Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 5th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 68
Friday, November 1, 2019
Pages 4284 – 4320
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable Simeon Mikkungwak, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. Simeon Mikkungwak (Baker Lake)
Hon. David Akeeagok Joelie Kaernerk David Qamaniq (Quttiktuq) (Amittuq) (Tununiq) Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation Mila Kamingoak Emiliano Qirngnuq (Kugluktuk) (Netsilik) Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Pauloosie Keyootak Paul Quassa Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Uqqummiut) (Aggu)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak Pat Angnakak Allan Rumbolt (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) (Rankin Inlet South) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Minister of Community and Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Government Services; Minister of Committee of the Whole Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak Human Resources (Cambridge Bay) Hon. Joe Savikataaq Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Adam Lightstone (Arviat South) Labour; Minister responsible for the Qulliq (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Premier; Minister of Executive and
Energy Corporation Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of John Main Energy; Minister of Environment; (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister responsible for Aboriginal Hon. George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Affairs; Minister responsible for the Margaret Nakashuk Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial (Pangnirtung) Utility Rates Review Council Management Board; Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister Hon. Patterk Netser Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik responsible for Suicide Prevention; Minister (Aivilik) (Iqaluit-Sinaa) responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Minister responsible for Nunavut Government House Leader; Minister Compensation Commission Arctic College; Minister responsible of Family Services; Minister for the Nunavut Housing responsible for Homelessness; Minister Hon. David Joanasie Corporation responsible for Immigration; Minister (South Baffin) responsible for the Status of Women Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Education; Minister of Languages Cathy Towtongie (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Officers Clerk John Quirke
Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Michel Albert 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 ...... 4284
Ministers’ Statements ...... 4284
Members’ Statements ...... 4287
Oral Questions ...... 4291
Notices of Motions ...... 4308
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 4309
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 4319
Orders of the Day ...... 4319
A. Daily References
Friday, November 1, 2019 ...... 4284
B. Ministers’ Statements
328 – 5(2): Recognition of New Board Member (Netser) ...... 4284
329 – 5(2): Operational Shift at Baffin Correctional Centre (Ehaloak) ...... 4285
330 – 5(2): Nunavut Food Security Coalition Community Project Funding (Akeeagok) ...... 4285
331 – 5(2): “Learn to…” Summer Series (Savikataaq) ...... 4286
C. Members’ Statements
509 – 5(2): Appreciation of Iqaluit Community Theatre (Lightstone) ...... 4287
510 – 5(2): Nunavut’s Infrastructure Deficit (Main) ...... 4287
511 – 5(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Towtongie) ...... 4288
512 – 5(2): Happy Birthday to Grandchild (Kusugak) ...... 4289
513 – 5(2): Recognition of Cape Dorset Artists (Joanasie) ...... 4290
514 – 5(2): Grise Fiord’s Final Sunset for the Winter (Akeeagok) ...... 4290
D. Oral Questions
687 – 5(2): Conservation Officers (Towtongie) ...... 4291
688 – 5(2): Alternative and Renewable Energy Projects in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) ...... 4292
689 – 5(2): Update on Tuberculosis Screening (Keyootak) ...... 4293
690 – 5(2): Intergovernmental Relations (Angnakak) ...... 4294
691 – 5(2): Airport Infrastructure and Safety (Qirngnuq) ...... 4296
692 – 5(2): Parking Garage Replacement Program (Main) ...... 4297
693 – 5(2): Alcohol Education Committees (Quassa) ...... 4299
694 – 5(2): Food Security Coalition (Qamaniq) ...... 4301
695 – 5(2): Housing Shortage (Lightstone) ...... 4302
696 – 5(2): Local Employment for Housing Projects (Main)...... 4304
697 – 5(2): Office of Patient Relations (Angnakak) ...... 4306
E. Motions
055 – 5(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Main) ...... 4308
F. Bills
Bill 30 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2020-2021 – Culture and Heritage – Consideration in
Committee ...... 4309
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4284
Iqaluit, Nunavut morning” to you. Friday, November 1, 2019 Members Present: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, morning to inform the members of a Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Jeannie recent appointment to the Nunavut Ehaloak, Hon. George Hickes, Hon. Arctic College Board of Governors. David Joanasie, Ms. Mila Kamingoak, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. Lorne (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. (interpretation) Cathy Aitaok of John Main, Hon. Simeon Mikkungwak, Cambridge Bay was recently appointed Ms. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Patterk to a three-year term as a member of the Netser, Mr. David Qamaniq, Mr. board of governors at Nunavut Arctic Emiliano Qirngnuq, Mr. Paul Quassa, College. To say she is well suited for Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. Joe this position would be an Savikataaq, Ms. Cathy Towtongie. understatement. (interpretation ends) Currently Ms. Aitaok is the coordinator >>House commenced at 9:00 for the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy at the Item 1: Opening Prayer Kitikmeot Inuit Association. This program is designed to provide Inuit Speaker (Hon. Simeon Mikkungwak) with transferable skills to increase their (interpretation): Before we proceed, let opportunity for employment in a wide us pray. variety of sectors.
>>Prayer Mr. Speaker, I am proud to state that Ms. Aitaok advocates for lifelong learning in Speaker (interpretation): Continuing on her community. She actively encourages with the orders of the day. Before we people of all ages to pursue educational proceed further, good morning to the programs, reminding people that they people of Baker Lake and all can always go back to school. Her Nunavummiut. commitment to education comes from her own experience as a Nunavut Arctic Continuing on. Ministers’ Statements. College graduate. She holds a Diploma Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic in Management Studies. Mr. Speaker, I College, Minister Netser. am filled with pride and gratitude when I see graduates from our college programs Item 2: Ministers’ Statements commit themselves in helping students continue with their academic journey. Minister’s Statement 328 – 5(2): Recognition of New Board Mr. Speaker, I would like to also Member (Netser) acknowledge that in the spring of 2016, Ms. Aitaok travelled to Edmonton with Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): her family to attend a symposium at Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Camsell Hospital. Uqaqtii, Camsell my colleagues. To the people of Naujaat Hospital is the facility that Inuit from the and Coral Harbour, I say “good Kitikmeot were sent to for medical
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4285 assistance, including tuberculosis care. inmates chosen for these positions are At this symposium, Ms. Aitaok spoke on expected to model good behaviour, give behalf of her family, making sure that peer support to other inmates, and work the history and experience of Inuit from cooperatively with facility staff to her community and region is not maintain order on the unit. forgotten. When incidents arise within a unit, peer Mr. Speaker, I am excited at the prospect council members attend a restorative of working with a member of the board justice gathering with the unit staff and of governors who embodies such supervisor in order to discuss responsibility toward supporting on the alternatives to conventional, institutional belief that we all share. Join me in measures. Peer council members also welcoming Ms. Aitaok to the board of help provide mediation support for governors. (interpretation) Thank you, conflict resolution and help with Mr. Speaker. program development.
