my name on the list for election. I spoke about traditional Inuit beliefs and This was the first sign that people felt cultural skills where I said that would be strongly and it pushed me to put my my priority. I recall a member telling me name forward. I finally voiced my desire that it would only cost more funding to run for the first time publicly. Mr. requirements if I pushed for this ideal. Speaker, with that being the case, I want to clarify that it is possible to be As a Canadian citizen, I was told that I unilingual and a representative for a was trying to destroy the Canadian riding. Constitution by fighting for this ideal, but I had no fears about pushing for When I finally sat here for the first time, change, even in that light. My objective being a shy person, I was very self- was solely to voice Inuit beliefs, skills, aware and suffered stage fright in abilities, and all relevant traditional thinking I would have to sit here, with practices that could help resolve that. everyone watching me on television This was the case and I committed to while I tried to speak. It felt fighting for that over these last four overwhelming to do so. However, in years that I have experienced this at retrospect I would point out that anyone every meeting, where I pushed for

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4882 acknowledgement and recognition of conducted my work in any role, I try to Inuit capabilities. I have fought every complete the objectives to ensure that inch of the way. the job is done. I was unable to realize that and I am apologetic for my failure to Now, I am not saying I am more capable do so to my constituents as this never did than others for I am severely less come to fruition, which is completely capable than my colleagues due to my regrettable. ignorance about government operations, but even with this limitation I reminisced There is still much to be thankful for. about our past traditions when we were The first colleague I wish to thank, as I just Inuit. In living up to this age, I have fought to incorporate Inuit beliefs, is a seen tremendous changes, some of minister of this government. I will thank which are beneficial while others are Minister Keith Peterson publicly, as he regrettable, mostly as a result of set money aside specifically for Inuit Nunavut getting its own government. Qaujimanituqangit principles to be used Nonetheless, there remains in the middle within the Corrections Division, an unfortunate matter that I felt needed specifically for our Inuit healers. He to be pushed out and improved so that it increased the funding for this service incorporated Nunavut Inuit beliefs. It is provision. This has had a tangible effect a critical matter now which requires for the Inuit inmates who are at BCC, implementation today. based on my work to incorporate Inuit practices. This is what made me resilient in fighting for these changes here in Mr. Speaker, I ended up going in the Nunavut: not just my constituents but middle of the year to tour all of the many other Inuit such as the many elders facilities. Many inmates expressed their from Pangnirtung encouraged me to pride for this change, as well as those at continue. They said, “Shooyook, I am Makigiarvik who noticed the changes proud of you. Please carry on with your and felt less conflicted due to healing work.” People from Cape Dorset, Clyde according to Inuit culture. Mr. Speaker, River, Igloolik, the High Arctic this is proof of Inuit capabilities that can communities of Grise Fiord and help resolve life challenges based on Resolute Bay, Kimmirut, and every traditional knowledge related to social community in the Qikiqtani region counselling. expressed their support to continue the fight to do so. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues here on the last sitting day of this House, Mr. Speaker, many people wish the same ministers, I can now lend my support thing as I do about Inuit beliefs. For that here on incorporating Inuit beliefs so reason I have been zealously working on that you may move forward to realizing this on their behalf, not just implement it. It is critical at this stage. because of my own capabilities. With that being the case, I extend my Nonetheless, with that being the case, I thanks to all the ministers for their am regretful that I wasn’t able to support on this matter. My gratitude properly deliver this fight that I stated extends all the way to the bottom of my would be my objective. Whenever I have

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4883 heart, as I lack the capabilities to do this to run again, even if I won’t be re- without support. elected. I will submit my name for candidacy as many people have asked When Inuit Qaujimanituqangit me to continue my work. As I am not initiatives are started and implemented finished in my work, I will be running in the Legislative Assembly and when again for my riding. For the information my name is mentioned as being the force of all the Nunavummiut who have lent behind the changes, this lightens my their support, I will try again. mood as it shows how my commitment can make changes and it encourages me I thank all of you as an Inuk elder. I have to continue. I gain more capability to not given up and I am still physically speak due to my colleagues’ pride in my capable of continuing the work. I thank verbosity. our Speaker for his support, including John and Stephen, and in particular our Further, I wish to thank all of my interpreters in this process. It is due to colleagues immensely for their undying their skill that my words are support and in particular our youngest understandable with the same passion I colleague, who always sits on my left imply. I thank you all. Thank you, Mr. and closest to me. He has provided a lot Speaker. of support and has also been passionate about fighting for suicide prevention. I >>Applause am very proud of his dedication. I am proud of all of you, in particular Joe Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Enook. He has been especially Members’ Statements. Member for supportive of my work and I personally South Baffin, Mr. David Joanasie. thank him for that. I also thank the MLA for Kugaaruk, but I am grateful to all my Member’s Statement 657 – 4(3): colleagues. Even if I don’t mention Reflections on Representing South every name, I extend my thanks to you Baffin (Joanasie) all. Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nevertheless, with this being my last I might as well get it out of the way. I chance to speak, I haven’t completed my seek unanimous consent to conclude my objective nor the work entailed to realize statement today. Thank you, Mr. it. Furthermore, I am extremely grateful Speaker. to my children and my wife, as they expressed their thoughts. They said, >>Laughter “Father, I want you to continue and I am proud of your work. You are an elder, Speaker: The member is seeking yet you are adamant about this issue and unanimous consent to conclude his you can voice your thoughts clearly.” statement. Are there any nays? (interpretation) There are none. Mr. During the last sitting when I was here, Joanasie, please proceed. my wife told me, “Please run again and I encourage you to run.” With that An Hon. Member: Whadda! encouragement, I was refreshed enough

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4884

>>Laughter revitalization. On a number of occasions I rose in this House to petition for more Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank programs and policies that focused on you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my strengthening the use of the Inuit fellow members and visitors in the language throughout the government. I gallery. felt that the government needed to support it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the last sitting of the Fourth Assembly to pay Just yesterday the government homage to the people of South Baffin, announced its new Inuit Language Kinngarmiut and Kimmirummiut. Incentive Policy and program. Mr. Speaker, this is one of many steps that Mr. Speaker, it has been an honour and will bring us closer to fulfilling the privilege for me to serve the obligations that have been set out in the communities of Cape Dorset and Inuit Language Protection Act. Kimmirut these past four years. I must admit that I have encountered both During my tenure I also pushed for personal and professional challenges changes to the territory’s current throughout the years. The job of an education standards and the development MLA is very demanding and rightfully of more early childhood education so. programs and facilities. Mr. Speaker, across Nunavut there is much work to be Mr. Speaker, when I was elected to this done to ensure that we are delivering the position four years ago, I vowed to focus best education to our children. my work on improving programs and support for young children and families, Unfortunately in 2015 Cape Dorset Inuit language and culture, Nunavut’s experienced the tragic loss of their education system, and the integrity of school. Though the community and our communities. There is much work to governments have worked hard to serve be done in these areas and I hope to once our students in its absence, we still feel again earn the confidence of Cape this loss. Dorset and Kimmirut to revisit these issues in the future. I would like to take this time once again to commend the residents of Cape Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had the Dorset, teachers, the departments of opportunity to emphasize the need for Education and Community and improvements in Nunavut’s patient Government Services, and all others relations, to increase the numbers of whose hard work minimizes the effect health care service providers in our that this loss will have on our students’ communities, and to provide health success. services in all of Nunavut’s official languages. Mr. Speaker, there is a long way to go in ensuring that our communities have the Mr. Speaker, the ability to work in our necessary infrastructure to deliver vital language and receive services in our services. language is essential to its survival and

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4885

Mr. Speaker, since my very first day as a all candidates the best in their campaigns Member of the Legislative Assembly, I in the coming weeks. have been pressing the government to begin construction on a new power plant Mr. Speaker, in closing, (interpretation for Cape Dorset to permit more ends) I also want to say that as an MLA, construction and growth in the we’re in the business of asking questions community. While the construction of as regular MLAs, but I want to impart Cape Dorset’s new power plant did not some questions for Nunavummiut to ask commence as quickly as I had hoped, I themselves in their own minds. How is am looking forward to the completion of Nunavut working for you or how are you that project in the coming years. working for Nunavut? Keep asking questions like us regular MLAs. Some of Mr. Speaker, since I became an MLA, I us as regular MLAs have our own have been pressing the government to questions of “Why is the minister relocate Kimmirut’s airport. At that time rambling on a response when he could I was informed that the government have gone straight to his pointed would consider conducting feasibility answer?” studies for this project. (interpretation) Although I was the Mr. Speaker, I am excited to say that just youngest MLA, I want to say that it felt last week the Minister of Economic good having been recognized by the Development and Transportation MLAs, especially our elder right beside announced that her department me, Mr. Shooyook, the Member for submitted the Kimmirut Airport Quttiktuq. relocation project to be considered for funding under the Government of We always remember that day when Mr. Canada’s National Trade Corridors Shooyook walked out because he wasn’t Fund. Mr. Speaker, that’s progress. getting the answers from the minister that he was expecting on Inuit Mr. Speaker, it has been rewarding to Qaujimajatuqangit. I really remember work through all of these issues with my that day. It was a very important event colleagues in this House. It has also been and I’m thankful for it. an honour to work through these issues with the mayors and municipal (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, councillors, district education (interpretation) those of us who are authorities, local housing organizations, younger than most people, let us strive hunters and trappers associations, and for things that we want. Let us teach elders and youth groups of both ourselves and help ourselves progress, communities. I hope to have the and it will help us. opportunity to continue my work with them, as well as the constituents of Cape Mr. Speaker, finally I would just like to Dorset and Kimmirut. thank my fellow MLAs and the ministers, and the South Baffin Mr. Speaker, with that being said, I constituency assistants who have helped intend on seeking re-election in the me in the last four years; the late upcoming territorial election and wish Qutaiqqu Kootoo, Wakta Joanasie,

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4886

Ikkummak Ivvaluajuk, Barbara very hard on a number of issues Sagiaktuk, and Jeanina Barrieau. throughout my term. In fact my very first question in this House was to ask about a I would like to thank my friends who 24-hour care facility in Rankin Inlet. have supported me. My entire family, my mother, older brothers, my younger As I mentioned the other day, I have brother, and my sisters have all made over 10 statements and asked over supported me. 20 questions on this issue throughout my term. I strongly believe that providing Mr. Enook said it very well: our spouses, long-term care for our elders in their our wives or husbands, are our home communities must become a foundation as MLAs. I would really like higher priority for our next government. to thank my wife, Emily and our children. I love you. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, throughout my term I have Speaker. advocated for improved services in the areas of dental services and support for >>Applause our youth. I have been very proud to stand in this place to congratulate Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Rankin Inlet athletes on their many Members’ Statements. Member for successes in regional, territorial and Rankin Inlet, Alexander Sammurtok. national competitions.

Member’s Statement 658 – 4(3): Mr. Speaker, I have been pleased to Reflections on Representing support enhancements of Nunavut’s Rankin Inlet South (Sammurtok, Income Assistance Program and it has A) been very good to see Rankin Inlet Mr. Alexander Sammurtok residents move on into apprenticeship (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. and training programs, especially as the Speaker. Good day to the residents of mining industry is opening up more Rankin Inlet, Nunavummiut, and fellow opportunities in our region. MLAs. Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the consent to complete my statement. residents of Rankin Inlet South for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. supporting me in my role as their Member of the Fourth Legislative Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Assembly of Nunavut. The Member for Rankin Inlet South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank his statement. Are there any nays? There my wife and children for being there for are none. Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, me even though I had to be here in this please proceed. place for long periods of time and away from home. Mr. Sammurtok: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank my (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues. colleagues will be aware, I have pushed

