Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT

3rd Session 3rd Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 21

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Pages 1152 – 1206

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. Hunter Tootoo (Iqaluit Centre) Hon. Eva Aariak Joe Enook Allan Rumbolt (Iqaluit East) (Tununiq) (Hudson Bay) Premier; Minister of Education; Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Minister of Executive and Hon. Fred Schell Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister Hon. Lorne Kusugak (South Baffin) responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; (Rankin Inlet South – Whale Cove) Minister of Human Resources Minister responsible for Immigration; Government House Leader; Minister of Minister responsible for the Status of Community and Government Services; Hon. Daniel Shewchuk (Arviat) Women Minister of Energy; Minister Minister of Environment; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy responsible for Nunavut Arctic Hon. James Arreak Corporation (Uqqummiut) College Minister of Culture, Language, Elders John Ningark Louis Tapardjuk and Youth; Minister of Languages; (Akulliq) (Amittuq) Minister responsible for the Utility Johnny Ningeongan Deputy Chair, Committee of the Rates Review Council (Nanulik) Whole

Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Moses Aupaluktuq Hon. Peter Taptuna Committee of the Whole (Baker Lake) (Kugluktuk)

Hezakiah Oshutapik Deputy Premier; Minister of Hon. Tagak Curley (Pangnirtung) Economic Development and (Rankin Inlet North) Transportation Minister of Health and Social Services; Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for the Nunavut (Cambridge Bay) Jeannie Ugyuk Housing Corporation; Minister Minister of Finance, Chair of the (Nattilik) responsible for Homelessness; Minister Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and of Justice Compensation Commission

Monica Ell (Iqaluit West)

Ron Elliott (Quttiktuq) Officers Clerk John Quirke

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

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

Table of Contents

Opening Prayer ...... 1152

Ministers’ Statements ...... 1152

Members’ Statements ...... 1155

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 1158

Oral Questions ...... 1160

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 1178

Point of Order ...... 1183

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 1205

Orders of the Day ...... 1206

A. Daily References

Thursday, October 20, 2011 ...... 1152

B. Ministers’ Statements

071 – 3(3): Nunavut Research Vessel’s First Season a Success (Shewchuk) ...... 1152

072 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Carving Stone Deposit Evaluation Program (Taptuna) .....1153

073 – 3(3): Sivuliqtiksat Graduates and Training Fund (Schell) ...... 1153

074 – 3(3): Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Aariak) ...... 1154

C. Members’ Statements

120 – 3(3): Congratulations to High School Graduates of Igloolik (Tapardjuk) ...... 1155

121 – 3(3): Financial Support for Elders in Nunavut (Elliott) ...... 1155

122 – 3(3): The Nanisiniq Project in Arviat (Shewchuk) ...... 1156

D. Oral Questions

161 – 3(3): Homelessness in Nunavut (Ell)...... 1160

162 – 3(3): Contract Award Process for Kitikmeot Air Ambulance (Ugyuk) ...... 1162

163 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response as per Tabled Document 92 – 3(3) (Tapardjuk)

...... 1164

164 – 3(3): Search and Rescue in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) ...... 1165

165 – 3(3): Number of Housing Units Committed for Completion (Elliott) ...... 1166

166 – 3(3): Contract for Kitikmeot Air Ambulance (Ugyuk) ...... 1169

167 – 3(3): Update on Progress of Devolution Negotiations (Tapardjuk) ...... 1169

168 – 3(3): Program Management for Building Houses (Elliott) ...... 1172

169 – 3(3): Addiction Levels in Nunavut (Ugyuk) ...... 1174

170 – 3(3): ASIST Training (Elliott) ...... 1175

171 – 3(3): Carving Stone Deposit Evaluation Program (Tapardjuk) ...... 1176

E. Bills

Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Community and Government Services –

Consideration in Committee ...... 1179

Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Education – Consideration in Committee 1189

Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Nunavut Housing Corporation –

Consideration in Committee ...... 1202

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1152

Iqaluit, Nunavut Nuliajuk began an intensive summer of Thursday, October 20, 2011 collaborative initiatives throughout the Members Present: inshore and offshore waters of Baffin Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable Island. Upon departing Iqaluit in mid- James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, July, Nuliajuk spent several weeks Honourable Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica conducting various research projects in Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Cumberland Sound. The research Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Johnny initiatives within this area included Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, survey work on Cumberland Sound Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan turbot stocks, satellite and acoustic Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, tagging of turbot, arctic skate, and Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Greenlandic shark, a joint fish survey Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter with CGS Amundsen and ArcticNet, and Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, water chemistry data collection, to name Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk. a few. Also, the vessel was used for exploratory fishery work near Item 1: Opening Prayer Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River in September, where both gillnets and Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): longlines were used to catch turbot in the Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before offshore 0A area. we get started, I would like to ask Mr. Elliott to lead us off with a prayer, Mr. Speaker, with initiatives like these please. completed, I am pleased to report that Nuliajuk successfully completed 100 >>Prayer percent of the proposed research initiatives for the 2011 season. To Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. continue this positive momentum and Moving on to the orders of the day. Item assure a successful second season, 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of stakeholder consultations will continue Environment, Minister Shewchuk. throughout this upcoming winter. Additionally, the vessel will undergo Item 2: Ministers’ Statements several upgrades and modifications over the winter months to continue to build Minister’s Statement 071 – 3(3): upon the vessel’s research capacity, Nunavut Research Vessel’s First broadening the amount of research that Season a Success (Shewchuk) can simultaneously take place aboard the vessel. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Good afternoon and thank you, Mr. Speaker. I DOE is extremely pleased with the work am pleased to update my colleagues of that is being completed on the vessel to the successful first season of the date, the extent of stakeholder Department of Environment’s new collaboration which has made this fisheries research vessel, the MV research possible, and the positive Nuliajuk. response from Nunavutmiut throughout the territory. We are optimistic that next summer will be equally successful and

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1153 we are looking forward to the continued supported evaluation of carving stone collaboration with stakeholders and to deposits across Nunavut during the the exploration into the potential of 2012-13 season. Nunavut’s fisheries resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, carving stone is culturally and economically important for our >>Applause communities and for Nunavut’s arts sector, and this work is crucial to ensure Speaker: Thank you, Minister that Nunavut carvers have reliable Shewchuk. Ministers’ Statements. access to this resource. Thank you, Mr. Minister of Economic Development and Speaker. Transportation, Minister Taptuna. >>Applause Minister’s Statement 072 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Carving Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Stone Deposit Evaluation Program Ministers’ Statements. Minister (Taptuna) responsible for Human Resources, Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Minister Schell. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and Nunavummiut. I rise today to speak Minister’s Statement 073 – 3(3): about the Nunavut Carving Stone Sivuliqtiksat Graduates and Deposit Evaluation Program and to Training Fund (Schell) provide some highlights from the first two years of this four-year project. Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our commitment to building Through this program, Nunavut carvers excellence in our public service team work in cooperation with geologists to and fulfilling the visions of Article 23 evaluate carving stone occurrences, has been captured through the success of including sites that are suggested by our training initiatives. community carvers. These sites are evaluated for the quantity and quality of The Sivuliqtiksat program was stone and for the sites’ suitability and established to develop Inuit in leadership accessibility. A total of 42 sites outside positions within GN, particularly at the of 11 Nunavut communities were visited director and managerial level. Our during the 2010-11 fieldwork seasons. department covers the salaries and positions as identified by departments The raw material most preferred by and agencies based on their Inuit Nunavut carvers is a dark, soft rock employment plans. I thank the called serpentinite. To date, the carving departments and agencies for their stone deposit evaluation program has support to this important program and identified significant carving stone encourage them to continue to inspire resources near Repulse Bay, Hall Beach, their beneficiary employees to build Igloolik, Pangnirtung, Kimmirut, Cape their careers as leaders in management in Dorset, and Coral Harbour. The program their chosen professions. 2011 has will continue with community produced four graduates: two from the consultations and with helicopter- Baffin region, one from the Kitikmeot,

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1154 and there is a fourth anticipated from the tools to Nunavummiut to provide the Kivalliq. best in leadership in all sectors of the public service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This year also represents the second year of our enhanced training funding. Our >>Applause department, in partnership with the Department of Finance, created a $2 Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. million training fund. The Building Ministers’ Statements. Minister Capacity Committee recommended the responsible for Status of Women, funding be split into specialized training Madam Premier. and program development to provide the greatest contribution to quality assurance Minister’s Statement 074 – 3(3): in public service provision through our Breast Cancer Awareness Month departments and agencies. Under this (Aariak) plan, the departments and agencies take Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good the driver’s seat in designing innovative afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to and effective training initiatives. announce that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I have provided In this fiscal year to date, nine each member with a pink sealskin ribbon departments are participating in various to bring awareness to this important training projects and a total of 25 issue. training agreements have been signed. Initiatives include: The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating healthy  Training in environmental communities and supports initiatives that assessment and land use in relation raise awareness about particular health to the Kiggavik project through the issues. As the Minister responsible for Department of Environment the Status of Women, I am honoured to  Year 3 of the career development be able to rise today to recognize officer training program through the October as Breast Cancer Awareness Department of Education Month.  The new communications training program led by the Department of Mr. Speaker, even though Nunavut’s Executive and Intergovernmental breast cancer rates are relatively low Affairs and in addition to these compared with the rest of Canada, this important endeavours month gives us the opportunity to raise o 4 occupational training programs public awareness of this disease and to across two regions, with a fifth help support those who have been planned for the Kitikmeot, the diagnosed or affected by breast cancer. third region and o 14 learning and development As with many health issues, education courses across three regions to and awareness are key. The Department date. of Health and Social Services has continued to monitor breast cancer rates Our department is committed to through their cancer registry and offer excellence in service and providing the Well Woman screening at all health

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1155 centres in Nunavut that includes a breast Last Friday, October 14, 2011, the exam by a licensed health care provider. Igloolik high school saw 10 graduates from grade 12 and I want to mention Mr. Speaker, like millions of people their names, Mr. Speaker: across Canada, I will be doing my part to support breast cancer awareness by Janova Angutimarik, Joan Arnatsiaq, wearing my pink ribbon throughout the Emily Qattalik, who was a page serving month of October. us in June and I am very proud of her, James Kublu, David Qaunaq, Curtis Mr. Speaker, in honour of breast cancer Taqauraq, Aaron Tulugarjuk, and Paul patients, survivors, and their families Silas Uyarak, who also served as a page and in memory of those who have here in June and I am glad that he was passed away due to breast cancer, I also able to graduate. These youth are would encourage all Nunavummiut to preparing for their future and we really wear a pink ribbon and show their want to support them, and this group support. By doing so, you will actively includes Nathan Quassa and Emily increase awareness and promote public Issigaitok. education around this very important health issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to share my congratulations to our youth as >>Applause we have to provide youth with our assistance when they are embarking on Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. their future and we have to support them Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Moving by any means. These students are very on in the Orders of the Day, Item 3. good role models and we hope that we Members’ Statements. Member for will have more graduates in the next Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk. upcoming year and we will offer them as much support as we can. Thank you, Mr. Item 3: Members’ Statements Speaker.

Member’s Statement 120 – 3(3): >>Applause Congratulations to High School Graduates of Igloolik (Tapardjuk) Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): I want for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. to wish a good afternoon to my colleagues and to my constituents in Member’s Statement 121 – 3(3): Igloolik and Hall Beach. The reason I Financial Support for Elders in rise this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, is due Nunavut (Elliott) to my pride in the accomplishments of our youth in Igloolik who work really Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hard to complete their education. They rise today to address what I see as an are preparing for their future and urgent need re-evaluate and recalculate wherever we can provide assistance, we what level of support should be provided try to provide that assistance as to our seniors and elders in Nunavut. community members to our students.

