Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 4th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 21
Friday, October 24, 2014
Pages 1114 – 1153
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Steve Mapsalak Allan Rumbolt (Gjoa Haven) (Aivilik) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Johnny Mike Alexander Sammurtok (Pangnirtung) (Rankin Inlet South) Pat Angnakak Minister of Environment (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Hon. Tom Sammurtok Simeon Mikkungwak (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Hon. Monica Ell (Baker Lake) Inlet) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Minister of Community and Deputy Premier; Minister of Health Government Services Samuel Nuqingaq Joe Enook (Uqqummiut) Joe Savikataaq (Tununiq) (Arviat South) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Hon. Paul Okalik Committee of the Whole (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Isaac Shooyook (Quttiktuq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister
George Hickes of Justice; Minister of Languages; Minister Hon. Peter Taptuna (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) responsible for Immigration; Minister (Kugluktuk) responsible for Labour; Minister David Joanasie responsible for the Qulliq Energy Premier; Minister of Executive and (South Baffin) Corporation Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Hon. George Kuksuk Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for the Utility (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Cambridge Bay) Rates Review Council Minister of Economic Development Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial and Transportation; Minister of Management Board; Minister responsible Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk Energy; Minister responsible for the for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation (Netsilik) Nunavut Housing Corporation Commission Government House Leader; Minister of Family Services; Minister Hon. Paul Quassa responsible for Homelessness; Minister (Aggu) responsible for the Status of Women Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Officers Clerk John Quirke
Deputy Clerk Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Nancy Tupik Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simanek Kilabuk Innirvik Support Services
Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca
Table of Contents
Opening Prayer ...... 1114
Ministers’ Statements ...... 1114
Members’ Statements ...... 1118
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 1123
Oral Questions ...... 1123
Notices of Motions ...... 1137
Motions ...... 1138
Second Reading of Bills ...... 1141
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 1143
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 1152
Orders of the Day ...... 1152
A. Daily References
Friday, October 24, 2014 ...... 1114
B. Ministers’ Statements
055 – 4(2): Dr. Michael Shouldice Retirement (Quassa) ...... 1114
056 – 4(2): Change in Ownership – Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited (Kuksuk) ...... 1115
057 – 4(2): Balanced Literacy: Literacy Initiative for Nunavut Schools (Quassa) ...... 1116
058 – 4(2): Congratulations to 30 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut (Taptuna) 1116
059 – 4(2): Congratulations to Long-term Service Award Recipients with More Than 20 Years of
Service to the Government of Nunavut (Peterson) ...... 1117
C. Members’ Statements
129 – 4(2): Tribute to Parliamentary Employees (Hickes) ...... 1118
130 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Board (Angnakak) ...... 1118
131 – 4(2): Tribute to Noah Kolola Michael (Joanasie) ...... 1119
132 – 4(2): Successful Partnership for Tununiq (Enook) ...... 1120
133 – 4(2): Recipients of Long-term Service Awards (Mike) ...... 1121
134 – 4(2): Kivalliq Summer Games (Sammurtok) ...... 1121
135 – 4(2): Congratulations to Gail Redpath for Long-term Service Award (Shooyook) ...... 1122
136 – 4(2): First Beluga Harvest in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) ...... 1122
D. Oral Questions
206 – 4(2): Financial Support for Adult Learners (Mapsalak) ...... 1123
207 – 4(2): Access to Community Health Services (Akoak) ...... 1125
208 – 4(2): Support for Parents (Enook) ...... 1126
209 – 4(2): Statutory Eligibility for Seniors Programs (Mikkungwak) ...... 1128
210 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Boards (Angnakak) ...... 1129
211 – 4(2): Social Services Transformation Plan (Hickes) ...... 1131
212 – 4(2): Arviat Water Pump Station (Savikataaq) ...... 1132
213 – 4(2): Management of the Baffin Island Caribou Population (Joanasie) ...... 1133
214 – 4(2): Expired Foods (Hickes) ...... 1135
215 – 4(2): ASIST Training (Joanasie) ...... 1136
E. Motions
010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut – Notice
(Okalik) ...... 1137
011 – 4(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Mikkungwak) ...... 1137
012 – 4(2): Extension of Review Period for Bill 1, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension
Plan Act – Notice (Savikataaq) ...... 1138
010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the Legislative Assembly of the Member for Uqqummiut (Okalik)
...... 1138
F. Bills
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013-2014 –
Second Reading ...... 1141
Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 – Second Reading ...... 1141
Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015 – Second Reading ...1141
Bill 07 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015 –
Second Reading ...... 1142
Bill 09 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, 2013-2014 – Second Reading ...1142
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2015-2016 – Economic Development and Transportation –
Consideration in Committee ...... 1143
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1114
Iqaluit, Nunavut Shouldice has been a leader in our Friday, October 24, 2014 college community. In 1988, Mike Members Present: became vice-president of what was then Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, known as Keewatin Campus, later Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. moving into the position of campus George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, director and dean for our college’s Hon. George Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Kivalliq Campus. Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, Hon. Paul Okalik, Mr. Speaker, Mike has served as Hon. Keith Peterson, Hon. Paul Quassa, president of Nunavut Arctic College Hon. George Qulaut, Mr. Allan since 2011. Under his leadership, the Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, college has seen significant Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe accomplishments in all of the college’s Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Hon. corporate goals. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk. In the last three years, the college has >>House commenced at 9:01 obtained funding to improve all aspects of the adult basic education programs, Item 1: Opening Prayer resulting in improved outcomes for adult learners. New post-secondary programs Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) have been developed to meet labour (interpretation): Mr. Shooyook, can you market demands for early childhood say the opening prayer, please. educators and training in the tourism sector. Enrolments in the Nunavut >>Prayer Trades Training Centre continue to rise with the introduction of more Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship members, ministers, and all programs, preparing a skilled workforce Nunavummiut. I wish you a wonderful to meet increasing demands in the morning. Welcome to the Legislative mineral exploration and mining sectors. Assembly. (interpretation ends) Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister Mr. Speaker, under Mike’s leadership, Mr. Quassa. the college assumed responsibility for the Piqqusilirivvik Centre. This, along Item 2: Ministers’ Statements with the planned creation of the Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Minister’s Statement 055 – 4(2): Dr. Excellence, will position the college to Michael Shouldice Retirement be the world leader in research and (Quassa) teaching of Inuit knowledge, language, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): and culture. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to all the people of Igloolik Pitsiaqsimaniqpaaq - Achieving and Nunavut. Academic Excellence is a foundational goal of the college. Mr. Speaker, during Mr. Speaker, from his early days as an Mike’s term of office as president, adult educator in 1987, Dr. Michael quality assurance procedures have been
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1115 strengthened and new credit transfer Development Corporation holding 51 agreements established. percent of the equity and its joint venture partner, Cumberland Sound Fisheries, Mr. Speaker, Mike leaves Nunavut owning the balance. The plant was Arctic College in a stronger financial constructed in 1994 and received its first position, ensuring that the college will turbot landings in the winter of 1995. As be able to continue to maintain a result of the transaction, as of October momentum and build on the 1, Cumberland Sound now holds a 51 accomplishments of the last three years. percent controlling interest in Pangnirtung Fisheries, with Niqitaq Mr. Speaker, please join me in Fisheries and NDC holding the congratulating Mike Shouldice on his remaining shares. retirement. We wish him the very best of success in his new position as a full-time The partnership between Cumberland grandfather. We are very pleased with Sound and NDC has been a strong the work that he has done at Arctic one. The exploratory work by College and I would like the members to Cumberland Sound Fisheries in the early join me in congratulating and thanking years of the fishery put in place the him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. foundation for the $70 million industry we know today. >>Applause The change in ownership will not impact Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. income-earning opportunities at Ministers’ Statements. Minister Mr. Pangnirtung Fisheries, which employs Kuksuk. 30 seasonal plant workers and generates $2 million in employment and income Minister’s Statement 056 – 4(2): opportunities for local residents and Change in Ownership – businesses. Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited (Kuksuk) I would like to congratulate all those Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): individuals in Pangnirtung who have Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I worked hard on this local economic say “good morning” to my fellow development project over the years, as Nunavummiut and Arviarmiut. well as the management and board of the Nunavut Development Corporation (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, at the whose hard work have helped prepare end of September, Cumberland Sound Pangnirtung Fisheries to take this Fisheries, Niqitaq Fisheries, and the important step forward. Thank you, Mr. Nunavut Development Corporation Speaker. concluded a transaction making Cumberland Sound Fisheries the >>Applause majority owner of Pangnirtung Fisheries. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Pangnirtung Fisheries was incorporated (interpretation ends) Ministers’ in September 1992 as an NDC Statements. The Hon. Minister Mr. subsidiary, with the Nunavut Quassa.