>>Applause Mr. Speaker, this operational shift at the Baffin Correctional Centre is in line with Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Inuit societal values, particularly Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, respecting others Justice, Minister Ehaloak. and caring for people, and Aajiiqatigiingniq, decision-making Minister’s Statement 329 – 5(2): through discussion and consensus. It also Operational Shift at Baffin responds to the Turaaqtavut mandate Correctional Centre (Ehaloak) principle Inuusivut by working towards the well-being and self-reliance of our Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): people. This new operational model will Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation improve the rehabilitation of offenders ends) Good morning, everyone, in Nunavut by focusing on healing. especially those in Cambridge Bay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce an >>Applause important operational shift taking place at the Baffin Correctional Centre. Our Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ correctional facility is moving away Statements. Acting Minister of Family from the traditional custody model to a Services, Minister Akeeagok. more culturally appropriate and restorative model that is focused on Minister’s Statement 330 – 5(2): healing. Nunavut Food Security Coalition Community Project Funding In the movement toward restorative (Akeeagok) practices, the Baffin Correctional Centre Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): has initiated peer councils. Although this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we know, model is in its early stages, the peer food insecurity in Nunavut remains a councils are made up of inmates who are widespread issue and the impacts are far- elected from within each living unit. The reaching: increasing our risk to health
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problems, impacting our mental health, adults the processes, techniques, tips, lowering our learning and working and skills of preparing and capacity, and placing stress on our preserving caribou, led by the elders families and communities. of Rankin Inlet;
(interpretation ends) Communities • The Gjoa Haven Country Food continue to play a critical role in Lunch Project, which engages addressing food insecurity in unique and students of Quqshuun Ilihakvik innovative ways. Every year the Food Elementary School to learn to make Security Coalition provides funding to their own healthy lunches using community projects that aim to reduce country food; food insecurity by strengthening life skills and knowledge related to country • The Clyde River Harvesting Youth food and store-bought foods; promoting Mentorship Program, which involves country food as a foundational food for hunters teaching youth hunting Nunavummiut; and enhancing nutrition skills; and programming in schools. • The Inuksuk High School Lunch The coalition is co-chaired by the Program, which mentors five grades department and Nunavut Tunngavik 10 to 12 students to prepare and Incorporated and it brings partners serve country food for lunch three together to look at how policies and days a week. programs can make food more accessible and affordable and supports (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would community efforts that improve access like to take this opportunity to commend to food for those most vulnerable to the hard work and dedication of the hunger. community volunteers that make these initiatives possible and their efforts in For fiscal year 2019-2020, the coalition achieving food security in Nunavut. is supporting 10 community-based food Thank you, Mr. Speaker. security projects for a total of $200,000. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this >>Applause opportunity to highlight some of these projects, including: Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Environment, • The Taloyoak Harvester Youth Minister Savikataaq. Mentorship Program, which involves youth harvesting food for feasts and Minister’s Statement 331 – 5(2): special occasions on a monthly basis “Learn to…” Summer Series and distributing country food within (Savikataaq) the community; Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people • The Ilitaqsiniq Nunavut Literacy of Arviat, I say “good morning” to you. Council’s Rankin Inlet Niqiliri – Traditional Caribou Preparation, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I which will teach youth and young would like to take this opportunity to
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provide an update on a successful and Member’s Statement 509 – 5(2): innovative program run by the Appreciation of Iqaluit Department of Environment over the Community Theatre (Lightstone) summer. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, our territorial parks are an Speaker. First I would just like to state ideal place for Nunavummiut to learn that we here in Iqaluit had a very well and uphold their traditional knowledge. I receptive Halloween last evening. I lost believe it is especially important that our count of the number of children that we youth have opportunities to learn and had visiting our house last night, but I practise our traditional skills. will admit that we probably gave away too much candy, Mr. Speaker. It is with that in mind that the Department of Environment has I would also like to give a big thank you supported traditional learning process to the Iqaluit Community Theatre through the “Learn to…” series of Society, which hosted an indoor tutorials at the Sylvia Grinnell and Halloween event last night at the Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga territorial parks. Frobisher Inn in which I and my son took part in and he wholeheartedly Over the summer over 200 youth enjoyed it. Once again I really appreciate attended workshops guided by elders the efforts of the society and look and members of the communities in both forward to participating again next year. Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet. “Learn to…” Thank you, Mr. Speaker. participants learned drum dancing, throat singing, soapstone carving, and much >>Applause more. The programs were well-attended by community members and visitors of Speaker (interpretation): Members’ all ages. Statements. Member for Arviat North- Whale Cove, Member Main. Mr. Speaker, I am proud Environment was able to offer programming to foster Member’s Statement 510 – 5(2): Inuit heritage and culture on our nuna. I Nunavut’s Infrastructure Deficit encourage all Nunavummiut to take (Main) advantage of our Nunavut’s territorial Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, parks and appreciate everything our Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I beautiful land has to offer in every remembered to stand up this morning. season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good morning, my colleagues. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, people of Nunavut have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. expectations from the Government of Continuing on with the orders of the day. Nunavut for infrastructure. For example, Members’ Statements. Member for elder facilities and housing are expected, Iqaluit-Manirajak, Member Lightstone. as well as schools and other expensive infrastructure like that. Nunavut is really Item 3: Members’ Statements lacking those pieces of infrastructure.
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We all know that. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak However, we have been the government strongly in favour of the proposed new for two years now and I can regretfully Kivalliq long-term care facility. say to my constituents this morning that we haven’t been creating much Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that all infrastructure that we can see in my Members of this House are fully constituency communities of Arviat and committed to improving care for our Whale Cove, such as parking garages. elders, and ensuring that we no longer need to send them out of the territory to The Department of Community and spend their remaining years in strange Government Services wrote a letter on and unfamiliar places, separated from October 22 and I’ll read what it states in their families and grandchildren. English. (interpretation ends) “…23 communities are operating at a deficit Mr. Speaker, I completely understand for parking space and a number of the concerns that are voiced by my garages are past their service life.” colleagues about the issues surrounding (interpretation) It also states, our elders, and they voice the need to (interpretation ends) “Providing section provide facilities for our elders today. heated parking garages for proper water However, I believe that only through and sewage truck parking should be a collaborative partnership can we move priority to ensure the safe delivery of forward to try to develop the facilities water to the residents of Nunavut.” that are causing concerns amongst our people. (interpretation) In Arviat they have an expectation and these documents state Mr. Speaker, having been around that the hamlet council has indicated for government for a long time, from the a long time that they need this and it is a time I was a young person, I know that priority in their integrated community That no plan is perfect, and I recognize sustainability plan. However, there will the need for the government to make be nothing created in this coming year. further efforts to refine and clarify its We don’t know when one will be built. I long-term plans for elders’ care in just say I give my regrets to the Hamlet Nunavut. This is understandable from of Arviat and I’ll be asking more that perspective. questions about this at a later time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nonetheless, I recently answered a phone call from a person in Whale Cove Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. who stated that Arviat was signing a Members’ Statements. Member for petition that they had read through the Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, news media. The elder stated that he Member Towtongie. would support Rankin Inlet as it is centrally located with the outlying Member’s Statement 511 – 5(2): communities of Naujaat, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Chesterfield Inlet, and Whale Cove. Facility (Towtongie) Mr. Speaker, we found out that the
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regional mayors of the Kivalliq surrounding the future use of existing supported this initiative with a resolution facilities. We need to work together to supporting that. find ways to move forward while addressing these concerns. I am asking for unanimous consent to (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause
Speaker (interpretation): The member is Speaker (interpretation): Members’ seeking unanimous consent to conclude Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet her statement. Are there any nays? There South, Member Kusugak are no nays. Please proceed, Member Towtongie. Member’s Statement 512 – 5(2): Happy Birthday to Grandchild Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank (Kusugak) you. I also thank my colleagues. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I say “good Now, with the resolution that the hamlet morning” to the residents of Rankin mayors approved, I want to state that Inlet. With the weekend arriving and myself and my colleague Mr. Kusugak many residents will be going hunting on did not attend that meeting, neither did the weekend, I urge everyone to be we urge the mayors to draft up a careful and stay safe, especially the resolution. I want it clear that neither of younger hunters who plan to go out us were involved. The Kivalliq mayors hunting on the land. drafted up the resolution themselves. Today I, too, have my share of I want to publicly state it so that it is on grandchildren and when you are working the government’s record. (interpretation in Iqaluit, you really yearn to see your ends) The wording of the motion beloved young ones, especially your deserves to be entered into the grandchildren. permanent public record of this House. Today Amajurdjuk Ookpik Pakak is “Whereas residents of the Kivalliq celebrating his birthday today and he is region have a moral duty to the care and turning five years old today. I would like protection of our Elders, and whereas to wish him a wonderful birthday. Elders are better off in their home (interpretation ends) Happy birthday to communities or their home region, now my Piipinnaas. (interpretation) Let us all therefore be it resolved that Kivalliq have a wonderful day today, Mr. Mayors support immediate action on the Speaker. Thank you. construction of an Elders [care] facility in Rankin Inlet so we may support our >>Applause Elders with dignity.” Speaker (interpretation): Members’ I also recognize the legitimate concerns Statements. Member for South Baffin, raised by a number of my colleagues Member Joanasie. concerning the lack of clarity
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Member’s Statement 513 – 5(2): younger ones, Ooloosie Saila who was Recognition of Cape Dorset Artists interviewed for The New York Times (Joanasie) newspaper about her prints and her Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): history of beginning drawings. That Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good article is a good read. morning” to the residents of South Baffin. Although we have younger artists now working, they are quickly catching up to Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the the level of the older print artists, so we Cape Dorset print shop that was opened are very proud of them. I also thank our through the Kinngait Co-op. It has been Co-op for encouraging our people to in existence now for 60 years with the work in the arts, both in our community 60th annual print collection, celebrated and elsewhere. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. as an annual event. There are many artists who have contributed prints for >>Applause the Cape Dorset annual print show. Speaker (interpretation): Members’ However, I want to single out these Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, following artists because their prints will Member Akeeagok. be sold as part of the sales. I want to start with: Member’s Statement 514 – 5(2): Grise Fiord’s Final Sunset for the • Ningiukulu Teevee Winter (Akeeagok) • Saimaiyu Akesuk • Oqituq Ashoona Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): • Olooreak Etungat Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now, • Enoosik Ottokie tomorrow is the last day of the very • Pee Ashevak (interpretation ends) orange (interpretation) round object which we • Qavavau Manumie will see every day in Iqaluit for the • Ooloosie Saila entire winter, but in Grise Fiord this is • Mosesee Mangitak the last day before the sun disappears for • Pudloo Samayualie the upcoming dark season. The next time • Nicotye Samayualie they see the sun will be in February. • Killiktee Killiktee • Pauojoungie Saggiak As the residents of the High Arctic are in • Sita Saila different situation at this time, the sea ice • Pitaloosie Saila has not even formed and it has • Nuna Parr continually been windy with rough • Quvianaqtuq Pudlat waters, yet they have no sea ice. In the old days we would already be catching Mr. Speaker, the print sales ensure that seals in their breathing holes through the artists are able to derive some income ice, which is still memorable to me. from their artwork printed in Cape Something is going on with our seas and Dorset. Further, I want to acknowledge although it is strange, our lives continue this younger person who is one of the on a daily basis.