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1156

Mr. Speaker, I’m not simply addressing be applied to support payments for the issue of poverty, although we know seniors. full well that many of our elders do face poverty on a daily basis. I’m referring to Mr. Speaker, I encourage the the bare minimum that is provided to our Government of Nunavut to bring elders through such programs as the forward to the federal government the federal government’s Old Age Security need to adjust federal program funding and Canada Pension Plan. to take into account these same criteria. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve had a number of elders and seniors in my constituency approach >>Applause me saying that it is harder and harder for them to make ends meet with little Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. financial support they receive. They say Members’ Statements. Member for that with the increase in the cost of food, Arviat, Mr. Shewchuk. health care, heat, and power, times are tough. Member’s Statement 122 – 3(3): The Nanisiniq Project in Arviat Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the (Shewchuk) Government of Nunavut also offers a Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, number of programs designed to provide Mr. Speaker. Again I would like to say additional support to seniors. These “good afternoon” to the residents of include the seniors benefit and other Arviat. income support programs, the senior home heating subsidy, the Senior Mr. Speaker, for decades, Inuit elders Property Tax Relief Program, have expressed concern about the supplementary health benefits, and so knowledge Inuit youth have of their own on. social history and culture. The Nanisiniq: Arviat History Project is a Mr. Speaker, I would like to call upon community-based research project the Government of Nunavut to review involving Inuit youth and elders from the levels of financial support that are Arviat. The project, which began last available to seniors and compare those year, is coordinated locally by an Arctic levels with the varying costs of living College graduate, Tamar Mukyunik, and across Nunavut communities. In by Professor Frank Tester of the determining what resources are University of British Columbia, School necessary to enable a person, a senior, to of Social Work. The project is funded live comfortably and securely, there is through a two-year grant from the Social no one-size-fits-all solution. Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the disparity in the cost of living Mr. Speaker, the name Nanisiniq was between different communities by chosen because this exciting project is providing to its employees northern quite literally a journey of discovery, allowance subsidies scaled to the cost of bringing together Inuit elders and youth living where one lives. The same should

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1157 in an exploration of their history and Nunavut’s own Zacharias Kunuk of culture from an Inuit point of view. Igloolik;  Annette Dubreuil, Chun Nam Law, Through the use of historical research, Anders Sandberg, and Rachel Hirsch web-based technologies like from York University and the videoconferencing, blogging, and the use Institute for Research and Innovation of social media, our fluently bilingual and Sustainability in Toronto; youth have been learning and documenting their history from their Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to own perspectives. ask for unanimous consent to complete my statement. Thank you. Next month, four members of the Nanisiniq project, Jordan Konek, Curtis Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk. Konek, Amy Owingayak, and April The member is seeking unanimous Dutheil, will join the Canadian youth consent to conclude his statement. Are delegation to the United Nations there any nays? There being none. Framework Convention on Climate Please proceed, Mr. Shewchuk. Change (COP 17) in Durban, South Africa. To help raise money for this Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, COP 17, the team organized a Mr. Speaker. simultaneous Arviat-Toronto film screening and virtual online town hall  Mariette Wheeler and Daniela discussion. Liggett and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists at Canterbury Mr. Speaker, more than 60 Arviat youth University in New Zealand; and elders used interactive technologies  The York University Aboriginal to discuss their perspectives about Students Association; climate change and traditional  Nunavut Arctic College and the knowledge with researchers and students Nunavut Research Institute’s new from around the world. Arviat Research Support Centre;  The Hamlet of Arviat, the Arviat This highly successful event would not Film Society, and the Arviat Elders have been possible without the Society; invaluable assistance of a number of  Arviat Elders Martha Okotak and people and organizations from across Silas Illungiayok, who, as cultural Canada and beyond. I would like to advisors, have worked tirelessly this extend our sincere thanks and past year to support our youth in appreciation to: their traditional knowledge research;

 Youth Nicholas Arnalukjuak, Keith  Dr. Frank Tester and April Dutheil Otuk Alikut, and Abraham Eetak; with the University of British and Columbia in Vancouver;  John Arnalukjuaq High School  Canada Research Chair and Human Teacher Gorge Bullard and Principal Dimensions of Climate Change Dr. Jay Thomas. Ian Mauro of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick and

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1158

I would also like to thank Zacharias >>Applause Kunuk and Dr. Ian Mauro for donating a copy of their film, “Inuit Knowledge on Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Climate Change,” to the John Madam Premier. Arnalukjuaq High School. More students will be able to watch and learn from this Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): informative and thought-provoking Inuit Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am quite language film. ecstatic to be able to recognize the members travelling with the Nunavik Mr. Speaker, when communities come youth who have travelled to Iqaluit to together to support each other, incredible attend courses on government things can happen. Together, we are operations, including how the supporting opportunities for science, Legislative Assembly operates. They science education, the sharing of were chosen from a list of youth from traditional Inuit knowledge, and Salluit, Chisasibi, and Kuujjuaq. exposing our youth and community to Furthermore, Makivik funded their the many careers available in science, travel costs to Iqaluit, as well as the research, media, and education. regional Nunavik government.

On behalf of our community, I would I will recognize these individuals like to thank all those who took the time currently here: Lazarus Epoo Jr., please and effort to support our young Inuit stand, Sarassie Forrest, Elisah Alaku, researchers. I am very proud of our and Jonathan Epoo. As well, their youth and wish Jordan, Amy, Curtis, and professor, Thierry Rodon, is in the April a safe and successful journey of Gallery and the person from Nunavut discovery to South Africa. Thank you, who coordinates the logistics for this Mr. Speaker. course, Anguti Johnston. These are the youth who have come to learn about >>Applause government operations in Nunavut.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk. Mr. Speaker, we continue to maintain Item 3. Members’ Statements. Moving that youth are our foundation for the on in the Orders of the Day, Item 4. future, so this is similar to our Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. statements. It is always nice to see Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. students attending courses, especially on practical learning that is not contingent Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the on just classroom activities but Gallery something that they can put their hands on. It is sometimes easier to learn topics Before we start, I’ll take my prerogative in that manner, when you can see it right to recognize an individual, a former in front of you. colleague of mine, former Speaker, former minister, former regular member, Mr. Speaker, the students have a and still a friend. I would like to secondary destination to learn more welcome Mr. Peter Kilabuk to the courses, so they will be travelling to Gallery. Greenland. They will be spending six

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1159 days in Nuuk and they will be learning He represented our community about the Greenland Home Rule previously as an MLA and once he left Government. We are wishing them a his position and returned to Pangnirtung, safe and successful trip to Greenland. he turned to outfitting and has continued Furthermore, when they return to to provide that service. I wish to Nunavik, they will be preparing a report recognize the former Speaker and on what they have learned during their member of the Executive Council, Peter trip. Kilabuk from Pangnirtung.

If I forgot anyone, I apologize. I want to >>Applause welcome you all to Iqaluit and enjoy your courses here in Iqaluit. I hope you Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize have a very good trip to Greenland and another individual who is from that you enjoy your courses there. I Pangnirtung but who has now moved to would like to welcome you to the Iqaluit due to his job requirements, Mr. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. Jonah Kilabuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Speaker: Thank you. Welcome to the Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Member for Arviat, Mr. Shewchuk. Gallery. Mr. Schell. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you, Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize, I Speaker. I would like to recognize four believe and I hope I get the name right, students who are taking the financial Maura Hanranhan. She is an associate management training course. The first professor with Memorial University and student is Nayet Tamaviivas. I don’t works closely with the Marine Institute know if I said that right. If you could in St. John’s, Newfoundland in training stand up, please. Pitseolak Noah, our fishermen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cassandra Miller, and Marilynn Soper, I would like to invite you to welcome >>Applause them to the Gallery. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Shewchuk. >>Applause Welcome to the Gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Speaker: Welcome to the Gallery. Tununiq, Mr. Enook. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Oshutapik. Mr. Speaker. We don’t usually recognize the same individual many times, but I Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank don’t think we have a limit. I want to you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise recognize a friend of mine, Aqiga, and today to recognize a fellow Pangnirtung my brother-in-law Peter Kilabuk. Thank resident who never stops taking action. you.

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1160

>>Applause relevant question, particularly because it speaks to overcrowding and homeless Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. I think people, who can be quite numerous. Peter is getting flashbacks to question Some stay with their grandparents or period. wherever they can sleepover in the community. With respect to >>Laughter overcrowding, there is a good report on this issue, which my colleague referred Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. to in her question. We will move in the Orders of the Day, Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for What I can state about this matter is that Iqaluit West, Madam Ell. the deputy ministers have a working group that deals with many issues, Item 6: Oral Questions including people at risk, poverty, lack of nutrition, and issues related to the Question 161 – 3(3): Homelessness in Nunavut Housing Corporation. They are Nunavut (Ell) part of our resources for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. My deputy Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. minister also deals with the challenges Speaker. My questions are for the we face for homelessness issues. He is Minister responsible for the Nunavut involved in it. Once they have completed Housing Corporation. their report, I’ll be able to present it.

In my first Member’s Statement, I spoke On top of that, cabinet has already about the need to take action against approved an assistance program that will homelessness in Nunavut. (interpretation be for homeless people. This will be ends) According to the recent Nunavut through Social Services, where they Housing Needs Survey, over 1,000 would identify a unit in a local people in the territory are considered to community that could be used as a be homeless. shelter. However, it has a criterion and it’s called Tunngasuvvik in Inuktitut (a The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s place of welcome). It was recently current business plan states that a approved this summer by the cabinet. If homelessness strategy for Nunavut is that unit is identified by the housing scheduled to be completed by the fall of association, they would still need to 2011. Can the minister tell me today create a body that would look after it. It when this strategy will be completed and would have to be a charity and they tabled in the Legislative Assembly? would have to try and obtain funding (interpretation) Thank you. from various sources.

Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister This is what we’re planning towards to responsible for the Nunavut Housing try to offer more assistance to people Corporation, Minister Curley. who are homeless. Thank you.

Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is a very Your first supplementary, Ms. Ell.

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Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Speaker. The housing corporation’s Your second supplementary question, 2011-14 business plan also indicates that Madam Ell. one of its priorities has been to “lobby the federal government for increased Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. resources to combat homelessness in Speaker. As the minister is aware, there Nunavut.” Can the minister update the is a homeless shelter for men in Iqaluit. House on what resources he has been This facility saves lives. In prior years, able to obtain from the federal the government has provided funding to government? Thank you. the shelter to keep it operational. Can the minister update me today on what Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister resources are currently provided to the responsible for the Nunavut Housing shelter by the housing corporation or if Corporation, Minister Curley. he knows how it has been laid out? Thank you. Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I can say Speaker: Thank you, Madam Ell. is that every province identified this as a Minister responsible for the Nunavut priority, particularly related to Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. homelessness. Further, all provincial ministers of housing agreed to submit a Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): common request to the federal Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is a good government to place resources to combat question. Here in Nunavut, Iqaluit is the homelessness. only community where we are assisting with operations of two shelters. The first However, there are several barriers we is the Sivummut House and the second is face because the federal government is the Oqota Shelter. We have two separate in a deficit situation. I believe it was funds under two programs, one for the over a $50 billion deficit last year. For shelter’s operations and the other for that reason, the priority will be reducing meals of the clients. These two programs the deficit and due to that, this is provided funds totalling $792,000. becoming an obstacle for all housing corporations in Canada. The shelter is the only one available in Nunavut and at this time, this funding is We have told the federal government only offered to the City of Iqaluit. There that homelessness is an urgent issue that are other possibilities, but at this time, needs to be dealt with here in Canada. no other shelter has surfaced. So to date, As I stated previously, we’re not the we provide $792,385 in funding for the only jurisdiction with those challenges. two shelters’ operations this fiscal year. We share this with the Yukon and the This is set aside every year in the budget NWT. A lot of the other provinces as and cabinet has approved it every time well have run into that barrier. We have we have requested it. Thank you, Mr. discussed this issue and we will not stop Speaker. working on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Your final supplementary, Ms. Ell.

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Ms. Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Speaker. I have heard some concerns Oral Questions. Member for Nattilik, from constituents regarding some of the Ms. Ugyuk. policies of the shelter. For example, it is my understanding that intoxicated Question 162 – 3(3): Contract Award persons are not given access to the Process for Kitikmeot Air shelter. In the winter months, this may Ambulance (Ugyuk) mean that their only option is the RCMP lock-up. Can the minister indicate if the Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, housing corporation is working with the Mr. Speaker. To the residents of shelter to identify better ways of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven, I wish them a managing at-risk clients? Thank you. good day. I wish to inform my colleagues that my constituents are quite Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ell. Minister concerned about the emergency air responsible for the Nunavut Housing ambulance services and these concerns Corporation, Minister Curley. have to be responded to accordingly.

Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) At this time, I cannot Speaker. My questions are for the answer the question as anyone who is Minister of Community and Government publicly intoxicated is considered to Services. have committed a misdemeanour crime and those cases would involve the Mr. Speaker, I want to first state that I RCMP. fully understand that the NNI Contracting Appeals Board is currently With respect to the shelters here in looking at the issue of the award for Iqaluit, this is how they are set up: Kitikmeot air ambulance services. I am during the day, the shelters are generally not asking questions about the board’s not utilized completely; the men’s deliberations. shelter is usually empty during the day but during mealtimes, meals are offered Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the at those times; and when they open up Minister of Community and Government the shelter for homeless people, the beds Services to provide a clear explanation are made available. today of what role his department played in the contract award process for However, in those cases where you have Kitikmeot air ambulance services. Thank intoxicated people or people who have you, Mr. Speaker. committed crimes, I cannot answer that as this is the mandate of the RCMP. Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Nonetheless, we cannot allow any type Minister responsible for Community and of risk in the shelters and due to that, Government Services, Minister they have rules to follow. Once all the Kusugak. people are in the shelter, they close it. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): That is all I can answer at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. member for raising a question on that

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1163 matter. The department that I am Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. responsible for has several departments Your second supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. that they have to cooperate with whenever an RFP or tender is opened. Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Our CGS officials work with different Mr. Speaker. Although he didn’t really departments on a case-by-case basis for state the department, I think I got the any RFP or tender that is going to be put point. (interpretation ends) The into the public domain. Department of Community and Government Services coordinates the I’ll make this short and concise. Our government’s contracting process and is officials assist the government responsible for issuing tender documents departments to develop an RFP and and requests for proposals. provide assistance on the particulars of the tender process and whether they’re I am still unclear as to what criteria were following all the criteria involved in the used by the government to evaluate the tender. They work with the department proposals that it received in response to from the beginning to the end of this its request for proposals for the RFP process. Perhaps I will just state Kitikmeot air ambulance services that for the time being. Thank you, Mr. contract. Will the minister commit to Speaker. tabling this information in the Legislative Assembly at tomorrow’s Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. sitting, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Your first supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. Speaker.

Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is Minister responsible for Community and my understanding that the value of the Government Services, Minister Kitikmeot air ambulance services Kusugak. contract is in the millions of dollars. Can the minister clarify who in the Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Yes, Mr. government has the authority to approve Speaker, she asked what criteria we and sign this contract? Thank you, Mr. follow. The criteria that are followed in Speaker. this particular case were the criteria that were brought to our department by our Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. client department. They set out the Minister responsible for Community and criteria and all the terms of preferences, Government Services, Minister and those were followed throughout the Kusugak. tendering process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you. The contracts are usually Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. signed by the officials of the department Your final supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. that initiated the tendering process, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have been informed that one of the companies

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1164 that have been awarded the contract for Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank air ambulance services in the Kitikmeot you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct has been involved in a lawsuit against my question to the newly minted the government in relation to the Minister of Human Resources, the Hon. awarding of the air ambulance services Fred Schell. It seems obvious that since contract for the Kivalliq. I have also he has not fielded any questions lately, been informed that one of the he would only be too happy to be asked government’s senior officials who were a question. named in the lawsuit was also a part of the review process for the Kitikmeot I would like to ask a few questions on a contract. document that he tabled on October 18, specifically Tabled Document 92 – 3(3). Can the minister confirm whether my I have a question on its contents. In the understanding is correct and can he GN’s reply to the report, the committee explain what the government’s members who reviewed the Auditor procedures are to ensure that its officials General’s report wanted further are not placed in a potential conflict of clarification on some issues, particularly interest? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. recommendation #4. When the government provided a response, it Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. stated that the Inuit Employment Plan Minister responsible for Community and was completed as of March 2011 and Government Services, Minister that it was submitted to the Executive Kusugak. Council of Nunavut. Furthermore, in June 2011, the number of Inuit Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, her employees was to be identified in time understanding is correct, and our for the fall session. department and this government ensures that utmost care is taken, that there is no Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide conflict of interest in any of these cases, the information as to when these even to be seen to be in conflict. Utmost numbers will be available? Can we care is taken through the Department of expect it to be available before the Justice and all the parameters are session ends? How complex is the ensured to be covered that there is no remainder of the work on this report that conflict of interest when the government has to be disseminated to the House? is pursuing and looking at any public Thank you, Mr. Speaker. tendering documents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister responsible for Human Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Resources, Minister Schell. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk. Hon. Fred Schell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have that information, Question 163 – 3(3): Government of so I’ll have to take it as notice. Nunavut’s Response as per Tabled Document 92 – 3(3) (Tapardjuk) Speaker: Thank you, Minister Schell. The question has been taken as notice.

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We will move on. Item 6. Oral funding for any search and rescue Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. operation that is required. As you know, Aupaluktuq. search and rescue usually involves expenditures as they require fuel and Question 164 – 3(3): Search and supplies to conduct a search, including Rescue in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) equipment. There are also training exercises they must complete throughout Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. the year for search and rescue personnel. Speaker. My questions are for the They also need equipment, so they’re Minister of Community and Government also buying new equipment, such as Services, Hon. Lorne Kusugak. GPSs, satellite phones, and the like. We do provide that kind of funding Concerns have been recently brought to assistance for these organizations. my attention by the Municipality of Baker Lake regarding the roles and With respect to the determination of responsibilities of the different entities whether a search and rescue is required that are involved in search and rescue or when the search needs to be called operations, including the RCMP, off, that’s the prerogative of the RCMP. community volunteers, and the territorial Hopefully that clarifies the matter. government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Can the minister clarify what agreements Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. are in place between his department and Your first supplementary, Mr. the RCMP concerning responsibility for Aupaluktuq. search and rescue operations and recovery operations? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. It’s good to know that there’s an understanding as to who has the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. authority to determine when a search and Minister responsible for Community and rescue operation ends and a recovery Government Services, Minister operation begins. Kusugak. My question, if I may, Mr. Speaker, is: Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. can the minister clarify what funding is Speaker. I thank my colleague for the available for municipalities that may question. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, wish to continue searching for missing the way the search and rescue process persons in circumstances where federal works in terms of organization authorities have ended their search and responsibilities is whenever a search and rescue operations? Thank you, Mr. rescue mission is required, that Speaker. designation has to be made by the RCMP. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Minister responsible for Community and The Emergency Measures Organization Government Services, Minister under the Department of Community Kusugak. and Government Services provides the

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Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): As the minister is aware, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s a good Municipality of Baker Lake sent question, especially for communities correspondence to the minister on who want to continue their search and September 12 of this year concerning an rescue operations. The majority of incident that occurred in Baker Lake community search and rescue regarding a missing person. My last organizations fundraise for their local question is: will the minister commit to search and rescue operations and for providing me with a copy of his items, such as fuel, food, and rations, response to the municipality, whether or especially if it involves a longer search. not he has a copy of his response to that This fundraising is never quite up to par letter, and if I could possibly receive a with what they require throughout the copy for my records? Thank you, Mr. year. Speaker.

So when a local search and rescue Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. society requests funding for a search and Minister of Community and Government rescue mission, we provide some Services, Minister Kusugak. funding to underwrite the search but only to a certain extent. If I recall Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): correctly, Mr. Speaker, I believe the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you for limit is $50,000 for all of Nunavut. We your question. Yes, I believe on October generally end up with a slightly higher 14, I sent my formal response to Mayor number due to the extra missions we are Aksawnee on the letter he sent. Further, required to undertake. From this fund, if you would like to receive a copy upon they provide some funding to assist with its arrival to the community, I will make their mission when it is possible and it available to you either via email or when search and rescue societies in copy of the letter. Thank you, Mr. Nunavut need to search for longer Speaker. periods in their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, Speaker: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. Mr. Elliott. Your second supplementary, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Question 165 – 3(3): Number of Housing Units Committed for Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank Completion (Elliott) you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for his response. This is Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. something that Nunavummiut must My questions are for the Minister understand, especially how they can responsible for the Nunavut Housing apply for more funding and how we can Corporation. offer more assistance to our search and rescue societies. I know that it will Mr. Speaker, I would like to base my continue to operate in that manner. questions around the construction of new social housing units in our communities. It has been over a year since the over-

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1167 commitment of the Nunavut Housing Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Trust came to light. Under this program, was trying to be very careful in the way how many units did the Nunavut that I was wording my question because Housing Corporation commit to I was actually dividing up my question constructing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. into two parts: one specifically around the Nunavut Housing Trust, which was Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. the first, and then I was going to ask Minister responsible for the Nunavut questions about the Affordable Housing Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. Initiative, which was the second part. I know he sort of mentioned the 285, so Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. I’ll try again. Speaker. I know that the information that is requested is of interest not only to the To my understanding in discussions we member but all of my colleagues. I had before, the Nunavut Housing Trust certainly am willing to provide all the is actually complete. I was wondering if necessary information. It’s going to take the minister could provide us with the a bit of time, in my view, to provide all actual number of housing units that are the technical, all the scheduling, and complete under the Nunavut Housing everything else. Trust. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We have committed to completing all Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. the units, particularly the 285 units. We Minister responsible for the Nunavut have an agreement with the Government Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. of Canada that they must be completed by the end of March 2012. That’s the Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. deadline we’re working on and we’re Speaker. Like I said earlier, it’s going to hoping that all the units that my take a bit of time to break down all the colleagues at cabinet as well as our details and I think we will be able to friends on the other side have committed address them today as we go to the to provide funding will be completed by Committee of the Whole in terms of the the end of March 2012. details. I can assure the member, though, that there are remaining Nunavut In terms of the exact progress in housing units that are still being presenting each, I will be prepared to constructed, but the information I have is table all of that information. Likely, as that they will be completed during this we go through the Committee of the fiscal year, this construction season. Whole on my capital estimates, no doubt, that information will be available But in terms of the details and exactly and we will be having our technical how many they are, I am deferring that vice-president as well as the president be question as I appear before the prepared to provide further details. Committee of the Whole today. Most (interpretation) Thank you. likely by the end of the day, I’ll be able to provide that information. Thank you, Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Elliott.

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Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Whole, I’ll be prepared to provide that Your second supplementary question, information along with our officials. Mr. Elliott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Again, I can wait for that time, but it Your final supplementary, Mr. Elliott. would be nice to get the answers now. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I In terms of a final dollar value, then, on guarantee to the minister that I’m trying the Nunavut Housing Trust, I’m talking to rephrase my questions so that I can at about specifically the Nunavut Housing least get one answer to four of my Trust. I know there were problems in the questions I have been asking. past. We had the Auditor General look at the program and there were supposed to I’m just curious to find out if the be monthly and quarterly updates to minister could provide us with a number keep track of funding to make sure that it of completed units that have been turned did not get out of control. So I would over to the local housing authorities hope that the minister has this dollar under the Nunavut Housing Trust. Thank figure available to us now. Does he have you, Mr. Speaker. a dollar figure of what the Nunavut Housing Trust is costing the Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Government of Nunavut? Thank you, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Mr. Speaker. Housing Corporation, Minister Curley.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Speaker. Again, we will be able to Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. supplement that question during the Committee of the Whole meeting in Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. more detail and exact details of the Speaker. I think the member could whole question. probably rephrase the question. Do we have a current budget to work with? Yes, In terms of the summary, there were we do. We’re working within budget and 700-some-odd units that the Nunavut certainly our project and contractors are Housing Trust committed for working hard to complete the units as Nunavutmiut. Units completed as of per the contract stipulates, and we have March 31, 2010, if that is of any use, no reason at this time to believe that were 319. Units completed during fiscal there are any over-commitments year 2010-11, 226. Units completed year whatsoever. If that is the case, I would to date, 2011-12, 81. Units at 99 percent immediately be informed and inform my occupied, waiting for the inspections, colleagues. etcetera and so on, 29. Units not yet complete as of October 13, 71. Thank Today we will be prepared to lay out the you, Mr. Speaker. exact cost to complete construction and provide that information in more time required. So during the Committee of the

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Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. her question, what I can tell the member Oral Questions. Member for Nattilik, is that the RFP was advertised publicly Ms. Ugyuk. in the newspaper and they included the criteria that my colleague alluded to. Question 166 – 3(3): Contract for Whenever any business requests the Kitikmeot Air Ambulance (Ugyuk) RFP, it is sent out along with the criteria. We will be able to submit the report Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, once the appeal process has been Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Have you signed a Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. contract for air ambulances services? Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk.

Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Question 167 – 3(3): Update on Minister responsible for Nunavut’s Progress of Devolution Department of Health and Social Negotiations (Tapardjuk) Services, Minister Curley. Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I spoke to that my question to the Premier. issue yesterday or the day before that once the appeal process is finalized, I We have heard on the news about the will be able to provide details on the Baffinland Iron Mines having submitted contract. The appeals board will be their environmental impact statement meeting next week and once this appeal and they’re holding pre-hearing process has been completed, I will be meetings in communities. I would like to able to update the member on the details. ask the Premier a question. It seems Thank you, Mr. Speaker. obvious that if this mine is approved, there will be royalties that the Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Government of Nunavut would have Your first supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. received if the GN was able to get responsibility over lands and resources Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, via devolution. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Will you be able to table the criteria I would like to know where the developed by your staff for the air devolution process is. Has the ambulance service? Thank you, Mr. negotiation process been restarted? Has Speaker. the GN started talks with the federal government? I would like to hear about Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. this in light of the mine development, Minister responsible for Health and Mr. Speaker. Social Services, Minister Curley. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Minister responsible for Executive and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to

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Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam past or do you have another negotiator Premier. who will be facing the federal government? I want to know where the Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): process is because the House has to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the understand where this devolution member for that important question. I process is going. Thank you, Mr. want devolution to be an issue debated Speaker. throughout Nunavut by all people. To date, we are still deliberating on our Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. choices in the Department of Executive Minister responsible for Executive and and Intergovernmental Affairs. We are Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam currently considering our options on the Premier. issue of devolution. Wherever we have an opportunity to meet with the federal Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): government, we continually remind Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to them of this matter. At least I try to self-determination and devolution, this is remind them. a very important priority for the Government of Nunavut. What we We are exploring our options, especially envision is that when we are able to areas where we can at least make some operate self-sufficiently, we have to look headway, and to lay the groundwork and at how we have to operate as a to re-establish the negotiations. What we government. For example, education, kept reiterating was the need to restart health and social services, government this process and we currently are operations, justice, and community exploring new avenues with the federal justice: we have already identified most government on what the next steps will of these social-related portfolios which be. That is where we’re at now. Thank we are responsible for and it is good that you, Mr. Speaker. we are responsible for these matters.

Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. With respect to land and resources, I Your first supplementary, Mr. truly believe that once we have Tapardjuk. showcased our capability and capacity to take over responsibility, and wherever Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank there are revenue generating you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the developments stemming from the land or issue, during our June session, we resources, we have to be able to obtain a allocated funding to continue this share of those resources. I wanted to process. Nonetheless, although our restate that position. This is a very government may be deliberating on their important priority. options, I believe that the Nunavut government will be left behind due to With regard to our negotiators, we do the snail-like pace we are witnessing. have negotiators identified. We are basically awaiting the federal Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier government’s notification to initiate is: are you still working with the chief negotiations. We have identified the negotiator whom you identified in the terms of reference for the devolution

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1171 negotiations. We have deliberated upon comments as our colleague’s words are all of the details involved in the very succinct. What I want to state is devolution process up to and including that based on the Tamapta Mandate, the breadth of negotiations and this was which is our blueprint for Nunavut, it done collaboratively with our negotiator. states that our people in Nunavut have to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. make their own decisions in order to become more self-determining and to Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. research ways to solve the challenges Your second supplementary, Mr. they face. Tapardjuk. To cite the example my colleague in Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Rankin Inlet spoke about earlier, it was you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am aware that excellent to hear the story about a we have the responsibility for the current committed individual who undertook his portfolios we have, but all of the funding own initiative without any government for that is from federal government prodding so that he could start the coffers. We don’t have a very large tax initiative to assist his community. Those base nor do we have any incoming are the types of examples we want to royalty revenue to date. see.