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1116
Minister’s Statement 057 – 4(2): balanced literacy, is a systematic Balanced Literacy: Literacy approach to determining students’ Initiative for Nunavut Schools reading levels and allows teachers to (Quassa) target their instruction to the specific Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): needs of each student. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to present Our goal is to build a strong foundation information on the ongoing literacy for all students by providing resources initiative for Nunavut schools. This and support to teachers that will enable literacy initiative reflects Sivumut them to deliver high-quality learning Abluqta priorities for increasing high experiences for students and encourage school graduation rates, increasing their future success. (interpretation) access and participation rates in post- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. secondary education, and building a skilled workforce that will contribute >>Applause and benefit from a vibrant and healthy society. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Mr. Speaker, our goal is to ensure that Statements. The Hon. Premier Taptuna. all Nunavut students have the opportunity to read, write, and speak at Minister’s Statement 058 – 4(2): high levels of proficiency in all official Congratulations to 30 Years of languages. My department is working Service to the Government of towards ensuring our high school Nunavut (Taptuna) graduates leave school with literacy skills that will enable them to pursue Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): career and post-secondary aspirations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Balanced literacy is a comprehensive Kuglukturmiut. approach to literacy development that includes strategies to support reading, Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure to writing, and word study. Guided reading attend the long-term service awards and and guided writing are key components thank the employees who have provided of the Balanced Literacy Strategy. The us with more than 30 years of service. goal is for students to gain mastery of Many of those individuals are in the each level of text difficultly and progress House today and I want to extend my towards a common standard of literacy gratitude and appreciation to these proficiency at each grade level. dedicated employees for their years of public service to the citizens of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, we are working hard to ensure that literacy assessment of (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, students is consistent across the territory, awards recipients come from a broad is transparent and well understood by spectrum of our workforce throughout parents and students, and helps to inform the territory. This long-term service of teachers’ daily practice. Benchmark our employees is an example of strong assessment, an important part of leadership within our own workforce.
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1117
Mr. Speaker, as our government matures and constituents in the riding of and continues to expand our training and Cambridge Bay. mentorship programs, I am confident that we are going to continue seeing Mr. Speaker, last night, I joined the positive results and a growing workforce Premier and colleagues from this House that is committed to growing with us. to recognize a number of government employees for their long-term service to Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize those our government. Last night’s reception employees with more than 30 years of was for employees who have completed service and they are: more than 20 years of service. Mr. Speaker, these long-term employees Lena Metuq (Education) were here to see the creation of Nunavut Millie Kuliktana (Education) and they continue to contribute to the Gail Redpath (Health) growth of our territory. Dimaris Saimaut (Health) Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to me in honouring these individual recognize the following employees with employees who have provided more than more than 35 years of service and they 20 years of service to our government are: and they are:
Tirak Parr (Nunavut Arctic College) Louise Flaherty (Nunavut Arctic Mary Ellen Thomas (Nunavut Arctic College) College) JP Deroy (Justice) Lorne Levy (Community and Mary Munick (Health) Government Services) Martha Willie (Health) Ooloota Kolola (Education) Mr. Speaker, once again, I extend a great Julia Tautuajuk (Education) appreciation to our dedicated workforce Mary Bender (Health) here in the Government of Nunavut. George Koonoo (Environment) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Daphne Covernton (Health) Joanne Dignard (Health) >>Applause Cathy Rose (Health) Lavinia Nagmalik (Health) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kanitisse Idlout (Health) Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation Mary Byrne (Health) ends) The Hon. Minister Peterson. Noah Tassugat (Health) Helen Bejamin (Health) Minister’s Statement 059 – 4(2): Rhoda Olayuk (Education) Congratulations to Long-term Jeannie Metuq (Economic Development Service Award Recipients with and Transportation) More Than 20 Years of Service to the Government of Nunavut On behalf of the government, I would (Peterson) also like to extend congratulations to the Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. following employees who have provided Speaker. Good morning, Nunavummiut
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1118
25 years of dedicated service to our respect for the Speaker and his office. government: Mr. Speaker, I also have a lot of respect for the roles of the people who work Kathleen Okpik (Education) under your office. Sheila Kolola (Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs) Mr. Speaker, as has been shown very Irene Tagoona (Environment) recently in our nation’s capital, the Suzanne Wilkes (Finance) Sergeant-at-Arms position is not just a Edwin Zebedee (Community and symbolic position within the Government Services) Westminster style of government. Richard Armstrong (Nunavut Arctic College) I would like to take this time to Glen Higgins (Community and recognize Mr. Vickers, but also our own Government Services) Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Simanek Naullaq Arnaquq (Culture and Heritage) Kilabuk, who sits and oversees our Jacques Fortier (Justice) proceedings every day. Joanna Quassa (Culture and Heritage) Claudette Girouard Qamanirq (Health) Mr. Speaker, a number of people are Rosie Kudlualik (Health) responsible for security in legislatures Meeka Alivaktak (Education) and our Parliament across the country; Jeeteetah Kalluk (Education) commissionaires and the RCMP. Joapie Killiktee (Health) Apea Sowdluapik (Health) Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to Joelie Tongak (Education) also recognize one of our own, Mr. Kipanik Eegeesiak from Iqaluit, who has Thank you, Mr. Speaker. been stationed by the RCMP to guard our nation’s capital on the Parliament >>Applause grounds in Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, he was on site for the tragic events that occurred Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. recently. I am happy to report that Kip is (interpretation ends) Ministers’ safe. I would like to take this time to Statements. Item 3. (interpretation) specifically recognize him for not just Members’ Statements. Member for his service to Nunavut but to our nation. Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 3: Members’ Statements >>Applause
Member’s Statement 129 – 4(2): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tribute to Parliamentary Members’ Statements. Member for Employees (Hickes) Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Member’s Statement 130 – 4(2): As most people are aware of some Merits of Hospital Boards familial connections and the long-term (Angnakak) experience of members of my family Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. sitting in your Chair, I have the utmost Speaker. Good morning to you all.
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1119
Before I start my Member’s Statement, I Nunavummiut could benefit from the just want to say “congratulations” to all government having this type of partner the long-term employee recipients. in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality Thank you. health service.
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to talk about At the appropriate time, I will be asking health and it’s unfortunate the minister is questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. not quite here, but I’m going to go ahead Speaker. anyhow. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again Members’ Statements. Member for encourage the government to establish a (interpretation ends) South Baffin, Mr. board of management at the Qikiqtani Joanasie. General Hospital. Member’s Statement 131 – 4(2): Mr. Speaker, in May, I asked the Tribute to Noah Kolola Michael Minister of Health if any consideration (Joanasie) had been given to establishing a hospital Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank board. The minister indicated that she you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome to everyone would get her staff to look into it. Mr. here in the Gallery. Mr. Speaker, I rise Speaker, I am confident that the today to praise and recognize Noah minister’s staff will have identified a Kolola Michael of Kimmirut, who saved number of merits to having a standalone Johnny Lee Judea from drowning in the board of management for the hospital. frigid waters outside the community.
Mr. Speaker, having reviewed capital Mr. Speaker, a group of men, including substantiation sheets, we are all aware Johnny Lee and Noah, were out boating that the cost of new medical equipment ten years ago. The rest of their hunting can be very high. A standalone hospital party landed ashore to take a hike while board would be able to fundraise and Johnny Lee and Noah stayed on board. purchase specific items of equipment for the hospital as they are needed. Mr. Speaker, while they were anchored close off shore, Johnny Lee accidentally Mr. Speaker, the wheels of the slipped and fell into the open water. government often turn very slowly. Noah tried using a Niksik (a hook) to get Having a hospital board would reduce him back. He could hardly swim. the level of bureaucracy involved in However, Mr. Speaker, Noah getting things done. A hospital board accidentally dropped the hook that he would be able to address hospital needs was trying to give to Johnny Lee. Johnny in an efficient and timely manner. Lee managed to give it back to him, even though he was in the water. He was Mr. Speaker, a successful board is made able to pull him back onto the canoe out up of individuals from different walks of of the water. life who bring their expertise, knowledge, and business savvy to the Mr. Speaker, Johnny Lee tried at one operation of a critical service. All point to swim to shore, but then he
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1120 realized that he wouldn’t make it, so he Mr. Speaker, what I want to convey turned back towards the canoe by trying today and share with my colleagues is to swim. He was struggling trying to stay our immense pleasure as Tununirmiut afloat, but Noah was able to grab him and residents of Pond Inlet for the recent and pull him back into the canoe. installation of marine VHF radio repeater system technology. Mr. Mr. Speaker, please join me in Speaker, this technology allows hunters honouring Noah, who saved Johnny Lee to communicate with handheld radio in his time of need and further, I am devices among one another, with especially grateful to him for his community organizations and selflessness in saving another person’s emergency service organizations. life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to the >>Applause Department of Community and Government Services for investing in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. this initiative as the core funder. If it Members’ Statements. Member for weren’t for them, this initiative wouldn’t Tununiq, Mr. Enook. have been able to proceed.