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4887

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, while Last year when my son who my I am looking forward to progress on the colleagues saw proved his capability, he new arena, the community of Rankin harvested his first walrus all by himself Inlet continues to face numerous while boating in the summer. I was infrastructure needs, especially with the attending the session here. lack of housing in the community. Mr. Speaker, what I want to speak to Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue here is that yesterday in our community my work on these issues and others. the narwhal seasonal migration passed Therefore I wish to advise my through. Qikiqtarjuaq has an annual constituents that I will be putting my migration when narwhals migrate south name forward to run as a candidate in in the fall. Apparently yesterday my son the upcoming election for the Fifth was boating by himself when he Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. There harvested his first narwhal. He is still a lot of work to do.(interpretation) harpooned it himself and landed it. I Thank you, Mr. Speaker. want to share my pride in his continuing accomplishments firstly prior to my >>Applause statement.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Applause Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my appreciation today to everyone in having Member’s Statement 659 – 4(3): sat here for the last three years, albeit the Reflections on Representing three years flashed by so quickly. Uqqummiut (Keyootak) Mr. Speaker, I wasn’t of the mind at that Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank time of becoming one of the MLAs in you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise today to this Legislative Assembly. Nonetheless, express my gratitude and to voice my many of you know that I was involved in pride. the Nunavut land claims negotiations. From the beginning of the AIP to the Mr. Speaker, prior to commencing my fruition of the agreement, I was involved statement, I wish to voice my pride and and I thoroughly enjoyed this process. to share in congratulating our youth in From that time after completion of the particular, who are ardent hunters and agreement, the next step was the work spend time on the land and not just in the towards the Government of Nunavut as communities. We have to voice our the first elections were held. pride in youth who practise our traditional hunting activities and to Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent express our pride in their continuing to conclude my statement. improvements in both hunting and food preparations. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The Member for Uqqummiut is seeking Mr. Speaker, I want to extend unanimous consent to conclude his congratulations firstly as a preamble.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4888 statement. Are there any nays? There are express my gratitude to the people of none. Mr. Keyootak, please proceed. Clyde River, who are very hospitable and welcome me to their community on Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank my constituency visits. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my fellow members. Mr. Speaker, I have maintained in my statements from the first day I was Mr. Speaker, the first thing I want to elected that I brought forward to my two explain is the fact that Qikiqtarjuaq isn’t constituency communities that both of really a traditional area, but it became the communities wouldn’t be a higher one of the communities when priority than the other. I would treat government came. Ever since the them both as a singular constituency and GNWT days we have had an MLA represent them fully in the House. This representing us, but there was never a has benefited me greatly. Even though I representative from the actual represent two communities, I have tried community. Over the past three years we to treat them equally and I have had our first MLA originating from maintained that to date. Qikiqtarjuaq. This is a source of pride and I am extremely grateful to my Mr. Speaker, as one of the MLAs here I constituents who voted me in, both in also tried to ensure I worked with each Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River. community government that is one of our priorities, as I have tried to work Mr. Speaker, shortly after I was elected hand in hand with the hamlets by in a by-election, I was told by my pushing for their needs. Further, any constituents that many people like us concerns the local governments want aren’t interested in running for office, as voiced is something I have tried hard to they have other avenues that interest do. Board governance and fulfilling that them. Many people have no interest in role is something I have continued to any type of political office nor are they work on ever since I became an adult, even interested in running for office. and it has become my career more or Further, many have no desire or interest less as I have never held a job. neither in politics nor in listening to the televised proceedings. From the time we completed the agreement and worked towards the However, I was informed at the time creation of Nunavut, many know that when I was recently elected after I had Inuit involved in the land claim didn’t meetings here, many constituents didn’t want a land claim separate from the like to watch me “pretending to meet,” political development. Inuit were but they would become antsy waiting for adamant that the land claim was hand in the televised meetings of the Legislative hand with political development and Assembly as it garnered a lot of interest. wanted a government to represent the This was something that I felt internally. people. However, at that point in time I had neither inkling nor a thought that Mr. Speaker, we have to ensure we keep when Nunavut got its own government, I our constituents completely informed would become party as an elected about events. I especially wish to representative. When we completed the

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4889 land claims process and it was Mr. Speaker, many issues requiring our implemented as an agreement, I didn’t working together are still out there and think I would be a part of the Nunavut in particular our smaller, non- government. decentralized communities have to be kept in mind when contemplating However, when a by-election writ came development within the territory. All down, many people in our community efforts should be to ensure development approached me to consider running for occurs in their areas as well within the MLA seat. In particular my children Nunavut. were urging me to consider by asking me to run, and my wife joined our Mr. Speaker, further, I want to speak to children in trying to convince me to run. this issue. Our constituents really want Sometimes one needs encouragement to to listen into these proceedings and some be able to stand and put one’s name people in the communities, not all of forward, especially by our loved ones. them, wish to hear audio while some Without encouragement from family and want to watch the televised proceedings without their support, many MLAs to see what is developing. Nonetheless, wouldn’t be here. This can strengthen some communities face technical your resolve when you hear difficulties when tuning into that encouragement. channel.

Mr. Speaker, like others here I have held People really want to listen in and in a discussion with my family, especially particular people in Qikiqtarjuaq want to my children and daughters, about the watch our sessions, but it took almost an choices I would have to make when entire year to fix the television channel elections came about for our riding. I broadcasting the sessions. It has been took quite a while to ponder my choices, over a year that they have been deprived but all of my children were promoting of the televised proceedings. Our the idea of continuing to act as a communication linkages should be representative by encouraging me to run. improved throughout Nunavut. Many To date I have now agreed to place my people wishing to either watch or listen name due to this encouragement from to the proceedings really miss the chance my family, so I agreed to put my name to watch when it isn’t available. forward in the next general election. My message to the communications We all know much work is still required technicians is that there is an audience within Nunavut and many of the things for the televised proceedings or perhaps we have debated over the past few years even an audio feed available via CBC. led me to enjoy some accomplishments, There needs to be better monitoring of especially in drafting bills for review. our communication linkages. Some We have many duties in our role and communities wish to watch different some are very daunting and complex shows or to listen in, but they aren’t able while others are easier to conduct. This to watch. For the representatives who principle applies to most representation may get elected, that should be a priority work. to ensure that the interested people

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4890 wishing to watch the proceedings at least We had a choice between a public have that option. government serving all residents of the territory or if it would be an aboriginal Today many of our constituents are government representing only Inuit. This primarily still unilingual Inuit and when plebiscite was held to determine the they watch an Inuktitut broadcast, they government model we would follow. It take great pride in watching television in was held by the TFN, which was the their own language. However, when land claims body. I wasn’t personally technical difficulties create breakdowns, onside with that plebiscite with solely a depriving them of that opportunity, it public government that was a part of causes consternation amongst many of Confederation. our unilingual Inuit and our elders in particular, who like to watch televised I wanted to have an experiment within proceedings and not just listen to the the Nunavut government to see if an radio clippings. The television linkages Inuit-only government was more to many of our communities require amenable for our territory. Perhaps many modernizing, as some communities have of our residents would be more satisfied had to wait long periods before they can with this government if we had have the opportunity to watch the proceeded with an Inuit style proceedings. It will have to be a priority. government firstly. Nonetheless, the decision was made by the majority to Mr. Speaker, I want to take this have a public government within opportunity lastly to extend my Confederation. appreciation to my family for encouraging me to run again. They have At the very least I am happy that Inuit committed to this request and I have have an opportunity to be elected to this received the full support of my family to government as MLAs. Many of us Inuit put my name forward again. I believe never imagined that we would end up firmly that family encouragement is here in the Legislative Assembly, but crucial, both our children’s and spouses’ since we are now part of this encouragement, as it shows that they are government, it is very prideful for our proud of our abilities to represent others. people to see that Inuit can be part of I wanted to speak to that. government. This is the good part of the process here. When Nunavut was created, Inuit had many expectations about improvements Mr. Speaker, I will be running again in in many areas that would assist them to the next general election. I would like to realize their needs throughout Nunavut. thank my colleagues for giving me their Prior to the creation of our Nunavut support. For the past three years it has government, I recall we were asked to been a learning experience on what it’s decide what kind of government like to be a Member of the Legislative Nunavut would have. Personally I had a Assembly. I listen to the proceedings on different idea and voted differently the radio, participate in the call-in based on my perceptions. shows, and listen to the concerns of our constituents. We have to look at the needs and concerns of our constituents.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4891

I’m not sure how many people will be I do want to say that Members of the running. Legislative Assembly who are on the first floor, as an Inuk, I have enjoyed this I would like to thank my colleagues, the very much because we negotiate and ministers, the interpreters, our Speaker, build strength through agreement. I and the regular members who give me thank each and every one of you during all the support I need. I thank you all. this session for showing the government That is what I wanted to state. Thank that we are very concerned about our you, Mr. Speaker. language as Inuit. If the bill is going to erode our language, then we will stop it. >>Applause The proposed legislation to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Corrections Act does not sufficiently Members’ Statements. Member for incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Iqaluit Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. principles and we said no to that. We are hearing from the public that the Member’s Statement 660 – 4(3): government has to start listening to our Reflections on Representing concerns as Inuit. Our concerns have to Iqaluit-Sinaa (Okalik) be incorporated and implemented. If we do that, it would become the foundation Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, that gives us strength. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Merci Monsieur le Président. (interpretation) I, Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous too, would like to thank you for being consent to conclude my statement. willing to learn even from your own Thank you, Mr. Speaker. mistakes during our sessions. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I am not a new Member of the The Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa is seeking Legislative Assembly. I continually unanimous consent to conclude his appreciate my constituents from Iqaluit- statement. Are there any nays? There are Sinaa who have given good advice and none. Mr. Okalik, please proceed. who also inform me of the issues and concerns they want me to speak about in Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, the House. If it wasn’t for my Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. constituents supporting me, I wouldn’t be here. We are nearing the end of our term and that is the only thing that is regrettable. I thank all of my fellow MLAs. By We have been energized by our people helping one another on various issues, and we will be more sensitive to their we are able to move ahead and get things issues. As our term of office is ending, done. No matter where I sit as a member, our track record will be scrutinized you have all been very supportive with closely. all the business that we have to do and actually make them look easy. I am very pleased that I’m able to visit the other communities in Nunavut. People interested in running would share

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4892 their thoughts and the importance of seems like just yesterday that we were being more accountable to voters and to sworn in. It has been four years now. reflect their concerns. I am very pleased and happy to hear those issues. I’m Also during my campaign in Arviat, I encouraging all Nunavummiut, letting told them that I’ll be the voice of Arviat. them know representing voters is a I worked very hard to be the voice of serious responsibility. That is why we Arviat residents as a regular member of have to work together if we’re going to the Legislative Assembly. When I resolve the issues we will face in the moved across the seats as a member of future. the cabinet, I supported the residents of Arviat. They are very pleased with the Although I don’t know what the future work that I’m doing. holds, it’s evident that Nunavummiut will expect more. It will be easier for I would like to say to those residents of Nunavummiut. I, too, will be running Arviat who speak to me that I listen to again in the next election even though I them and try to follow through with their don’t know what the outcome will be. wishes. I am their servant and That will be determined by our fellow representative after all. Ministers have Nunavummiut. I wish you all the best. an obligation to listen to all Nunavummiut. I also treat the people of Lastly I would like to thank all of my Arviat the same. I want to support each family, my brothers and sisters, who and every one of them equally. have been providing support to me and for letting me be here. I wouldn’t be here I would also like to thank the Members if I didn’t get their support. Thank you of the Legislative Assembly. As a very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation regular member I worked very closely ends) Merci beaucoup. with you. Even after I moved to this side, I’m able to work closely with the >>Applause regular members. It’s only through cooperation and working together that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. we can succeed. I thank you very much Members’ Statements. Member for for the good questions, and we have Arviat South, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. provided responses to your questions. Those four years have been very fast. Member’s Statement 661 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Arviat Even though today is the very last day, (Savikataaq) this government will be dissolved at the Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): end of this session and a general election Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I will take place on October 30. would like to thank the residents of Arviat. I remain thankful to them for (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I seek electing me in 2013. They believed in unanimous consent to conclude my my ability to represent the community of statement. Arviat. It will be four years we have been here. It went by very quickly. It Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The Member for Arviat South is seeking

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4893 unanimous consent to conclude his satisfied with the answer you give them. statement. Are there any nays? There are When I’m here, it’s a lot easier. I can none. Mr. Savikataaq, please proceed. reason with you.

Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): >>Laughter Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleagues for their consent. Most of the time you’re happy with my answers. For the next government I think I will speak in English. (interpretation that’s a pretty good training ground. ends) I would like to thank everyone in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Arviat for putting their trust in me and electing me back in 2013. I have done >>Applause my best to serve the Arviarmiut. I do my best for the betterment of Arviat and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Arviarmiut. Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Peter Taptuna. I thank everyone here for working with me and working with us. It is only Member’s Statement 662 – 4(3): Solar through working together that we can go Energy Expansion in Kugluktuk forward. (Taptuna) Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. I would also like to thank my Speaker. (interpretation) Good constituency worker, Nick Arnalukjuak. afternoon, colleagues, (interpretation (interpretation) Nick Arnalukjuak ends) people in the gallery, Tulugarjuaq, I thank you very much for Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut. your hard work. Even though this is our last session this day, I know that you A little change of pace here, earlier this will be working this week. summer through the good work of the Hamlet of Kugluktuk and its council, we (interpretation ends) Since this is our last hosted a visit with representatives of question period that’s it for here, I can NRStor. Mr. Ron MacDonald and his give out a few secrets here to you guys team from NRStor accepted our now. invitation to come to Kugluktuk and asses the sustainability and suitability of >>Laughter our solar energy panel expansion. NRStor is a multi-faceted company that Some of my colleagues ask me, “How is heavily invested in the renewable do you stay calm? You seem to take the energy sector. pressure. Question after question in Committee of the Whole, you just keep Mr. Speaker, NRStor representatives met answering them.” I’ll tell you the secret. with the hamlet council and staff, as well as viewed and visited several locations Most weekends and in the evenings we and buildings in the community for solar have four grandkids in the house aged 2, potential. Their assessment of the 4, 4, and 5. They have very little potential of Kugluktuk moving toward reasoning ability and they’re never ever renewable energy options like solar is

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4894 seemingly viable and very positive. can. Solar energy is passive energy and can be used in concert with other electrical Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the energy generation like diesel. Mr. officials that do the hard work. I wish Speaker, of course all we use in the everybody, I wish all the MLAs that are north is diesel. running for the next election all the best and safe campaigning. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity for Kugluktuk to be on the cutting edge of Again, we still have to tell our young this technology should help lower our people education is the key for success electrical cost and assist in the in life. There’s nothing wrong with elimination of greenhouse gases. Plans succeeding in both traditional life and are now underway to enhance solar the modern way of life. They can electrical generation capacity in our succeed in both. Thank you, Mr. community of Kugluktuk. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this >>Applause opportunity to congratulate the hamlet and the council, the mayor, the staff of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kugluktuk, the hamlet council, and the Members’ Statements. Member for people of Kugluktuk for their proactive Aggu, Mr. Paul Quassa. work in seeking solutions to these types of issues locally within our community. Member’s Statement 663 – 4(3): Reflections on Representing Mr. Speaker, since this is our last day of Igloolik (Quassa) session for this term I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): for always being there and running good Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will try not to debates within this House. speak at length. Nonetheless, let me start off with voicing my gratitude to the Most of all, I want to thank all of you, all people of Igloolik. Actually the ridings the MLAs that worked hard. The public in which we were elected now have doesn’t necessarily see all the hard work names that seem to have no bearing on that’s done in standing committees, our communities. Committee of the Whole, preparing for the Committee of the Whole, and all this For example, I am in the riding of Aggu hard work that most of the public does and maintain that I am from the Aggu not see. region, though that is not entirely truthful since the place name is actually Again, at times we don’t see eye to eye, on Baffin Island and it is nowhere close but for the most part the name of the to the island of Igloolik. It is a misnomer game is to make sure that we do the best in mentioning the riding of Aggu. It isn’t thing for Nunavummiut. I thank all the truthful since Aggu is not situated on our members for being open and working island but rather on Baffin Island. hard to make sure that we do the best we Nonetheless, the name was chosen

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4895 previously in a plebiscite to name our technology. riding and I have agreed to the name. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent As for the communities, wherever they to conclude my statement. Thank you, are situated in the territory and how they Mr. Speaker. are named, they aren’t the actual proper place name. To use the name Igloolik, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Igloolik proper is the point below the The Member for Aggu is seeking existing community. The actual unanimous consent to conclude his placement of the community lies in the statement. Are there any nays? There are traditional place that was called “pocket no nays. Mr. Quassa, please proceed. bay.” It was originally called Ikpiarjuk. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): However, I believe we all know that the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my community of Igloolik now has a colleagues. population of over 2,000 residents. Actually within the Baffin region, aside As I was saying, with Igloolik being from Iqaluit, Igloolik is the second situated on a small island, our culture largest community now. As it stands and language has been strongly today, our tiny island of Igloolik hosts protected and it is quite prominent as our over 2,000 residents today. I am proud main strength as a community. This is of our community situated on this small one of our greatest strengths. We must island. ensure we portray the strength we have gained from our ancestors and our Igloolik has long been said to be the history, and showcase our strength by most traditional community retaining the being proud of our cultural identity and Inuit culture and language, and in where our future direction lies. These are showcasing it to the world, both in the types of things we must strongly showing Inuit culture as well as our portray. language. As a matter of fact today Igloolik now uses various forms of Our forefathers and ancestors were media to showcase films and has Inuit strong and resilient, and today Inuit will filmmakers who create feature films continue to be strong and move forward. strictly in Inuktitut, both as That is usually how this sage advice is videographers and as filmmakers, with spoken about, that it is solely due to the feature films showing our traditional abilities of our ancestors’ resiliency that Inuit language and culture that are seen many of us can stand here today. Let us internationally. I am very proud of this be thankful for their legacy and let us fact. take pride in our cultural identity, especially as MLAs preparing for the Dating back to the 1970s, the future. We want to make decisions for government started to introduce the betterment of our territory so that we television in the Arctic and the adjacent may have a strong future and that our communities began receiving TV descendants can inherit this strength. broadcasting. Igloolik was the only This is why we try to resolve these community that rejected the television challenges as MLAs.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4896

Even after we are gone, as Inuit we can Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. make our strength carry on. That’s what Members’ Statements. Member for we have been told to do. This is what we Cambridge Bay, Mr. Keith Peterson. need to do as MLAs. We remember that before Nunavut was created, we Member’s Statement 664 – 4(3): welcomed everybody. When Nunavut Reflections on Representing was created, we were open as our Cambridge Bay (Peterson) ancestors were. When outside people started coming in, our ancestors helped Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. and welcomed them. Even today we Speaker. I have watched some of need to do that. Everyone here in Minister Joe Savikataaq’s Monday Nunavut, let us welcome everyone to morning videos of his weekend and I Nunavut. think they’ve had a calming effect on me as well. I would like to thank the people of Igloolik. We can keep our beliefs. As my >>Laughter colleagues have been saying, there’s still a lot of work to do. I would like to thank Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank my family my family. Some of my children are in and friends in Cambridge Bay and across Igloolik and some are here. However, I Nunavut for supporting me as MLA. would like to thank my fellow residents of Igloolik for allowing me to stay here I thank all of my constituents for for four years. The four years went by electing me three times to be their MLA. very fast. I thank my fellow residents. The last election results really warmed my heart. That was a tremendous As I stated, there’s still a lot of work to outpouring of appreciation for my work do and I would like to carry on as a over the years. It has been a real Member of the Legislative Assembly. I privilege for me to represent them to the very much thank my colleagues. It has best of my abilities every day. Mr. been a learning experience to be here. Speaker, I think all of us as MLAs You learn a lot of things. We always should appreciate our constituents for hear of new ideas coming up. With that I the trust and support they have put in us. wish my colleagues luck. Those who are running again, I wish you well. I have learned a lot in almost 14 years as MLA and minister, all for the better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are from You think you have learned everything. the same community. Our Speaker Every day I wake up and I learn a little knows that even though he’s from bit more; sometimes not all for the good, Igloolik, the whole region near our but you learn stuff. That’s what we do community is called Amittuq. When he here as MLAs and ministers. says that he’s from Amittuq, he’s telling the truth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very proud of all that we have accomplished and achieved as MLAs >>Applause and ministers over the years working together in this House. It hasn’t always been a fun time, but we managed to keep

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4897 the government moving. People are with me for nine years. Thank you to supportive of us. Mike and Annie upstairs.

As I said yesterday, I am particularly I would also like to throw a shout-out to honoured that my colleagues on both my former executive assistant, Nick sides of the House have entrusted and Pashkowski. He left me two years ago. supported me as Minister of Finance for He worked very hard over the years to nine years and as Justice, Health, QEC, keep me organized and up to date on and Workers’ Safety and Compensation stuff every day. Imagine all the paper Commission for various terms. I have that comes and goes in a minister’s picked up a lot of nicknames over the office. years as Minister of Finance. Some of them I have heard are Money Man, Finally I thank the good and kind people Grinch, Scrooge, Dr. No, and my most of Iqaluit for welcoming me and making recent one, because a lot of us are Game Iqaluit my home away from home. It has of Thrones fans, a TV series, is Master been very much appreciated. Thank you, of Coin. If anyone knows who the Mr. Speaker. Master of Coin is, he is the guy that’s a magician with money in the Game of >>Applause Thrones show. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, no MLA or minister can be Members’ Statements. Member for very effective without great support Pangnirtung, Mr. Johnny Mike. staff. Member’s Statement 665 – 4(3): Mr. Speaker, I would like to request Reflections on Representing unanimous consent to continue my Pangnirtung (Mike) statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to speak The Member for Cambridge Bay is about the Hamlet of Pangnirtung and to seeking unanimous consent to conclude provide a historic background of the his statement. Are there any nays? There community. are none. Mr. Peterson, please proceed. However, I must start first with Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. expressing my gratitude to the residents Speaker. of Pangnirtung. The land around the community has been well known for In Cambridge Bay I thank my many years for its scenic beauty. There Constituency Assistant, Irene was an initiative to develop a national Amagonalok. She has been with me…I park in our region. lost track…12 years. She keeps me pretty grounded in Cambridge Bay. Here Personally as a lifetime resident, it didn’t in Iqaluit I thank Mike Courtney, my seem fitting to acknowledge the scenic Executive Assistant, and Annie Akoak, nature of our community. When you my Executive Secretary. She has been grow up in a place knowing the

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4898 resources and lands, the esthetic is the unanimous consent to conclude his least of your concerns. Nonetheless, the statement. Are there any nays? There are reputation of being a beautiful, scenic none. Mr. Mike, please proceed. place came from outside visitors. When you start to hear people speaking of its Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): beauty, you finally notice these things. Thank you, my colleagues. When songs were written about Pangnirtung, they spoke about the As I was saying, when I ran for office, beautiful scenery. my wife was working towards her resignation as the local Anglican Also because Pangnirtung has the minister. When the results came in, she reputation of being a scenic community, made up her mind and stated she would several world leaders have made trips, be resigning her position in order to with various government leaders having support my work as my wife and partner. arrived to visit Pangnirtung. There are I am immensely grateful to my wife for also several famous people who visited her steadfast support, along with my our community, including John F. children. Kennedy Jr. When famous people arrived in our community, I presume it When I was campaigning, I stated that if was because of its scenic reputation. I was elected, I would run for a ministerial portfolio. I think I was too As well, when filming commenced for rash in that decision because of the several famous James Bond films, it difficulties involved with that position. took place in the valley where the When I was tasked with a ministerial fighting scenes took place with James portfolio, this saying kept popping into Bond fleeing attackers who were my mind to define the challenges of shooting at him. He jumped off a cliff. being a minister once I started finding Some of you may have actually seen that out the hardship one can face, as well as particular sequence of scenes which was needing to provide proper responses to filmed in Pangnirtung. I am assuming it questions. I felt that it was like being was due to films such as that that with a rabid animal; our own Pangnirtung started to gain the government (interpretation ends) a beast! reputation for being a scenic community. (interpretation) That was my perception There are several other areas that I wish of this government. to speak to related to the reputation for Pangnirtung being very scenic. I want to take this opportunity to thank my constituency assistants, Daniel Back when I first ran for the election in Kuluguqtuq, Amie Nashalik, as well as our riding, my wife was actually the when I became a minister, my local reverend. ministerial officials. Although I can’t name them all, I am grateful to them. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. From the youngest resident of Pangnirtung to the eldest resident, I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. thank each and every one. One misses The Member for Pangnirtung is seeking their local elders when one is used to

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4899 working with them, especially when they They’re going to be putting a sod house pass on, but that cannot be helped. I am together at Qaummaarviit. It’s going to in those shoes at this time in my role as be a very big one. She is going to be the MLA for Pangnirtung. starting the foundation this fall. There will be many archaeologists coming in. I wanted to especially thank my fellow They’re looking at how the land was residents of Pangnirtung for being very used in the past. I’m very proud of the involved in various economic fact that this work has started. development initiatives, such as fisheries, tourism, carving, and the arts She has consulted with many elders here such as drawings. Many of the local in Iqaluit, especially the oldest elders bodies are independently run and who will be involved this coming year. therefore I thank my fellow residents of They will be taken down to Pangnirtung. Qaummaarviit and they will be looking for some bones and material for tent Yesterday I already expressed myself rafters. I very much look forward to with regard to the next election, so I taking a close look at it in the future. I doubt I need to reiterate my previous ask my colleagues to join me in statements. I thank all of my colleagues. expressing our pride for this. Thank you, Thank you. Mr. Speaker.

>>Applause >>Applause

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Members’ Statements. I have no more Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell- names on my list. Moving on. Item 4. Kanayuk, Returns to Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister Member’s Statement 666 – 4(3): of Culture and Heritage, Hon. George Recognizing Meeka Mike (Ell- Kuksuk. Kanayuk) Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to say something Return to Oral Question 817 – 4(3): quite different. Artefacts from the Franklin Expedition (Kuksuk) I would like to recognize one of my constituents, the sister of the person who Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): just spoke and my neighbour, Meeka Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mike. She asked me to say that she was (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. approved for Inuit Heritage Trust Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. funding. She has started getting ready for her project. I have been passing by Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral and they are repairing a boat that her question for the Gjoa Haven MLA, Mr. father helped build. Tony Akoak, who asked me a question on Wednesday, September 13 in regard

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4900 to the Franklin Expedition. The question which artefacts can be displayed and is in three parts and it goes: housed within the territory.

Question No. 1: 3. Parks Canada assumed jurisdiction over the wreck of HMS Erebus under “…can the minister give me a clear list a 2015 federal Order in Council and of all entities that currently have as such it has the authority to explore permission to access the Franklin the area and remove artefacts. Expedition wreck sites and remove artefacts?” Parks Canada is proposing an Order in Council to add an area in Terror Question No. 2: Bay to the previous boundary of HMS Erebus National Historic Site “Can the minister tell us…when will of Canada. The Order in Council these artefacts be displayed in Nunavut would designate the area jointly as communities?” the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and Terror National Historic Site of Question No. 3: Canada.

“…can the minister clearly describe how The subject ownership is of Parks Canada and the Government of continuing discussion between the Nunavut are working with the Inuit Government of Nunavut, Parks Heritage Trust to ensure that each trustee Canada, and the Inuit Heritage Trust. has the opportunity to provide expertise We are confident that the matter will and advice on all plans and events be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerning the Franklin Expedition parties, and in the interim the wreck sites and artefacts?” Department of Culture and Heritage, Inuit Heritage Trust, and Parks My response, Mr. Speaker, I’m also Canada continue to work in close responding in three parts: collaboration at all levels on the Franklin project. 1. Under the Nunavut Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regulations (NAPSR), Nunavut has authority over HMS Terror and as Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. such has the authority to remove Returns to Oral Questions. Premier of artefacts or to grant permits to other Nunavut, Mr. Peter Taptuna. parties, such as Parks Canada, to remove artefacts. Return to Oral Question 820 – 4(3): Status of Operational Audit of 2. Although there are limitations with Government of Nunavut access to appropriate facilities and (Taptuna) resources within the territory to Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. house artefacts currently, my Speaker. This is a question asked by Mr. department is exploring ways in David Joanasie, Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Baffin,

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4901

No. 820 – 4(3), and the subject matter is way up there, so he’s a very able man. on the status of the operational audit of We all should be proud of him because the Government of Nunavut on he helps everybody in Arctic Bay a great September 13, 2017. deal, including me. He has been an important worker. He has done Mr. Speaker, the question by Mr. everything in his ability, including Joanasie: searches. I am very proud of him and I would like all my colleagues to be proud “Information that is publicly available of him as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. indicates that the consulting company that has been doing this work…received >>Applause a contract valued up to $340,000. Can the minister confirm how much this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. company has been paid to date? Thank Please feel welcome in the gallery. you, Mr. Speaker.” Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat My response, Mr. Speaker: Angnakak.

I thank the member for the question. I Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank can confirm that the amount paid to the you, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to consulting firm was $334,146.31. Thank recognize and welcome my constituents, you, Mr. Speaker. Emilayou, Annie Nattaq, and her husband, Simon, who is working here Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. for a while. I welcome them. Returns to Oral Questions. I have no more names on my list. Moving on. Item Our precious visitors are students that 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. have come to Iqaluit from the Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Isaac communities to take a pre-employment Shooyook. training program. They’re going to be learning from September until March. I Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the will say their names. Please rise when I Gallery say your name: Crystal Ningeongan- Houston, Pitseolala Pudlat, Jordan Ms. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank MacMunn, Lisa-Ann Eseemailee, you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to Caroline Nutarak, who may be not here, express my pride with my colleagues. Judy Laisa, Pauline Kublu, Jeremie From yesterday and today we have been Fortier, Tai Qiatsuk, Theresa Inooya, having our last times here, and I’m and Iselena Natsiapik. I may have finally able to recognize people. mispronounced her name. Their teacher is Darryl Andre and their coordinator, One of my constituents, Tony Eecherk, Madeline d’Argencourt, is here as well, please stand. He is a very able person who is Mr. Kuksuk’s spouse. Please feel from the Kivalliq who has been living welcome. many years in Arctic Bay. When he moved to Arctic Bay from the Kivalliq, >>Applause he did it by boat and he made it all the

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4902

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. can tell you about that trip to Arctic Bay. Please feel welcome in the gallery. (interpretation) Leo Eecherk is here in Recognition of Visitors to the Gallery. the gallery and I would like to welcome Member for Tununiq, Mr. Joe Enook. him.

Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, let’s all welcome those I Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize just mentioned. Thank you very much, someone who is always here, but the Mr. Speaker. staff here rarely get recognized. While I have this opportunity I would like to >>Applause recognize two interpreters, Philip Paneak from Pond Inlet, who is not in the booth Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. at the moment, and Mary Nashook, who Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of has been an interpreter for a very long Visitors in the Gallery. Member for time. She is now living in Ottawa, but Arviat South, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. she knows she is from Pond Inlet. Let’s welcome them. Thank you. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize >>Applause someone that’s here most of the sittings, but we don’t see him much. He’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. originally from Arviat. Mr. Jordan Please feel welcome, those who work in Konek, who works for CBC, I would the Legislative Assembly. Recognition like to recognize him. of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Arviat and Whale Cove, Mr. George Also, in my haste earlier in my Kuksuk. member’s statement I talked about the grandkids; I forgot to mention that I will Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. be running for re-election in Arviat. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize a couple of individuals who >>Laughter are here this afternoon; first, my best friend and my partner, Madeleine Here’s my opportunity to sneak it in here d’Argencourt. She was just recognized for the Arviarmiut. I’m running for re- earlier. election in 2017. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also here today this afternoon, it’s good to see my good friend, long-time friend >>Applause who now lives in Arctic Bay but like Mr. Shooyook (interpretation) stated earlier, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. he went by boat from the Kivalliq to Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Arctic Bay. I know that story and he told Visitors in the Gallery. Member for me about how his journey was by boat. Aggu, Mr. Paul Quassa. It was a very interesting story. If you’re ever sitting with him anywhere, ask him Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): about his interesting trip. (interpretation Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They were ends) It’s a very interesting story that he already recognized, but I would like to

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4903 recognize Leo Eecherk, not just by the gallery. (interpretation) I would also Facebook this time. I used to work with like to recognize my cousin and I am his father when I was living in Rankin very proud that he will be moving to my Inlet from 1979 to 1981. I worked with riding. He will be taking additional his father at the hamlet office. I am very training here. My father and his father proud of Leo. He has great abilities, as were brothers. Welcome, Leo Eecherk. we heard from the Member for Thank you. Quttiktuq. He has now lived in Arctic Bay for quite a long time now. Please >>Applause feel welcome. Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to I would also like to recognize our page, the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in Makpa Otak, who is from Igloolik. Her the Gallery. I have no more names on mother is in school here. It’s very good my list. Moving on. My fellow that our young people can be involved in members, before we proceed to Item 6, things like (interpretation ends) cadets we will now take a 15-minute break. and junior rangers. (interpretation) I would encourage young people to take Sergeant-at-Arms. part in those. I am very proud of her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>House recessed at 16:15 and resumed at 16:39 >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. fellow members and ministers, for Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of coming back. Thank you. Item 6. Oral Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Questions. Member for South Baffin, Iqaluit-Manirajak, Ms. Monica Ell- Mr. David Joanasie. Kanayuk. Item 6: Oral Questions Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Question 867 – 4(3): National Trade Speaker. (interpretation ends) First of Corridors Fund (Joanasie) all, I would like to recognize someone from my constituency, Terry Dobbin. He Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank has worked for 17 years with you, Mr. Speaker. Before I go to my News/North. He has been a resident of question, I would like to recognize my Iqaluit for 18 years, currently a wife, Emily, who is in the gallery. councillor with the City of Iqaluit since Welcome. 2012, and the general manager for the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Welcome, Terry, to the gallery. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. >>Applause As the minister is very much aware, I Some of the people have left, but I, too, have very much appreciated her support would also like to recognize someone in for the need to replace Kimmirut’s aging

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4904 airport terminal building and relocating confirmed that her department has the airport itself. submitted seven expressions of interest to the federal government for During last Thursday’s sitting of the consideration for funding under the new Legislative Assembly, the minister National Trade Corridors Fund. Can she confirmed that her department has clarify if her department ranked its formally submitted both of these projects submissions in order of priority and, if to the federal government for so, can she clarify what the order was? consideration for funding under the new Thank you, Mr. Speaker. National Trade Corridors Fund. This is something that I have strongly Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. supported. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Can the minister indicate when she Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- expects the federal government to make Kanayuk. its decisions on the application? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. I also thank the member for his Minister of Economic Development and question. To date we just made a Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- submission in no particular order of Kanayuk. priority. They are just (interpretation ends) expressions of interest Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation) submissions. I would (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. like you to know that all submissions Speaker. I also thank the member. The will be considered. I’m sure that not all federal government has called for an of them are going to be approved. The (interpretation ends) expression of new government will be able to keep interest. (interpretation) We have working at it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. submitted one. We have heard about the project in the Kitikmeot, but we have not Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. had any responses to the other projects Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. that we have applied for. It will probably be around the middle of October before Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank we hear anything from the federal you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. minister for her response. Can the minister clarify whether or not she will Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have the opportunity to make a Your first supplementary, Mr. David presentation to the federal government Joanasie. concerning our submissions under the new National Trade Corridors Fund? Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank She indicated that they would probably you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the be getting responses around the middle minister for her response. Mr. Speaker, of October. Would she be able to make a during last Thursday’s sitting of the presentation to the federal government Legislative Assembly, the minister before that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4905

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Inuit who don’t know English when (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister there are three different spellings saying of Economic Development and the same thing. Transportation, Hon. Ms. Monica Ell- Kanayuk. I wonder what they mean by “anginiqpaangat.” The other one says Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk “kilaamita ikarramit.” It’s easy to (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. understand it in English, but it doesn’t Speaker. If I did that, I would be make any sense in Inuktitut. The last one constantly working, but we do have which is the clearest is capable employees who would be able to “ungataanuuttailigitti.” It means not to do those presentations. My staff has go over this speed limit and it seems to been going down south to make their be the most accurate. Those are the presentations, and I’m sure that they will speed limits that we see out there on the be doing that on an ongoing basis. road signage.

To clarify it further, there is more than It seems like we’re a bit behind even one project we have slated for Kimmirut. though we’re trying to preserve our One is for the relocation of the airport languages. Maybe we should standardize and the other one is the air terminal at Inuktitut signage. I wonder if it’s the present airport. We have made a possible for the minister to make sure couple of expressions of interest for that there’s correct spelling in the Kimmirut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Inuktitut language when it comes to road signage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik. Minister of Languages, Mr. George Kuksuk. Question 868 – 4(3): Inconsistent Road Signs in Inuktitut (Okalik) Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, also thank my colleague for that Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question. Mr. Speaker, we have the question to the Minister of Languages. official languages that are recognized in Nunavut, Inuktitut and those other Our laws have to be adhered to here languages. I think he’s referring to the throughout Nunavut. People out there Inuit language and that we should have should be informed about the contents of properly written, standardized road the law. signage. We are dealing with this on an ongoing basis. Here in Iqaluit there are street signs that I look at, especially those in Inuktitut. Some signs are correct. We just have to There are three types of spellings in make some changes. Yes, I agree that Inuktitut, with English and French being there is a need to change some of the spelled the same way. I wonder how the signage. We are working on this on an by-laws will be understood properly by ongoing basis within the Department of

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4906

Culture and Heritage. The next My officials are listening and I’m sure government will have to consider this. I the other entities that I mentioned are can’t say how we are going to deal with also listening. I truly believe that they it since this is our last day. Those and will deal with such matters. That’s the other matters will have to be dealt with only response I can provide at this time. by the next government. Thank you, Mr. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Your first supplementary, Mr. Okalik. Inlet South, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok.

Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Question 869 – 4(3): National Trade Mr. Speaker. I know that this is our last Corridors Fund (Sammurtok, A) day, but we have still have unfinished work that we must prepare for the next Mr. Alexander Sammurtok government. If I was a unilingual (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Inuktitut-speaking person, how would I Speaker. (interpretation ends) My understand when they use different question is for the Minister for terms for the same word? I’m asking the Economic Development and minister to consult with the Transportation. terminologists to straighten this out. We don’t want any unilingual Inuit to break During last Thursday’s sitting of the the law. How are they supposed to abide Legislative Assembly, the minister by the law when they don’t understand confirmed that her department had it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. formally submitted seven expressions of interest to the federal government for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. consideration under its new National Minister of Languages, Mr. George Trade Corridors Fund. One of the Kuksuk. submissions was for “marine development for Rankin Inlet.” Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I For the benefit of people in Rankin Inlet indicated earlier, there is the Inuit who are watching our proceedings today, Language Authority and there are can the minister confirm what type of different entities that deal with such marine development project has been matters. We also have the Inuit submitted? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and the Inuit Language Authority that have very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. capable management. I have complete Minister of Economic Development and trust in their staff. I can tell my Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- colleague that I believe the Inuit Kanayuk. Language Authority will proceed with such issues. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. My department is always listening to the Speaker. I also thank the member for questions that are raised in this House. that question. As I indicated earlier, I

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4907 haven’t looked at the details. It just says Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. “marine development for Rankin Inlet.” Your final supplementary, Mr. When we’re talking about marine Alexander Sammurtok. development, we’re talking about a port for ships and for offloading materials. It Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. can also be used for other things. It Speaker. During last Thursday’s sitting would probably cost around $60 million of the Legislative Assembly, the minister to build a project of this scale. Thank confirmed that her department has you, Mr. Speaker. formally submitted seven expressions of interest to the federal government for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. consideration under its new National Your first supplementary, Mr. Alexander Trade Corridors Fund, including new Sammurtok. marine development in Rankin Inlet. Will she commit to providing a copy of Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. this submission to the mayor and Speaker. During last Thursday’s sitting municipality council of Rankin Inlet? of the Legislative Assembly, questions Thank you, Mr. Speaker. concerning the need to expand Rankin Inlet’s existing airport terminal building Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. were asked. In her response to the Minister of Economic Development and questions, the minister indicated that her Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- department has been undertaking work Kanayuk. with respect to surface rehabilitation and equipment garages at the airport. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that Can she clarify if an expansion of question. Mr. Speaker, today’s our last Rankin Inlet’s airport terminal building sitting day. I’m not committing to is currently being planned by her anything. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Minister of Economic Development and Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak. Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Kanayuk. Question 870 – 4(3): Support for Nunavut Children and Youth in Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Care (Angnakak) Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. The development for the Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Rankin Inlet Airport consists of apron Speaker. I would like to direct my expansion, a secondary taxiway, paving question to the Minister of Family of the new taxiway and apron, and Services. significant electrical system upgrades. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we are all aware, in far too many cases Nunavut children and youth who are in need of specialized

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4908 care are sent out of the territory to Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. receive the necessary services. Speaker. I’m happy to hear that that’s progressing along, perhaps a little more Approximately one year ago the slowly than what we want. Minister of Family Services indicated that the department had secured funding Mr. Speaker, I recognize that it is a for client liaison officers and they were difficult decision to send a child or to provide support for clients in out-of- young person away from their family or territory placements. Can the minister community to receive care. Recently the confirm that those positions have or are group home for youth in Iqaluit was both filled and operational? Thank you, reopened. Can the minister provide an Mr. Speaker. update on the status of the group home, including how many clients are currently Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. being cared for and how long they will Minister of Family Services, be able to stay there? Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Hon. Johnny Mike. Speaker.

Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This project is Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny moving on smoothly. I would also like to Mike. state for interest of the viewing audience that we need to provide support to the Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): clients that are supported and housed Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my outside of Nunavut in order for them to colleague for asking that question. Since have proper support and services outside the facility was reopened in the spring, of the territory. We have requested for we have three clients living there now. client liaison officers and we have The capacity is eight beds for female identified these positions in Ottawa and youth. The plans that we discussed in the Edmonton. past during last spring session are progressing well and the facility is Our department has been trying to find prepared to repatriate clients to move or hire these client liaison officers for back into the facility. I know that the some time, but I haven’t received an clients that are housed outside of the update. We still have to get office space territory will be able to get back to the and once we have the office space facility in Iqaluit as long as there is still available for these positions, we will room. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. move on to hiring. I can tell the member that we have proceeded and progressed Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. on hiring client liaison officers. Thank Your final supplementary, Ms. you, Mr. Speaker. Angnakak.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Your first supplementary, Ms. Speaker. I’m a little surprised there are Angnakak. only three in that facility when there’s just so much need.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4909

Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that we all agree of the submissions was for “marine that it is much preferable to keep our development for Qikiqtarjuaq.” children and our youth closer to home even when they need specialized For the benefit of people in Qikiqtarjuaq services. Can the minister provide an who are watching or listening to the update on how many group homes or proceedings today, can the minister facilities are operating under the contract confirm what type of marine to the Government of Nunavut to development project has been provide specialized services to children submitted? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and youth in Nunavut and how many are outside of Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kanayuk. Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Speaker. I also thank the member for his Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can tell you question. Yes, this project was a part of since we started taking specialized the submissions for expressions of services for female youth, I know there interest to the federal government. It are many housed outside of Nunavut. I would cost approximately $76 million. can’t elaborate as to how many group That’s the submission we provided. I homes or facilities are operating under have viewed the site in Qikiqtarjuaq. It contract. I apologize, Mr. Speaker. would provide support to fisheries, tourism, and development of the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. community. As I stated earlier when Oral Questions. Member for another member was asking about the Uqqummiut, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak. expressions of interest, perhaps in October we will hear more on the Question 871 – 4(3): National Trade development of this. Thank you, Mr. Corridors Fund (Keyootak) Speaker.

Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will Mr. Speaker, during last Thursday’s recall, I have spoken on a number of sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the occasions about the need for a modern minister confirmed that her department port in Qikiqtarjuaq that will help to has formally submitted seven support our fishing industry. This will expressions of interest to the federal help to create jobs for my constituents government for consideration under its and reduce poverty. Has the minister new National Trade Corridors Fund. One shared a copy of her department’s submission to the federal government

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4910 with the mayor and municipal council of that question. First of all, the Qikiqtarjuaq? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. approximate cost is just an estimate. We can’t state exactly how much it will cost. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. It is expected to be approximately Minister of Economic Development and $76.25 million. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Kanayuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker. I also thank the member. This is an expression of interest. It’s not a Question 872 – 4(3): Community request or application as to when they’re Transportation Initiatives going to move ahead. At that time we Program (Sammurtok, T) will be able to identify the design phase. Even if the submission is not approved, Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): our officials have looked at other options Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation to make sure that they can get additional ends) My questions are for the Minister funding through various federal of Economic Development and programs. There are other options and Transportation as well. once we hear back from the federal government about the submission, we On March 8, 2017 the minister tabled will be able to make a decision. Thank her department’s 2016-17 annual report you, Mr. Speaker. on the administration of the Community Transportation Initiatives Program. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. thank her for preparing and tabling this Your final supplementary, Mr. report, as well as for her response to my Keyootak. colleague from Aivilik’s recent written question concerning this important Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank program. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for her response to my The annual report indicates that the questions. Although she responded to Municipality of Chesterfield Inlet my last question, can the minister received $100,000 during the 2016-17 confirm the approximate cost of fiscal year for phase 2 of the Josephine constructing a new port in Qikiqtarjuaq? River Project. However, the municipality Thank you, Mr. Speaker. had originally requested a total of $215,000. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Can the minister confirm how much the Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Municipality of Chesterfield Inlet has Kanayuk. received during the current 2017-18 fiscal year under the Community Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk Transportation Initiatives Program? (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4911

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Minister of Economic Development and Speaker. As the minister will recall, the Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Legislative Assembly approved a one- Kanayuk. time increase to the budget of the Community Transportation Initiatives Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Program earlier this year. The budget for Mr. Speaker. $376,000. Thank you, Mr. the program in the current 2017-18 fiscal Speaker. year is $4 million. The budget for the program in the previous 2016-17 fiscal Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. year was $1.5 million. Can the minister Your first supplementary, Mr. Tom indicate how much her department has Sammurtok. spent to date under this program during the current 2017-18 fiscal year? Thank Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. The annual report indicates that the Municipality of Rankin Inlet Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. received $70,000 in the 2016-17 fiscal Minister of Economic Development and year for local access road improvements. Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- However, the municipality had Kanayuk. originally requested a total of $82,000 for this project. In addition the Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, municipality received $17,200 for a dock Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that upgrade. question. We had over $6 million of requests for this program and we have Can the minister confirm how much the spent $4 million. Thank you, Mr. Municipality of Rankin Inlet has Speaker. received during the current 2017-18 fiscal year under the Community Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Transportation Initiatives Program? Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 873 – 4(3): Support for Minister of Economic Development and Small Business (Mikkungwak) Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Kanayuk. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, questions are for the Minister of Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that Economic Development and question. Rankin Inlet had three access Transportation. road programs; Tent City, Swan Lead, and Dianna, for a total of all the projects (interpretation ends) As the minister is for $111,000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. aware, I am a strong supporter of Baker Lake’s private sector and the many small Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. businesses and entrepreneurs in my Your final supplementary, Mr. Tom community. Sammurtok.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4912

The 2017-18 main estimates of the Program Policy that is publicly Department of Economic Development accessible on the government’s website and Transportation were approved by the indicates that the policy expired in Legislative Assembly earlier this year. March of 2011, over half a decade ago. They include $823,000 in funding for When will an updated Small Business the department’s Small Business Support Support Program Policy be finalized and Program. Under this program, made public? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. individuals and businesses submit applications to the department for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funding. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- We are almost halfway through the Kanayuk. 2017-18 fiscal year. Can the minister indicate approximately how much Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, funding her department has awarded to Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that date in the current fiscal [year] under its question. Mr. Speaker, there have been a Small Business Support Program? Thank lot of policies that were expiring this you, Mr. Speaker. year. A lot of them were dealt with. Unfortunately we could not do all of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. them, and that will have to be done in Minister of Economic Development and the next government. Thank you, Mr. Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- Speaker. Kanayuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Your final supplementary, Mr. Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that Mikkungwak. question. I don’t have the figures in front of me, but in terms of supporting the Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. mining sector and the local aspirations of Speaker. I understand and recognize that his community for wanting to create there are a number of territorial and businesses that are offered or grow from federal entities that provide funding for the mining sector, I would suggest that business development in the north, his community members’ initial start including the Nunavut Business Credit would be to the hamlet’s community Corporation. I have been told by many economic development officer. Thank constituents that they would welcome you, Mr. Speaker. the opportunity to attend workshops and other training related to starting and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. operating small businesses. Can the Your first supplementary, Mr. minister indicate how often her Mikkungwak. department organizes such workshops in communities such as beautiful Baker Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Lake? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank the minister for her response. The version of the Department Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of Economic Development and Minister of Economic Development and Transportation’s Small Business Support

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4913

Transportation, Ms. Monica Ell- mould in the units. This can contribute to Kanayuk. a number of health problems for people.

Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, In the summer of 2016 the housing Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that corporation issued a request for question. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the proposals for mould remediation and figures in front of me, but there are assessment in housing units across the several funding streams for those that are territory. The request for proposals interested in creating businesses and identified a total of over 240 units start-ups for businesses and others. We requiring work, including 6 units in fund the hamlets on economic Kugaaruk and 9 units in Taloyoak. development, as an economic development officer. There are also Can the minister update me today on programs under the Small Business what work has been done to address the Support Program and the Strategic mould situation in housing units in Investments Program under Economic Kugaaruk over the past year? Thank Development and Transportation. you, Mr. Speaker.

As you mentioned, the Nunavut Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Business Credit Corporation and Minister responsible for the Nunavut regional Community Futures Housing Corporation, Mr. George organizations also can provide loans and Kuksuk. business start-ups and expansions. I would urge those that are interested in Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): learning more about these to talk to their Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I hamlet economic development officer. also thank the member for that question Thank you, Mr. Speaker. about (interpretation ends) mould. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, at the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. beginning of 2017 there were Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, assessments done on which units in Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq. which communities had mould problems. At the beginning of 2017 Question 874 – 4(3): Mould there were 22 communities where units Remediation in Public Housing that had mould problems were assessed. Units (Shooyook) There were a total of 22 communities. There were 271 units in 22 communities Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank that were assessed for mould problems. you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut I can inform my colleague that the Housing Corporation. I would like community that he represents in clarification. Kugaaruk, there were four units needed to be worked on by contractors. They Many housing units in Nunavut are needed (interpretation ends) special overcrowded and many houses in equipment. (interpretation) They needed Nunavut suffer from the presence of specialized contractors because the local

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4914 housing organizations don’t have that I’ll have my staff work on this. Thank specialized equipment. you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I can inform him that there Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. were four units in Kugaaruk that needed Your final supplementary, Mr. mould remediation. It seems to only be Qirngnuq. the case in Kugaaruk of the communities that he represents. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s update. My last question to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the minister is: can the minister indicate Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. approximately how many public housing units across Nunavut still require major Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank work to address the problem of mould? you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the If the minister has the information, he minister for indicating how many units could probably answer that. Thank you, are affected in Kugaaruk. Mr. Speaker.

Can the minister update me today on Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. what work has been done to address the Minister responsible for the Nunavut mould situation in housing units in Housing Corporation, Mr. George Taloyoak over the past year? Thank you, Kuksuk. Mr. Speaker. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. If I Minister responsible for the Nunavut understood him, the number of units that Housing Corporation, Mr. George need mould remediation or where the Kuksuk. work has been completed, if I say it in English, (interpretation ends) the number Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): of units to be remediated, (interpretation) Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. there would be six communities: Baker With respect to the member’s question Lake, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, on his second community of Taloyoak, I Igloolik, Sanikiluaq, and Kugaaruk. don’t have the information on what work has been done in that community. It Looking at those communities added should have been included in the 271 together… . My math is slow, Mr. units within Nunavut that were assessed. Speaker. Unfortunately I can’t quote how many units. It seems like there are Mr. Speaker, I will have my staff within 35 units that need mould remediation or the housing corporation look into it on where the units were remediated for his question. My officials at the housing mould. Thank you very much, Mr. corporation are listening and watching, Speaker. and they will provide the information to the local housing organization after Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. today. I want him to expect the answer. Oral Questions. Member for South Baffin, Mr. David Joanasie.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4915

Question 875 – 4(3): Teacher are taken to ensure that students receive Vacancies (Joanasie) the required number of school days in situations where school classes are Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank postponed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Paul Quassa. Mr. Speaker, the new school year has now started in almost every community Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): across Nunavut. Some communities face Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the challenges with space and enrollment community of Kimmirut that he while others face challenges with a lack represents, as of September 15, two of teachers. teaching positions remained vacant at the Qaqqalik School. They’re awaiting Can the minister provide an update on another teacher’s (interpretation ends) how many teacher positions for the criminal records check. (interpretation) 2017-18 school year are currently There is another teacher being vacant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. interviewed who would eventually go to the Qaqqalik School. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Paul Quassa. Whenever we have a shortage of teachers, sometimes two classrooms are Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): combined into one. It’s called Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my (interpretation ends) temporarily colleague for requesting that combining classes. (interpretation) information. To date, of the numbers that Sometimes we look for support workers I have with me, there are 54 vacant who are not teachers, called teacher positions in all of Nunavut that (interpretation ends) substitute teachers we need to fill. The majority of them are (interpretation) in English. Sometimes in the Baffin region. There are 796 student support teachers are put in teaching positions right now for all of temporarily as teachers while we’re Nunavut. As I stated, we are still short looking for full-time teachers. That’s 54 teacher positions across Nunavut that what we do in Nunavut such as his we will need to fill. Thank you, Mr. community of Kimmirut. Thank you, Speaker. Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.

Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Mr. Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Can the minister clarify what steps are minister. Mr. Speaker, I have been taken to ensure that students receive the informed by one of my constituents that required number of school days in their child is not able to start school yet situations where school classes are because there is no teacher for their postponed? There’s an instance he class. Can the minister clarify what steps explained at the Qaqqalik School in

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4916

Kimmirut where they haven’t been able we have to wait for availability of staff to fill some positions. How do they housing. address the number of days that students have not been participating in school? Again, I just want to reassure the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. member that we do comply with the Education Act of the required hours of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. our students to be in school. Minister of Education, Mr. Paul Quassa. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. (interpretation) It’s true that Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, there are a number of school days that Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. students are required to be in the classroom and we try to follow that. As I Question 876 – 4(3): Property Damage stated earlier, if we have a lack of Caused by Wildlife (Mikkungwak) teachers, what we normally do is we look at putting in substitute teachers… . Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I We’re on our last day, so I think I’m on would like to direct my question to the my last voice. Minister of Environment.

(interpretation ends) As I said earlier, I Two years ago I asked questions to the think the solution to this issue, of course, previous Minister of Environment is we do combine classes temporarily, regarding hunter cabins outside of Baker meaning that we use a teacher that, if Lake that are used. It is early fall and another class has no teacher, we winter is coming up. It has been two combine that to another class to ensure years since I asked those questions. that we are following the Education Act as required as to how many days Apparently those cabins were able to be students are supposed to be in school. put in once they make proposals. Can the We do hire substitute teachers. We minister tell me if this work has been reassign student support teachers to done? Thank you very much, Mr. cover classes. Speaker.

At this time, as I said earlier, we are Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. delaying the start of the kindergarten Minister of Environment, Mr. Joe until staffing increases. As I was saying Savikataaq. earlier, we have one position that has been successfully filled, but we are Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. waiting for a criminal record/vulnerable Speaker. The member is asking if I sector check, which is a requirement. We understood his question correctly. He is have one position in the interview stage asking if any cabins can be fixed up of the competition. At times some of the outside Baker Lake. Anybody can fix up issues that we have to deal with, of their cabins out at any settlement. If the course, are staff housing and sometimes member is asking about fixing them up under the wildlife damage prevention

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4917 compensation, then yes, there is a answering his question. They could have process and applications for people to applied under the CHAP program or the apply for that fund to get their cabins Wildlife Damage Prevention Program or more wildlife damage-proof. Thank you, other programs. I’m sorry, but I can’t Mr. Speaker. answer that question because I don’t know what program his HTO applied Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. under. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Mikkungwak. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’ll try to make my question clearer. The Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. cabins that need work are cabins that are Speaker. Maybe the minister will used by any and all hunters. Some time understand, as it is my last question and ago the Baker Lake HTO submitted a the last session of the day of this proposal to fix up and renovate a number legislature. of cabins outside of Baker Lake. We know that not just Baker Lake people The Baker Lake HTO had submitted a use them. A number of Kivalliq proposal to the minister of the day two communities near Baker Lake use them years ago to get a number of cabins out as well. They really need to be in the wilderness that are used by renovated. various hunters, whether it be Baker Lake hunters or hunters from the Mr. Speaker, I’m asking the Minister of Kivalliq region that hunt wildlife. There Environment if the Baker Lake HTO’s were a number of cabins that were proposal was handled properly and if damaged by wildlife. The Baker Lake they had money made available to them. HTO at the time submitted a proposal Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. and to date has never received a response if the proposal was going to be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funded or if they are going to be Minister of Environment, Mr. Joe receiving a reassured confirmation that Savikataaq. the proposal is going to be addressed.

Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. My question is: seeing that these cabins Speaker. I’m having a hard time are not privately owned, but they were answering the member’s questions made long ago for public use out in the because these are questions that he had wilderness, which have now been asked two years ago. Not to pass the damaged by wildlife… . The Baker Lake buck, but I didn’t have the portfolio two HTO submitted a proposal to repair years ago and I don’t have the questions these damages and to renovate these in front of me. cabins to replace the doors and broken windows. Has that proposal been replied If the member could be more clear under to and appropriate funds reassured to the what program his HTO had applied, then Baker Lake HTO? Thank you, Mr. I would have a better chance of Speaker.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4918

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 12: Reports of Standing and Minister of Environment, Mr. Joe Special Committees on Bills and Savikataaq. Other Matters

Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Committee Report 035 – 4(3): An Act Speaker. If the Baker Lake HTO had to Amend the Access to submitted a proposal under the wildlife Information and Protection of damage compensation, then they should Privacy Act (Sammurtok, T) have been notified whether it was accepted or rejected. We will look into Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. that, but this was two years ago. This is a Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 48, An yearly fund. If it is wildlife damage, then Act to Amend the Access to Information they can resubmit their application if and Protection of Privacy Act, has been they have not heard. reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended When anyone submits an application to and reprinted, is ready for consideration the Department of Environment for any in Committee of the Whole. programs, these people or organizations deserve to hear back from the Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent department. I know what it feels like to to waive Rule 68(6) and have Bill 48 just wait and wait and wait. If they had immediately moved into Committee of not heard back, I’m sorry for the Baker the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lake HTO. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. From the member’s statement, it’s still (interpretation ends) The chairman is not clear under which program they did requesting unanimous consent to waive apply. If it’s wildlife damage Rule 68(6) and have Bill 48 immediately compensation and they didn’t hear from moved into Committee of the Whole. two years ago, then resubmit the Are there any nays? There are none and application and just explain all that and Bill 48 is now before the Committee of it will be looked into. Thank you, Mr. the Whole. Speaker. Reports of Standing and Special Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Committees on Bills and Other Matters. The time for question period has Chairman of the Standing Committee on expired. Moving on. Item 7. Written Legislation, Mr. Tom Sammurtok. Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Petitions. Committee Report 036 – 4(3): (interpretation ends) Item 10. Responses Corrections Act (Sammurtok, T) to Petitions. Item 11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Bills and Other Matters. Chairman of the Speaker. I wish to report that the Standing Committee on Legislation, Mr. Standing Committee on Legislation has Tom Sammurtok. reviewed Bill 40, the proposed new Corrections Act.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4919

Mr. Speaker, at this time the standing However, this legislation will have a committee is not prepared to formally profound effect on the success of our report the bill back to the House as being corrections system, the lives of inmates, ready for consideration in the Committee and the well-being of our communities. of the Whole. For that reason it is essential that we get it right. Mr. Speaker, the standing committee has been considering the bill and has been Mr. Speaker, the standing committee exchanging correspondence with the encourages the next government and Minister of Justice on this. Assembly to revisit this initiative early in its term, with the goal of resolving the Mr. Speaker, today is the last day of the issues that I have just noted today. current Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There are a number of provisions in Bill Speaker: Thank you. The report has 40 that require further consideration. been received. Mr. George Hickes.

This Assembly has simply run out of Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. time. Speaker. I would like unanimous consent to return to Item 5 on the order paper, The standing committee is of the view please. that the following areas need to be given more consideration: Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk is seeking unanimous 1. The importance of introducing a consent to return to Item 5, Recognition more balanced disciplinary hearing of Visitors in the Gallery. Are there any process for inmates within Nunavut’s nays? (interpretation ends) There are no corrections system; nays. Please proceed, Mr. Hickes.

2. The importance of carefully Revert to Item 5: Recognition of considering the specific powers that Visitors in the Gallery will be provided to the proposed new investigations officer position; and Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members, for 3. The importance of applying Inuit allowing this. societal values in a more substantive way throughout the legislation, such I would like to take this time to as explicitly requiring all recognize Adam Vaughan, MP for correctional centres to actively offer Spadina-Fort York, also the traditional counselling to all inmates. Parliamentary Secretary for the Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister, Minister I want to be clear that the standing Jean-Yves Duclos. I would also like to committee does not believe that the next thank, I’m assuming, your staff with government and Assembly need to start you, Shannon Zimmerman and Lucy from scratch. Good progress has been Falistine. Hopefully I have pronounced accomplished to date.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4920 that right. Welcome to Nunavut’s Tabled Document 374 – 4(3): Nunavut Legislative Assembly. Thank you. Liquor Licensing Board Annual Report 2016-2017 (Peterson) >>Applause Tabled Document 375 – 4(3): Public Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. Service Annual Report 2016-2017 (interpretation) Going back to the orders (Peterson) of the day. Item 12. Tabling of Tabled Document 376 – 4(3): 2016- Documents. Minister responsible for the 2017 Annual Report of the Housing Corporation, Mr. George Nunavut Liquor Commission Kuksuk. (Peterson) Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Item 12: Tabling of Documents Speaker. As Master of Coin, I have three items to table today… Tabled Document 372 – 4(3): Nunavut Housing Corporation 2016-2017 >>Laughter Annual Report (Kuksuk) …for the Keeper of the Scrolls on the Hon. George Kuksuk: Thank you, Mr. third floor to check off as received on Speaker. I am pleased to table today the schedule. 2016-17 Annual Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. >>Laughter Speaker. The first is the 2016-17 Annual Report Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board. (interpretation ends) Tabling of Documents. The Hon. Minister of The second is the Public Service Annual Community and Government Services, Report 2016-17. Hon. Joe Savikataaq. The third is the 2016-17 Annual Report Tabled Document 373 – 4(3): NEBS of the Nunavut Liquor Commission. Pension Plan Annual Report 2016 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Savikataaq) Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Today I am tabling the (interpretation ends) Tabling of Northern Employee Benefits Services Documents. The Hon. Minister of (NEBS) Pension Plan Annual Report for Education, Hon. Paul Quassa. the year ending December 31, 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tabled Document 377 – 4(3): Council of Ministers of Education Canada Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Meeting, July 19 to 20, 2017 (interpretation ends) Tabling of (Quassa) Documents. The Hon. Minister of Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Finance, Hon. Keith Peterson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the 106th Council of Ministers of Education Canada meeting held in

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4921

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and the Offices of the Independent July 19 to 20, 2017. Thank you, Mr. Officers of the Legislative Assembly. Speaker. The third is the Report on Members’ Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Absences from Sittings of the House and (interpretation ends) Tabling of Meetings of the Committees and Documents. I have one. Caucuses for the Period April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017. Tabled Document 378 – 4(3): Report on the Payment of Indemnities, The fourth and final item is a list of Allowances, Benefits, and outstanding statutory tabling Expenses to the Fourth Legislative requirements. (interpretation) Thank Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker) you.

Tabled Document 379 – 4(3): 2016- (interpretation ends) Item 13. Notices of 2017 Annual Report on Motions. Item 14. Notices of Motions Contracting Activities of the Office for First Reading of Bills. Item 15. of the Legislative Assembly and Motions. Item 16. First Reading of Bills. the Offices of Independent Officers Item 17. Second Reading of Bills. Item of the Legislative Assembly 18. Consideration in Committee of the (Speake Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills Tabled Document 380 – 4(3): 2016- 27 and 48 with Mr. Enook in the Chair. 2017 Report on Members’ Absences from Sittings of the In accordance with Motion 54 – 4(3), the House and Meetings of committee will stay in session until it Committees and Caucuses for the reports itself out. Period April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 (Speaker) Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 10-minute Tabled Document 381 – 4(3): break. Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. (Speaker) Thank you, members. I have four >>House recessed at 17:54 and documents to table today. Committee resumed at 18:06

The first item is the 2016-17 Annual Item 18: Consideration in Committee Report on the Payment of Indemnities, of the Whole of Bills and Other Allowances, Benefits, and Expenses to Matters the Members of the Fourth Legislative Assembly. Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good evening, my fellow members. I The second item is the 2016-17 Annual would now like to call the committee Report on the Contracting Activities of meeting to order. the Office of the Legislative Assembly

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4922

Nunavummiut who are watching the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. televised proceedings and listening to Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the the radio broadcast, welcome to your Premier’s officials in. House. Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. In Committee of the Whole we have the (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna, following items to deal with: Bills 27 (interpretation) for the record, please and 48. What is the wish of the introduce your witnesses. (interpretation committee? Mr. Rumbolt. ends) Premier Taptuna.

Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good evening. Mr. Chairman. On my right is Deputy Chairman, my final wish for this Minister of Executive and committee will be to go clause by clause Intergovernmental Affairs Chris D’Arcy with the review of Bill 48. Thank you, and on my left is Jessica Young, Mr. Chairman. Manager of Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office. Also, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman, in the gallery I have Erin Are we in agreement that we deal with George, Legislative Counsel. Thank you, Bill 48? Mr. Chairman.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) Premier. Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access (interpretation) Mr. D’Arcy and Ms. to Information and Protection of Young, welcome to the House. As we Privacy Act – Consideration in begin the review of Bill 48, Committee (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna, (interpretation) let me give you the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. opportunity to make your opening (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna, comments. (interpretation ends) Premier (interpretation) before you make your Taptuna. opening comments, do you have officials that you would like to bring to the Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. witness table? Chairman. I am pleased to appear before the Committee of the Whole to answer Hon. Peter Taptuna: Yes. any questions that you may have on Bill (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. 48, An Act to Amend the Access to Chairman. Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Chairman: Premier Taptuna (interpretation) would like to have Nunavut’s Access to Information and officials with him at the witness table. Protection of Privacy Act was last Do you agree? amended in 2012 to increase the strength of the privacy provisions, provide the Some Members: Agreed. Information and Privacy Commissioner with stronger oversight, and place

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4923 stricter requirements on the government  Provide appropriate protections for as it relates to the collection, use, and personal information related to disclosure of personal information. human resources for the government.

The Access to Information and  Provide the commissioner with Protection of Privacy Act is important discretion to extend the time legislation for all Nunavummiut as it allowable to an applicant to request a gives them the right to access review. information held by the Government of Nunavut. It also compels the government  Ensure adequate protection of to respect Nunavummiut by protecting privileged information held by the the privacy of their personal information. Government of Nunavut.

The current amendment will achieve the Mr. Chairman, after receiving following: recommendations and comments from the Information and Privacy  Ensure the confidentiality of Commissioner as well as this committee, individuals placing requests for we have agreed to the following friendly information with the government. amendments:

 Protect the confidentiality and  Allow the commissioner discretion privacy of records related to coroners to extend the time period allowable investigations during an active for an applicant under the Act to investigation. request a review.

 Provide the appropriate legislative  Make records pertaining to an active framework to include municipalities coroner’s investigation subject to the under the Act. Act under a mandatory exemption.

 Allow the government the ability to  Remove exceptions to disclosure proactively disclose salary regarding human resource information of employees paid by information. public funds.  Ensure the review and determination  Make the review of risks to personal of parliamentary privilege is privacy related to any program run maintained by the Legislative by the government mandatory for Assembly. public bodies. Mr. Chairman, my department has  Provide clarification of key terms in engaged in consultations with all public the Act, including “cabinet bodies through the ATIPP Coordinators confidence” and “a consistent Committee with the Department of purpose.” Justice’s Legislation Division, with Tuttarviit, municipalities, and with the Information and Privacy . Input provided by all the

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4924 consulted groups was given serious Although Nunavummiut have statutorily consideration and helped to develop Bill prescribed rights under federal 48. legislation and territorial legislation concerning access to information and I am confident these amendments will protection of privacy in relation to address many of the concerns noted by institutions of the federal government the Information and Privacy and institutions of the territorial Commissioner and by the Standing government, there has been no Committee on Legislation. legislative framework in place concerning access to information and Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have this protection of privacy with respect to the opportunity to answer any questions you municipal level of government in may have regarding this bill. Thank you, Nunavut. Mr. Chairman. In May of this year the government’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, response to the standing committee (interpretation ends) Premier. report on its televised hearing on the (interpretation) Does the chair of the 2015-16 Annual Report of the standing committee have opening Information and Privacy Commissioner comments on Bill 48? Mr. Tom was tabled in the Legislative Assembly. Sammurtok. The response included a detailed chronology of the consultations that Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. have been taking place over the past Chairman. As Chair of the Standing half-decade on this issue. Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to make some brief opening comments Bill 48 provides for municipal as the Committee of the Whole begins governments in the territory to be its consideration of Bill 48, An Act to designated as public bodies through the Amend the Access to Information and regulations made under the Access to Protection of Privacy Act. Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Bill 48 contains a number of provisions which the minister described in his The standing committee has emphasized opening comments. the importance of ensuring that this process is undertaken over time in a As members will recall, a significant consultative manner that takes into number of televised standing committee account administrative capacity at the hearings have been held in recent years municipal level. The standing committee in this Chamber on the annual reports of supports initiatives to provide training the Information and Privacy and other resources to municipal Commissioner of Nunavut. An ongoing governments to help enable them to issue has been the application of access fulfill their responsibilities. The standing to information and protection of privacy committee also recommends that the legislation to Nunavut’s municipal government draft the relevant governments. regulations in a manner that addresses concerns regarding the practicability of

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4925 responding to requests for records Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, created prior to an effective Mr. Chairman. I also thank everyone commencement date. who is present here. (interpretation ends) Not long ago the chairman of our Bill 48 also addresses the issue of salary committee received a letter from NAM disclosure for employees of the expressing concern about this particular territorial government. This is consistent bill and the lack of consultation that was with established practices in other offered to them as to how this Act will Canadian jurisdictions. apply to the municipalities.

Bill 48 also addresses the issue of Can the minister before us explain how privacy impact assessments. The it plans to implement this bill as it requirement to prepare privacy impact applies to municipalities in our territory? assessments in the design of government (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. programs and services is a welcome Chairman. initiative. The standing committee emphasizes the importance of including Chairman (interpretation) Thank you. detailed information in the government’s (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. annual report on the administration of the Access to Information and Protection Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. of Privacy Act concerning privacy Chairman. I appreciate the question from impact assessments undertaken during a the committee member. Mr. Chairman, if given fiscal year. I can, I’ll have Deputy Minister D’Arcy to respond to that in detail. Thank you, During the minister’s recent appearance Mr. Chairman. before the standing committee, a total of eight motions were passed to amend the Chairman: Mr. D’Arcy. bill. A number of these were made in response to concerns and Mr. D’Arcy: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. recommendations submitted by the I’m afraid I have lost my place for a Information and Privacy Commissioner second here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. concerning such matters as her ability to I’m here now. exercise discretion in granting extensions in relation to certain time Firstly, as the committee knows and as limits prescribed in the legislation. this House knows, we have been talking to municipalities since 2011 with respect Mr. Chairman, that concludes my to how municipalities may treat access to opening comments. The standing information and protection of privacy. committee recommends the passage of Bill 48, as amended and reprinted, to all Over the years, in one way, shape, or members. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. form, we have spoken to NAM (Nunavut Association of Municipalities), Nunavut Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Association of Municipal Mr. Sammurtok. General comments to Administrators. We have travelled to the opening statements. Mr. Okalik. communities to assist them to go ahead and do that between then and now all to

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4926 no avail. In fact the current steps to address access to electronic correspondence with respect to our lack records. of consultation, if you like, we had reached out to NAM and NAMA not too Each phase will involve the development long ago, but we didn’t actually get a of implementation, compliance deadlines response from them. based on the specific needs of the municipalities, and the development of a Not to say that we’re concerned about formal curriculum for both the that, but we certainly have been trying Department of Executive and the for the past several years to engage with Municipal Training Organization to municipalities. Now we are. One of the deliver. important things that we’re going to do is clarify the roles and responsibilities I will try to slow down, Mr. Chairman. I between ourselves and themselves and apologize to the interpreters. the Department of Community and Government Services. Their role would Once that work is done, municipalities include providing support to municipal will be prepared administratively for corporations. meaningful compliance under the legislation. We obviously don’t want to Ourselves, Executive and bring something into force that Intergovernmental Affairs, we’re the municipalities aren’t going to be able to subject matter experts, so we will assist work through. Along with that the in the development and delivery of department of the executive commits to training programs, similar to the way provide updates on the status of the work that we offer them to the public bodies with the municipalities and other that are subject to ATIPP. As well, we affected groups. That’s likely going to are going to continue to discuss and be through the annual reports on the support, along with Community and administration of the Act. Government Services, the Municipal Training Organization and to see how Finally or perhaps not exactly finally, we we would be able to bring them into the are concerned about records fold to assist in the training. management and, as the committee has mentioned, how we’re going to handle With respect to the path forward, we’re that especially for older records. We will talking to NAM and NAMA about again continue to work with the meeting with them during their annual municipalities to encourage everyone to meeting November 28 to December 3. respond to requests according to the That is going to be used to chart this spirit and intent of the legislation and path forward. We’re suggesting that we providing historical information where would be able to move this forward in it’s readily accessible. Thank you, Mr. three different phases. The first phase Chairman. would be to address privacy, the second phase to address access to non-electronic Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. records, and then, as the committee has Mr. Okalik. been concerned about it as have we,

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4927

Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Are (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. we assured that the government will not implement those sections as they relate Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. to municipalities until they’re able to do Chairman. If I can have the deputy their part and implement this legislation minister respond to that question in effectively for their respective detail. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. communities? Are we sure that that will not occur until they’re ready and able? Chairman: Mr. D’Arcy. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. D’Arcy: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the committee knows, we’re not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. going to be able to specifically discuss (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. individual cases with respect to employee relations. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again I thank the committee However, it can be difficult to perform member for that question. Absolutely, an investigation if a person isn’t able to yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. speak frankly and candidly to a person who is undertaking an investigation, an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. employee relations consultant or a staff Questions or comments? Ms. Angnakak. member. It can be difficult if people are feeling that there could be some kind of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. reprisal against them. It’s quite Chairman. Welcome to the witnesses. important, we believe, to be able to get Bill 48 proposes to amend the Access to to the bottom of things to protect the Information and Protection of Privacy individual and to also protect the Act by adding a new section concerning government. the subject of employee relations in the government. The Information and I certainly have personal knowledge of a Privacy Commissioner’s submission on case where an employee may have Bill 48 opposed this amendment. You suggested that they would seek reprisals have provided a motion to the standing if somebody spoke against them. I also committee that would modify the have personal knowledge and the proposed amendment by removing one committee may remember that the provision. Information and Privacy Commissioner was not particularly happy with me in The question is: can you describe some particular when we refused to disclose of the specific problems and situations an investigation that was ongoing that have occurred in the area of because we believed and we knew that if employee relations which resulted in the that ATIPP request were granted, it government proposing this amendment would certainly not bode well for the to the Access to Information and government itself. I can’t speak about Protection of Privacy Act? Thank you, any more specifics than that, but it was Mr. Chairman. quite a difficulty.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4928

We continue to believe that with the For example, I recently was involved in exclusion of the one section… . Sorry, helping six employees who wrote letters. Mr. Chairman, I may not have it right. In They signed off on the letters and they 22(b)(2) we’re deleting, but also in were very concerned about some things clause 14, I believe, we’re deleting one, that were going on in their department. as well 25.1(c). We believe with those The department turned around and did exclusions, both the employees are its own investigation. They took the protected, the government is protected, letters and they said, “Well, we’re going and we would be able to continue along to investigate these ourselves.” After the properly. department had done their own investigation, they came back to say that Now, there are provisions in legislation all of the six letters were wrong, that in other jurisdictions that also allow there is nothing wrong in that governments to withhold information department, that everything was just that can be deemed to be hurtful to a fine. third party. Our intent with the amendment is to ensure that the I felt like the employees shared their protection of third parties and their information; they took that risk. They employee relations function is explicit. wrote a letter about somebody and they were at the point where they didn’t care Having said all of that, there is always if they lost their employment. They just discussion with the union, if they’re wanted change to happen, yet they unionized employees. There’s discussion weren’t believed and they had no right with people who act as people’s whatsoever. They had no rights to go witnesses, if you like, if they’re excluded and say, “What was said about us? Why employees. There’s no intention to is the department not believing in what particularly withhold information. We we stated in the letters?” That just want to ensure that in the area of information of what the department employee relations, we can do a came up with was not shared with me thorough job for all people. I guess that’s either, even though I had met with the it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minister and the deputy minister.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. It seems so lopsided. The government Ms. Angnakak. can go investigate you and do all of that, but when you want to find out yourself, Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. if you’re an employee and you want to Chairman. I thank you for your reply. find out, “What was said about me?” Sometimes it really does feel like the Then all of a sudden you’re not privy to employee seems to be not privy to that information, yet it’s about you. I information. For example, when a think in this Act it’s going to be so workplace investigation takes place, do important that you do put the same rights the employees who are involved in the to your employees as the government investigation have a right to information itself wants. We need to be fair. We need concerning the investigation after it has to see transparency. We all need to do been concluded? our best to make sure that happens. I just

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4929 ask for your comments on that. Thank the Information and Privacy you. Commissioner.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. We disagree with the IPC’s (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. recommendation that a new provision be added to the Act to allow all information Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. relevant to workplaces’ investigation to Chairman. I’m not privy to the detailed be disclosed to both the complainant and discussions of employee relations, but I the respondent without conducting any can have Deputy Minister D’Arcy third party consultations. We believe that elaborate a little bit more on that. Thank this is in direct contravention of the you, Mr. Chairman. privacy provisions in the Act that protect the interest of third parties and has a Chairman: Mr. D’Arcy. potential to cause harm.

Mr. D’Arcy: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All of that being said, we completely Two things, if I may. With respect to understand what Ms. Angnakak is information relating to an ongoing talking about and the IPC as well. We investigation, we’re concerned that the again just want to ensure fairness for all release of information during an and we believe that with the investigation might compromise the amendments that have come forward ability of investigators to conduct a fair with this Act, we will be able to do that. investigation. That’s what I said in my Thank you, Mr. Chairman. last set of comments. However, once concluded, individuals still have the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. access to information or can request it Ms. Angnakak. through other bits of the legislation. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Information created or gathered for a Chairman. I think what employees want workplace investigation, whether it too is that fairness and they want that actually took place or not, or information sense of fairness that their back is that could reasonably be expected to covered too, and they have a concern cause harm to the applicant, a public that it’s not going to be used against body or a third party, we may refuse to them. disclose that information. That being the case, it’s still a discretionary exemption, I think that when you said that which means that material that’s employees have the right to ask for or to protected under this exemption must ATIPP after an investigation has been meet the test of being reasonably concluded, I think we need to remind expected to cause harm to one or more employees that they have that right of the parties listed above. That includes because one of the employees has since the applicant himself or herself. An resigned from her job. She felt that there applicant can still request this was nowhere else to go. She couldn’t do information and it would still have to be anything. She tried to bring it up. looked at, and then I presume could go to the Integrity Commissioner as well or

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4930

Like I said, they’re at that point where folks and witnesses that can be brought they decided, “You know what? We’re to a fact-finding mission. With that we going to risk it and we’re going to sign try our best to make sure that there’s these letters,” but nothing really fairness all around. Thank you, Mr. happened, so one of them has resigned. I Chairman. don’t know about the other ones. I haven’t done a follow-up with them, but Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I know that one of them has resigned, a Mr. Mikkungwak. beneficiary, and it was really too bad. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. We all have to improve in some ways Chairman. I have one question here on and maybe we just need to tell your Bill 48, Access to Information and employees that you value them and that Protection of Privacy Act. if they really do have a concern and they felt that their concern has not been As the chair of the standing committee addressed properly, reminders should noted, “…statutorily prescribed rights really go out that they have other rights under federal legislation and territorial as well. It’s just a comment. Thank you. legislation concerning access to information and privacy in relation to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. institutions of the federal government Although that’s just a comment, if you and institutions of the territorial would like to respond, (interpretation government…the municipal level of ends) Premier Taptuna, (interpretation) I government in Nunavut.” Once we pass now give you the floor. (interpretation this Bill 48, as the chair of the standing ends) Premier Taptuna. committee noted that there is no legislative framework in place currently, Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. once the bill is passed, will there be a Chairman. We have been saying that the legislative framework in place? Thank Minister responsible for the Department you, Mr. Chairman. of Finance has the division of HR matters. We have been saying that. Let Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. me assure you, I have been indicating (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. that, that we value our employees. That’s why there are other avenues that the Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. employees in difficulty can pursue. An Chairman. I appreciate the question from ethics officer and the Integrity the committee member. Yes, there will Commissioner were also mentioned. be a legislative framework set up. That way we will be able to work with At the end of the day there are avenues municipal partners. Thank you, Mr. for employees to pursue. We try our best Chairman. to ensure that there’s fairness all around. We’ve got contracts signed with the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I union. That’s one of the avenues that have no more names on my list. Refer to they can pursue and for excluded Bill 48 in your legislation binders. We employees, there are also other avenues will review Bill 48 clause by clause. As that they can pursue with the support of we review the bill clause by clause, if

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4931 you have a question or comment, please Some Members: Agreed. raise your hand. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 8. Do I have the English copy, so I will read you agree? the English version. I believe you now have the bill in front of you. It reads, Some Members: Agreed. (interpretation ends) Bill 48, Reprint. (interpretation) Clause 1. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Clause 9. Do you agree? My apologies. Let’s do it over. (interpretation ends) Bill 48, Reprint, An Some Members: Agreed. Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 10. (interpretation) Once again. Clause 1. Do you agree? Do you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 11. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 2. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 11.1. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 3. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 12. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 4. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 13. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 5. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 14. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 6. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 15. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 7. Do Do you agree? you agree? Some Members: Agreed.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4932

Chairman (interpretation): Clause 16. be placed on the orders of the day for Do you agree? third reading?

Some Members: Agreed. Some Members: Agreed.

Chairman (interpretation): Clause 17. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Do you agree? Minister Taptuna, we have completed the review of the bill. If you have any Some Members: Agreed. closing remarks, I give you the opportunity to make them. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 18. (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. Do you agree? Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman. I want to thank all the committee members that put a lot of Chairman (interpretation): Clause 19. hard work into this. It’s not easy aligning Do you agree? amendments to existing legislation that we have. It is a lot of hard work and I Some Members: Agreed. commend my officials for doing that hard work with the committee and other Chairman (interpretation): Clause 20. officials. I appreciate that very much. Do you agree? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna. Chairman (interpretation): Clause 21. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-arms, please Do you agree? escort the Premier’s officials out.

Some Members: Agreed. Thank you, Sergeant-at-arms. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Now go to Rumbolt. page 9. (interpretation ends) Schedule A. (interpretation) Do you agree? Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to report progress at Some Members: Agreed. this time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Does the committee agree to Bill 48 as a There is a motion on the floor to report whole? progress and the motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion, please Some Members: Agreed. raise your hand. Thank you. Opposed. Abstentions. The motion is carried. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Members, pursuant to Rule 62(2), do Before I stand up, as Chairman of the you agree that Bill 48 can immediately Committee of the Whole along with my fellow chairmen, Mr. Mikkungwak and

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4933

Mr. Akoak, we would like to thank all Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. the people who helped us here while we Speaker, your committee has been were chairing and our table officers, Mr. considering Bill 48 and would like to Innuksuk, Mr. Chandler, and the person report that Bill 48 is immediately ready who is no longer here, Nancy Tupik. for third reading. Also, Mr. Speaker, for Thank you. You have been a great help. the very last time in the Fourth Legislative Assembly, I move that the Also, to the technicians who enable you Report of the Committee of the Whole to watch us on TV, thank you for doing a be concurred with. Thank you, Mr. good job since we started. Speaker.

In addition our Inuktitut interpreters Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mary Nashook, Philip Paneak, Andrew There is a motion on the floor. Is there a Dialla, and Blandina Tulugarjuk, and the seconder? Mr. Taptuna. other interpreters who have worked here, thank you. >>Laughter

>>Applause (interpretation ends) The motion is in order. All those in favour. Also, to the Inuinnaqtun interpreters, (interpretation) Thank you. James, Allen, Attima, and the other ones (interpretation ends) Opposed. The who have worked here as interpreters, motion is carried. thank you. Item 20. Third Reading of Bills. The >>Applause Hon. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Premier All the other support staff, I’m not trying Peter Taptuna. to leave anybody out, but I apologize if I did leave someone out. It’s not on Item 18: Third Reading of Bills purpose. Sergeant-at-Arms, thank you for helping us here. To the pages that Bill 48 – An Act to Amend the Access have worked here since we started, we to Information and Protection of thank all of you from the three chairmen. Privacy Act – Third Reading

I will now rise to report progress to the Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that Bill 48, An Act to >>Applause Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, be read for the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Item 19. Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Enook. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The motion is in order. Item 19: Report of the Committee of the Whole An Hon. Member (interpretation): Question.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4934

Speaker (interpretation): All those in  Bill 56, An Act Respecting favour. Thank you. Opposed. The Independent Officers of the motion is carried. Legislative Assembly.

Item 21. Orders of the Day. In June of this year I signed (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk, will you proclamations concerning the dissolution determine if the Commissioner of of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut is prepared to enter the Nunavut and the holding of the next Chamber to give assent to bills. general election.

Assent to Bills The Fourth Legislative Assembly shall be dissolved on September 24, 2017. Commissioner The fifth general election will be held on (interpretation): Members of the October 30, 2017. Legislative Assembly, please be seated. Welcome. As Commissioner of The date of the return of the writ shall be Nunavut, I am proud to give assent to November 6, 2017. the following bills: At a later date I shall summon the  Bill 47, An Act to Amend the Legal Members of the Fifth Legislative Professions Act; Assembly to convene in this Chamber for their first sitting.  Bill 48, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of As you prepare to return home to your Privacy Act; communities and families, I wish to express my appreciation to each and  Bill 51, Supplementary every one of you for your service to Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, Nunavut during your terms of office. 2016-2017; I very much thank the spouses for their  Bill 52, Supplementary patience. That’s the only way you can do Appropriation (Operations and your duties properly as an MLA. I Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2017-2018; understand it and I have gone through it.

 Bill 53, Supplementary I thank the interpreters and all of our Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, support staff as well. Thank you, 2017-2018; everyone.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.  Bill 54, Write-off of Assets and Debts Before I close the proceedings, I wish to Act, 2016-2017; take this opportunity to make a

statement.  Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Motor

Vehicles Act; and Four years ago when a number of elders

in Hall Beach strongly encouraged me to stand for office in the Legislative Assembly, I turned it down. I thought

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4935 deeply about their request and the elders for office, but I decided to put my name of Igloolik, and so I asked an elder why I forward after people expressed their would be a suitable candidate to be an confidence in me. My late mother MLA. The response I received was, “I inspired me in so many ways and urged will see you next at the House.” That her children to do their best. I would like was it. Therefore I agreed to run as MLA to thank my mother for her support and after I had discussed it with my wife. My encouragement. If it wasn’t for her, I wife actually ordered me to do so and would not be sitting here today. that’s when I agreed. Subsequently I have enjoyed my tenure as MLA. I would also like to thank all of you, the Premier, the cabinet, and the regular While the public is listening to and members for your ongoing support. watching the proceedings, I extend my great appreciation to the people who It seems like only yesterday that I was voted me in by placing their trust in me carried to this Chair. I thank you all and and for their trust in my work here as an it will always be in my heart. Thank you. MLA. Even though my role doesn’t allow me to express the wishes of my >>Applause constituents, I can say right now to the people who voted me in from Amittuq in It seems like it was just yesterday, as the communities of Hall Beach and someone stated, that we just got here. I Igloolik, I thank you for placing your recall vividly when I was appointed to trust in me at the last election. be the Speaker. Two women tried to drag me to the Chair and since I was Again, I would like to take this reluctant, they ended up carrying me and opportunity to thank my family and putting me into my Chair. Thank you. relatives for their patience and ongoing support. Today there was a very true >>Laughter comment made about our wives, our husbands, our partners, that we wouldn’t (interpretation ends) I have done my best be here if we didn’t have their support. to serve this institution in a fair and impartial manner at all times, and I have My wife, Patricia Kanayuk, I truly always appreciated the confidence that appreciate and love you for your you have shown in me. Sitting in this ongoing support. I thank my children Chair is a privilege. However, my duty and grandchildren for their patience and to be impartial means that I cannot be as hospitality when I come back home. publicly vocal as my friends who sit to They do count their days when I’m my left in this House can be. going to be returning back home. I truly appreciate their patience. That being said, I am also certain that the cabinet ministers who sit to my right I went through a difficult time when I would agree with me when I say that I was running for office. I wish to pay have not hesitated to raise concerns on tribute to the memory of my late mother, behalf of my constituents directly with who passed away just before I got the appropriate ministers at every elected. That is why I didn’t want to run appropriate opportunity.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Nunavut Hansard 4936

(interpretation) As Speaker, I have had the privilege of visiting a number of your communities. Earlier this year I had the honour of travelling to the High Arctic with the Commissioner of Nunavut, Nellie Kusugak. I also thank Member Shooyook and Member Joe Enook for the warm welcome that they extended to us. Thank you.

(interpretation ends) As Speaker, I have also had the pleasure of hosting our Legislative Youth Parliament. Watching our future leaders at work is an inspiration, which is why I am pleased to formally say today that my decision to stand again in the upcoming election is due in large measures to the many expressions of support that I have received, mainly from the youth of Hall Beach and Igloolik.

(interpretation) I would also like to thank the people who work for the Legislative Assembly, which was mentioned earlier. I would like to thank each and every one of you for the support you have given us. I also thank our constituency assistants who work in our communities.

I would also like to thank the elders, who are very capable. I thank them very much. As the Speaker of the House, I am very proud of you.

(interpretation ends) I would like to close by again thanking the people of Amittuq and to say that I am looking forward to returning home shortly.

This House stands adjourned.

(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.

>>House adjourned at 19:07