From this time onwards, will we always With respect to government funding, we be the stewards of the federal eventually want to be able to generate government for our operations or will we our own revenue so we are not entirely have to look at various options to allow dependent on federal government Nunavummiut to search for ways to handouts. This is a very important aspect become more self-determining and self- of the devolution process to become self- sufficient? This can only occur if the reliant in the long-term future. federal government devolves more powers to our government and only then Further, with respect to his question can we realize that dream. about devolution and our chief negotiator, to date, we have retained our So, Mr. Speaker, I again reiterate my existing chief negotiator. Thank you, Mr. previous question: did the government Speaker. retain the same chief negotiator previously announced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Tapardjuk. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Minister responsible for Executive and Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam you, Mr. Speaker. Boy that was fast! Premier. Nonetheless, I’ll use the remaining time I have to ask a question about this Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): matter. The process is rather slow and as Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With this per the Premier’s statement, the federal matter, if we perhaps look at it this government still has not responded as to way… . I thank the member for his whether they want to commence

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1172 negotiations. Based on what I heard, the Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. federal government will notify us when Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for they are ready to commence Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott. negotiations. Question 168 – 3(3): Program Has any thought been given to changing Management for Building Houses the GN chief negotiator? The reason I (Elliott) state that is because of partisanship. My Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. example is that we have a Conservative My questions are for the Minister government, but our GN chief negotiator responsible for the Nunavut Housing is a well-known NDP member. Will that Corporation. Mr. Speaker, I would like not be subject to partisanship and to continue with my questions around thereby slow the process further? I tend the construction of new social housing to worry about that. Has our government units in our communities. ever considered a different chief negotiator to see if we can speed up the Through both the Nunavut Housing negotiation process to devolve powers Trust and Affordable Housing Initiative from the federal government to the programs, a lot of construction materials Nunavut government? That is my last have been shipped to all communities question for now, Mr. Speaker. across Nunavut. One of the recommendations of the Auditor General Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. of Canada was to make sure that Minister responsible for Executive and overspending did not occur with Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam monthly and quarterly reports on the Premier. progress of both projects. My question to the minister is: was this recommendation Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): followed? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated previously, the ability to be self-reliant, Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. we are looking at all the details involved Minister responsible for the Nunavut in that process and to see what we need Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. in order to move forward on this file. Our departmental officials are Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. concentrating on developing the Speaker. Not only was that accepted and positions for the territory and this followed, our independent audit, as well includes the consultation with the as the new corporate management, elected members here in the House as unlike the previous management that we have to be very active in trying to were allowed to use unrelated figures, a complete this process. flawed system of accounting, and cost controls that were not in place, yes, they I thank you for raising your questions, are followed. We will be able to provide but in response to your question, we are more details as we appear before the reconsidering all of the issues included Committee of the Whole, directly with in the devolution process to come up the chief financial officer. Thank you, with a viable plan. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. Speaker.

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Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Your first supplementary, Mr. Elliott. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Speaker. With the construction to be completed by Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. March 2012, what does the Nunavut Speaker. The answer is yes. Housing Corporation plan to do with the extra construction materials that are out Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. there across the territory? Thank you, Your final supplementary, Mr. Elliott. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. For that inventory of excess material out Minister responsible for the Nunavut across the territory, is there a dollar Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. value attached to that just to give us an idea of how much is out there? Thank Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. If there’s any footage left at the boatyards or whatnot of any lumber, I Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. think we addressed that during the Minister responsible for the Nunavut winter session, but I think what we need Housing Corporation, Minister Curley. to do is either donate it to the LHOs or we can find charity groups that may be Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. interested in it. To date, we have not had Speaker. Our new vice-president has a direct program that we have done a very good job, Jamie Flaherty. established, but the surplus materials are He is a local here in Iqaluit. He has normally provided to the local LHOs. carried out a complete inventory of all Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the regions mainly to make sure that the ongoing construction has exact details of Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. what’s required, what’s missing, and Your second supplementary, Mr. Elliott. whatnot.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once the construction season is Yes, I remember some issues were dealt completed by March 31, we will with during the winter sitting. I know determine exactly what amount has been one of the things that were asked that saved and we will determine where to was not available, but now with the new dispose of the surplus materials. Thank accounting system in place, I’m just you, Mr. Speaker. wondering: is there a full inventory or has there been a full inventory Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. completed on the amount of excess Oral Questions. Member for Nattilik, building material there are out there Ms. Ugyuk. across the territory? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 169 – 3(3): Addiction Levels Further, we are hopeful that it will be in Nunavut (Ugyuk) completed by this fall and our recommendations will also be submitted Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, to the cabinet. If they are approved, then Mr. Speaker. My questions will be we’re hoping that they will be allocated directed to the Minister of Health and to the departmental O&M funding Social Services. allocations and at this point, we are finalizing the cost estimates. At this (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I point, that’s all I can report to you. don’t think anyone can deny that many social issues are created, encouraged, With respect to abuse or convicted felt, and made worse by addictions to abusers, I don’t know if any reports are substances such as illegal drugs, alcohol, being drafted or underway, other than or prescription drugs and to activities statistics to use towards crime such as gambling. Can the minister prevention. We are looking for the best clearly describe what steps his available options and our officials are department is taking to identify, very busy trying to complete this work. measure, evaluate, and address the level We are expectant that it will be of addiction in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. submitted to the Executive Council in Speaker. the short term. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Minister responsible for Health and Your first supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. Social Services, Minister Curley. Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you. I Qaujiqatigiit Health Research Centre is wish to respond in this manner. With based in Iqaluit and conducts research on respect to abuse reporting, I am not various health and social issues affecting aware if a report has been prepared or if Nunavut. Can the minister describe how any report exists, but these are the types his department works with this of matters we are generally responsible organization to plan research projects for. and, if so, whether the topic of addictions has been identified for future In 2002, the previous government research? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. developed a strategy specifically for mental health. The Mental Health Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Strategy is a lengthy document. This Minister of Health and Social Services, required an action plan, which we are Minister Curley. currently redrafting, and this is including substance abuse. This action plan also Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): requires an implementation plan, which Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All research is currently under development. I will be that we are required to know and presenting this plan to my colleagues incorporate is used by our department, upon its completion. but policy proposals and action plans are currently being developed.

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We are also aware that many residents substance abuse treatment facilities and have addictions, including substance mobile treatment services that I will be abuse, whether it is alcohol or drugs. In asking the cabinet to consider for the Nunavut, these addictions usually lead to O&M budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. criminal acts, something that has been proven over time. That is why we are Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. focused on crime prevention and Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, addictions treatment facilities for people Mr. Elliott. Oh, sorry. You have one who want to combat their addictions. more. Sorry, I put an extra scratch and I These are our priorities at this time. shouldn’t have. I’m sorry. Your final supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. The information in the research is an ongoing development as well. We work Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you with the researchers and sometimes very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation provide them research funding to study ends) Will the minister commit to these issues. We are using all avenues working with his colleagues and available to us, but I’m not sure how that partners, such as the Qaujiqatigiit Health report would be worded. It may be Research Centre, to conduct an available via the website. Thank you, investigation on the level and impact of Mr. Speaker. addictions in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Your second supplementary, Ms. Ugyuk. Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Don’t thank me; thank my officials for Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, catching my mistake. Minister Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) responsible for Health and Social Would the minister agree that doing an Services, Minister Curley. in-depth research on types and levels of addiction in Nunavut would help to plan Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. programs and services to address this Speaker. We can consider any proposals problem? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. that are submitted, but I certainly will not negotiate right now with the member Speaker: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. here whether or not we should appoint a Minister of Health and Social Services, service that has not been requested. Minister Curley. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Speaker. I think the point that the Oral Questions. Hopefully I got it right member should know is I think we’re this time. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. beyond that. I think we have identified Elliott. the types of services that Nunavutmiut want and we will be making Question 170 – 3(3): ASIST Training announcements on that. Perhaps even as (Elliott) early as next week, I will be announcing Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. some of the principles that we are My question is directed to the Minister working on in terms of developing of Health and Social Services.

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Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked a number really liked, as many carvers are held of questions to both the Premier and the back only by the lack of carving stone, minister regarding the Nunavut Suicide especially serpentinite. This is the Prevention Strategy Action Plan and the difficulty they experience in obtaining a ASIST workshop. Both ministers ready source of carving material. recognized the importance of the training workshop and stated that they In your Minister’s Statement, you would want to take the ASIST training. identified that deposits had been found via the Nunavut Carving Stone Deposit Mr. Speaker, we encourage our Evaluation Program, which is to find employees to take this program. Can I significant deposits. Furthermore, in get the minister to commit to meeting your statement, you stated that with the Clerk of the Legislative significant carving stone deposits were Assembly and the House Leader to have found near Repulse Bay, Hall Beach, all members, if they so wish, take the Igloolik, Pangnirtung, Kimmirut, Cape ASIST workshop? Thank you, Mr. Dorset, and Coral Harbour. Speaker. With respect to this information, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Speaker, I want to ask the minister: will Minister responsible for Health and the department just be looking at Social Services, Minister Curley. identifying these carving stone deposits? Will you inform the communities about Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. the sites that contain these significant Speaker. That’s one of the best deposits? How will the government, via propositions that I have received. I the Department of Economic certainly will do that. Thank you, Mr. Development and Transportation, be Speaker. able to assist communities who want to access these sites? Will the stone be >>Laughter quarried and transported to the communities? Speaker: Thank you, Minister Curley. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Can the minister provide more details on Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk. the program to make it clear and concise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 171 – 3(3): Carving Stone Deposit Evaluation Program Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. (Tapardjuk) Minister responsible for Economic Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Development and Transportation, you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Minister Taptuna. my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Minister Taptuna. Speaker. I thank the Member for Amittuq for that excellent question. Mr. In listening to his Minister’s Statement, Speaker, the program is just to evaluate it was very interesting to hear that the deposits, quantities, and qualities. It information about the program, which I identifies more deposits that are out

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1177 there in close proximity to the Throughout ED&T, our programs are communities, but at this time, we would aimed at usually proposal-based have no further… . The evaluation programs. Down the future, if there are program is going to be going on until credible feasibility proposals to get 2014. After that, the accessibility and the quarrying on some of these deposits, quarrying methods will still have to be surely we will look at that as a dealt with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Your first supplementary, Mr. Your second supplementary, Mr. Tapardjuk. Tapardjuk.

Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister of you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Economic Development for his answer. minister for his response. I believe that With respect to the program, how many the local hamlets will have to have this more years will this evaluation continue? information. Wherever they have an Is it two, three, four, or five years? economic development officer, the information should be made available to Once the evaluation has been finalized, them because a lot of carvers are always what type of assistance will be provided? looking for resources and they’re always Will it be via funding or in-kind looking for ways to earn a little bit of contributions that you will be able to income. Can the minister agree to assist those communities that wish to disseminate information to all quarry and transport the carving stone to appropriate hamlets, economic the communities? I wonder. development officers, and bodies to see how they can provide tangible benefits I really want to understand this program to the residents of Nunavut? Thank you, as the artists in Hall Beach and Igloolik Mr. Speaker. who elected me to represent them will want to know what to expect once these Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. carving stone sites have been identified Minister of Economic Development and to the communities. Thank you, Mr. Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Speaker. Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Speaker. Again I thank the member for Minister responsible for Economic that question. Absolutely we’re trying to Development and Transportation, get our carvers out there more products Minister Taptuna. and more access to the soapstone deposits. Every time we’re having a Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. discussion or conference or even a Speaker. I thank the member for that meeting with mining companies and question. Our first step is to evaluate the exploration companies, we ask them to quantity and quality, and we get a lot of help locate some of these soapstone help from the local carvers. They do deposits that may be out there. participate in the evaluations.

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One of the things that we’ve got to be quarrying, accessing soapstone, or other careful about is how to actually quarry various things for artwork. Thank you, and access. One of the huge costs is Mr. Speaker. going to be actually bringing the soapstone back into the communities for Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. the carvers. After 2014, once the Members will note that the time for evaluation is done, surely, with the help question period is expired. Moving on in of the carvers and artists of Nunavut the Orders of the Day, Item 7. Written communities, we will be able to come up Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written with a good plan to access these quarries Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening and deposits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Reports of Standing and Special Your final supplementary, Mr. Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Tapardjuk. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item you, Mr. Speaker. The year 2014 is a 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of fairly long ways off. Do you have any Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. programs available to provide assistance Item 19. Consideration in Committee of today? I believe this information is very the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. relevant to carvers, especially those who Bills 13, 14, and 15 with Mr. Tapardjuk are trying to survive through arts and in the Chair. crafts sales. Prior to the fiscal year 2014, did I understand correctly that the Before we proceed, we will take a 20- Department of ED&T can provide minute break. assistance to a community if they submit a proposal? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sergeant-at-Arms.

Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. >>House recessed at 15:05 and Minister of Economic Development and Committee resumed at 15:29 Transportation, Minister Taptuna. Item 19: Consideration in Committee Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. of the Whole of Bills and Other Speaker. Within each community, we do Matters have economic development officers. They are the ones who help write Chairman (Mr. Tapardjuk) proposals for our artists and other (interpretation): Thank you for coming entrepreneurs within these smaller to the Committee of the Whole. In communities. Absolutely we do have Committee of the Whole, we have the programs that are based on assisting, following items to deal with: Bills 13, especially carvers and artists. With the 14, and 15. What is the wish of the help of the CEDO officers that are committee? Mr. Aupaluktuq. within the communities, any carver or artist can put in proposals to access more Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. funding, whether it would be for Chairman. As you are aware, our

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1179 committee had business from yesterday. Chair, I will allow you to proceed in that We wish to continue with where we left manner. I was going to ask that you off yesterday by dealing with the return to your seat when we’re voting on committee motion that is before us. the motion, but it’s all right with me if When that has been concluded, we you would like to remain at your seat. would like to continue with the review of the remaining capital estimates for the We are still dealing with the motion that Department of Community and Mr. Ningeongan had moved and you Government Services, followed by the have a copy of the motion. The mover of Department of Education. If time the motion had already spoken, Mr. permits, Mr. Chairman, we will proceed Kusugak and Mr. Curley had also with the capital estimates of the Nunavut spoken to the motion, but I would like to Housing Corporation. (interpretation) remind the members that they have 20 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minutes to speak to the motion. Using my discretion as the Chair, I will give Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you an opportunity to speak if you have Mr. Aupaluktuq. Are we in agreement any additional comments. We will be that we deal with the motion today? following the list of names from yesterday. To the motion. Mr. Elliott. Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, Yesterday during Committee of the 2012-2013 – Community and Whole on deliberations of this specific Government Services – line item, I asked a question to the Consideration in Committee minister trying to get a definite answer on whether or not this $500,000 was for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. the planning and design of an arena in We were dealing with (interpretation Rankin Inlet. I did that on purpose ends) Community and Government because I wanted to determine whether it Services. Capital Planning. was specifically an arena or not. In (interpretation) That’s where we left off. listening to all of the other members Minister Kusugak, do you have speak, ask questions, and make general witnesses that you would like to bring to comments, I was kind of curious to find the table? out where it was going and what the project actually entailed. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We can go to In reviewing the Hansard from the witness table at the appropriate time. yesterday, I said, and I quote, “Are we I think it would be best if we go to the approving $500,000 for a planning and table after we deal with the motion, Mr. design for an arena specifically or are we Chairman, as I will have to vote on it approving $500,000 for a planning and from where I’m currently sitting. Thank design for a recreational complex?” you, Mr. Chairman. Those were my exact words. Mr. Chairman, to this I received the answer, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. and I quote, “We probably likely looking In accordance with my discretion as the at this…” and another quote, “It’s just

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1180 looking at probably the arena participate in. I only have to think of replacement.” The response continued, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay that have and I quote, “If a multiplex is not never even had the privilege of an arena. sustainable, then we won’t be moving in As well, all three of my communities of that direction.” Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay have never had a swimming pool, Mr. Chairman, these answers seem to me let alone an Olympic-sized swimming that the intention of the $500,000 is to facility. I would further like to point out move forward on the feasibility study of that at no time did I or any other regular a multiplex. As well, in terms of our line member say that we did not support items, what I’m trying to do is youth in our communities. substantiate my argument whether I’ll be supporting or not supporting the motion. I will be voting in favour to strike this We base our decisions and I know I base line item for the capital plan. Sometimes my decisions on what information we’re we have to make hard decisions. As we given by the government itself. The line are all aware, regular members do not item that we’re being asked to vote on is have the ability to tell the government actually entitled a multiplex (arena). where to reallocate the $500,000, but I Again, that is another sign that shows will say that if this comes back before it’s working and leaning towards a me in the form of a supplemental multiplex. appropriation with the substantiation sheet specifically saying that the funds As well, Mr. Chairman, the minister’s are for the planning and design of an department has prepared substantiation arena, not a multi-complex, then I would forms for this project. The forms talk be pleased to vote in favour of it. about an arena, that part is true, but it also talks and mentions the idea of Again I reiterate my suggestion would feasibility studies, it talks about the be that the Government of Nunavut scope of work to include weight rooms, reallocates the $500,000 with high capacity volume seating, as well as substantiation forms that back up that an Olympic-sized swimming pool. To this will be going to the design and me, again, these substantiation forms planning of an arena. My suggestions and the scope of work define what will will not slow down the process, but it be done and what the department plans will allow his department to align the to do. My understanding from what has project and get it back on track. Thank been explained to us and the way we you, Mr. Chairman. have passed funding for the last couple of years is those substantiation forms are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the marching orders for the department Mr. Elliott. The next name on my list is to continue to work on a project. Mr. Allan Rumbolt.

Mr. Chairman, I am torn. Minister Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Curley, when he spoke to the motion, is Chairman. Some of my comments are correct. We need to think about the along the line of Mr. Elliott’s, but I will youth in our communities. We need to read them as I have them written. I provide healthy choices for them to would like to make some comments as

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1181 we resume the consideration of my cost-sharing with the federal colleague’s motion. government.

I want to begin by stating that this issue Mr. Chairman, I do not know if the should not come as a surprise to the minister reviews and approves the minister. A year ago, I noted concerns documents that are prepared by his with the scope of this project in my department to describe major capital opening comments to the Committee of projects of this nature. I also want to say the Whole on the occasion of our that this is a good example of the consideration of the department’s 2011- frustration that we experience on this 12 capital estimates. side of the House and perhaps a lesson for all of us. We frequently ask questions The department has had a year to clarify only to be told by ministers that they do the information that is provided to the not have that detail in front of them. We members in this House. It has not done ask for copies of studies and reports to so. Only the minister can explain why be tabled in the House and often it not and for the benefit of the listening happens slowly, if it happens at all. We public, I am going to take some time to are asked to approve hundreds of read into the record exactly what thousands of dollars for major projects information the minister’s department based on very little detail. has provided to describe this new recreational complex (arena). Mr. Chairman, the department is asking for approval to spend $500,000 in the The scope of work for this project is 2012-13 fiscal year for the design of a described as the following, and I quote, new facility. As the minister is well “Design and construct of the recreational aware, capital projects takes on a life of complex will include a hockey arena their own once enough money has been capable of seating 3,000 people, a soccer put into a given project and sometimes pitch, exercise weight area, indoor there is no turning back. games area, a gym, swimming pool, curling rink, meeting or convention area I would also remind the minister that the with kitchen and canteen space.” Legislative Assembly had previously approved $200,000 in funding for this The department describes one of the project initiation and planning. It is our benefits of this project as follows, and understanding that a technical again I quote, “A new Olympic-sized assessment was undertaken in 2010-11 swimming pool will provide additional and a feasibility study was undertaken in recreational facilities to the community. 2011-12. I am sure that we would all A new exercise weight training facility welcome the opportunity to review these will contribute to the health and well- documents. being of the community.” Mr. Chairman, yesterday a member Mr. Chairman, nowhere does it state this stated that we may not have the best funding is for an arena only. Mr. interests of youth in mind, but, Mr. Chairman, I would also note that Chairman, this is all about the youth of nowhere do we see any reference to Nunavut. In reality, we have youth

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1182 swimming in our freshwater sources and colleagues here. Yesterday, during the we have youth drowning in our lakes proceedings, the minister stated that the and oceans because we do not have the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet wanted to see a proper recreational facilities in our project that would evolve into a complex communities. and due to their plans, they have requested funding. As members, we can The way the substantiation sheet is approve their request or we can deny it if written, it is the hope that Rankin Inlet we so wish. will get a bigger and better facility than they already have. That is my issue with When the capital plans have a detailed this project. How can I justify approving substantiation sheet which is this $500,000 when there are so many comprehensive and understandable, it is communities that don’t have the basic easy to follow. In the benefits section, it recreation infrastructure? mentions a new Olympic-sized swimming pool, with future extensions When we were given these and additions made when the community substantiation sheets, we were led to can afford it. To hear about it after the believe that they were fair and accurate. fact with comments such as, “No, it’s If these substantiation sheets are written not like that; all that this is, is an ice wrong, as the minister states, then maybe arena,” we were misled with faulty we should be questioning the rest of the wording as the government that government’s capital plan. Mr. approves these requests. I am quite Chairman, I will be supporting my displeased with that occurrence. colleague’s motion based on the information that is presented in the Additionally, we were reprimanded by capital plan because we have to assume our colleagues that the members are not that these documents are written supporting young people and that we do correctly. not have any love towards them. Look here, in Taloyoak, we have not had an Mr. Chairman, if we pass this motion arena for over three years. So does this today, nothing is preventing the mean our community does not support or minister’s department from going back love our youth? Our colleagues have to the drawing board and coming back to accused of this exact situation and this us with the request for supplementary has been flipped around to mean that. funding based on a clear, This is very hurtful and unacceptable. comprehensive, and accurate description For that reason, I will be supporting the of this project. Thank you, Mr. motion to delete this section. Chairman. In the future, as per previous comments, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, when they have completed the arena- Mr. Rumbolt. Ms. Ugyuk. only request for a supplementary appropriation request for funding, we Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, can review it at that time. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I wanted to make a statement of my opinion and I will also Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, be voting for the motion along with my Ms. Ugyuk. Mr. Joe Enook.

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Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, If someone lives in that particular Mr. Chairman. I also wanted to make a community, no matter what they do, we few comments in support of this motion. should not say, “Let us not give them Discussions, particularly among regular what they want.” We can’t do that. I MLAs, are very important. didn’t appreciate that and you can read that in the Blues. Furthermore, within the We heard different stories about this same Blues, it states that we are issue and we don’t deserve blame for belittling the community, at least in the that. We must hear about substantial English version. I don’t believe anyone matters and not stories that end up being tried to put down the community. We different. As our colleague, Ron, stated, don’t want to belittle any other we want to be open and although we community, even if it’s not where we cannot make decisions, we want to be live. open to revisit this issue if it arises again this winter. This matter won’t go away Chairman (interpretation): A point of just because of the motion before us order has been raised by Mr. Curley. today. Point of Order When a matter comes up that isn’t presented clearly or constantly Hon. Tagak Curley: My point of order changing… . As it turns out, a is I believe the member is alluding to my department submitted something where comments which I made in Inuktitut and some statements and responses are the wording that he read in the Hansard inconsistent or appear to be inconsistent. is likely in English. What I said in my We keep saying that we want to help our language was and it is fact that the youth in any way and we want to keep minister responsible for presenting the deliberating on their needs. We will take item was also a member for that riding, this matter very seriously if it is brought which is a fact. That’s all I said, which forward again, but based on the way it’s makes it difficult for himself, in many drafted now within the capital estimates respects, to defend the line item. I think by the department, I find it impossible to it implicates him a bit. That was my tone support. of the language.

Mr. Chairman, if I could state, we act It has nothing to do with the fact that the with the utmost sincerity and effort as opposition comes in as he is the minister regular MLAs. We want to speak the responsible. It really is just stated the truth and indeed we must. Our fellow fact that it was stated as said in Inuktitut. Nunavummiut were told yesterday, (interpretation) He is the Minister for according to the Blues, that regular Community and Government Services members didn’t approve the project and that community is in his because Rankin Inlet is the constituency constituency. (interpretation ends) I’m of one of the ministers. None of the trying to clarify and help the member members said anything like that. If you that it has nothing to do with what the read the Blues, not one member said that member is stating, as I said it, and it’s and none of us would ever say that and perhaps an English version. Thank you, we should never behave that way. Mr. Speaker.

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, succinctly yesterday how we say the Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) I will youth represent our future and how take it as notice. (interpretation) I have proud we are of our youth. We have to taken it as notice and I will review the continue to be proud of our youths’ point of order later and we will make our accomplishments because they are our deliberation at that time and we will future and they will replace us one day. report on it. Mr. Enook, please proceed. On the comments we make, when you Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, are quoted to a small part of those Mr. Chairman. Can I speak to this comments, we will completely confuse matter? our youth. When we quote the Blues, it would be much easier or I would find it Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. easier if we included the whole With respect to the point of order, which comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. was related to your comment, it is something we will have to review and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, deliberate upon with my staff and I, and Mr. Enook. Mr. Peterson. that point of order was with respect to your comments. I will make that Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. decision later on as my mandate as the Chairman. Originally I was going to Chairman. So that’s why I stated I will speak to the motion, but now I’m going take that as notice with respect to the to request if we can take a five-minute point of order. That is something we will break before we vote. Thank you, Mr. look at shortly. Chairman.

Let me clarify that that is a particular Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. comment that was under the point of You have that opportunity to make order. If you want to withdraw your comments to the motion, but we can take comments, I will give you that option. a break before we vote on the motion. You have an opportunity to speak to the Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, motion. Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I used both the Inuktitut and the English Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. versions of yesterday’s Blues. In Chairman. I could say a few things, but Inuktitut and English versions, they I’m not quite sure how I’m to say them seem to be saying the same thing based now. on what I was talking about. However, you said you would return to the point of I have sat on the other side and I sat order. Can I speak to another matter? there for almost five years. I did make a motion in the Second Assembly to delete Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is $500,000 from a government department information I really want heard and I and we had the numbers to do it, and also want to lay it out for Nunavummiut then we made a recommendation on how that those of us who are regular MLAs to use the money. The government of the have not abandoned youth and we will day actually came back and surprised us never do that. We were reminded very and did use it for the purposes we

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1185 recommended. It was something that beneficial to me and many other kids in was of a Nunavut-wide benefit. It Cambridge Bay. We used to have a lot benefited many people in Nunavut, all of drowning tragedies every few years. communities, in fact. So we were quite One year, there were four kids who pleased with the government when it did drowned when they were out rafting. We that. started teaching water safety and other things, and now I think every kid in When I have also been on this side as the Cambridge Bay knows how to swim and Minister of Justice in December 2009 practice water safety. So it has been where I was defending a capital beneficial. substantiation sheet where I was looking for $300,000 to undertake a project to So I understand, from a small look at upgrades, renovations, and an community perspective, that every expansion of the Baffin Correctional community in Nunavut would benefit Centre, and it was… . Unfortunately the from a pool. I wish, as a government, we substantiation sheet came across like I could do that for every community wanted money to build a new facility for because it is great for the community, it 150 prisoners. Of course, it got quite is great recreation, and kids love to divisive in the standing committee and swim. It doesn’t matter who you are, you the Committee of the Whole, and I recall love swimming. the vote at the time was a tie in the House here. Of course, the cabinet lost But I do believe that this project in because the Chairman votes with the Rankin Inlet is for an arena. I think it is regular members. It was quite well known that Rankin Inlet is a hockey unfortunate because now I continue hotbed. Their facility is getting quite old. struggling with capacity issues at the It’s a facility that will probably get quite Baffin Correctional Centre. a bit of use. I would urge or suggest to the members that if they were Only a few months later, the Fire concerned, maybe they could make Marshal of Nunavut was giving us quite recommendations that the substantiation a ride there with some fire code issues sheet does come back for an ice arena and the media was quite eager to and an ice arena only or, following this lambaste the government for not doing vote, make another recommendation to anything about the Baffin Correctional the government that the money be used Centre and it got a lot of national for that specific purpose. attention. I understand how these things work and I believe that… . Unfortunately, when the motion was made, the word “deleted” complicates I read the substantiation sheet for this making amendments to the motion, so project. It does say an Olympic-sized the only way we can change it is if the pool and I’m not sure who in Nunavut mover of the motion was to withdraw would benefit from an Olympic-sized that motion and make another motion, pool. We have a pool in Cambridge Bay. and then we could proceed to vote on the It’s an above ground pool. It is a metre new motion to give money for the ice deep and 12 metres long. I actually arena only. learned to swim in that pool. It’s quite