Member’s Statement 132 – 4(2): I also thank the following parties for Successful Partnership for their contributions. They are: Brian Tununiq (Enook) Koonoo, Martin Visser, and Robert Howards; the Mittimatalik Hunters and Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Trappers Association; the Hamlet of Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the Pond Inlet; the Polar Continental Shelf people of Pond Inlet as well as to all Program; and Parks Canada. Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, the installation of this Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share good technology in June in our community news about a positive initiative has positively impacted my concerning communications in Tununiq. constituency, especially our hunters. Due Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier this week to that reason, I ask all members to join about issues concerning telephone me in applauding this successful communication in my constituency. initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. However, the initiative I share today shows that we can work together to >>Applause achieve good. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Many Nunavummiut participate in Inuit Members’ Statements. Member for traditions that have been practised for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike. centuries, including hunting. However, in light of constant change in our climate and environment, hunters aren’t always able to easily communicate, especially when there are emergencies.
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1121
Member’s Statement 133 – 4(2): years for the government. I am proud of Recipients of Long-term Service these citizens and I would like you all to Awards (Mike) be proud of them as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good >>Applause morning” to the residents of Pangnirtung and Nunavut. I appreciate this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. opportunity to make my statement. Members’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Member for Rankin Inlet North- I rise today to speak to events that were Chesterfield Inlet, Tom Sammurtok. held here in Iqaluit last night, where awards were presented to employees of Member’s Statement 134 – 4(2): the Nunavut government who have Kivalliq Summer Games served for many years. (Sammurtok) Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): There were several residents of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning Pangnirtung who were recognized for to my fellow residents of Chesterfield their long service in the employ of the Inlet and Nunavummiut. government last night. On behalf of the residents of Pangnirtung and the I rise today to recognize people from my community, I wish to acknowledge these home community of Chesterfield Inlet long-time workers. They have also and congratulate them on winning the provided a great deal of assistance 2014 Kivalliq Summer Games this past through their work and served the people September. generously. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Also, the people who were at last night’s Kivalliq Summer Games is an event were awarded with letters of opportunity for representatives from the appreciation and I want to express my seven Kivalliq communities to get pride in their accomplishments. I also together and participate in cultural know some of the recipients of these events ranging from traditional games to awards quite well. Some of them are bannock and tea making. It is also a present in the House right now. Some of great way to preserve our culture. them lived in Pangnirtung before and are from there. (interpretation) Chesterfield Inlet finished the competition with a total of Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 90 points and took home the gold. Mr. Julia Tautuajuk, who completed 20 Speaker, I would like to thank and years; Mary Bender, who completed 20 express my pride in the following years; and Jeannie Metuq, who also has participants: been working for 20 years for the government. For 25 years, Meeka Elders – Eli Kimmaliardjuk and Leonie Alivaktak has been serving the Nunavut Mimialik government, as has Apea Sowdluapik. Senior men – Trevor Autut, James Lena Metuq has been working for 30 Tautu, and Nathaniel Mimialik
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1122
Senior ladies – Elizabeth Kukkiak and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Doriana Sammurtok Members’ Statements. Member for Junior boys – Inuumiq Kuglugiak and Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak. Jeffrey Kukkiak Junior girls – Courtney Samok Member’s Statement 136 – 4(2): First Coaches – Blair Tautu Boteau and Larry Beluga Harvest in Baker Lake Tautu (Mikkungwak) Official – Gloria Thompson Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, say “good morning” to all Nunavummiut although I wasn’t there, there was a and residents of Baker Lake. Good potluck held by the community on morning indeed to my colleagues. September 27 to congratulate this team. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I am sincerely happy to make this statement. >>Applause Everyone in Nunavut knows that Baker Lake is the only community not situated Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. along the sea coast but on a lake. Members’ Statements. Member for However, this summer, you may have Quttiktuq, Mr. Shooyook. read that in Baker Lake, there was a sight which has never been seen. I am Member’s Statement 135 – 4(2): pleased to be able to talk about what Congratulations to Gail Redpath took place. for Long-term Service Award (Shooyook) This past summer, we saw something Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank which is uncharacteristic for our you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, people of community. Many people were Nunavut. Welcome, visitors. extremely happy. Many people of Nunavut who saw what took place were I would like to show my appreciation in also happy on August 7 this past my community for a nurse at the health summer. Although there were still centre, Gail. She has provided mosquitoes and the black flies were tremendous assistance and who has been beginning to swarm, we did not mind helping people in great and urgent any of these pests. distress. She is a tireless health worker and I really appreciate it. I am pleased to say that Peter Owingayak was able to harpoon a beluga Mr. Speaker, I would like you to join me whale in Baker Lake. Peter Tapatai was in recognition of Gail, who works at the the pilot and boat mate, along with his health centre in Arctic Bay. Thank you, father David Owingayak. The whale was Mr. Speaker. harpooned on August 7. Even though we are a landlocked community with a lake >>Applause and a river, we were able to catch a beluga whale that normally swims in Hudson Bay. After two or three days, we got a second whale. Paul Kaluk Niego,
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1123 my son-in-law, caught the second beluga Visitors in the Gallery. Ms. Pat whale. Angnakak.
I thank God for the opportunities that Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank these hunters were able to get what they you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to don’t normally get and feed a whole lot recognize my constituents, Mary Ellen of people in Baker Lake. Thank you very Thomas, whom I have known for a very much, Mr. Speaker. long time, and Cindy, who was here, but not here now. I recognize her anyways. >>Applause Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Applause Members’ Statements. I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item the Gallery. Recognition of Visitors in 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. the Gallery. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Joanasie. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the would like to take this time to recognize Gallery a couple of constituents that I have in the Gallery today who recently talked me Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank into, through their volunteer work with you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to the Rotary Club, of participating in a recognize my family members. I would dunking challenge and hopefully I first like to recognize my nephew Isaiah helped contribute with some of your Nungusuituq, my daughter’s son, my fundraising activities. I would like to wife, Emily Joanasie, and our child, recognize Lorne Levy and Sheila Levy. Pittaaluk Joanasie. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. have no more names on my list. Oral Mr. Shooyook. Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Mapsalak. Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud to Item 6: Oral Questions recognize Gail and Claudette Qamanirq. I recognize these two individuals. Thank Question 206 – 4(2): Financial you, Mr. Speaker. Support for Adult Learners (Mapsalak) >>Applause Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Welcome to the Gallery. Recognition of Speaker, I would like to direct my
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1124 question to the Minister of Family communities to the FANS Division of Services. Family Services were denied.
Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues will be Instead of advising the staff at the aware, when the Department of Family community learning centres of their Services was established, part of its decisions, Family Services staff mandate included the delivery of the informed Nunavut Arctic College Financial Assistance for Nunavut headquarters staff and the decision was Students program. not communicated further until the deadline to submit a new application was As the minister will be aware, the FANS past. program no longer provides funding for some of the adult learning programs that Can the minister explain why her it used to fund. Can the minister clearly departmental staff are not doing more to describe what steps have been taken to ensure that community-based adult inform adult education staff at Nunavut learners can access the funding that they community learning centres about need to continue their education? Thank changes in funding options for adult you, Mr. Speaker. learners? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Services, Hon. Ms. Ugyuk. Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question. The FANS colleague for seeking clarification on funding application forms include how the FANS program is operated. deadlines and, if you submit past these This program has two aspects to it, with deadlines, then a student will have one part specific to diploma or certificate difficulty accessing the program. That is programs and the other is the what I can respond with to my colleague, (interpretation ends) Adult Learning and that previous approvals may lapse. There Training Supports (ALTS) for career is legislation that governs this program development (interpretation) that is also and sometimes students are not approved operated under this program. I want my if they don’t fulfill all the criteria. That’s colleague to understand how it is what I know about this program. Thank operated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. Your final supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. Mr. Mapsalak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has come to my attention that Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank a number of applications for the adult you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the minister education funding submitted from our could indicate, for applications that head to the department past the deadline, what
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1125 is the usual way of communicating Mr. Speaker, I have received a number whether or not their applications have of concerns from my constituents been approved or whether they have run regarding the long waiting times to get out of time in terms of the application an appointment at the Gjoa Haven process. What kind of communication do Community Health Centre. It has also they provide to the communities? Thank been brought to my attention that you, Mr. Speaker. residents who used to be contacted to get regular checkups are no longer seeing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the nurses on a regular basis. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family Services, Hon. Ms. Ugyuk. Can the minister indicate whether or not she is aware of the long wait times for Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Gjoa Haven residents to get Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my appointments at the health centre and, if colleague for requesting clarification on she is aware, can she explain why this is the deadlines. There is a website happening? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. containing the information and it includes the criteria. It shows the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. deadline and there is also an extension (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of period of a month if the application is Health, Ms. Ell. late. These timelines are in line with the offering of educational programs and Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. these are also posted on the website. It is Speaker. I thank the member for that quite clear. question. I don’t have the specifics of individual wait times for all health All applicants have other funds to access centres in Nunavut and I could discuss as well, such as from the (interpretation that with the member and get back to ends) career development him. Thank you. (interpretation) programs, and the funding comes from another department. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. That’s all I can speak to at this time. Your first supplementary, Mr. Akoak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Gjoa Oral Questions. Member for Gjoa Haven understand that when there is an Haven, Mr. Akoak. emergency, health centre staff need to deal with urgent cases as a priority. Question 207 – 4(2): Access to However, there should still be time built Community Health Services in to the community health centre (Akoak) schedule to ensure that non-emergency Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. clients are able to receive health services Good morning, Inuit and on a timely basis. Uqhuqtuurmiut. Can the minister provide an update on Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my whether the community of Gjoa Haven question to the Minister of Health. is experiencing a shortage of nursing
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1126 staff or whether there is a higher volume (interpretation ends) I’ll speak English, of people seeking health services? Thank Mr. Speaker, so that interpretation can you, Mr. Speaker. be proper.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Trying to retain qualified nurses to (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, ensure that health centres are fully Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. staffed and providing the highest level of services throughout Nunavut is usually a Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank challenge. We compete with other you, Mr. Speaker. The health Canadian jurisdictions. Not only that, we professionals in Nunavut are lacking also compete with other countries. When staffing. I can’t find the information on we are not able to fill them and when whether there’s a lack of health they do become vacant for one reason or professionals in [Gjoa Haven]. I will another or people go on holidays, we try look into the short staffing of the health to staff it immediately with a casual department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. nurse and, if that is not available, we usually try to staff it with an agency Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. nurse. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Akoak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Thank you for the answer. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Enook. I appreciate that there may be a number of factors affecting the ability of health Question 208 – 4(2): Support for centre staff to provide health services on Parents (Enook) a timely basis. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Will the minister commit to looking into Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my the situation and getting back to me so question to the Minister of Family that I can communicate to the residents Services. of Gjoa Haven what her department intends to do about it? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned that Speaker. when children are apprehended by social services staff, there appears to be very Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. little support for the parents of those (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, children to get back on their feet and to Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. get their children back. I fully support the notion that home situations must be Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank safe and secure for children. However, you, Mr. Speaker. As I have stated, I will parents need counselling and support to bring information to the member be able to fix whatever problems they regarding staffing in the community of have in order that their children can Gjoa Haven. Staffing in Nunavut is very come home and be with them in a safe difficult. and secure environment.
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My first question to the minister is: can Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the minister indicate whether or not counselling is provided to parents who Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have had their children apprehended by (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister social services and, if so, how often do of Family Services, Hon. Minister Ms. they get counselled before getting their Ugyuk. children back? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. This issue is very complex, as (interpretation ends) Minister of Family it’s case by case. A lot of the parents Services, Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk. who have children apprehended have to face the issues why the child was Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): apprehended in the first place. A lot of Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the times, it’s complex. They don’t admit Member for Tununiq for that question. that they have a problem and there’s the The situation is usually different in each issue right there in the Act that says they case where apprehension is required. do. It varies from each case. Thank you, The children are apprehended if the law Mr. Speaker. has been broken. Apprehensions are usually a result of a person breaking the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. law. Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook.
With respect to the type of counselling Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, the member asked about, it depends on Mr. Speaker. I still haven’t received an the situation. I do know that once the appropriate response, but it is impossible reasons have been identified, the parents to remain on the same subject. Perhaps, don’t always agree with the Mr. Speaker, if I rephrase my question, I apprehension. In some cases, the parents can get an answer. don’t agree with the reasons for the apprehension. That’s what I can respond When parents whose children have been with at this time. Thank you, Mr. apprehended by your department or Speaker. officials from the Department of Family Services, and if all things fall into place Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and the children are allowed to return to Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook. their parents’ house, where the parents are able to be retake stewardship of their Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, children in their home, in those cases Mr. Speaker. My question wasn’t really where children are returned, what answered, in my opinion. I will try to ask arrangements are made to deal with the again about the matter. case file of these children being returned to their parents? Is there any set protocol When parents are faced with a potential to follow in these cases? Thank you, Mr. apprehension, what kind of assistance is Speaker. provided to the parents? Is there counselling of the parents to ensure that Speaker: Minister of Family Services, children can be returned to a safe home? Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk.
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Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): definition of what age constitutes being Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought I had an elder or a senior citizen? Thank you, answered the member’s question Mr. Speaker. appropriately. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The reasons vary, depending on each (interpretation ends) Minister of Justice, case where apprehension of children is Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik. contemplated. The children who are apprehended are kept at foster homes for Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): a certain period, in some cases, for over Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not a year. The social workers are open to responsible for those programs, so I counselling the parents and prior to cannot respond to the question and I returning the children, they have to apologize for that. Thank you, Mr. ensure the parents meet the criteria. Speaker.
However, what I want the member to Speaker (interpretation): Mr. understand clearly is that not all parents Mikkungwak, can you clarify who you agree with the reasons for apprehending are directing your question to, please. their children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Speaker. My questions are for the Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister of Justice.
Question 209 – 4(2): Statutory As the minister is aware, both the Eligibility for Seniors Programs territorial and federal governments offer (Mikkungwak) a range of programs and services for Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. elders and seniors. However, the Speaker. My questions are for the question of who qualifies as a senior can Minister of Justice. vary depending on the program. For example, people aged 60 and over can As the minister is aware, both the apply for the territorial Senior Fuel territorial and federal governments offer Subsidy Program, but you have to be 65 a range of programs and services for or older to apply for the Senior Citizens elders and seniors. However, the and Disabled Persons Property Tax question of who qualifies as a senior can Relief Program. vary depending on the program. For example, people aged 60 and over can Can the minister tell the House if the apply for the territorial Senior Fuel Government of Nunavut has an official Subsidy Program, but you have to be 65 definition of what age constitutes being or older to apply for the Senior Citizens an elder or a senior citizen? Thank you, and Disabled Persons Property Tax Mr. Speaker. Relief Program. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister tell the House if the (interpretation ends) The member is Government of Nunavut has an official asking for a definition. I would assume
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1129 that such a definition would be in Security program from 65 to 67. What is legislation. Mr. Okalik, Premier. Mr. the Government of Nunavut’s position Okalik. on this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to (interpretation ends) Minister of Justice, the question to the Department of Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik. Justice, it is something we have no authority and so we cannot answer that Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): question. Each department establishes Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The their own definitions, so the question has Department of Justice has little to do to be directed to them individually. with this issue as it affects seniors. We Thank you, Mr. Speaker. look at legislative aspects in Nunavut and how we can better enforce Speaker (interpretation): Your first legislation for Nunavummiut. Thank supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak. you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. Is the government willing to Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- look at the issue of harmonizing the age Niaqunnguu, Ms. Angnakak. requirements for its various programs and services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question 210 – 4(2): Merits of Hospital Boards (Angnakak) Speaker: Minister of Justice, Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): question to the Minister of Health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The programs and services are not defined in detail in Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the legislation, although some are mentioned minister will recall my question of May in legislation and so that is an excellent 23, 2014 about establishing a board of question. My ministerial colleagues are management at the Qikiqtani General listening and I have no doubt they will Hospital. At the time, the minister examine the issue further. Thank you, indicated that she would ask her staff to Mr. Speaker. look into it.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister provide an update on Your final supplementary, Mr. what consideration has now been given Mikkungwak. to establishing a Qikiqtani General Hospital Board? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. As the minister is aware, there have been ongoing debates at the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. national level concerning the federal (interpretation ends) Minister of Health. government’s move towards increasing Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. the age of eligibility for the Old Age
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Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. examining other options for community Speaker. I thank the member for that engagement that I mentioned in the question. I do recall the conversation in delivery of health care services. Thank the last session on this topic. The current you, Mr. Speaker. government mandate does not list a re- examination of health boards as a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. priority, but saying that, we can look at Your final supplementary, Ms. ways on how we can engage with Angnakak. communities and to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My response back to that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. would be: just because something has Your first supplementary, Ms. been done in the past, it doesn’t mean it Angnakak. was the right move, as we have to go forward towards the future and look at Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. what is the best possible way of running Speaker. Thank you to the minister for the hospital. We have encountered a lot her response. In my Member’s of problems with it and I think that Statement, I provided a few examples establishing a health board, I know, is about the merits of establishing a going to be a big step and would require hospital board. Would the minister agree the full support of government. that the ability to fundraise, the reduction of bureaucratic backlog, and Will the minister commit to addressing having the guidance of a group of the need for the board of management qualified and experienced individuals are for the Qikiqtani General Hospital with all good reasons to establish a board of her cabinet colleagues? Thank you, Mr. management for the Qikiqtani General Speaker. Hospital? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. With our staff and Speaker. She is asking for an opinion officials, we do review and see how we and I can’t really provide an opinion. can provide the best service and how we can agree with the communities for As part of the health boards and their engagement. We will always be working history with the creation of Nunavut, the on that. We can look into what you’re three regional health and social services saying, but I can’t say ahead of time boards were dissolved. Since then, the what results we will see. Thank you. services that they provided have been administered through the government’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Department of Health and Social Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Services, now the Department of Health, Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. and the program review may include
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Question 211 – 4(2): Social Services Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Transformation Plan (Hickes) Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I I’ve had a couple questions this week for did not hear an answer to my question in the Minister responsible for Family there. What I was specifically asking for Services with some of her written is what aspects of the Social Services responses to some of the concerns Transformation Plan had not been brought forward by the Standing implemented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts. I have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. another one for the minister today. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family Services, Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk. Mr. Speaker, with one of the responses regarding the Social Services Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Transformation Plan, it clearly stated in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize for there that the plan was not implemented the misunderstanding, as my dialect in in its entirety, although some key aspects Inuktitut can’t be understood properly. of the plan were implemented. What aspects of the Social Services However, the member wanted to Transformation Plan were not understand which aspects of the plan implemented? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. haven’t been implemented. In our communications with the communities Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. about social service issues, we follow (interpretation ends) Minister of Family the protocol designed to include them, Services, Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk. (interpretation ends) community engagement. (interpretation) That’s the Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): only area I know of that requires further Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Auditor implementation. Thank you, Mr. General of Canada provided a list of Speaker. recommendations in the areas they wanted improved and we have agreed Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. with the recommendations. It is quite a Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. slow process, but we are moving forward with the recommendations with Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. a focus on our prioritized items. We are One of the aspects in the plan that is trying to implement all of the stating that were implemented was a recommendations. specific campaign in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources to The community has to identify centrally recruit staff/workplace review counselling and the social workers are of all three regions. Can the minister trying to improve the system. That’s update this House on the status of those what I understand how the process is set objectives? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. up. We communicate with the communities about social service issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Family (interpretation ends) Minister of Services, Hon. Minister Ms. Ugyuk. Community and Government Services, Hon. Minister Mr. Sammurtok. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): member for that question. Last week, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From the time administration provided a list of offices this issue was introduced, our with the number of employees. I can department has been continually meet with the member to apprise him working on it and we are currently personally on this information so he can reviewing it to see if we can make understand where the offices are situated improvements to it. Thank you. and the number of workers in these offices as well as vacancies. Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) Arviat South, Mr. Speaker. The minister said that they’re Savikataaq. working it. Can the minister give us a date and what has been done to date? Question 212 – 4(2): Arviat Water Like he said, he’s working on it. Can he Pump Station (Savikataaq) give us a firm commitment on what will be done and by what date? Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. Speaker. My question this morning is to the Minister of CG&S. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of During the spring sitting, the minister Community and Government Services, committed to looking at and finding a Hon. Minister Mr. Sammurtok. solution to the problem of having only one water pump outlet in the reservoir in Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Arviat. As of today, there is still only Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are one slow-running water outlet and all the working on that issue at this time to see time, it creates the problem of people what system would best fit and we are waiting for water. At times, there are up also looking at other community to three water trucks waiting for water to reservoirs to see which system would be get filled and, in turn, houses with empty the best fit. Based on that, we will decide water tanks are waiting to get filled. which system will be provided to Arviat. Thank you. Can the minister give me an update on what has been done to fix that problem Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. of having only one slow water outlet in Your final supplementary, Mr. the reservoir in Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Speaker.
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Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Question 213 – 4(2): Management of Speaker. The minister stated that they’re the Baffin Island Caribou looking at other communities to see what Population (Joanasie) would be the best solution for Arviat’s problem. That’s my understanding of Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank what he said. you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Environment. Arviat is the biggest community that has trucked-in water service, so I think it Mr. Speaker, based on the findings from would have to have a solution on its own the department’s recent aerial survey of because all other towns are smaller than the Baffin Island caribou population, it is Arviat that have pumped service. The clear that changes to the current only bigger town is here in Iqaluit and management measures will need to be they don’t have much trucked water implemented. As the minister is aware, service, I believe. We have to come up ensuring the survival of this species is with a solution that is for Arviat because essential to preserving the traditions and all other communities are smaller. livelihoods of Inuit in the Baffin region.
I’m asking the minister: by next Mr. Speaker, on May 28, 2014, the summer, will that problem be fixed? minister indicated that his department is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. working with co-management partners, including the hunters and trappers Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. organizations, to develop a Baffin Island (interpretation ends) Minister of caribou management plan. Community and Government Services, Hon. Minister Mr. Sammurtok. Can the minister specify what actions his department is taking to collect Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. information and recommendations from Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank the local hunters and trappers associations member for his question. Indeed, my and regional wildlife organizations? previous response made reference to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. different systems, as communities have different systems in place. However, our Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. department is working on this problem. (interpretation ends) Minister of We have prepared a plan for it and Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike. further, we want to undertake that project next summer. We are working Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): for the purpose of rectifying whatever Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my problem exists by next year. Thank you. colleague for that question in relation to this issue. The Department of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Environment has a very good working Oral Questions. Member for South relationship with the HTOs and the Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. regional wildlife organizations in relation to this issue in this region. The research that has been conducted and the studies that have been conducted on the
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1134 number of caribou are still ongoing. With respect to the member’s questions, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t elaborate until the meeting has taken place to discuss these issues by the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. various wildlife organizations, Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. particularly those that deal with caribou. That meeting will discuss these issues Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank next week here in Iqaluit, where they you, Mr. Speaker. We look forward to a will discuss caribou-related issues in the more elaborate answer. However, in that Baffin region. After the meeting has vein, I would ask if the minister can been concluded, we will have a better indicate if his department has discussed understanding of the management issues the possibility of relocating caribou from and of the direction we may need to outside the area to increase the Baffin undertake in managing our caribou Island caribou population and, if so, population. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. what were the outcomes of that discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike. you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to my previous question, the minister didn’t Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): answer all of it, although he partially Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned answered it by hinting of a future that we are dealing with this situation, meeting. the issue of caribou, along with those who manage wildlife in the Baffin For my final supplementary question, I region. I know that there have been can fairly predict what the action items concerns about the caribou population. will be. However, has any consideration All materials that have been collected been given by the Department of are being reviewed at the present time. Environment on the impact of wolves? For example, past practices included I can also indicate that this spring, the culling wolves to protect the caribou, as Department of Environment dealt with wolves have an impact on caribou the elders’ advisory committee, which populations. Will there be a call to cull looked at this issue this summer too. wolves? We know that wolves have an Also, those who are dealing with the impact on caribou populations. My caribou wildlife populations, including question is whether this has been what the communities have heard, have considered or what decisions have been done, and have worked on, will be at made on this issue. Thank you, Mr. meetings which, I believe, are scheduled Speaker. for next week on November 3 and 4 here in Iqaluit. After that meeting, we will Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have a better sense of how it will be set (interpretation ends) Minister of up. Environment, Hon. Minister Mr. Mike.
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Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): gives me also a description on best- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, every before dates and actual expiration dates, management issue related to caribou will is there a facet of the Department of be discussed, including all predators that Health that actually has the depend on caribou. Wolves are part of responsibility to make sure that retail the discussion in this regard. stores that seem to be more accountable to their shareholders than their client Further, with respect to caribou and the base are serving fresh food? Thank you, possibility of transferring caribou to the Mr. Speaker. island, I thought I had provided an answer by stating that all issues related Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to caribou will be discussed at the (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, meeting. The Baffin Caribou Working Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. Group that is involved in caribou management, which is now the name of Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. this committee, will meet about these Speaker. I thank the member for that issues. They have dealt with this since question. I don’t have the information in last year and they have continued front of me, but I believe that the working on this issue up to now. environmental health officers are able to, if requested, look into areas that he had The next meeting is scheduled for next just mentioned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. week here in Iqaluit and the focus will be entirely on caribou issues. In relation Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. to the bounty on wolves, I’m sure it will Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. also be discussed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I understand correctly, the members of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the general public, if they see expired Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- food products on shelves in retail stores, Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. can contact the Department of Health and have that retail store investigated. Question 214 – 4(2): Expired Foods Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Earlier this week, I received a return to (interpretation ends) Minister of Health, oral question from the Minister of Hon. Minister Ms. Ell. Health. The topic and question I had at the time was asking if there is a Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. component of the Department of Health Speaker. They can contact the that checks on expired foods in stores in Department of Health. Also, expired Nunavut. foods are the responsibility of a federal agency. It’s called the Canada Food According to the response that I got, it Inspection Agency and they are the talks about inspection of established organization responsible for outdated food premises that cook, store, and serve food, expiry and best-before [dates]. food. What I was looking for, and it Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for the question. There are 700 Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is who are registered to Arctic College and the minister aware of representatives a number of student support assistants, from the Canadian food inspection school counsellors, custodian staff, industry ever carrying out checks in principals, and vice-principals have been Nunavut retail stores and, if so, in which trained on Uqaqatigiigluk! There have communities did those inspections been 400 who have received ASIST occur? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. training in the Baffin, 167 in the Kivalliq, and 131 in the Kitikmeot. Speaker: Minister of Health, Hon. Those are the numbers. Thank you, Mr. Minister Ms. Ell. Speaker.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. As far as I know, I believe they Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie. do regular checkups, but I can have my staff look into this and get back to the Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for the answer. As it is very important to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have our teaching staff training, outside Oral Questions. I have no more names of the teachers of the school, are there on my list. Oral Questions. Member for any other government departments aside (interpretation ends) South Baffin, Mr. from Education taking Uqaqatigiigluk!? Joanasie. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 215 – 4(2): ASIST Training Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (Joanasie) (interpretation ends) Minister Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I tried to Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa. ask some questions in relation to the ASIST program. However, I was told Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): that Arctic College is responsible for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I may not be that. Therefore, I would like to ask the able to answer his question properly. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic However, we work with the Department College whether he knows how many of Health on that and there will be staff persons are employed that have another training course held in January qualifications in this area. That is my up to May of our calendar year. I can first question. Thank you. only respond to this question about training with that information. Thank Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa. Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
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Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Item 14: Notices of Motions you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I can also provide some information about the Motion 010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the program called Uqaqatigiigluk! I will Legislative Assembly of the probably use that program myself if I Member for Uqqummiut – Notice have the opportunity. I would also want (Okalik) my colleagues to undertake this training. Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice However, I want to ask lastly about this that on Monday, October 27, 2014, I will matter. I believe an agreement exists move the following motion: between the Department of Health and your department about this program. NOW THERFORE I MOVE, seconded How much is the total amount of the by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, funds under these agreements for that Mr. Samuel Nuqingaq, Member for operating the program? Thank you, Mr. Uqqummiut, be immediately expelled Speaker. from the Legislative Assembly and that the member’s seat be declared vacant. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister At the appropriate time, I will seek responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, unanimous consent to deal with my Hon. Minister Mr. Quassa. motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions. member for that question. Perhaps I can Mr. Mikkungwak. inform my colleague in this manner, as I don’t have the exact figures available, Motion 011 – 4(2): Extended Sitting but I will commit to providing that Hours and Days – Notice information after some research and (Mikkungwak) perhaps I can even meet with him to Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. provide the actual figures. Thank you, Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, Mr. Speaker. October 27, 2014, I will move the following motion: Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. I have no more names I move, seconded by the Hon. Member on my list. We will move on. for Netsilik, that the Speaker be (interpretation ends) Item 7. authorized to set such sitting days and (interpretation) Written Questions. hours as the Speaker deems fit to assist (interpretation ends) Item 8. Returns to with the business before the House Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to during the fall 2014 sitting of the Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Legislative Assembly. Item 11. Reponses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Mr. Okalik.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Motion 010 – 4(2): Expulsion from the (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions. Legislative Assembly of the Mr. Savikataaq. Member for Uqqummiut (Okalik)
Motion 012 – 4(2): Extension of Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Review Period for Bill 1, Northern Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my Employee Benefits Services colleagues. Pension Plan Act – Notice (Savikataaq) WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut, by virtue of parliamentary Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, privilege, enjoys the sole prerogative to October 27, 2014, I will move the regulate its own proceedings and internal following motion: affairs, including the discipline of members; NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit- AND WHEREAS sections 2 and 18 of Niaqunnguu, that the period for the the Legislative Assembly and Executive standing committee to report Bill 1 back Council Act provide that the Legislative to the House be extended by a further Assembly has the power to discipline its 120 days. members;
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. AND WHEREAS these powers include the authority to suspend or expel a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. member from the Legislative Assembly; (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First AND WHEREAS the Member for Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Mr. Uqqummiut has been disciplined by the Okalik. Legislative Assembly on a number of occasions for his unacceptable conduct, Item 16: Motions including persistent absences from sittings of the House and meetings of its Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): committees and caucuses without Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek reasonable explanation; unanimous consent of my colleagues to deal with my motion today. Thank you, AND WHEREAS the Member for Mr. Speaker. Uqqummiut has had a number of opportunities to address his conduct; Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The member is AND WHEREAS the member’s conduct seeking unanimous consent to deal with has persisted; his motion today. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. AND WHEREAS the Legislative Okalik. Assembly has determined that it is necessary, for the good of the public and in the interest of the Legislative Assembly, to expel the member from the
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Legislative Assembly and to declare that Over the past year, far too much of this the member’s seat is vacant; legislature’s time has been spent on the matter of the unacceptable conduct of NOW THERFORE I MOVE, seconded the Member for Uqqummiut. by the Hon. Member for Arviat South, that Mr. Samuel Nuqingaq, Member for As members will recall, the Management Uqqummiut, be immediately expelled and Services Board of the Legislative from the Legislative Assembly and that Assembly imposed sanctions on the the member’s seat be declared vacant. Member for Uqqummiut in November of last year following his absences from Thank you, Mr. Speaker. orientation meetings and portions of the Leadership Forum. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is in At that time, Mr. Speaker, you publicly order. To the motion. Mr. Okalik. urged the member to reflect on his actions and his obligations to his Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): constituents. However, Mr. Speaker, the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of the member’s behaviour persisted, and the serious nature of the motion that is House formally voted to suspend the before the House today, it is important member in March of this year. In May of that Nunavummiut, especially the people this year, the member was again of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, have suspended by way of a formal motion. the opportunity to hear the reasons for its introduction. The terms of that motion noted that the member had entered into a counselling Mr. Speaker, one of the fundamental program at a residential treatment responsibilities that this legislature has facility, and the member himself has in common with those in other Canadian publicly acknowledged his issues with jurisdictions is the responsibility to substance abuse. impose discipline when necessary on the members of the institution. This is not a Our fall sitting convened earlier this duty that the Members of the Legislative week. As the member’s most recent Assembly take lightly and we take no suspension had ended, a motion was pleasure in today’s action. However, the passed to formally appoint him to a Legislative Assembly has determined number of standing committees. that this action is necessary. However, the member’s behaviour has persisted throughout this week, and the I will take this opportunity to outline the patience of this Legislative Assembly is reasons for why my colleagues and I now at an end. have reached this decision. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Mr. Speaker, as you are very much Uqqummiut are entitled to be aware, the one-year anniversary of the represented by a member who attends last general election will take place next the sittings of the House and the week. meetings of its committees and caucuses. The residents of Uqqummiut are entitled
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1140 to be represented by a member who is colleagues to support the motion. Thank committed to his responsibilities and you, Mr. Speaker. who does not bring the House into disrepute by his actions. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) To the motion. I Mr. Speaker, our approach to discipline have no more names on my list. in this matter has been progressive in (interpretation) I’m sorry. Mr. Enook. nature. The member’s first contravention was met with financial sanctions, and an Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, encouragement from you to act in a Mr. Speaker. I would like to request a manner befitting his office. This simply recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. did not work, and the House has had to progressively increase the severity of its Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. actions while providing several (interpretation ends) A recorded vote has opportunities for the member to address been requested. All those in favour, the personal issues that have led to his please stand and sit down when I call conduct. your name.
Mr. Speaker, the passage of today’s Mr. Okalik. motion will result in the member’s seat being declared vacant. Mr. Sammurtok.
Under territorial legislation, a by- Mr. Taptuna. election will be held within six months, and I know that your office will be in Ms. Ugyuk. close contact with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer to determine a Mr. Quassa. date for the by-election. Mr. Mike. As has happened with past vacancies in the Legislative Assembly, I have every Mr. Peterson. confidence that one of my hon. colleagues will take on the responsibility Mr. Enook. of working informally with the municipal leadership in Clyde River and Mr. Mikkungwak. Qikiqtarjuaq to bring urgent issues to the attention of the government. Mr. Akoak.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to close by again Mr. Mapsalak. noting that no Member of the Legislative Assembly takes any pleasure in today’s Mr. Savikataaq. actions, as necessary as they are. However, it is in the best interest of the Mr. Rumbolt. people of this territory that we take such actions when they are necessary, which Mr. Hickes. is why I am calling on all of my
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Ms. Angnakak. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. Mr. Shooyook. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is Mr. Joanasie. carried.
Mr. Sammurtok. Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson. Ms. Ell. Bill 05 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2013- Mr. Kuksuk. 2014 – Second Reading
All those opposed, please stand and sit Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. down when I call your name. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 5, In favour, 20. The motion has been Write-off Act, 2013-2014, be read for the unanimously carried. second time.
Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Second Reading of Bills. Minister Mr. write-off of assets in accordance with Peterson. sections 24 and 82 of the Financial Administration Act. Thank you, Mr. Item 18: Second Reading of Bills Speaker.
Bill 04 – Supplementary Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Appropriation (Operations & (interpretation ends) The motion is in Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2013- order. To the principle of the bill. All 2014 – Second Reading those in favour. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. motion is carried and Bill 5 is referred to Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. the standing committee. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. Mr. Peterson. 4, 2013-2014, be read for the second time. Bill 06 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes 2, 2014-2015 – Second Reading supplementary appropriations to defray the operations and maintenance expenses Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. of the Government of Nunavut for the Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 6, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2014-2015, be read for the Speaker: The motion is in order. To the second time. principle of the bill. All those in favour.
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Mr. Speaker, this bill makes Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister supplementary appropriations to defray Mr. Peterson. the capital expenditures of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal Bill 09 – Supplementary year ending March 31, 2015. Thank you, Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. Mr. Speaker. 5, 2013-2014 – Second Reading
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I (interpretation ends) The motion is in move, seconded by the Hon. Member for order. To the principle of the bill. All Pangnirtung, that Bill 9, Supplementary those in favour. (interpretation) Thank Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 5, you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The 2013-2014, be read for the second time. motion is carried and Bill 6 is referred to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister the capital expenditures of the Mr. Peterson. Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. Thank you, Bill 07 – Supplementary Mr. Speaker. Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 2015 – Second Reading (interpretation ends) The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. All Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. those in favour. (interpretation) Thank Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 7, motion is carried and Bill 9 is referred to Supplementary Appropriation the Committee of the Whole. (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2014-2015, be read for the second Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. time. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills Mr. Speaker, this bill makes 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 with Mr. Enook in the supplementary appropriations to defray Chair. the operations and maintenance expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the Before we proceed to the Committee of fiscal year ending March 31, 2015. the Whole, we will take a 15-minute Thank you, Mr. Speaker. break.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. All >>House recessed at 10:58 and those in favour. (interpretation) Thank Committee resumed at 11:17 you. (interpretation ends) Opposed. The motion is carried and Bill 7 is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
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Item 19: Consideration in Committee Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. of the Whole of Bills and Other Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Matters witnesses in.
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister Good morning, colleagues. Good Kuksuk, for the record, please introduce morning, Nunavummiut who are your witnesses. Minister Kuksuk. watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio. Welcome to your Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Committee of the Whole. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I say “good morning” to my fellow I would now like to call the committee Nunavummiut. Good morning. meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to With me this morning to my right is my deal with: Bills 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. What is Deputy Minister, Pauloosie Suvega, and the wish of the committee? Mr. to my left is (interpretation ends) Rumbolt. Assistant Deputy Minister Jim Stevens. (interpretation) Thank you very much. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to continue with the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, review of the capital appropriation for Minister Kuksuk. Welcome to the the Department of Economic House, Mr. Suvega and Mr. Stevens. I Development and Transportation, would like to remind you that we were followed by the Department of reviewing the 2015-16 Capital Estimates Education, if time permits. Thank you, of the Department of Economic Mr. Chairman. Development and Transportation and we left off on page K-3. We ran out of time Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, when were dealing with that page and Mr. Rumbolt. Does the committee agree we were going to resume starting with that we continue with the review of the Mr. Joanasie. At this time, Mr. Joanasie, capital appropriation for the Department I give you the floor, if you still of Economic Development and remember the questions you had. Mr. Transportation? Joanasie.
Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to our Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, audience listening on the radio and 2015-2016 – Economic watching the televised proceedings. Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee I asked on Wednesday about the GPS final approach. They were going to use Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. over $100,000 for the Kimmirut Airport, Does the committee agree to bring in but they haven’t used that yet. Can the Minister Kuksuk’s witnesses? minister or his officials explain when this will go ahead? Thank you, Mr. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. Mr. Joanasie. Minister. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): you, Mr. Chairman. It’s part of the Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. capital estimates where it says that there For the question about his community, I will be planning done in the would like Mr. Stevens to respond to Transportation Division to look at the that, please. Thank you. next 20 years. We expect that everybody will know our situation now after that. Chairman: Mr. Stevens. I would like to ask about Cape Dorset. Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There is a little mountain right by the It is proposed in the fiscal 2015-16 year airport. Has your department looked into to conduct the initial preliminary this or are there any plans to look into planning for an airport relocation in that in the future? I represent both Kimmirut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. communities and both of their airports need to have better safety equipment Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. because it is sometimes dangerous when Mr. Joanasie. it’s not clear outside and when there are hills and mountains involved. I hope that Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank was clear, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the response. After they do the study, will Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. they be talking with their fellow (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. ministers? This issue about the Kimmirut Airport has been talked about Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): for a very long time and even previous Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are MLAs representing Kimmirut have been many communities in Nunavut that are trying to get this to move forward. I being looked at right now. The would like to know if he will be working communities to which you are referring with other ministers after the study to are part of the communities that will be see what else can be done or to get the looked at and considered. I would like work done because the people of Mr. Stevens to complete my response, Kimmirut have been asking for this for a please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. very long time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Stevens.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. I can advise that the airport in Cape Minister. Dorset is certified by Transport Canada and as we move forward with GPS Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): approaches, obviously, the amount of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When this safety afforded to operators using that issue comes up in cabinet, we will deal airport will be enhanced. Thank you, Mr. with it. Thank you. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and they always want to have a Mr. Stevens. Mr. Joanasie. photograph along with the passport application. There are some companies Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank in some communities that have you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for professional photographers that do that. I answering my question. I’m asking these don’t know if the new system will be questions due to the fact that it can be able to accommodate passport photos, dangerous in the two communities that I but my Deputy Minister, Mr. Suvega, represent because they are in hilly areas can add to my response, Mr. Chairman. and we don’t want our airports to be in a Thank you. dangerous site. I would like the Minister of Economic Development and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Transportation and his department to Mr. Suvega. keep considering the two communities I represent when prioritizing the airports. Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right now, there are a lot I would like to move on to MVIS. I have of times that the pictures taken for asked questions about that in the House passport photos are not approved. We previously and the minister provided an will always push for improvement for explanation in the spring on March 10 in these things and we have tried to initiate response to my question about improvements working with the hamlets, identification cards, cameras that are communities, and also with the GLOs. used, general IDs, and other IDs like Thank you, Mr. Chairman. driver’s licences. However, my constituents have had problems with this Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, when trying to get passports. Whenever Mr. Suvega. Mr. Joanasie. they try to get passports, they keep being told that they don’t have the proper Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank photographic equipment anymore. you, Mr. Chairman. If the minister or his deputy has the ability to answer me in I would like the minister to explain the relation to the new computer systems new passport photo rules. I do know that that will be acquired by the Government this is managed by the federal of Nunavut, will the new system have government, but I would like to know if the ability to take passport photos? the new system that you’re putting up Thank you, Mr. Chairman. for the driver’s licences and IDs can also be used for passport photographs. Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Joanasie. Minister Kuksuk.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Mr. Joanasie. Minister Kuksuk. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The member has asked this question Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): originally and I thought that Mr. Suvega Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. had answered it. I personally don’t have Yes, part of what you’re saying is true. that information in terms of whether our We don’t deal with passports on our own new system would have the ability to
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1146 take passport approved photos, so I Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): would like Mr. Suvega to respond, Mr. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman. Thank you. believe you are referring to the terminal buildings and they are fully documented, Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister. such as when they were built and when Mr. Suvega. they were renovated or when they are due for renovations. Terminals in Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Nunavut are in various stages of age. Mr. Chairman. The federal government With respect to his question, we have usually has concerns about this area. identified their expected life spans and Naturally, we want that system to have the times at which they should be the ability for passport photos to be replaced, particularly those terminals taken. However, in the event that it that are especially old. However, if I won’t be, we will continue to push the understood his question, yes, they are federal government in this area. Thank fully documented for the purpose of you, Mr. Chairman. renovation and/or replacement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Suvega. We are on page K-3. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Following my list of names, Mr. Minister Kuksuk. Mr. Mapsalak. Mapsalak. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister you, Mr. Chairman. If you think my for his response. Now, in the question is not appropriate, you can stop communities that you have identified, do me. However, this is in relation to the you have the list of communities that are airports. The airport preparation in slated to receive them? Thank you, Mr. Iqaluit has taken a great chunk of the Chairman. money of the department. I think the minister knows that many waiting areas Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, in Nunavut communities are quite old Mr. Mapsalak. Minister Kuksuk. and quite dated. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): I would like to ask the minister: has Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. there been absolutely no planning done These will be listed in the 20-year with respect to the upgrading or airport terminal replacement and airport replacement of airports in the Arctic, improvement plan. However, if the especially where the community’s member is requesting a specific terminal, airport waiting areas are no longer perhaps Mr. Stevens can provide a bit appropriate? That is my first question. more detail in terms of the breakdown to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the specific community. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister. Mr. Mapsalak. Yes, this question is (interpretation) Before I allow him to permissible. (interpretation ends) Hon. respond, I would like to remind the Minister. members, as we are reminded by the
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Speaker, that if you have any cellphones, Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank please have it on silent mode because you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister. it’s distracting when there is someone This being the case, I’ll be indicating speaking and we can really hear them. If that we are in a hazardous situation you have a cellphone, please keep it on because we have a very tiny terminal. silent mode. Mr. Stevens. In fact, even when teachers, just as an Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. example, need to… . Every time teachers The 20-year capital needs that the have to leave, for example, some of minister alluded to contains basically them have to wait outside in the about four or five core items. It lists the wintertime, let’s say, in the Christmas air terminal buildings requiring season when everybody wants to go on replacement. It references when runways holidays. should be resurfaced. It also lists the capital equipment requirements for each Because of the tiny space of our airport, along with airfield lighting terminal, some people have to wait features. All those things are rolled into outside in mid-winter. When there is a the capital plan. As the lifecycle of that situation like this, when can my asset is extinguished, we hopefully put community expect to see a new airport that on the capital plan. Thank you, Mr. terminal so that their safety is assured? Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mapsalak. Mr. Mapsalak. Minister Kuksuk.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): you, Mr. Chairman. My question was Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I not answered. Have you already indicated a few moments ago about the identified which communities’ terminals replacement of various terminals in are slated to be replaced? Could I be specific communities which would be provided a specific answer? Thank you, prioritized, renovated, or replaced, and Mr. Chairman. so on. I cannot specifically tell him about the specific year yet or the specific Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. time and month or day. However, I Minister Kuksuk. indicated that it will be replaced in the future. Thank you. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, to respond to his question properly. In Minister Kuksuk. Mr. Mapsalak. terms of his community, the community of Repulse Bay is included in the Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank replacement schedule of the 20-year you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister plan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. for that response. However, is the replacement schedule close or is there Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, nothing to expect in the next fiscal year? Minister. Mr. Mapsalak.
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Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is my Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Stevens. final question. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mapsalak. Minister Kuksuk. Chairman. Can the minister indicate how his department monitors aircraft and Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): airports in Nunavut to ensure that weight Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In and wingspan of aircraft do not exceed relation to his question, it will be in the runway capacity? Thank you, Mr. capital plan relating to the larger capital Chairman. cost. It will be included in there, in the higher bracket area. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Kuksuk. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kuksuk. We are on page K-3. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Following my list of names, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Mikkungwak. Mr. Stevens to elaborate on it in detail. Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Stevens. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, Transport Canada provides Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. standards by which runway We don’t do any direct monitoring per specifications can be determined in se. What we do is publish the runway relation to their suitability for aircraft lengths and navigational or aeronautical that travel through an airport. Can the nav aids available to operators. That is minister indicate if the current airport in provided through the Canada Flight Baker Lake meets Transport Canada’s Supplement. It’s expected that operators standards in terms of length and width of using our airports reference that. There its runway? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. is also the one-off where we do provide CARS service where an operator could Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, verify the actual operational status or the Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) current limits on that runway. Thank Hon. Minister. you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Stevens to answer, if you do not mind, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the minister is aware, Chairman: Mr. Stevens. Transport Canada standards for longitudinal slopes of runways require Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that the slope computed by dividing the The answer to that is yes, it is certified difference between the maximum and by Transport Canada. Thank you, Mr. minimum elevation along the runway Chairman. centre line by runway length shall not
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1149 exceed 1.5 percent where the runway would like to make further comments on length is over 1,200 feet in length. the capital expenditures in the future. However, Transport Canada further Thank you for that information. recommends that the slope does not exceed 1 percent. (interpretation ends) Can the minister indicate what actions his department is Can the minister provide the current currently taking to address this level of computed slope of Baker Lake’s slope to meet Transport Canada’s runway? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. recommendations? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Before I allow the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, minister to respond, I would like to Mr. Mikkungwak. Once again, your remind the members that we’re dealing question is almost outside of the capital with the capital estimates. The question estimates and I can disallow it, but since you are asking is almost outside of the it is Friday, I’ll allow the minister to capital estimates or I can even say that respond. (interpretation ends) Hon. it’s outside of the capital estimates that Minister. we are discussing, but I’ll allow the question to proceed. Minister Kuksuk. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I have Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): stated to the question, we will provide Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In that information (interpretation ends) at relation to his question, (interpretation a later time (interpretation) in response ends) I’ll take that as notice within our department, as it will be (interpretation) and I will undertake to researched. Thank you. make a return to that question at a later date. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman: Hon. Minister, I don’t think you could take that as notice. You can Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. maybe advise the member that you will Chairman. Thank you for the response. get back to him on a later date. Minister Mr. Chairman, earlier this year, the Kuksuk. Legislative Assembly approved $471,000 in capital carryovers for Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): funding for airport improvements in Yes, I’m sorry. That’s exactly what I Baker Lake. Information provided by the said. We can provide a response to his department indicated that the question later. (interpretation ends) construction of these improvements were Thank you. scheduled to be completed in December of this year. Can the minister indicate if Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. these improvements are currently on Mikkungwak. schedule? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Kuksuk.
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Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Can the minister indicate if his Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To the department will be considering any question regarding the air terminal and additional projects for Baker Lake’s improvements of the terminal, the works airport in the future? Thank you, Mr. that have been conducted to replace fuel Chairman. and other works that are conducted, as well as the repainting of the exterior of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the building, we will continue to Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Kuksuk. improve the terminal building. Thank you very much. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the comments that I have made earlier to Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. the question, I will give this to Mr. Stevens, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. ends) Thank you. Chairman. Information from the department also indicates that these Chairman: Mr. Stevens. improvements are required to meet the needs of increasing volumes of traffic Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that go through Baker Lake’s airport. I Yes, there are a number of recognize that this project is eligible for improvements in the 20-year capital third party funding through the Building needs slated for Baker Lake, one of Canada Fund and stimulus funding. which includes the eventual replacement of the air terminal building. Thank you, The minister may recall a number of Mr. Chairman. years ago that the municipality was in the works to finalize a joint funding Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, agreement between a number of Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mikkungwak. companies and organizations to complete substantial upgrades to Baker Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Lake’s airport. Some improvements that Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. were considered for that project were Thank you for the response to my runway expansions, construction of a question. I would like to ask another conveyor belt in the terminal, and other question. Some of my colleagues had changes to improve the capacity and asked about MVIS. However, Baker efficiency of air transportation services Lake is one of the largest communities in the community. Unfortunately, the in Nunavut. project fell through due to a number of reasons. We have a GLO in the community who is working as well as who provides However, the community continues to photographs, but the community itself is receive high volumes of traffic due to not sure as to who to approach in regard the fact that Baker Lake holds a number to getting a photograph. Is there a capital of mining and exploration companies plan that will be providing adequate that are constantly travelling through. cameras? Has that been identified within
Friday, October 24, 2014 Nunavut Hansard 1151 your department? Thank you, Mr. be able to be in place? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Kuksuk. Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): MVIS is provided to a community as Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect well as the equipment is outdated. For to the cameras that provide passport that reason, the provision of an adequate photographs, which are required to be camera will be looked into, but to the available in the community, I’m not question, in each community… . I will really sure about that, so I would like have Mr. Suvega to answer the question. Mr. Suvega to respond to that question, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. if it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Mr. Suvega. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. They are broken down Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, into five items. There will be an RFP put Mr. Chairman. The information that is out to provide information as to what passed on by members will be required, type of cameras are needed in the which will be provided to the community and we will provide a independent companies or to the hamlet. technician, as some of the computers Thank you, Mr. Chairman. require a licence to operate it within the government departments. On top of that Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, additional item is a camera, which is in Mr. Suvega. Pursuant to Rule 6(1), I the planning stage of providing that now recognize the clock and I will now camera within the communities. Thank rise to report progress to the Speaker. you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Minister and your officials. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Mr. Suvega. Mr. Mikkungwak. witnesses out.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): When we resume our meeting, Mr. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mikkungwak will be asking questions Within the smaller communities, as they first. are isolated, they are not provided a camera in order to take photographs and Speaker: Item 20. Report of the they waited for a long time. One of my Committee of the Whole. Mr. Enook. colleagues raised the question. Before the cameras are purchased, as we do need to be provided passport photos from the federal government, would that
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Item 20: Report of the Committee of 9. Replies to Opening Address the Whole 10. Petitions
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. 11. Responses to Petitions Speaker, your committee has been 12. Reports of Standing and Special considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates, and would like to report Committees on Bills and Other progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that Matters the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank you, 13. Tabling of Documents Mr. Speaker. 14. Notices of Motions
Speaker (interpretation): Is there a 15. Notices of Motions for First seconder? Mr. Okalik. (interpretation Reading of Bills ends) The motion is in order. All those in favour. (interpretation) Thank you. 16. Motions (interpretation ends) Opposed. The motion is carried. Motion 11 – 4(2) Motion 12 – 4(2) Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. 17. First Reading of Bills 18. Second Reading of Bills Item 22: Orders of the Day 19. Consideration in Committee of Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. the Whole of Bills and Other Speaker. A reminder that there’s a meeting at 1:30 in the Tuktu Boardroom Matters of the Standing Committee on Oversight Bill 4 of Government Operations and Public Accounts. Bill 6 Bill 7 Orders of the Day for October 27: Bill 8
1. Prayer Bill 9
2. Ministers’ Statements 20. Report of the Committee of the
3. Members’ Statements Whole 4. Returns to Oral Questions 21. Third Reading of Bills
5. Recognition of Visitors in the 22. Orders of the Day Gallery Thank you. 6. Oral Questions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 7. Written Questions (interpretation ends) This House stands 8. Returns to Written Questions adjourned until Monday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m.
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(interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
>>House adjourned at 12:02