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We should keep in mind that the Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the residents past the Arctic Circle will be Minister of Environment. sunless for several months, and although they can’t hunt on the sea ice, they will As the minister will very much need to find ways to hunt seals. We will appreciate, I believe that the work of his need to start learning to boat much department’s conservation officers is longer perhaps. This weird weather may vital to the safety of our communities. cause some people to go through Mr. Speaker, conservation officers need hardship, especially the people who to be able to respond to emergencies, subsist on marine mammals. I have them such as polar bear sightings, at all hours in my thoughts. of the day or night, and they need to be able to respond quickly. Although they suffer through hardship, I am just providing this information about Can the minister clarify his department’s the sun and when you see it today, keep policy regarding the ability of in mind that some residents of Nunavut conservation officers to have access to will no longer see the sun until the their working vehicles after hours? calendar hits February. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of >>Applause Environment, Minister Savikataaq.
Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Statements. Continuing on. Returns to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Questions. Continuing on. Recognition conservation officers are performing of Visitors in the Gallery. There are their duties properly both within the none. Continuing on. Oral Questions. community and they work hard. With Member for Rankin Inlet North- respect to the question about Chesterfield Inlet, Member Towtongie. conservation officers conducting patrols, some of them have vehicles, but all of Item 6: Oral Questions them have Hondas, skidoos, and boats that are for their official duties. When Question 687 – 5(2): Conservation they are working, that is when they are Officers (Towtongie) using the equipment and usually the vehicles aren’t used after working hours. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank The role is to use the equipment to you, Mr. Speaker. The residents of perform their duties. Thank you, Mr. Chesterfield Inlet recently lost one of Speaker. their elders, and first of all, we empathize as Elizabeth Arnaaluk Speaker (interpretation): Your first Kreelak, who was a wonderful singer, supplementary question, Member passed on. You are in our thoughts, Towtongie. residents of Chesterfield Inlet. I also say “good morning” to the residents of Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank Rankin Inlet. you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I believe that our conservation officers
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4292 need to be paid fairly and treated their own equipment during working equally, given their frequent on-call hours as there are liability issues. We status. Can the minister clarify his provide them with the equipment. Not department’s policy regarding standby all conservation officers have vehicles or pay for conservation officers? Thank trucks, just some of them, but a you, Mr. Speaker. conservation officer is not expected to and should not use their own equipment Speaker: Minister Savikataaq. for work. The government provides equipment for them to use at work. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The conservation officers are As for the training portion, we train our under the union agreement just like all conservation officers well. Every year the GN employees and there are they come here to Iqaluit to get whatever different agreements with different required training is needed once a year. sectors of the union. With conservation If they need any specialized training to officers, there is no standby pay. They do with their job, it can be requested or are on call, but there is no standby pay. at times it is requested by the department When they do get a callout, they are that the officers take certain training, compensated for their time out, either whatever it may be. Thank you, Mr. the actual hours worked or a minimum Speaker. of four hours for a callout. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Bay, Speaker (interpretation): Your final Member Rumbolt. supplementary, Member Towtongie. Question 688 – 5(2): Alternative and Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Renewable Energy Projects in Speaker. I do know that in Chesterfield Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) Inlet our wildlife officer uses his own vehicle when he responds to polar bear Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. calls, but my question is our Good morning to the people of conservation offices should be regarded Sanikiluaq and a big happy birthday to as “first responders,” given their role in my son, Garry, who turns 25 today. addressing emergency situations. Can the minister describe what additional >>Applause benefits and training are provided to conservation officers in recognition of Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the their responsibilities? Thank you, Mr. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Speaker. Energy Corporation and they concern the issue of alternative and renewable Speaker: Minister Savikataaq. energies.
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. As the minister will recall, the federal Speaker. Just to clarify one thing first, government announced funding in the conservation officers are provided September 2018 for the installation of equipment and they should not be using new district heating systems in
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Sanikiluaq and Taloyoak. The aware, a subsidiary of the Qikiqtaaluk Sanikiluaq project will connect our Corporation has also been working on a community’s two schools to the heating wind project in Sanikiluaq. Can the system. minister update me today on the extent of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s When I asked for an update on the status involvement with this project? Thank of this Sanikiluaq project during the you, Mr. Speaker. Legislative Assembly’s winter sitting, the minister advised me that the project Speaker: Minister Ehaloak. had been approved for the 2019-2020 fiscal year but that the tender had not yet Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): been issued. Can the minister update me Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation today on the status of this project? ends) Again, Mr. Rumbolt, I’m sorry but Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have that information, but Sanikiluaq is listed for potential wind Speaker (interpretation): Minister energy. The member is correct. Thank responsible for the Qulliq Energy you, Mr. Speaker. Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. Speaker (interpretation): Are you done? Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Uqqummiut, Member Keyootak. ends) Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt, for your question. Unfortunately I have no Question 689 – 5(2): Update on updates on that file. Thank you, Mr. Tuberculosis Screening (Keyootak) Speaker. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Speaker (interpretation): Your first you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct supplementary question, Member my questions to the Minister of Health. Rumbolt. Mr. Speaker, we all know that in our Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. community there was tuberculosis My follow-up question was going to be screening done or still being conducted. further to that. Assuming she doesn’t We know that my constituency have the information, I’ll just move on to community was the first community to my final supplementary. Well, I was be screened for tuberculosis as the going to ask about how much fuel disease is trying to get eradicated. consumption this kind of project was going to save, but hopefully the minister Mr. Speaker, can the minister give us an can get back to me with more update on the project? Perhaps the information at a later date. minister can indicate if it’s still running. That’s my first question. Thank you, Mr. Moving on, the Qulliq Energy Speaker. Corporation has ranked Sanikiluaq as being one of the top five communities in Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Nunavut with the greatest potential for Health, Minister Hickes. wind energy. As the minister may be
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Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. The community-wide Speaker: Minister Hickes. screening that was done in Qikiqtarjuaq was a very successful endeavour. There Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. was a high percentage of the population Speaker. Depending upon the number of participated, which I really appreciate. cases, due to privacy we are limited to how much detail we can respond with, Again, through our patient relations but I would be more than happy to office, we did go into the community discuss with the member what and do follow-up interviews with information I could share publicly or residents of the community to get some privately with the member. Thank you. feedback. We used some of that information to go out into other Speaker (interpretation): Okay, the community-wide screenings and we are member is done. Oral Questions. evaluating the data, the effectiveness, Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. and the information that we have Angnakak. gathered from both those enterprises and working with Health Canada and with Question 690 – 5(2): ITK and NTI to see when, where, and if Intergovernmental Relations we will be moving on to other (Angnakak) communities. Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” We’re still evaluating the impact of to you. (interpretation ends) Mr. those community-wide screenings and I Speaker, my questions are for the look forward to updating the House Premier. when those results come to me. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, now that the dust has settled a little bit after the recent federal Speaker (interpretation): Your first election, I wanted to take some time to supplementary question, Member dig a little deeper into the Premier’s Keyootak. announcement on September 9. In this announcement he indicated that our Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank government would “Engage more you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the proactively and frequently with the new minister for that clarification. Mr. federal government to provide Speaker, my community was the first Nunavummiut with the same standards community screened for this disease and and opportunities as Canadians in other I’m sure there are results pending. Can jurisdictions,” which is a good quote. the minister indicate how many people had tuberculosis when the screening As the Premier will most definitely started and how many people have recall, a significant number of federal tuberculosis now? Will the minister be announcements were made this past going to the community to provide the summer, including a $151 million results of the screening, or what avenue funding promise related to fibre is he using to provide that information? infrastructure.
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Mr. Speaker, the reality is that reference to “renewing partnerships with Nunavut’s two parliamentarians in the the regional, territorial and national Inuit House of Commons and the Senate both organizations to strengthen planning and sit in opposition to the federal amplifying our voices.” government. Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret that there has What assurances has the Premier been a lack of clarity concerning the received from the Prime Minister that nature of the relationships between the the federal promises will be honoured? federal government, ourselves, and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. organizations like ITK, given that we are the ones who are expected to deliver the Speaker (interpretation): Premier of services to Nunavummiut and given that Nunavut, Premier Savikataaq. we are the ones who are directly and democratically accountable at the ballot Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. box to Nunavummiut. Does the Premier Speaker. I thank the member for the expect this relationship to become any question. Yes, the dust has settled and as clearer given the new minority I stated earlier before, we should have government in Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. elections every year for the number of Speaker. announcements that were made to be spent in Nunavut. Speaker (interpretation): Premier Savikataaq. >>Laughter Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. We only have them every four years, so Speaker. I have met with the ITK we will take what we can. president and the NTI president on this matter just to get more clarity and see I have had a phone call with the Prime exactly where we fit in this new system Minister and I have told him about our of funding that happens to some specific needs and he is quite aware of them. I projects that are Inuit-specific and we’re can’t speak on behalf of him, but the still working with them. commitments he made before the election, he was the Prime Minister and What I have always said is that as long after the election, he is still the Prime as it’s plus what we normally get, that’s Minister, so I will hold him to his word a good thing because it will mean more that those are commitments he made and funding for Nunavut, whatever that I assume that he will live up to them. funding is for, whether it’s for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. tuberculosis or maybe housing in the future or whatever project that is Inuit- Speaker (interpretation): Your first specific. We will go through ITK and we supplementary question, Member will work with them. Angnakak. The member is correct; we are the Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. service providers. We know what is Speaker. The government’s needed and what has to be done more so announcement of September 9 also made than non-service providers. We will be
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working with our partners to make sure Nunavut. We’re far from there and the that we live up to our responsibilities Prime Minister understood that. We will and that we can fulfill the services that be working with the federal government are needed with proper funding. Thank to make sure that Nunavut’s needs are you, Mr. Speaker. on their radar, are important, and that that they are funded properly. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Your final you, Mr. Speaker. supplementary, Member Angnakak. >>Applause Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that the new federal Speaker (interpretation): Oral cabinet has not yet been announced, but Questions. Member for Netsilik, it’s important that we are ready to Member Qirngnuq. engage with them on day number one. As the Premier is aware, close to a Question 691 – 5(2): Airport quarter of our territory’s population lives Infrastructure and Safety here in Iqaluit and the city is facing a (Qirngnuq) significant water infrastructure Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank challenge, just as my colleague you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” mentioned, so as other Nunavut to my fellow residents of Netsilik and communities. This is a very important my colleagues. issue. Can the Premier confirm that funding to assist with this issue will be a Mr. Speaker, my questions are the top priority of the territorial government Minister of Economic Development and in its discussions with Ottawa? Thank Transportation. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to begin by again thanking Speaker (interpretation): Premier the ministers who attended the opening Savikataaq. of Taloyoak’s new airport terminal building. I was very pleased to have Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. been able to vote in favour of approving Speaker. Just to assure the member that funding for the Taloyoak Air Terminal as soon as cabinet is announced by the Building. federal government, our cabinet will be meeting with our counterparts; if they Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Airports 20- are new ministers, educating them on Year Infrastructure Needs Assessment our needs; if they are the same ministers Report indicates that Taloyoak Airport’s with the same portfolio, re-educating runway was last rehabilitated in the year them and reminding them of our needs. 2013, over five years ago. Can the minister indicate how often the runway’s I have I told the Prime Minister on many condition is assessed to determine if occasions that we are so lacking in repairs or upgrades are needed? Thank infrastructure and needs here in Nunavut you, Mr. Speaker. that we’re not even at the start line. We need to have the same services that are Speaker (interpretation): Minister of offered to southern Canada up here in Economic Development and
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Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. on that right now. I will want to provide a proper reply to that question. Thank Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for asking that question. The gravel Speaker (interpretation): Your final resurfacing of the airports are planned supplementary, Member Qirngnuq. for every 15 years and some upgrades are needed after eight years. Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is regarding my other constituency Speaker (interpretation): Your first community of Taloyoak. The minister’s supplementary question, Member response will probably be the same. Mr. Qirngnuq. Speaker, I wanted to mention that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. minister for clarifying that. As I have noted on a number of occasions, airport Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): safety is extremely important, and I pay Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank tribute to the airport and airline staff in you. I will be able to report to the Taloyoak and Kugaaruk who work hard members on the status of those two every day to keep the flying public safe communities. I would like to remind my by snow clearing and so on. colleagues that for the 20-year plan on airports, we are planning another My question is…my apologies. In his assessment and we expect that to be reply to a written question that was done in this fiscal year. All the asked during the spring sitting, the communities’ airports are assessed to minister indicated that a quality determine their condition. Thank you, assurance audit of the Kugaaruk Airport Mr. Speaker. took place in the year 2018. Will the minister commit to providing both the Speaker (interpretation): Oral municipal council and me with a copy of Questions. Member for Arviat North- the full audit report in the near future? Whale Cove, Member Main. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 692 – 5(2): Parking Garage Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. Replacement Program (Main)
Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Mr. Speaker. I rise to direct my member for recognizing our employees questions to the Minister of Community in the airports who do snow clearing. and Government Services. They do a great job, as air transportation is very important. Once I find out what Mr. Speaker, as per my statement earlier, the status of the assessment is, I can many communities face severe shortages write a letter to the member and the of adequate space for housing their hamlet council. I don’t have documents vehicles, or (interpretation ends) parking
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garages, (interpretation) as that is one Nunavut a year. Thank you, Mr. facility every community clamours for. Speaker.
Now, in looking at the regional plans, it Speaker (interpretation): Your first states that the goal is to work towards a supplementary question, Member Main. new (interpretation ends) parking garage replacement program. (interpretation) To Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, date it would seem that every winter Mr. Speaker. I am asking: when will the within Nunavut they are going to replace construction start for parking garages? one garage, which began in 2010. What year? When will construction However, when this new program is begin on the garages that are needed in created, my understanding is that the Nunavut? That’s my question. Thank goal is to build three garages annually as you, Mr. Speaker. part of their plans. Speaker: Minister Kusugak. My first question to the minister is: when will this new program for Nunavut Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): begin fulfilling its role of replacing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will be garages? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. asking for funding in 2020 for the construction of the garages. We are now Speaker (interpretation): Minister of budgeting for the costs, design, and what Community and Government Services, will be contained. I think I answered the Minister Kusugak. question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Your final Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank supplementary, Member Main. you for asking that question. I wished happy birthday to my grandchild, so I Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, thank you for allowing me to do so. Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. We will be expecting the budget to be It’s obvious that the communities are announced in 2020 and construction to really lacking parking garages. When I finally begin in 2021 within Nunavut. go to Arviat, it seems like they don’t According to the document, the sleep, as their vehicles go non-stop. community of Arviat will not be one of Water and sewage services never stop, the communities. Looking at the three and vehicles are increasing in number. communities, Arviat is not one of them, They’re not caught up on their garage even though it is one of the highest space, which is not a good situation, Mr. priorities. Speaker. I like the letter that I received, that Once the assessment of the three regional centres are considering if communities is done, it will become municipal governments can undertake clear if three or four vehicle garages are those projects themselves and build needed. As soon as the design and garages. I don’t know what construction costs are identified, the (interpretation ends) project three community garages will be built in management (interpretation) is in
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Inuktut. I’m aware that the municipal Speaker (interpretation): Oral government in Arviat has been Questions. Member for Aggu, Member considering this for a long time. Can the Quassa. minister indicate how they can work with the municipalities that want to Question 693 – 5(2): Alcohol construct the garages themselves? Thank Education Committees (Quassa) you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker: Minister Kusugak. Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the residents of my community and my Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am happy that there is that desire by communities. I Before I ask my question today, I will don’t want them to just hold out their say this in Inuktitut: qu-gu-u-ta, TGIF in hands, but if they want to be involved, English. I just said it in Inuktitut. saying “We would like to build it if we get funding,” in some cases they have >>Laughter indicated that they can build it at less cost. We’re not just hearing that; we Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my want to use that avenue. question to the Minister of Health.
This year there was a meeting in Iqaluit Mr. Speaker, as Members of the House with the hamlet SAOs and some mayors we recently amended the Nunavut were involved. They discussed how Elections Act, and the (interpretation hamlets can get more into building ends) Plebiscites and Elections infrastructure and how they can manage Regulations (interpretation) are new. We projects. Perhaps they can do it in a also know that it will affect elections, better way and for less money. We including the alcohol education support the hamlets. We are working committees in our communities. right now on the water delivery and sewage trucks. They charge their own My first question to the minister is: can money for operations. The hamlets hold he tell the members and the communities onto that money to be used for replacing how the recent amendment to the vehicles or getting extra vehicles. That Nunavut Elections Act affects the local money is slated to be used for that. alcohol education committees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are working on it right now and we are in discussions with the SAOs and Speaker (interpretation): Minister of mayors. Maybe some of the money can Finance, Minister Hickes. be used for building garages for the working vehicles. We are looking into Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. that right now and I urge the hamlets to Speaker. I appreciate the member’s see that come to fruition. I want them to question and in fact I commend a be able to do the work themselves, the number of the members. My officials ones that have the capacity. Thank you, with the Department of Finance noticed Mr. Speaker. before the deadline for applicants to run
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4300 for alcohol education committees, we ends) restricted (interpretation) noticed some communities didn’t have community, and the regulations for enough members, so we sent letters out ordering alcohol are made available such to the MLAs, including the member’s as the size of bottles or overall quantity community, which had a very large that can be ordered in. This is how the turnout of people applying after the restricted communities manage their member, I think, went on the radio to ask alcohol. for more people to step up and step forward. Now, I wonder what would have happened, if we look at Igloolik for Mr. Speaker, in direct response to the example, if not enough candidates member’s question, this previous stepped forward or if no candidates ran September there were some changes to in our community of Igloolik. What the Elections Act that did have an impact would have happened? What is the on the elections of alcohol education general practice in this situation? Thank committees, specifically so some of you, Mr. Speaker. them were grandfathered under the 1986 legislation so that the community can Speaker: Thank you. Minister appoint members to the committee if responsible for the Liquor and Cannabis there were not enough people to run, but Commission, Minister Hickes. for alcohol education committees that came into existence after that date, they Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. actually have to have an election. Speaker. Thankfully that didn’t occur, but what would have happened and what We had three communities that did not did happen in one community, as of have enough members for their alcohol October 28, they are now not a restricted education committee. Two of those were community but a prohibited community grandfathered and one of them is not, so because there is no one there to approve we actually have to hold a by-election import permits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. until that committee is legally entitled to be able to import alcohol again. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Your final you, Mr. Speaker. supplementary, Member Quassa.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, supplementary question, Member Mr. Speaker. After the community votes Quassa. on their status and how they will manage the importation of alcohol, in looking at Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, the default setting within the legislation, Mr. Speaker. Now, we all know that in it is troubling since it dissolves the prior Nunavut each community has voted for vote allowing alcohol to be managed. I different alcohol management styles, hope that was clear. When a community whether the community is a dry one with votes, they have to use the legislation to no alcohol allowed in or the opposite, as enact the status. To hear that in the event they are all different. that no candidates stepped forward or no vote occurred, then the plebiscite results In Igloolik our hamlet is a (interpretation become nullified. I am not belittling that
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default setting, but I just wanted it our Liquor Act next year. This will be a clearly understood by the community. discussion topic as well too to help standardize this process so that there is Now, I imagine the department more equity, I guess, across all the communicates this information to all the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. communities about the different systems, the plebiscite that allows for the status, Speaker (interpretation): Oral and I would think that this information is Questions. Member for Tununiq, provided. As an example, in Igloolik Member Qamaniq. they must not have had much information and, if that is the case there, Question 694 – 5(2): Food Security other communities may be in that Coalition (Qamaniq) situation too. As the minister stated, one community status changed to a different Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank system. you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the residents of my constituency Does the department keep the community of Pond Inlet. communities informed about the possible consequences under this (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. legislation, especially since we amended Speaker. My question is directed to the the legislation, and how the alcohol Acting [Minister of] Family Services. education committee or other bodies that have representatives voted in may be Mr. Speaker, during members’ impacted? The communities need to statements, Acting Minister for Family know all the details if they are going to Services talked about food security in adhere to the new legislation. We try to Nunavut. He went on to say that the keep constituents informed, but do the coalition is co-chaired by the actual program managers provide this Department of Family Services and NTI. information? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the fiscal year 2019-2020, the coalition is supporting 10 community- Speaker: Minister Hickes. based food security projects for a total of $200,000. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there was correspondence My first question will be: how many with all the mayors and hamlets across members are involved in this coalition as the territory with a description of the the coalition looks at how policies and implications as well. We wanted to make programs can make it more accessible sure that people were aware of the and affordable for food security? Thank consequences of not having enough you, Mr. Speaker. members to their alcohol education committee. Speaker (interpretation): Acting Minister of Family Services, Minister Like I said earlier, some communities Akeeagok. were grandfathered and some are since the legislation in ’88, but one thing that Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): we are doing is we are doing a review of Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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(interpretation ends) For the Food minister mentioned continue or will this Security Coalition in terms of the program end after the 2019-2020 fiscal partnerships, I don’t have the actual year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. figure in terms of how many they are, but I do know that this is a coalition that Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. goes and meets on an annual basis and brings together the governments, Inuit Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): organizations, businesses, community Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are organizations, including hunters and many representatives in the coalition and trappers organizations, food banks, the $200,000 is only coming from the grocery retailers, and airlines. Thank Nunavut government. These other you, Mr. Speaker. organizations give out funding too and they do their own programming in all the Speaker (interpretation): Your first communities. The $200,000 was only for supplementary question, Member contribution programs. They review the Qamaniq. proposals and grant them money. Because of its success and with so many Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank groups involved in it, it’s obviously you, Mr. Speaker. Some of the going to continue and as the Nunavut communities the minister identified are government we try to support things like Taloyoak, Rankin Inlet, Gjoa Haven, that and we will continue to support Clyde River, and Iqaluit. I would like to them. You will see it again in the plans ask again: can he tell us what the other for the 2020-21 estimates. Thank you for five communities are? Thank you, Mr. asking that question, my colleague. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Minister Akeeagok. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Manirajak, Member Lightstone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For 2019-2020, the communities are Taloyoak, Clyde Question 695 – 5(2): Housing Shortage River, (interpretation ends) Coral (Lightstone) Harbour, Iqaluit, Gjoa Haven, Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation) Rankin Inlet, Cape Speaker. My questions today are for the Dorset, (interpretation ends) beautiful Minister responsible for the Nunavut Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, (interpretation) Housing Corporation and are regarding and Iqaluit again. Thank you, Mr. our housing shortage. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the effects of Nunavut’s Speaker (interpretation): Your final housing crisis are felt in every supplementary, Member Qamaniq. community across the territory. It also has threatened every aspect of our social Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank issues, not just homelessness and you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the overcrowding but also food insecurity, minister for answering my question. The mould and respiratory illness, mental final question I have is: will what the health, domestic violence, and child
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4303 sexual abuse. Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Mr. Speaker, current methods of Corporation, Minister Netser. constructing public housing units are costly and time-consuming and are Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): reducing the Nunavut Housing Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Corporation’s ability to address our ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I much-needed demand. On numerous appreciate the member’s concern. I think occasions the Nunavut Housing we all do. We have a serious housing Corporation has stated that it’s unable to crisis and we need to look at alternative build enough units, and I believe it’s ways of providing housing. The NHC is time to consider alternative methods to committed to providing cost-effective build as many units as possible in the and proven northern-appropriate housing quickest and most economical fashion. to Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation has adopted a hybrid Speaker (interpretation): Your first modular construction approach to build supplementary question, Member the new hotel in Iqaluit. In the letter that Lightstone. I tabled yesterday, the president of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation has mentioned Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. that it has done so with a reasonable rate Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s of return and with achieving commitment, but I don’t believe I heard exceptionally high rates of Inuit an answer to my question. participation. Mr. Speaker, in a response to my Mr. Speaker, in the letter the president questions earlier in the fall sitting, I states that “We believe in innovative appreciate the minister’s willingness to approaches to mitigate high costs of table the 2017 study which determined doing business in Nunavut should be that conventional stick-built construction continuously explored.” The president methods are the most cost effective, of also states that he would be pleased to which I really hoped that we will be have his staff meet with our government seeing before the end of the fall sitting. representatives to overview their However, over the last few years there experience with the modular approach if have been a number of alternative this would be of benefit to the territory. construction methods in Nunavut as well as across the Arctic, including prefab, Mr. Speaker, my first question would be modular and passive housing to the Minister of Housing if the minister construction methods. would accept this invitation and benefit from the lessons learned from this I would like to ask if the minister will innovative construction approach. Thank commit to conducting a new feasibility you, Mr. Speaker. study, including all options to construct more public housing units in a more cost-effective and timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker: Minister Netser. Mr. Speaker, returning to my topic of alternative constructive methods, as a Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): member representing Iqaluit, I would Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation like to invite the minister to conduct a ends) I thank the member for the pilot project here in Iqaluit to test out question. It’s going to take all of us to alternative construction methods if that address the severe housing crisis that we means that the Nunavut Housing have and I’m certainly open to ideas on Corporation will be able to save funds to how we can improve housing throughout then construct additional public housing Nunavut. units in other communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Having said that, the Nunavut Housing Corporation continuously reviews Speaker: Minister Netser. current best practices in building science, construction, and maintenance Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): to determine Nunavut’s appropriate Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation evidence-based improvements to future ends) As I stated earlier, I am open to builds, retrofits, and remediation. ideas from the other side of the House and certainly I would look at other I would like to also take this a bit options in addressing our severe housing further. We have this Nunavut crisis. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Tunngavik Incorporated which belongs Speaker. to the beneficiaries. Our people are in severe need, the beneficiaries, of whom Speaker (interpretation): Oral we are responsible for. I would like to Questions. Member for Arviat North- call out to NTI: help us. We need your Whale Cove, Member Main. help. You have a healthy… Question 696 – 5(2): Local >>Applause Employment for Housing Projects (Main) …a healthy surplus, which you indicated Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, recently. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. I also rise to direct my Speaker. questions to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. My colleague Speaker (interpretation): Your final and I didn’t speak together beforehand. supplementary question, Member Lightstone. What I want to ask about is the lack of employment opportunities in my Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. constituency of Arviat and Whale Cove, Speaker. I applaud the minister for which is something that is felt deeply. calling out to NTI to seek assistance in When people have no employment this matter, as I do believe that is an prospects, the day becomes long and you appropriate manner of addressing the see people just walking around the housing shortage in the territory. community, trying to look for employment. >> Applause
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The housing corporation constructs Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, housing units in the communities when Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. Yes, units are allocated to the community, this is very disconcerting. (interpretation whether it is (interpretation ends) public ends) Mr. Speaker, advocating for higher housing (interpretation) or Government Inuit and local employment isn’t just of Nunavut staff housing units. What I good politics for people like me; I have noted over these years in looking at believe it also makes good economic projects, and here I mean possibly over a sense in terms of what is called decade, is that the number of Inuit “reducing leakage” from the economy. workers is diminishing. Just to clarify, in economic terms, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the “leakage” is the money that the long-term trend in Inuit and local government puts into programs and employment in housing appears to be services which doesn’t end up coming going down. My first question for the back into the economy. That’s what we minister: in terms of that long-term see when there’s a higher rate of trend, what factors have contributed to transient workers. They take their the drop in local and Inuit employment paycheques and we get a little cut of it for housing projects? (interpretation) on the payroll tax, but most of it goes Thank you, Mr. Speaker. outside of the community. Most of the time they’re housed in bunkhouses and Speaker (interpretation): Minister they don’t pay for their groceries at the responsible for the Nunavut Housing local store, so there’s leakage. Corporation, Minister Netser. My second question for the minister: Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): will the minister commit to having his Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As to the actual staff conduct an economic analysis of reasons for the seemingly decreasing the different levels of local and Inuit numbers of local hires in housing employment with a holistic view to projects, I think we have a pretty good reducing economic leakage from our idea now. It is obvious that not enough communities? (interpretation) Thank local people are hired and in the past you, Mr. Speaker. when the housing corporation had a construction project in a community, it >>Applause would involve a (interpretation ends) two-phased construction, one for the Speaker: Minister Netser. material and the other phase was for labour only. Ever since that has been Hon. Patterk Netser (interpretation): dropped, I think the numbers of our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation people being employed has been ends) When I was over at the witness certainly low. (interpretation) Thank table deliberating our budget, the you, Mr. Speaker. member from Tasiujarjuaq alluded to that about the wishes of the Nunavut Speaker (interpretation): Your first Housing Corporation to do tender-only supplementary question, Member Main. and labour-only construction. I had committed to looking at that to
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4306 communities that can handle it and it our local people are hired. Under the would certainly keep the economy Turaaqtavut mandate, our mandate says strongly in those communities that can to train up our local workforce so we are handle that. (interpretation) Thank you, less dependent on imported labour. Mr. Mr. Speaker. Speaker, that is what we are aiming to do. As for the member’s request, we can Speaker (interpretation): Your final certainly look into that. (interpretation) supplementary, Member Main. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Oral Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is Questions. Member for Iqaluit- encouraging that this has been coming Niaqunnguu, Member Angnakak. up in the House and during budget deliberations. >>Laughter
Mr. Speaker, just to clarify what I’m Question 697 – 5(2): Office of Patient asking, I’m asking the housing Relations (Angnakak) corporation to go and to crunch the numbers and to look at the wage Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. component, the labour component, the Speaker. I even put away all my stuff, materials component, and look at ways thinking I wasn’t going to be able to ask to reduce the leakage and maximize the a question. (interpretation) I thank benefits for our communities. Mr. Minister Netser (interpretation ends) for Speaker, I will add this includes Inuit- that. owned local contractors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my Again I’ll ask the minister: will the question to the Minister of Health since I minister commit to conducting an never ask him many questions. analysis of the different local and Inuit labour content levels, perhaps in Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are cooperation with the Department of aware, when a constituent raises a Economic Development and concern or a complaint with the health Transportation, to reduce the leakage care that they or a family member has and maximize benefits from housing received, they are encouraged to contact construction in Nunavut? (interpretation) the Office of Patient Relations. The Thank you, Mr. Speaker. office has been in existence for a number of years now. The most recent report on Speaker: Minister Netser. the office’s activities appeared in the Department of Health’s annual report for Hon. Patterk Netser: Thank you, Mr. 2016-17 which was tabled in September Speaker. It’s clearly evident when the 2017. local economy or the local people who are hired by the construction companies Can the minister clarify when he will be that come into our communities when tabling an update on the activities of the they are building houses or arenas, it’s a Office of Patient Relations which will real cost benefit without a doubt when provide further information on the
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numbers and types of complaints that the Speaker: Minister Hickes. office deals with? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unless a member of the public Speaker (interpretation): Minister of or a member of the family raised a Health, Minister Hickes. concern with the Office of Patient Relations, they would not normally be a Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. part of that process. Mr. Speaker, Speaker. I appreciate the question from anytime there is an unexpected outcome the member. We are continuously with health care delivery or an looking into expanding the data recovery unexpected death, as the member states, for tracking the volume, the source, and there are avenues that the coroner’s the leading types of issues that are office is automatically notified and have brought forward. I would have to check the ability to request reviews. The with my staff on where that report is at regulatory bodies of the health care here right now. It’s not something that I have in Nunavut also would be notified and asked them in the last couple of weeks. would also have the ability to do a full I‘ll have to check with my officials to review of the circumstances around that see where we are with that report. Thank and those are automatic. Thank you, Mr. you. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Your first Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary question, Member supplementary question, Member Angnakak. Angnakak.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We look forward to seeing that Speaker. Many jurisdictions have report. established independent bodies like health ombudsmen or patient Mr. Speaker, it is not clear to me ombudsmen to handle complaints and whether the Office of Patient Relations concerns about medical services and addresses concerns relating to situations health care that cannot be resolved from where there is an unexpected death while within the health system’s patient a patient is receiving treatment or relations office. undergoing a procedure. Can the minister clarify whether the Office of Can the minister clarify whether any Patient Relations addresses complaints consideration has been given to or concerns regarding the medical establishing an independent health services that were being provided to an ombudsman to help resolve complaints individual who died suddenly or and concerns that the Office of Patient unexpectedly and, if it is not the office Relations is unable to address? Thank who handles these types of complaints or you, Mr. Speaker. concerns, can he explain how these types of complaints or concerns are dealt with? Speaker: Minister Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Notices of Motions. (interpretation) Speaker. The topic has come up. I know, Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, in some discussions with some of my Member Main. officials in the past, we have broached the topic. That being said, the work that Item 14: Notices of Motions the Office of Patient Relations has been doing has been very successful. I’m not Motion 055 – 5(2): Extended aware of any direct complaints that were Adjournment – Notice (Main) made that the issue was not… . Well, they always resolve the issue. It’s not Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, always to the patient’s satisfaction, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on acknowledging sometimes escorts and Monday, November 4, 2019, I will move such are still not approved after an the following motion: appeal. I move, seconded by the Member for That being said, I’m not aware of any Quttiktuq, that pursuant to Rule 3, that major issues that have come out of the when the House concludes its present Office of Patient Relations not being sitting, it shall be adjourned until able to deal with an issue. It’s something February 18, 2020. that we’re going to continue to analyze as the information comes forward from Also, Mr. Speaker, our colleague for the types of complaints and the level of Quttiktuq will be celebrating his results of those complaints. We will birthday on February 18. continue to monitor. It is a topic that has been raised in the past and it’s >>Laughter something that we will keep on the radar. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That will be his birthday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Members will note that the time for question period has Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. expired. Continuing on. Written Continuing on. Notices of Motions for Questions. Continuing on. Returns to First Reading of Bills. Continuing on. Written Questions. Continuing on. Motions. Continuing on. First Reading of Bills. Continuing on. Second Reading (interpretation ends) Order. I can hear of Bills. Continuing on. (interpretation people talking when we’re going ends) Consideration in Committee of the through the agenda. Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 8, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 with Mr. (interpretation) Continuing on. Akoak in the Chair. (interpretation ends) Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Before we proceed with Committee of Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. the Whole, we will take a 15-minute Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. break. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Item 14.
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>>House recessed at 10:38 and Chairman: Thank you. Does the Committee resumed at 10:58 committee agree to let the minister and his officials go to the witness table? Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Some Members: Agreed. Matters Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Welcome back. escort the witnesses in. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the For the record, Minister Joanasie, please Whole we have the following items to introduce your officials. Minister deal with: Bills 8, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, Joanasie. and 34. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Main. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left is Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, my Deputy Minister, Teresa Hughes, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We and to my right is Wendy Bens, Director wish to continue with the review of the of Corporate Services. Thank you, Mr. 2020-21 capital appropriations, Chairman. commencing with the Department of Culture and Heritage, followed by the Chairman: Thank you, Minister Department of Family Services. Joanasie. Please proceed with your (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. opening comments. Minister Joanasie. Chairman. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): I Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Main. Being am pleased to take this opportunity to Friday, I would like to say, you know present the Department of Culture and what I mean? Thank you. Are we in Heritage’s 2020-21 capital estimates. agreement that we first deal with Bill 30? The department works toward ensuring that the Government of Nunavut Some Members: Agreed. preserves, develops, and enhances Nunavut’s culture, heritage, and Bill 30 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, languages for all Nunavummiut. 2020-2021 – Culture and Heritage – Consideration in Committee Mr. Chairman, the capital estimates for the Department of Culture and Heritage Chairman: Thank you. I would now for the 2020-21 fiscal year is $800,000. like to ask Minister Joanasie: do you have officials that you would like to The department is requesting $300,000 appear before the committee? Minister of the capital estimates to replace the Joanasie. carpeting of the Igloolik office. It is important for the department to replace Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): the aged carpet in the Igloolik office. Mr. Chairman, yes. The Igloolik office includes 21 positions from the Official Languages, Heritage
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4310 and Elders and Youth branches. The Capital Estimates of the Department of department has been working closely Culture and Heritage. with the Department of Community and Government Services. The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed capital budget for The department is also working hard to the 2020-21 fiscal year is $800,000, a address the need to display and preserve small increase from the amount our heritage within the territory. requested for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Through the collaboration with other partners, the department displays parts of Members note that the department’s our Heritage Collection in the territory. proposed 2020-21 capital estimates The department is committed to again include $500,000 for its capital addressing Nunavut’s long-term vision contribution program to renovate for the storage of heritage collections heritage facilities across Nunavut. The and to support economic development department’s budget also includes initiatives that build on and add value to $300,000 for a small capital project. heritage, arts and tourism sectors within Nunavut. Therefore the department is Mr. Chairman, the department’s capital requesting $500,000 of the capital contribution program is allocated to non- estimates be used for current and future profit community-based organizations heritage infrastructure across Nunavut and municipal corporations for the under our heritage facilities contribution development or renovation of heritage funding. We provide this funding to non- facilities. The standing committee looks profit, community-based organizations forward to receiving an updated and municipal corporations for the breakdown of which community entities development and/or renovation of received funding through these heritage facilities or relevant associated agreements, which communities applied structures and objects. for contributions, and a listing of what specific work has been done on heritage Mr. Chairman, I will be pleased to facilities with the funding provided respond to any questions that members through this program since the 2018-19 of the committee may have. fiscal year. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, koana, ma’na. During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee to discuss his Chairman: Thank you, Minister department’s draft 2020-21 capital Joanasie. Does the chair of the standing estimates, members were given to committee have comments? Ms. understand that the funding requested Nakashuk. under the department’s small capital budget would be used to replace the Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank carpeting in the Igloolik building where you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) culture and heritage offices are located I am pleased to provide opening as well as offices for the departments of comments on behalf of the Standing Family Services, Nunavut Arctic Committee on Social Wellness College, and Community and concerning its review of the 2020-21 Government Services. While the
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standing committee recognizes the need Congratulations to you both and that will to ensure that departmental office space be all. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. is safe, healthy, and comfortable for all staff to work in, it is unclear why the Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Lightstone. small capital budget for the Department Ms. Towtongie. of Culture and Heritage is being allocated to cover the entire cost of the Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank carpet replacement in this building you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank without contributions from the capital the Department of Culture and Heritage. budgets of the other departments which The Kivalliq Inuit Association was given share the space. assistance and today in Chesterfield Inlet there will be a heritage and youth and Mr. Chairman, that concludes my elders office. That’s progressing well. opening comments on the proposed Not too many big offices are built in 2020-21 Capital Estimates of the Chesterfield Inlet. I appreciate the Department of Culture and Heritage. I Department of Culture and Heritage and am confident my colleagues will have I expect that they will work closer comments and questions as we proceed. together with the Kivalliq Inuit Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Association. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Nakashuk. Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Towtongie. Any general comments? Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Quassa.
Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. Good morning. I hope you Mr. Chairman. Please feel welcome, guys are enjoying your Friday so far. minister and your officials.
I just want to begin by congratulating Now, when discussing the initiatives we Ms. Hughes on her recent appointment. wish to create here in Nunavut, such as It’s great to see you with a seat at the Qaggiavuut, if you recall, and when Deputy Ministers’ Committee. It’s also dealing with heritage-related issues such great to see the number of females that as archaeological artefacts, are now in the majority in that Nunavummiut want to see a physical committee. I feel that having that gender (interpretation ends) heritage centre, parity at that senior level is definitely (interpretation) as an example. Now, in important to the territory and will lead to just reading through the document that a more progressive government. he read from, to date $500,000 has been Congratulations, Ms. Hughes. identified under the capital budget for heritage funding to be used for all of >>Applause Nunavut. It seems obvious that this amount is insufficient in my view I would also like to congratulate Ms. because an actual centre would cost Bens on joining the senior management millions of dollars to construct. team. We have worked together before and I look forward to seeing you I am encouraging the officials and the progress further in your role there. Minister of Culture and Heritage to look
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4312 for ways to increase the support towards useful. In looking at this amount, Nunavummiut, as many people have $800,000 seems a bit small from my expectations of cultural centres, perspective. That’s my question, Mr. especially since most of our artefacts are Chairman. Thank you. housed outside of Nunavut and should be returned. I really urge the department Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. to deal with those issues and to Minister Joanasie. deliberate on a future plan and to provide concrete assistance to make the Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): department more visible. I would prefer Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank that they work harder towards that goal you for the question. The funding is of making a heritage centre. Thank you, requested annually and it hasn’t changed Mr. Chairman. a lot over the years, but my officials and I want to convey the information that Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. proposals can be submitted to the Seeing no more names under general Department of Culture and Heritage. We comments, we’re on Culture and want that understood by Nunavummiut. Heritage. Directorate. Any questions? It has been announced in the Mr. Qirngnuq. communities. When we don’t get many submissions, we try to approach the Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank communities to inform them about the you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, minister funding. and your officials. We want it understood that this funding We are quite glad to see your plans as is available, but there is a limit. Well, we the descendants of the real Inuit, at least want to request that the funding is for us older generations, as we enjoy increased, but we have other priorities dealing with old artefacts and they and sometimes we have to go outside the should be available for viewing. What I Department of Culture and Heritage for want to ask about is related to culture, as funding. To date that is how it’s set up, we have our own distinctive culture and Mr. Chairman. Thank you. some generations of Inuit still don’t know how certain aspects of our culture Chairman: Thank you, Minister came to be. Joanasie. Mr. Qirngnuq.
The reason for asking the question is Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank related to past initiatives that just seemed you, Mr. Chairman. I want to move to a to end. Past proposals have been brought different topic related to heritage. Today up from time to time, but it seems they the government announced the creation just keep getting turned down. There are of a new territorial park in our discussions on it almost every year. I community, which also contains many wonder if this was included in the significant cultural sites. I wonder if the deliberations for the future. community can work towards developing tourism in that park. Can I want to ask about the funding and if they apply to this fund? I would think it they can apply for funding, as it will be is possible, obviously because
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archaeological sites are under heritage. I comment. Next name on my list, Mr. want to ask if any plans for tourism have Quassa. been considered. That is my question as I would like to know, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Today being Friday, in reading the English version, it reads Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qirngnuq. (interpretation ends) “aged carpet,” Minister Joanasie. (interpretation) and perhaps because the Inuit of Igloolik make (interpretation Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): ends) aged walrus, (interpretation) I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Based on the wasn’t aware we also had (interpretation understanding I have, the Department of ends) “aged carpet” (interpretation) in Economic Development and town. Transportation set aside funds specifically for economic development >>Laughter purposes. This includes sites under culture and heritage. It would have to go I really wanted to say that little tidbit through ED&T since the purpose would since Iglulingmiut are known as expert be economic development or even if walrus fermenters, who make excellent exploring the tourism potential. aged walrus. However, we fund mostly not-for-profit organizations or hamlets. To use this I have a short question as I just want it example, the Kivalliq Inuit Association clarified, as I know Igloolik intimately. submitted an application for funding, This is referring to the carpet, which I which was approved. Generally the fund hope is the right term here. That research only applies to not-for-profit bodies. centre is (interpretation ends) mushroom Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) shaped. I would like to ask if that is specific to the research Chairman: Mr. Qirngnuq. centre, that oddly-shaped building. Is the carpet identified for that building? Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank That’s my first question. Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. Even with that being Chairman. the case, there should be dialogue between Culture and Heritage and Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Family Services to try to have a singular Minister Joanasie. perspective, at least in my opinion. We have to know what the other departments Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): are funding if we want to manage things Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, it’s for properly. Mr. Chairman, I want to the blue building which houses the remind them of that, although I am sure government offices. I believe the that they are already aware of it. I just building that he is talking about is the want to encourage further dialogue so it Department of Environment’s office. can move forward. This is just a What we are seeking is for the blue comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. building, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman: Thank you. It’s just a Chairman: Mr. Quassa.
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Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Quassa. Mr. Chairman. I was mistaken. I Minister Joanasie. apologize. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): With what are called carpets that have Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right now been talked about in the House, I don’t some communities have culture and know the term in Inuktitut. What is it heritage buildings, usually through the called? There are people within our hamlet. For example, it can be for communities who are allergic to carpets. renovations to the francophone building Has it been considered with the carpets? in Iqaluit. Alternatively, we have given The whole floor is a public place and has funding to the Netsilik Heritage Society offices. Yes, I’m happy to see that it is in Gjoa Haven, the Kitikmeot Heritage going to be a new one, but has allergies Society in Cambridge Bay, and the in our community been considered? Qaggiavuut Society, (interpretation That’s my question, Mr. Chairman. ends) final renovation of Qaggiavuut Thank you. studio. (interpretation) Those are some of the examples that I can use, Mr. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Chairman. Thank you.
Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Chairman: Thank you, Minister Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we are Joanasie. Mr. Quassa. trying to get a new carpet because the carpet is getting too old. Offices Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank anywhere, even here in the Assembly you, Mr. Chairman. This is probably my building we have carpets for the floors, last question. In Igloolik there is an old but we want to put new carpet in the Hudson’s Bay building that the hamlet Igloolik office for that reason. Thank took over a number of years ago and it you, Mr. Chairman. has never been changed. Maybe the hamlet didn’t ask for funding up to now Chairman: Mr. Quassa. for the old Hudson’s Bay building. I’m sure we can imagine the red roofs of the Mr. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Hudson’s Bay Company buildings. Mr. Chairman. Thank you. I will expect to see that new carpet. I think the old Within that $500,000, these hamlets in carpet is like aged walrus. the communities can request for funding from that program. This money is for Let me move on to a different topic. working on, renovating, or upgrading With regard to the $500,000 to be used these very old buildings. Would the for old heritage buildings, it states that it funding come through this program if is for infrastructure, which usually they’re able to request for it, for means buildings. I don’t know if that example, if the community of Igloolik $500,000 will be enough for working on wanted to work on that building? That is infrastructure. Apparently it’s for the my question, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. future to deal with aged infrastructure. I don’t really understand that. What does Chairman: Minister Joanasie. it mean? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): and make requests based on the needs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The hamlet Thank you, Mr. Chairman. can check with the Department of Culture and Heritage to see if they’re Chairman: Ms. Towtongie. eligible to apply for funding from that program. However, I would like Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. everybody to be aware too that some of Chairman. My final question, during the these programs are under the Committee of the Whole review of the responsibility of the federal government. department’s 2019-2020 proposed For example, if heritage buildings are capital estimates, department officials within the community, they would have indicated that the department was to be looked at further, but if the looking into enhancing the use of community considers them important, computers and providing greater access we can look into the matter to see if we to electronic and digital books in can provide funding for the hamlet if Nunavut’s libraries. What is the current they ask for money. Thank you, Mr. status of that initiative? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Joanasie. Next name on my list, Ms. Towtongie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would have to get back to Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank the member on some details around that. you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) It’s not in our capital budget or proposed Supporting documents provided with the budget right now. Thank you, Mr. draft capital estimates indicate that the Chairman. department anticipates requesting less funding for small capital funding in Chairman: Thank you, Minister future fiscal years. Why does the Joanasie. Next name on my list, Mr. department not anticipate any future Qamaniq. small capital projects in its facilities across Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to the Chamber. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. We are dealing with the proposed capital Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. estimates for 2020-21. I would like to Chairman. I thank the member for that ask if the Department of Culture and question. It’s based on our needs right Heritage has a vehicle fleet and, if so, do now. This is what we need for this they have a vehicle replacement plan as coming fiscal year and given our office the vehicles age? Thank you, Mr. spaces that are under Culture and Chairman. Heritage, we figure that we won’t need any funds in that, but we will have to Chairman: Minister Joanasie. look at our facilities. We would like to monitor what the needs are of our offices
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Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): do a replacement of carpeting in Igloolik Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We only and we’re trying to make plans for have one vehicle in Iqaluit and it is a Kugluktuk in the near future. Thank you, new vehicle, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Mr. Qamaniq. Chairman (interpretation): Ms. Kamingoak, are you done? Ms. Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank Kamingoak. you, Mr. Chairman. To date, how many proposals have been received by the Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Department of Culture and Heritage? I Chairman. When do you anticipate the would like to hear that. Thank you, Mr. Kugluktuk office to be in the books? Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Chairman: Minister Joanasie.
Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): I Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In 2019-2020 apologize. (interpretation ends) Mr. there were eight proposals for funding, Chairman, I correct myself. We have but one proposal was withdrawn. Thank already approved funds for Kugluktuk’s you, Mr. Chairman. office and we are working with CGS to try to get that project addressed within Chairman: Thank you, Minister this fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Joanasie. Next name on my list, Ms. Chairman. Kamingoak. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Joanasie. The last name on my list, Chairman. Welcome, minister and your (interpretation) if you can keep your officials. question brief, Mr. Main.
I just have one quick question. What is Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, the update of the aged carpet of the Mr. Chairman. I just have two comments Kugluktuk Translation Bureau office? to make. (interpretation ends) My first Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question or item is about what is called the Margaret Aniksak Visitor Centre. It’s Chairman: Minister Joanasie. in Arviat and currently it’s controlled or held by the Hamlet of Arviat. I believe Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. they get some support for that facility Chairman. I thank the member for the through ED&T, Economic question. We have put in a request to Development. Community and Government Services to start the process of replacing the carpet Looking at that facility and what it’s in the Kugluktuk office. Just to note, actually being used for, I think it’s a lot again, we have Baker Lake, Igloolik, more similar to a heritage facility. We Iqaluit and Kugluktuk offices and right don’t get a lot of tourists into Arviat now we are putting forward a request to currently, but it’s getting used by the
Friday, November 1, 2019 Nunavut Hansard 4317 community for things like sewing, throat if they have contemplated participating singing workshops, and there have been in the designing of the airport terminal language workshops and whatnot. It is buildings, whether a small section with basically a heritage facility. artefacts or tourism attractions could be incorporated right from the beginning (interpretation) My first question to the stages? I would really like the minister is if he would be able to discuss Department of Culture and Heritage to this with the Department of Economic be involved when new airport terminal Development about the (interpretation buildings are being built. Thank you, ends) Margaret Aniksak Visitor Centre Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) and come up with alternatives. Perhaps they can find a Chairman: Minister Joanasie. different funding avenue for capital items and furniture. Thank you, Mr. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The way I understand it currently, we aren’t Chairman: Minister Joanasie. involved with the airport terminal building projects, but we will keep an Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): eye out on how we can collaborate. For Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank example, here in Iqaluit, even though it’s you for the question. Yes, I can an airport, it was only after the communicate with my ministerial Department of Transportation submitted colleague about this issue. However, if their project for approval that it included the building is owned by the hamlet, the arts section. It was because of the perhaps the hamlet can submit a public purposes that a Nunavut-wide proposal towards that to our department. grouping of sculpture and art pieces was It would then be reviewed and then included, so they are visible at the discussions on how to resolve the issues airport. We are looking into that sort of would then commence, Mr. Chairman. arrangement, perhaps when we look at Thank you. future projects, so that is a good concept, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Main. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Joanasie. The final name on my list, Ms. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. My Angnakak. last question is regarding new airport terminal buildings. The Department of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Economic Development is looking to Chairman. Welcome and welcome, construct a new airport terminal building Teresa. in Whale Cove and in other communities, but when I look at culture I have just really one question and it’s to or languages, the regional offices seem do with Qaggiavuut. They received to be more informed. $500,000 from the federal government for their proposal. I’m wondering: what My last question is: is the department is the GN position on whether or not it considering involvement in the design or will provide support or become a partner
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on this initiative? Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven’t received a formal Chairman. I thank the member for her proposal document asking for an X question. We have provided some funds amount of dollars. However, I through our grants and contributions to understand there have been some Qaggiavuut. As it relates to their big members that have provided a letter of proposal to build performing arts support. I think at this point that might facility, right now our budget doesn’t be the only thing we can do right now, allow for such a grand, big budget given our limited budget, is providing a request from Nunavummiut. We have letter of support on their initiative. met a few times with Qaggiavuut and are Thank you, Mr. Chairman. talking about different ways we can provide support to them. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Joanasie. We are on page F-3. Culture The members of the public know there and Heritage Directorate. Total Capital was a concept study that was done on a Expenditures. $800,000. Agreed? cultural centre type of building to be done in the territory and we had a Some Members: Agreed. steering committee we wanted to put forward. However, we haven’t come to Chairman: Go to page F-2. Culture and an agreement with the different parties to Heritage. Total Capital Expenditures. move forward on that steering $800,000. Agreed? committee. That’s where we are at now. Some Members: Agreed. There are different parties that want to do different projects, like the Inuit Chairman: Do members agree that we organizations wanted to move forward have concluded the Department of with the culture and heritage centre and Culture and Heritage? then Qaggiavuut wanted to do something totally separate; Inuit Heritage Trust. Some Members: Agreed. There are different players wanting to do different things, so I don’t think there is Chairman: Thank you. Closing an agreement on how to proceed as of comments, Minister Joanasie. yet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Ms. Angnakak. Chairman. I thank the members for their questions. I would like to specifically Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. thank the deputy minister for culture and Chairman. I thank the minister for his heritage, as well as the director. This is response. I guess my final question is I her first appearance, namely, Ms. would like to know: what financially Hughes. was the request from Qaggiavuut?
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I believe we have lunch waiting for us, Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. so I will end it on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a reminder that there’s a Chairman. meeting of the rules standing committee at half past one in the Tuktu Boardroom >>Applause and that there’s also a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at Chairman: Thank you, minister. three o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out. Mr. Rumbolt. Orders of the Day for November 4:
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. 1. Prayer Chairman. I would like to make a motion 2. Ministers’ Statements to report progress, please. Thank you. 3. Members’ Statements Chairman: We have a motion on the 4. Returns to Oral Questions floor to report progress and the motion is not debatable. All those in favour of the 5. Recognition of Visitors in the motion. All those opposed. The motion Gallery is carried. I will now rise to report progress. 6. Oral Questions
7. Written Questions Speaker (interpretation): Report of the Committee of the Whole. Member 8. Returns to Written Questions Akoak. 9. Replies to Opening Address
Item 20: Report of the Committee of 10. Petitions the Whole 11. Responses to Petitions
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 12. Reports of Standing and Special Your committee has been considering Committees on Bills and Other Bill 30 and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of Matters the Whole be agreed to. Thank you, Mr. 13. Tabling of Documents Speaker. 14. Notices of Motions Speaker (interpretation): There is a 15. Notices of Motions for First motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Member Lightstone. The motion is in Reading of Bills order. All those in favour. All those 16. Motions opposed. The motion is carried. • Motion 56 – 5(2) Third Reading of Bills. Continuing on. 17. First Reading of Bills Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. 18. Second Reading of Bills Item 22: Orders of the Day 19. Consideration in Committee of
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the Whole of Bills and Other Matters • Bill 8 • Bill 26 • Bill 29 • Bill 30 • Bill 31 • Bill 32 • Bill 33 • Bill 34 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills 22. Orders of the Day Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you. In accordance with the authority provided to me by Motion 50 – 5(2), this House stands adjourned until Monday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m.
Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 11:47