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When the vote occurs, of course, I will with Nunavummiut that with respect to be supporting my cabinet colleagues. Rankin Inlet residents who want to get With that, Mr. Chairman, I’ll end my an arena, we don’t have a problem with comments. Thank you. that particular request as regular members. Chairman (interpretation): I have no more names on my list for comments to The only problem which we found was the motion. The mover of the motion in the report written by CGS because it will have the right to the last reply. I speaks about a multi-complex. That was don’t have any more names. the only problem that we found. If these words had not been included in this Mr. Keith Peterson requested a break. As proposal, I believe most of the MLAs the Chair for the Committee of the would have approved this project. Due Whole, we will take a five-minute break. to the fact that the wording was not done I have two reasons: to allow me to in that manner, my colleagues, I want to review Mr. Curley’s point of order and say to you that the motion I made and to you will have that opportunity before we which I spoke to yesterday, we’re not make a vote on the motion. Using my just trying to stop the project. I want that discretion as the Chair, we will take a understood clearly. five-minute break. My colleagues have made their >>Committee recessed at16:01 and comments stating that if they submitted a resumed at 16:14 proposal that was clear and concise with only the arena being listed and if they Chairman (interpretation): Thank you submitted it again, then we would be for coming back. Before we start, I have able to review it properly. We are a few comments to make. expecting that we would approve that proposal if it’s worded that way. Mr. (interpretation ends) Before we proceed Chairman, that’s the reason why I with the closing comments by Johnny wanted to comment on it again. I Ningeongan, I wish to inform you that personally can state, even though I was a there is a need to review the audio from mover, that if there is a new proposal yesterday’s proceedings. This will take that’s specific only to the arena, I would time, and I hope to be in a position to also be in support of that motion. rule on Mr. Curley’s point of order no later than Monday. (interpretation) I For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I thank wanted to pass along this information. you for the opportunity to make comments. It’s not to be against the Mr. Ningeongan, you have the right to proposal. We’re not trying to stop the the last reply as the mover of the motion project, but basically, we’re having before we vote on it. Mr. Ningeongan. problems with the wording. If the wording had been clearer, we would not Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank have a problem. Mr. Chairman, for that you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the reason, as I made it clear yesterday, committee for the opportunity to speak. I when we vote on the motion, I want to wanted it noted with my colleagues and

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1187 have a recorded vote. Thank you for the Premier Aariak. opportunity. Mr. Arreak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan. With this Mr. Kusugak. recorded vote, I believe all of you want to see who supports and opposes the Mr. Peterson. motion. You have the motion in front of you. It states that the $500,000 listed in (interpretation ends) The motion is the CGS budget estimates towards a new carried. (interpretation) We will now arena complex for the fiscal year 2012- return to the page-by-page review. Eight 13 be struck. That is the motion before are for the motion and eight have us. abstained.

All those in favour of the motion, please Prior to the review, Minister Kusugak, stand. Thank you. please go to the witness table. Would you like to bring in your officials? Mr. Ningeongan. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): When I state you name, please sit. Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq. Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to bring in the Mr. Rumbolt. witnesses?

Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk. Some Members: Agreed.

Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik. Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at- Arms, please escort the officials to the Mr. Ron Elliott. witness table.

Ms. Monica Ell. Thank you. Minister Kusugak, for the record, please introduce your witnesses. Mr. Joe Enook. Minister Kusugak.

All those opposed, please stand. I don’t Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): believe anybody opposes it. All those Thank you, Mr. Chairman. They are the abstaining. same witnesses that appeared with me yesterday. To my left is Kathleen Mr. Schell. Lausman, my deputy minister, and to my right is Assistant Deputy Minister Roy Mr. Shewchuk. Green. Please make them feel welcome. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Curley. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. Minister Kusugak. Welcome, Ms.

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Lausman and Mr. Green. We will go Expenditures. (interpretation) Go to page back to page H- 3. (interpretation ends) H-2. Total, as amended with the deletion Community and Government Services. of $500,000. $30,770,000. Do you Branch Summary. Capital Planning. agree? (interpretation) We will begin with (interpretation ends) Total Capital Some Members: Agreed. Expenditures, as amended. $24,897,000. Do you agree? (interpretation ends) Did Chairman (interpretation): We have we see a hand up? Minister Kusugak. now concluded the department. Minister Kusugak, before I ask you for closing Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): remarks, are we in agreement that the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The funding review of the Department of Community figure you just mentioned seems to be and Government Services has been different from what I am reading, unless concluded? what I read is incorrect. What I have is $25,397,000. (interpretation ends) Thank Some Members: Agreed. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak, if you have any Minister Kusugak. There was a motion closing remarks, you have the floor now. carried to delete $500,000 from here and Minister Kusugak. the amended figure is $24,897,000. Do you agree? Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you and thank you for passing Some Members: Agreed. this as amended. First of all, I apologize on behalf of my staff for having to vote Chairman (interpretation): $500,000 is on the motion. now deleted. Is that what you want? Thank you. Go to page H-6. I would like to thank my officials at (interpretation ends) Petroleum Products CGS. They work very hard because Revolving Fund. (interpretation) Pages there are a lot of responsibilities within H-6 and H-7. (interpretation ends) the operations of the Department Petroleum Products Revolving Fund. Community and Government Services. Branch Summary. (interpretation) Are They don’t usually make a mistake, so there any questions? If there are no first of all, I thank them. I thank my questions, we will go to (interpretation deputy minister and assistant deputy ends) Total Capital Expenditures. minister. We have to work closely $5,873,000. (interpretation) Do you together. agree? Also, before I conclude my closing Some Members: Agreed. remarks, I would like to thank my colleagues for being open. I am a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. member for Rankin Inlet and sometimes Go back to H-2. (interpretation ends) it leads to some conflict when you have Departmental Summary. Community to wear more than one hat and you have and Government Services. Detail of to walk a tightrope.

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With your permission, as an MLA for Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, Rankin Inlet, I would like to thank the 2012-2013 – Education – members for being open, even though Consideration in Committee that funding was deleted. I hear from the members here that they are willing to Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): reconsider it and that they would be in Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased support of it within this fiscal year. You to be here today to discuss the proposed said that you would be in support of a 2012-13 Department of Education proposal for just an arena. I apologize capital projects budget. we had to go through this. If it was my fault, so I apologize and on behalf of Our government has many capital Rankin Inlet, I would like to thank the priorities in the area of education. With members for being open to reconsider 43 schools across Nunavut, there is a this issue. As a minister, I would like to substantial capital investment in thank you. educational infrastructure in every community in Nunavut. We have 8,503 We will see each other again. When you students from kindergarten to grade 12 have capital concerns and if you have in Nunavut - 1,459 in the Kitikmeot any issues or interest, please go through region, 2,913 in the Kivalliq region, and the municipality. We would like to be 4,131 in the Qikiqtani region. advised of what the requests are through the members and through the The Department of Education’s municipalities. I thank all municipalities proposed capital budget for 2012-13 is of Nunavut. $17,810,000, with an ongoing project budget of $56,150,000 from 2012-13 to Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing 2015-16. This budget reflects the reality me to make my closing remarks. Thank of fiscal restraint which is being you. Have a good day. implemented throughout the Government of Nunavut. >>Applause Mr. Chairman, the $17.8 million for this Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, upcoming fiscal year will be divided into Minister Kusugak. I would also like to a number of projects. We have one new thank your officials for appearing before project: the planning of an addition to the committee. This was a learning curve Arviat’s Levi Angmak School. The and it’s going to be beneficial to us, even school currently has an enrolment of 325 though we had to go through this. students, or 83 percent utilization of its Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort the capacity of 390 students. Student officials out, please. population projections indicate that within five years, enrolment at Levi Thank you. We’re just following the Angmak School will be over 90 percent, process that was established. Minister so it is important to plan for this increase Aariak, Minister of Education, do you now. The planning stage for this have any opening comments? Ms. initiative will cost approximately Aariak. $50,000 for this upcoming year.

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Over the past few years, my department a. Rankin Inlet, Simon Alaittuq Ford has been faced with emergency and School repairs: $180,000. urgent situations requiring immediate attention. To help curb these reactionary b. Pangnirtung, Alookie School measures, my department initiated a flooring: $100,000. program to assess all schools beginning in 2010-11. This assessment is in the c. Arviat, Levi Angmak School area of both special needs and the flooring: $200,000. general condition of the buildings. Thirty-seven of our 43 schools have d. Kugluktuk, both schools’ generator been assessed to date. The assessment installation: $400,000. team is spending two to four days at each school to make on-site repairs and e. Taloyoak, Netsilik School flooring: mechanical adjustments during the $150,000. assessment process. Mr. Chairman, my department also has a Mr. Chairman, we have budgeted $3.5 minor capital budget. This funding million for the ongoing life cycle repairs allows for a variety of minor capital initiative for our 43 schools in 2012-13. projects to occur across the territory. This initiative allows our department to Projects are primarily health and safety identify issues within our schools and related but also include small projects prepare a repair or replacement program not identified in the capital planning in a proactive manner. Projects falling in process. Projects falling into this this category are approved by the deputy category are approved by the deputy minister. minister. During past fiscal years, the following minor capital projects were For example, carpeting and flooring has undertaken: been replaced in Grise Fiord, Igloolik, Cape Dorset, and Hall Beach schools to  Office renovation in Cambridge Bay: make them more environmentally safe $90,000. and healthy for our students. The total  Nakashuk School playground cost for these four schools was $555,000 improvement in Iqaluit: $80,000. for materials and installation. Boilers have also been replaced in Hall Beach Inuksuk High School will receive and Pond Inlet schools to help alleviate continued improvements and heating issues. The cost of these projects renovations during 2012-13. The was $390,000. planning for the summer of 2012 has begun and will include floor replacement The ongoing life cycle repairs budget and painting. The Department of may be accessed for unplanned Education has budgeted $2,550,000 for expenses. These expenses are approved this project for the upcoming fiscal year. by the deputy minister before As an update to the Inuksuk High School proceeding. For 2011-12, the following renovation project, the work continued projects were given this high-level on schedule this past summer and approval: included the renovation of the senior students section of the school.

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Mr. Chairman, my department gathers Chairman (interpretation): Do we agree information from hamlets, district to bring in the witnesses? education authorities, communities, schools, and the Department of Some Members: Agreed. Community and Government Services to develop, plan, and manage our capital Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. priorities. Through our comprehensive Sergeant-at-Arms, can you please escort facilities database, we are able to the officials to the witness table. analyze school utilization and their physical condition, along with planned Thank you. Minister Aariak, for the program requirements to determine our record, please introduce your officials. capital requirements. Minister Aariak.

Mr. Chairman, my department reviews Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): requests for school buses each year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The person There has been a significant increase in on my left is my deputy minister, Kathy the cost of providing busing services in Okpik and to my right is Mr. Horn. our communities. After our review this year, we provided a new bus as well as a Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I special needs bus for Cape Dorset. welcome the witnesses, Ms. Okpik and Kugaaruk also received a new bus. Mr. Horn, to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair of the Standing Mr. Chairman, we cannot spend more Committee on Social Wellness, Ms. than our means. As a government, we Ugyuk, can now proceed with her must work within the budget framework. opening comments. Ms. Ugyuk. There are many implications to project costs, including staffing, associated Ms. Ugyuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I housing requirements, building utilities, am pleased to provide opening and ongoing maintenance that must also comments on behalf of the Standing be considered as we look at creating new Committee on Social Wellness as the facilities and adding to existing Committee of the Whole begins its structures. consideration of the Department of Education’s proposed 2012-13 capital I am pleased to be here today to discuss budget of $17,810,000. the Department of Education’s capital budget for 2012-13 and the subsequent Mr. Chairman, the Department of four years. I look forward to your Education’s capital estimates for 2012- questions, comments, and discussion, 13 include five community-specific Mr. Chairman. Thank you. projects which are ongoing from previous years and five projects for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, which no specific communities or Minister Aariak. Do you have witnesses regions are identified. that you would like to bring to the table? Members note that funding is being Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Yes. requested for continued construction on two long-term community-specific

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1192 projects in Gjoa Haven and Iqaluit. The for the 2011-12 academic year in order high school renovation project in Iqaluit to meet the student-teacher ratio as is a multi-year project that can only mandated under the Education Act, the progress during the summer when there department will be facing even greater are no students on the premises. The pressures in this area. Members school renovation project in Gjoa Haven encourage the minister to work with her first got underway in 2004 but was colleagues to ensure that the lack of delayed a number of times with changes adequate and appropriate housing for to the project scope. Members were teachers and other essential staff does pleased to note that the second phase of not have a negative impact on the this project will proceed in 2012-13. delivery of education services.

Extensive delays and changes to capital Standing committee members plans can lead to confusion and appreciated receiving details of recent misunderstanding at the community minor capital expenditures as well as a level. In addition, committee members listing of some of the smaller projects expressed concerns regarding the long that have been undertaken with this type gap between planning and design phases of funding in the current fiscal year. The for certain projects and the proposed standing committee recommends that the future construction dates. The standing minister and her officials consider committee encourages the minister to including such information in keep members, communities, and DEAs documentation, such as the informed and up to date on the status of substantiation sheets, which are provided projects, especially those identified in for standing committee review. the five-year capital plan and, wherever possible, to provide an explanation for Mr. Chairman, the standing committee is changes to the plan. in full support of the department’s ongoing life cycle repairs project which For example, although the two projects addresses repair issues, many of which planned for Arviat and Igloolik are both relate to health and safety concerns in a in the beginning stages, there will be an timely manner. Members encourage the expectation for the construction of these minister and her officials to continue to projects to begin. However, no future work with communities and DEAs to funds are allocated in the 2013-17 Five- identify where such repairs are urgent Year Capital Plan and it is not clear and necessary. when the projects will proceed. It is important that the minister and her staff The standing committee recognizes that maintain an ongoing and open dialogue the Department of Education is taking a with community residents and DEA proactive role with its schools members on these issues. assessment project. Members recognize that the rate of progress in this area is Mr. Chairman, the issue of adequate directly affected by the number of housing for teaching staff has been repairs and adjustments that must be raised in a number of Nunavut made as the assessments are underway. communities. With the department hiring approximately 60 more teachers

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Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, opening comments on the proposed Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister 2012-13 Capital Estimates of the for that response. With respect to these Department of Education. I am confident renegotiated agreements that have led to that individual members will also have this significant increase, why did this questions and comments as we proceed. increase in expenditures occur? Is it Thank you. because the DEAs have no option to negotiate or is it because they have no Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan): Thank choices in selecting a busing company, you, Ms. Ugyuk. At this time, I would especially in the smaller communities? like to remind members of the following: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. according to Rule 77(1), you have 10 minutes to speak. At this time, I would Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Enook. like to ask if members have any general Minister Aariak. comments to the opening comments of the Minister of Education. Mr. Enook. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The busing Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, requirements for every community is an Mr. Chairman. I just want to get ongoing concern and it depends on the clarification on the minister’s opening community, whether they have comments regarding buses. However, requisitioned the buses, as well as their Mr. Chairman, there is rationale stated local DEAs. The reason for the on the budget for buses having increased significant increase includes details that far too much. In English, it states that I don’t have, so I will ask my deputy there has been a significant increase. I minister to respond, Mr. Chairman. imagine it’s very important that it has Thank you. been included in the report. Can the minister provide an update as to how Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, large the increase is and why? Thank Minister Aariak. Ms. Okpik. you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Mr. Chairman. Bus contracting, first of Minister Aariak. all, is initiated by the DEAs. Sometimes when they don’t want to run the busing Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): I contract, they return the contract to our thank the member for asking that department. In some communities, they question about buses. The reason for the have the busing contract and we hold the significant increase for busing services is contract in other communities. Where it due to contracts. We had to renegotiate seems the bus service will be too some of the contracts and that has expensive if we left the contract out in incurred a significant increase. Thank the community… . Some are actual you, Mr. Chairman. contractors while others are employees of the DEA. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Aariak. Mr. Enook. Where it’s on a contractual basis and where the department holds it, we can

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1194 sometimes return to the contractors Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, where we’re looking at reducing the Mr. Chairman. Generally, the underlying expenses related to busing. For example, reason is because some communities do they’re not used all day. Sometimes the not have bus drivers or we provide costs and expenses are fixed as if it was training and they get bus drivers. used on a whole day, so we have been able to go back and successfully We also have to keep in consideration renegotiate the contract. that where the community is offering busing services, we have to check to see However, we hold some of the contracts if they have a heated garage where they at the department where the bus drivers can house the bus. Again, some are are employees of the DEA. That’s how smaller buses and some have big buses it’s segregated into these different with up to 72 seats. We also have to categories. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. keep in consideration whether there are available drivers, who would maintain Chairman (Mr. Tapardjuk) the bus, as well as the shelter for the bus. (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Okpik. Mr. Enook. Sometimes it can be very challenging for communities and some communities Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, give up on the contract and then pass the Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Okpik. contract back to our department. We Just for clarification, whenever you go give the DEAs the first option to through a contract, it’s cheaper when undertake that responsibility. Thank you, you have more than one bidder. Mr. Chairman.

If I could ask two questions, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. For those communities that Ms. Okpik. Mr. Enook. offer busing services, why are some of them going through the DEA and why Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, are some of them going through Mr. Chairman. I also thank Ms. Okpik contracts? Why are they not the same? for her response. However, I don’t quite Can someone please explain that to me? get the gist of it. Perhaps I’ll ask this Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question. I don’t think all communities have busing services. I believe it’s the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, larger communities that have the buses. Mr. Enook. Minister Aariak. If I’m mistaken, please correct me. Those communities that have busing Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): services, is there an independent Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will ensure supervisor? that a proper response is given, so I would like my deputy minister to Mr. Chairman, when I’m speaking in respond, please. Thank you, Mr. Inuktitut, I really like to include an Chairman. English word, so I apologize. I want to ask about sole source contracts. Are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, there any sole source contracts Minister. Ms. Okpik. specifically for bus contracts that have

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1195 never gone to tender? Thank you, Mr. the page-by-page review. E-3. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Corporate Services. (interpretation) Education. Branch Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Summary. (interpretation ends) Capital Mr. Enook. Ms. Okpik. Expenditures. (interpretation) The details are on page E-4. $17,810,000. Do you Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, agree? Mr. Aupaluktuq. Mr. Chairman. I am authorized to sign the sole source contracts and I have Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. never signed a sole source contract for Chairman. If this isn’t an appropriate busing services. Thank you, Mr. forum, you can correct me. Under Chairman. Capital Planning, I know for a fact that there’s consideration of new schools Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, being built in the near future. My Ms. Okpik. Mr. Enook. question, Mr. Chairman, if I may, is: will there be new staff housing being built Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, along with the proposed new schools? Mr. Chairman. I also thank the deputy For example, in Baker Lake, there is minister for her response. Why would possibly a middle school being built. some no longer want to keep the busing Thank you, Mr. Chairman. contract? What are the usual reasons for letting go of the contract? Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Aupaluktuq. Minister Aariak.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Mr. Enook. Minister Aariak. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is part of the review process to determine the Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): scope when they’re constructing new Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The schools, including the staff housing. communities that take on these busing contracts sometimes find out that it’s not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, a very easy task and find it too Minister Aariak. Mr. Aupaluktuq. challenging and complex when they have to look for drivers and all of the Mr. Aupaluktuq: Thank you, Mr. other logistics related to buses. I believe Chairman. In light of using the scope, I they find that task overwhelming. With would like to ask the Hon. Minister of respect to his question, I believe there Education how a school is determined to are 20 communities that have bus be a better candidate for renovation or services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. replacement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Aariak. We’re still on general Mr. Aupaluktuq. Minister Aariak. comments. If there are no more general comments, we can start reviewing page Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): by page. You may ask your detailed Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have questions at the appropriate page during done surveys in all communities on what

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1196 types of buildings there are which Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, require renovations. The researchers Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott. sometimes conduct remedies, depending on cost. It is elaborated further in the Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. documents as to which schools have So in terms of deciding on a separate been looked at. After they look at the high school wing for the high school communities, the results are based on itself, is there a certain capacity or what data entered electronically. percentage does the… ? I’m sure they do the projections of community growth Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and whatnot, but what’s the magic Minister Aariak. Mr. Aupaluktuq. number that tips everything over? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is evident that my Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues have other questions with Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. regard to this issue. I will leave it at that. I am finished with my questions. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) We do have a Mr. Aupaluktuq. There was no question. magic number and that magic number is Mr. Elliott. 85 percent. (interpretation) Thank you.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, My questions are based around new Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott. schools and how decisions are made on which communities do get new schools. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m speaking specifically for Arctic Bay. Next I was going to concentrate on I know, in terms of the hamlet’s list of Resolute Bay because I know they have priorities, there is the health centre that a fairly nice school, it’s fairly new, but the community is searching for as well when it was constructed, there was no as a new high school. I’m wondering: in gymnasium added onto the facility or it terms of capacity for the Inuujaq School was not built in the facility. So students in Arctic Bay, what is that at right now? actually walk across the road to the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. hamlet office and use the community hall for participation in physical activity Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, or when they do awards ceremonies and Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. whatnot.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): I know that letters were written by the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At the DEA and by the principal of the school Inuujaq School, there are 214 students in terms of requesting and just trying to and they are at (interpretation ends) 61 find out more information about whether percent capacity. (interpretation) Thank there would be a possibility of a you, Mr. Chairman. gymnasium. I’m wondering: have you replied to that request? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gymnasiums Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maintenance in the schools, of course, are very and other work that need to be done are important. The cost of a school gym is entered into a computer databank. This around $6 million. is updated regularly so that the DEAs will have the relevant information about With regard to the member’s question as the school’s maintenance history, to whether we replied to the letters, my including the year that it was deputy minister, Kathy, will respond to it constructed, the age of the facility, and because I don’t receive the what type of work is required. All of correspondence; they go directly to the those kinds of details are entered in the deputy minister. I’ll ask her to respond. computer databank. Once they have been entered and once they are noted on the Chairman: Ms. Okpik. work order, the departmental officials correspond with the Department of Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Community Government and Services Mr. Chairman. At this present time, I staff to determine when maintenance can’t recall any details, so I will have to work should be made. review my correspondence files to determine whether or not we have Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, responded to those letters. I will provide Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott. an update later on to the member as to whether or not a response was provided. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is the program you had mentioned where they input the data into the same Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, program that CGS uses? Is it the Ms. Okpik. Mr. Elliott. RECAPP program or is it a separate program? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that commitment. My Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, next question was based around the Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. ongoing life cycle repairs budget that’s received. I know we just finished the Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Department of CGS and approved Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is not $600,000 for the RECAPP program. I exactly the same program, but was just wondering: in terms of the apparently they are able to communicate money that you’re allocating to go with one another. If I were to say it in around for the different schools and English, they are compatible. assess buildings and facilities and life cycles, how does the minister’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, department work with CGS in terms of Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott. data sharing? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. school, so again, stoves, pots and pans, Under minor projects in terms of the and different things like that. I was new Anti-poverty Strategy with the wondering how that’s affecting… . expanded breakfast program, I’m Again, to me, it’s such a good program wondering maybe if you’ve had a chance and it’s nice to see different government to find out how that program is going departments working together on being and whether there are other extra costs able to feed the children across Nunavut. being incurred by the school to provide Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that service. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. My understanding is that it’s a program Mr. Elliott. I’m getting confused and we administered through Health and Social are now talking about capital estimates. Services, but the breakfast program is Perhaps you’re talking about what kind done within the school itself. I’m not of equipment they have in the schools. I sure whether there were microwaves would like to remind the members that purchased or different items like that, we’re dealing with the capital estimates but if the minister could expand on that. and minor projects. Minister Aariak. Thank you. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time, Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. we have not heard any request for increases. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, understood the member’s question, those Minister Aariak. Mr. Elliott, do you have responsible for the breakfast programs additional questions? are administered by an independent body. Sometimes the DEAs will task one Mr. Elliott: I do, Mr. Chairman. Thank of their members. The teachers are not you. My questions now are based around involved; it is done outside. Did I specifically the bus in Arctic Bay. I understand your question correctly? believe it wasn’t this sealift but the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. previous sealift. A rather large and long bus showed up on the shore and then it Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, disappeared. I thought I remembered Minister Aariak. Did you get the answer asking questions and I seem to you were looking for? Mr. Elliott. remember it being sent to Pond Inlet.

Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before sealift actually came in this year, Again, I guess I can only talk to the three the bus showed up and I saw it driving communities I represent and the way around town with the driver. At this they run the breakfast program. They are point right now when I checked in Arctic run within the school and you’re right, Bay, I was told there was no bus service. the DEA does provide assistance with it I don’t know whether that’s because of but people are hired from the outside. training that you were mentioning They do use facilities within the school before, but maybe if you could just give that belong in and are assets of the me an update on what’s happening with

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1199 the Arctic Bay bus. Thank you, Mr. through the Department of Education, Chairman. that has been an ongoing priority. I’m wondering if that will actually come to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, fruition this year. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Elliot. Minister Aariak. Chairman.

Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll have my Mr. Elliott. Minister Aariak. deputy minister, Kathy Okpik, answer that question. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. member for his question. This is part of Ms. Okpik. the detailed operation of the school, so I’ll have my deputy minister respond. Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Yes, the bus was indeed sent to Pond Inlet. In some cases, we are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. informed that either the bus is too big or Ms. Okpik. that the bus is too small. In this case, rather than ordering a new bus, since Ms. Okpik (interpretation): Thank you, Pond Inlet had requested a larger bus, Mr. Chairman. WAN-LAN-MAN… and instead of reversing the order when Arctic Bay notified us that their bus was >>Laughter too big, we traded the buses and that allowed the department to save funds. …is the name of the information That’s the process we followed to technology. CGS is responsible for that accommodate the communities. and they are now working on that for the health centres and schools. To date, I haven’t been informed of any reasons as to why there is no bus running We have separated decentralized and in Arctic Bay, but it may be due to the non-decentralized communities so that lack of qualified drivers. I will have to the non-decentralized communities can check into the matter. Thank you, Mr. have fibre cable to connect computers, Chairman. which is quite faster. We provide support to the communities so that the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, information technology can be inside the Ms. Okpik. Mr. Elliott. schools. In non-decentralized communities, we estimate as to how Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I much it would cost. guess the final question of interest that I had was in terms of information The Department of CGS has more technology and sort of tying it in with information in their computers. I’ll be fibre optics and high speed Internet able to provide a report to you as to within the schools, if we could get an which schools have already been worked update. I know that over the last couple on for fibre optics. I’ll be able to get years, with work through CGS and

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1200 back to the member on that. Thank you, I’m sure everyone has been to my home Mr. Chairman. community. Although the two schools are close together, one of the schools has Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, a playground. There is no capacity for Ms. Okpik. Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik. that playground for both of the schools’ students. I’m not sure whether the DEA Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank needed to request for a playground. I’m you, Mr. Chairman. I have almost lost sure it’s the only case in Nunavut. my voice for having been silent for so long, so I thank my colleague beside me. There is a lot of loose gravel and huge boulders around the school. The school >>Laughter grounds are not even levelled and I have noticed that it has been like that for a Thank you. I haven’t seen this in the long time. So that’s the reason why I capital estimates for the Department of asked whether that is included in the Education. I would first like to ask if the capital estimates because I want the budget has been established for both Pangnirtung students to have a proper within the schools and the perimeters of and safe playground. Thank you. the schools. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik. Minister Aariak. Hezakiah. Minister Aariak. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are very Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think I got proud of the schools within our the question. On minor capital, for communities and we want them to be example, it talks about gymnasiums deserving of admiration. Yes, making outside of the school. Maybe the requests will be possible. Either the member can clarify whether or not he’s DEA or the school can make a request talking about capital estimates. Thank through the minor capital program to you, Mr. Chairman. obtain funds. With respect to landscaping, we would need to have the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, department conduct a review on it. Minister Aariak. Could you clarify your Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question, please? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Oshutapik (interpretation): Thank Minister Aariak. Do you have any you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to get further questions? Thank you. Johnny clarification in regard to capital Ningeongan. estimates and also minor capital that I noticed here on the proposed budget for Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank the schools. I want to talk about the you, Mr. Chairman. I want to ask about playgrounds outside the schools and if the small capital program. I had there is any funding for improvements to requested the chair of the DEA to the land around the schools. provide background as the current bus in our community is considered too large. I

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1201 wonder if the deputy minister can clarify Some Members: Agreed. this situation to trade vehicles in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. You now have the floor for any closing Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, remarks, minister. Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Aariak. Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Using the would like to thank my two officials for dialect of our Chairman, the answer is of appearing before the Committee of the course. Whole. The Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Murray Horn, I finally >>Laughter introduced him properly. I would also like to thank my deputy minister, Kathy Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Okpik. I also thank the hard-working Do you have any more questions? Mr. staff at the schools, as well as the DEAs Ningeongan. and parents.

Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank Thank you for asking good questions. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for your Thank you very much. response. As I stated, I’ll ask the DEA to make a request to the Department of >>Applause Education to get this initiated. That’s it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Aariak. I thank your officials, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Okpik and Mr. Horn, for replying Mr. Ningeongan. I have names on my directly. We hope to see all the list but they are not present in the House. communities of Nunavut get a bus. I do We will go back to page E-3. have to thank you for being able to $17,810,000. Do you agree? immediately replace the bus that burned down last winter. My grandchildren are Some Members: Agreed. now riding on the bus to school.

Chairman (interpretation): We will go I’m sorry questions are closed, Mr. back to page E-2. (interpretation ends) Enook. Let me ask the officials to leave Department Summary. Detail of the witness table. Sergeant-at-Arms, Expenditures. (interpretation) Total please escort the witnesses out. Capital Expenditures. Education. $17,810,000. Do you agree? Thank you. The review of the Department of Education is now Some Members: Agreed. complete. We will move on to the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Does the Enook, if you have any comments. committee agree that the Department of Education is completed?

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Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Maintenance Program remain at Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I approximately the same level as last would like to report progress. year.

Chairman (interpretation): There is a (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, motion to report progress and it is not under the Government of Nunavut’s debatable. Do you agree? All those in Staff Housing Program, the corporation favour, (interpretation) please raise your continues to construct new units and hand. Opposed. I am sorry, renovate older staff housing units in (interpretation ends) the motion is communities with the greatest needs. defeated. I am pleased to report that the Nunavut (interpretation) Minister Curley, if you Housing Trust has already completed have any opening comments for the delivery of the 726 units scheduled, with Nunavut Housing Corporation, you have 638 units being occupied. In addition, that opportunity now. Mr. Chairman, the 285 units funded by the CMHC Affordable Housing Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, Initiative under Canada’s Economic 2012-2013 – Nunavut Housing Action Plan are scheduled to be Corporation – Consideration in completed by the end of the current Committee fiscal year.

Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): The current Nunavut Housing Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will make Corporation administration has worked my opening remarks brief and I’ll be hard to resolve problems inherited by its speaking in Inuktitut. predecessors and the results are evident in the successful completion of hundreds The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s of new public housing units. Although capital plan for 2012-13 consists of these changes should have occurred $16,004,000 from the Government of years ago, the new administration has Nunavut and additional funding of ensured that financial controls are in $4,290,000 from Canada Mortgage and place and taking steps such that a new Housing Corporation (CMHC), for a Nunavut Housing board of directors will total capital budget of $20,294,000. soon be installed.

The 2012-13 capital estimates highlights Construction through the Nunavut are: Housing Trust and Canada’s Economic Action Plan has improved our ability to The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s fulfill our mandate, but there is still a funding for the modernization and significant need for additional housing improvement (M&I) public housing units. The recent Nunavut Housing renovations, the Fire Damage Repair and Needs Survey showed that 3,580 more Replacement Fund, the Mobile units are immediately required Equipment Fund, the Heating Oil Tank throughout Nunavut. Furthermore, we Replacement Program, and the Seniors estimate that an additional 90 units will and Disabled Persons Preventative be required each year to keep pace with

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Nunavut Hansard 1203 population growth based on current Recently, the Nunavut Housing Nunavut Bureau of Statistics projections executive has been working and the proportion of the population collaboratively with the Quality of Life dependent on public housing. Steering Committee to create a GN comprehensive long-term housing Mr. Chairman, based on the average cost strategy. The goal of this strategy is to of $350,000 per unit and last year’s total develop achievable mechanisms to Government of Nunavut capital address the entire continuum of housing estimates of just over $122 million, it needs by increasing public housing, would take 14 years at today’s prices for strengthening the rental market, and the Government of Nunavut to eliminate providing support for private the current housing shortfall and meet homeownership. To date, the Housing the need being created by population Working Group has completed a gap growth if 100 percent of capital spending analysis. One of the critical gaps was directed toward construction of new identified is the need to develop public housing units. affordable housing options through the fostering of private sector rental and Furthermore, net annual funding homeownership solutions. received from the CMHC under the social housing agreement is scheduled to Mr. Chairman and committee members, continuously decline from its current thank you for the opportunity to meet level of $23.9 million until its with you today. I look forward to a elimination in 2037, which will further meaningful discussion and we will be constrain the Nunavut Housing pleased to hear your comments and to Corporation’s ability to operate, respond to any questions you may have. maintain, and modernize the existing Thank you, Mr. Chairman. housing stock. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Finally, with the current annual cost to Minister Curley. Do you have witnesses operate and maintain a public housing that you would like to bring to the table? unit being close to $23,000, the My apologies. I went ahead of myself. completion of the 1,011 units under the Does the chair of the standing committee Nunavut Housing Trust and Canada’s have any opening comments? Mr. Economic Action Plan will have resulted Rumbolt. in $23 million of increased annual operating costs. The increased annual Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. operating cost in today’s dollars of Chairman. I am pleased to provide meeting the current additional housing opening comments on behalf of the need of 3,580 units would be $82 million Standing Committee on Community and plus an additional $2 million each year Economic Development as the for the 90 units added to keep pace with Committee of the Whole begins its population growth. Therefore, we must consideration of the proposed 2012-13 continue to seek alternatives as well as Capital Estimates of the Nunavut additional funding to address this critical Housing Corporation. Members note that housing issue. the corporation is proposing to spend $16,004,000 for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

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The corporation’s capital budget was corporation is proposing to spend $23,894,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year $4,616,000 during the 2012-13 fiscal and its budget was $27,269,000 for the year for its various homeownership 2010-11 fiscal year. programs. The corporation’s capital budget for homeownership programs Mr. Chairman, the ongoing shortage of was $4,616,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal housing in Nunavut’s communities is an year and its budget was $4,116,000 for issue of significant concern to all the 2010-11 fiscal year. Members look Members of the Legislative Assembly. forward to receiving ongoing updates on the corporation’s homeownership In May of 2009, the Standing Committee programs. on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts held hearings on On March 22, 2010, the former minister the Report of the Auditor General on the announced in the Legislative Assembly Nunavut Housing Corporation. The that the Nunavut Housing Corporation committee presented its report and will be providing a new Heating Oil recommendations in June of 2009. Tank Replacement Program. The Members urge the corporation to provide corporation is proposing $500,000 in ongoing updates on the status of its funding towards this program in its responses to these recommendations. 2012-13 capital estimates. Members support this program to assist On October 29, 2010, the minister homeowners with the cost of purchasing announced in the Legislative Assembly new fuel tanks and encourage the that the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey minister to include a breakdown of the was completed. The minister indicated corporation’s spending on this initiative that this survey would be used to make in its next annual report to the more convincing arguments and to Legislative Assembly. strengthen the corporation’s lobbying efforts for additional housing resources Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing from the federal government. During the Corporation’s proposed capital estimates minister’s recent appearance before the for 2012-13 includes $2.75 million in standing committee, he indicated that funding for new staff housing units for correspondence was recently sent to the the communities of Cambridge Bay, federal government explaining Coral Harbour, and Taloyoak. Members Nunavut’s priorities, which listed support the construction of new units in housing as the top priority. The standing communities where there are shortages committee looks forward to receiving of housing for frontline education and ongoing updates on the government’s health staff. The committee also notes efforts to secure additional housing the importance of the Nunavut Housing resources. Corporation working closely with departments to ensure that budgets Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing adequately account for the incremental Corporation administers a significant operating costs that accompany new number of programs to assist units. homeowners and potential homeowners in Nunavut. Members note that the

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On July 4 of this year, the Canada minister to table this information in the Mortgage and Housing Corporation Legislative Assembly at the earliest announced that federal, provincial, and opportunity as it will undoubtedly be of territorial ministers responsible for use in determining where the Nunavut housing had agreed on a new affordable Housing Corporation needs to allocate housing framework for 2011-14. The its modernization and improvement new Affordable Housing Framework is resources. “a $1.4 billion combined investment towards reducing the number of Mr. Chairman, that concludes my Canadians in housing need.” It also opening comments on the 2012-13 indicated that “each province and Capital Estimates of the Nunavut territory is working towards a bilateral Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. agreement to respond to the program Chairman. needs in each jurisdiction; in these arrangements, federal funding will be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, matched by provincial, territorial and Mr. Rumbolt. Mr. Ningeongan. other contributions, and governments will report to their citizens on Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. outcomes.” During the minister’s recent Chairman. Given the time and so forth, I appearance before the standing like to make a motion to report progress. committee, members were advised that this program is a 50-50 cost sharing Chairman (interpretation): There is a program and that the Nunavut motion on the floor to report progress government cannot match the federal and the motion is not debatable. All funding with its limited funding those in favour, raise your hand. resources. However, the minister Opposed. The motion carried. I will now indicated that the corporation is working rise to report progress to the Speaker. I on a bilateral agreement with the federal thank you for your patience while we government. Members look forward to deliberated. I will now rise to report receiving updates on this significant progress to the Speaker. issue. Speaker: Moving on in the Orders of Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Housing the Day, Item 20. Report of the Corporation’s proposed capital estimates Committee of the Whole. Mr. Tapardjuk. for 2012-13 includes $6,342,000 for its modernization and improvement retrofit Item 20: Report of the Committee of funding. On September 15 of last year, the Whole the cabinet issued a news release following its Iqaluit retreat. This Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. announcement included a list of what the Speaker, your committee has been government described as its most considering Bill 15 and one committee significant accomplishments of the past motion was carried. Also, Mr. Speaker, I two years. One of the accomplishments move that the Report of the Committee included in the list was the completion of the Whole be concurred with. Thank of the “Condition rating of all public you, Mr. Speaker. housing units.” Members encourage the

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Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Is 17. First Reading of Bills there a seconder to the motion? Mr.

Rumbolt. The motion is in order. All  Bill 16 those in favour of the motion. Any  Bill 17 opposed? None. The motion is carried.  Bill 18 Moving on in our Orders of the Day,  Bill 19 Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk.  Bill 20  Bill 21 Item 22: Orders of the Day  Bill 23 Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. 18. Second Reading of Bills Speaker. Orders of the Day for October 21: 19. Consideration in Committee of

the Whole of Bills and Other 1. Prayer Matters 2. Ministers’ Statements  Bill 13 3. Members’ Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions  Bill 14 5. Recognition of Visitors in the  Bill 15 Gallery 20. Report of the Committee of the 6. Oral Questions Whole 7. Written Questions 21. Third Reading of Bills 8. Returns to Written Questions 22. Orders of the Day 9. Replies to Opening Address Thank you.

10. Petitions Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This 11. Responses to Petitions House stands adjourned until Friday, October 21, at 9:00 a.m. 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Sergeant-at-Arms.

Matters >>House adjourned at 17:51 13. Tabling of Documents 14. Notices of Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions