Nunavut Canada

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF

1st Session 5th Assembly

HANSARD

Official Report

DAY 10

Friday, March 16, 2018

Pages 557 – 602

Iqaluit

Speaker: The Honourable Joe Enook, M.L.A.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Speaker Hon. Joe Enook (Tununiq)

Hon. David Akeeagok Joelie Kaernerk Patterk Netser (Quttiktuq) (Amittuq) (Aivilik) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible Mila Kamingoak Emiliano Qirngnuq for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation () (Netsilik) Commission Pauloosie Keyootak Hon. Paul Quassa Tony Akoak (Uqqummiut) (Aggu) () Premier; Minister of Executive and Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Lorne Kusugak Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister ( South) responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Hon. Pat Angnakak Minister of Community and Minister responsible for the Utility Rates (-Niaqunnguu) Government Services; Minister Review Council Minister of Health; Minister responsible for responsible for the Nunavut Seniors’ Advocate; Minister responsible for Housing Corporation Allan Rumbolt Suicide Prevention (Hudson Bay) Adam Lightstone Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (Iqaluit-Manirajak) () Hon. Joe Savikataaq Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for John Main ( South) the Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Deputy Premier; Minister of Family responsible for the Status of Women; Services; Minister responsible for Minister responsible for Labour Simeon Mikkungwak Homelessness; Minister responsible for (Baker Lake) Immigration Deputy Speaker and Chair of George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) the Committee of the Whole Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. David Joanasie Margaret Nakashuk Government House Leader; Minister of (South Baffin) () Economic Development and Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister Transportation; Minister of Energy; of Education; Minister of Languages; Minister of Environment Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Cathy Towtongie (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Officers Clerk John Quirke

Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Charlie Audlakiak 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 ...... 557

Ministers’ Statements ...... 557

Members’ Statements ...... 561

Oral Questions ...... 567

Tabling of Documents ...... 584

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 586

Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 601

Third Reading of Bills ...... 601

Orders of the Day ...... 601

A. Daily References

Friday, March 16, 2018 ...... 557

B. Ministers’ Statements

040 – 5(1): Government Liaison Officer Training (Quassa) ...... 557

041 – 5(1): Approval for the Kugluktuk Power Plant (Ehaloak) ...... 558

042 – 5(1): Inuit Art Centre Guest Curatorial Team (Joanasie) ...... 559

043 – 5(1): GN Staff Condo Program (Kusugak) ...... 559

044 – 5(1): Environmental Stewardship Book Launch (Sheutiapik)...... 560

045 – 5(1): Guided Reading Books (Joanasie) ...... 561

C. Members’ Statements

085 – 5(1): Different Inuktitut Dialects (Akoak) ...... 561

086 – 5(1): Rankin Inlet Participants at the 2018 AWG (Kusugak)...... 562

087 – 5(1): Kugluktuk Participants at the 2018 AWG (Kamingoak) ...... 563

088 – 5(1): Chesterfield Inlet Participants at the 2018 AWG (Towtongie) ...... 563

089 – 5(1): Inuksuk High School Science Fair (Lightstone) ...... 564

090 – 5(1): Cambridge Bay Participants at the 2018 AWG (Ehaloak) ...... 564

091 – 5(1): Recent Criminal Incidents in Community (Nakashuk) ...... 564

092 – 5(1): Activities in Hall Beach (Kaernerk) ...... 565

093 – 5(1): Participants at the 2018 AWG from Constituency (Joanasie) ...... 566

094 – 5(1): Toronto Maple Leafs (Main) ...... 566

095 – 5(1): Lancaster Sound (Akeeagok) ...... 567

D. Oral Questions

114 – 5(1): Nunavut Mining Industry (Netser) ...... 567

115 – 5(1): Homeownership Programs (Keyootak) ...... 569

116 – 5(1): Options to Change Calm Air Schedule (Towtongie) ...... 571

117 – 5(1): Western Canada Lottery Act (Akoak) ...... 573

118 – 5(1): Assistance for Homeowners Who Own Homes (Kaernerk) ...... 574

119 – 5(1): Income Assistance Policies (Kamingoak) ...... 577

120 – 5(1): Need for Health Professionals in Nunavut (Qirngnuq)...... 578

121 – 5(1): Jobs for Income Assistance Clients (Rumbolt) ...... 580

122 – 5(1): Inuit Labour Content Requirements for Government Contracts (Main)...... 582

E. Tabling of Documents

024 – 5(1): Photograph of Classroom at Sakku School (Netser)...... 584

025 – 5(1): Excerpt from Government of Nunavut’s Proposal for the Regulation of Cannabis in

Nunavut (Towtongie) ...... 585

026 – 5(1): FPT Ministers and Deputy Ministers Responsible for Infrastructure Meeting,

September 20 to 21, 2017 (Kusugak)...... 585

027 – 5(1): NHC’s 2018-2019 Proposed Construction Report (Kusugak) ...... 585

028 – 5(1): NHC’s Allocation System Backgrounder, January 2018 (Kusugak) ...... 585

F. Committee Motions

002 – 5(1): Introduction of Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act (Hickes) ...... 594

003 – 5(1): Motion to Conclude Bill (Rumbolt)...... 595

G. Bills

Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Executive and Intergovernmental

Affairs – Consideration in Committee ...... 586

Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Legislative Assembly –

Consideration in Committee ...... 589

Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Consideration in Committee ...... 591

Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019 – Third Reading ...... 601

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 557

Iqaluit, Nunavut Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Friday, March 16, 2018 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Members Present: my colleagues, fellow residents of Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, , Nunavummiut, and the viewing Hon. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Jeannie audience. Ehaloak, Hon. Joe Enook, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update my Kaernerk, Ms. Mila Kamingoak, Mr. colleagues on our Government Liaison Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. Lorne Officer (GLO) program. I am pleased to Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. report that there are now bilingual GLOs John Main, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, in all 25 communities. Ms. Margaret Nakashuk, Mr. Patterk Netser, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Paul Quassa, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. government liaison officers serve our Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Elisapee communities in a number of important Sheutiapik, Ms. Cathy Towtongie. ways, including distributing information about Government of Nunavut programs >>House commenced at 9:02 and services, coordinating between government agencies and departments, Item 1: Opening Prayer and providing vital information to Nunavummiut. Speaker (Hon. Joe Enook) (interpretation): Mr. Qirngnuq, can you (interpretation) GLOs also provide some say the opening prayer, please. valuable services within their community. They have been provided >>Prayer the necessary training by Canada Revenue Agency/Service Canada to Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, assist Nunavummiut file their basic tax Premier and members. Good morning, returns, which in turn can ensure Nunavummiut who are listening to the Nunavummiut access the federal and radio broadcast and watching the territorial benefits they so deserve. televised proceedings. Welcome to your Legislative Assembly. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the government liaison officers’ duties are Going to the orders of the day. Item 2. modified to meet the needs of each Ministers’ Statements. Minister of community in consultation with the Executive and Intergovernmental community and government Affairs, Minister Quassa. departments.

Item 2: Ministers’ Statements The Government of Nunavut brings all GLOs together every year to receive Minister’s Statement 040 – 5(1): common training and provide a forum to Government Liaison Officer share best practices, address concerns, Training (Quassa) and gather important information.

A workshop in late February focused on

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 558 vital statistics, income support programs, replaced. The replacement power plant the Office of the Representative for will be constructed with provisions to Children and Youth, and Canada allow the connection of alternative Revenue Agency/Service Canada energy projects, enabling the move away volunteer tax return initiatives. from diesel.

(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, our GLOs In 2017 the corporation applied to the work tirelessly to provide Nunavummiut Minister responsible for the QEC for with a single point of contact in their approval of the major project permit. community for government information The application process is in place to and provide services in the Inuktitut ensure that the QEC is fiscally language. I would like to take this responsible to customers and to ensure opportunity to thank our GLOs for their that the planned Kugluktuk power plant hard work and commitment to helping meets current and future community Nunavummiut access their government. energy needs. The project is expected to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. begin in 2019 and is anticipated to be completed by 2021. >>Applause The Kugluktuk power plant will be built Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. with newer fuel-efficient generator sets Ministers’ Statements. Minister that will reduce emissions and noise responsible for the Qulliq Energy pollution. The QEC is guided Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. by Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq when replacing critical infrastructure and Minister’s Statement 041 – 5(1): respects and cares for the land, animals, Approval for the Kugluktuk and environment. Power Plant (Ehaloak) Along with the Kugluktuk project, the Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): QEC is working toward the replacement Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize as I of 12 more power plants that are will be speaking in English. currently operating beyond their lifespan. Construction is currently (interpretation ends) I would like to say underway for new power plants in Cape “good morning” to Nunavummiut and Dorset and . Since 2014 the especially my constituents in Cambridge QEC has completed power plant Bay. replacements in the communities of , , and Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I Pangnirtung. stand before you today to announce the approval of the Qulliq Energy Major projects such as the Kugluktuk Corporation’s major project permit for a power plant rebuild ensure that the QEC new power plant in Kugluktuk. While can deliver safe and reliable power to all the existing power plant has delivered communities across the territory. safe and reliable electricity to the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. community for nearly 50 years, it is now at the end of its service life and must be >>Applause

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 559

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. collection of Inuit art in the world, with Ministers’ Statements. Minister of over 13,000 pieces. Culture and Heritage, Minister Joanasie. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, we look Minister’s Statement 042 – 5(1): Inuit forward to the construction of the new Art Centre Guest Curatorial Team Inuit Art Centre and the impacts it will (Joanasie) have on the Inuit art world. Thank you, Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues and Nunavummiut. >>Applause

Mr. Speaker, on February 8, 2018 the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) has Ministers’ Statements. Minister announced an all-Inuit guest curatorial responsible for the Housing Corporation, team to curate the opening exhibition at Minister Quassa…Minister Kusugak. the future Inuit Art Centre in Winnipeg. The GN has been invited to participate Minister’s Statement 043 – 5(1): GN in this momentous occasion. Staff Condo Program (Kusugak)

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): lead curator of this all-Inuit curatorial Minister Quassa Kusugak, you said my team is Dr. Heather Igloliorte from name properly. Nunatsiavut, who is a professor at Concordia University. The other guest Good morning. Mr. Speaker, I am happy curators are Asinnajaq Weetaluktuk that it’s Friday. Let’s have a good day. from Nunavik, Jade Nasogaluak Carpenter from the Inuvialuit Settlement (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Region, and our very own GN Curator of Nunavut Housing Corporation has the Inuit Art, Krista Ulujuk Zawadski. The objective to deliver affordable housing four guest curators represent all four options to Nunavummiut. With that regions of Inuit Nunangat. priority in mind, I am pleased to announce to my colleagues that the NHC (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the is offering 60 condominium units for Winnipeg Art Gallery is pleased to direct sale to Government of Nunavut announce the guest curatorial team to employees in Iqaluit through the GN ensure the project is led by Inuit voices, Staff Condo program. perspectives, language, and culture. This program aims to support the long- (interpretation ends) Since 2015 the GN term retention of current GN employees Fine Art Collection has been housed at by providing them with an opportunity the Winnipeg Art Gallery under an for affordable homeownership in MOU between the GN and WAG. WAG Nunavut while at the same time is planning the development of a 3,700 decreasing dependence on subsidized square metre building adjacent to WAG staff housing. to house their massive Inuit art collection. It is the largest public Under this program and in support of

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 560

Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik and GN Inuit employment goals, priority (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. is given to Inuit employees applying to Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues purchase a condo unit. and Nunavummiut.

The NHC will provide significant (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my support to make this program a success department recently launched two books by doing a number of things, including on environmental stewardship with the facilitating the establishment of Department of Education, We Take Care condominium corporations. The NHC of the Environment and My First Hunt. will prepare all purchase and sale agreements to ensure compliance with Mr. Speaker, these books are part of the Nunavut Condominium Act. the Ikpigittiarlugik Nuna Imarlu (Respecting the Land and Sea) Clients of the program may also apply reading series, a unique, Nunavut- for assistance under the Nunavut developed educational series that Downpayment Assistance Program, integrates environmental stewardship, another ongoing NHC program that aims hunting practices, and knowledge of to make homeownership affordable. Nunavut’s land and sea into culturally appropriate children’s books. Mr. Mr. Speaker, the NHC recently hosted a Speaker, the books are available in public information night to introduce Inuktitut and English and are supported this program, which over 120 people by in-classroom activities and teacher attended. The program has been very resources. well received to date. Mr. Speaker, my department recognizes GN employees who reside in Iqaluit can the vital importance of early educational go to nunavuthousing.ca to download an opportunities and the children’s books application form, which includes we launched will enable students to learn program eligibility information. about environment stewardship as they mature into adulthood. (interpretation) I look forward to reporting back to this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House on the positive impacts of this program in the coming weeks or months. >>Applause Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Applause Before I proceed, my colleagues and visitors in the gallery, I would like to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. remind you to put your cellphones on Ministers’ Statements. Minister of mute or turn them off. Environment, Minister Sheutiapik. Let’s proceed. Ministers’ Statements. Minister’s Statement 044 – 5(1): Minister of Education, Minister Environmental Stewardship Book Joanasie. Launch (Sheutiapik)

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 561

Minister’s Statement 045 – 5(1): Haven, Mr. Akoak. Guided Reading Books (Joanasie) Item 3: Members’ Statements Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are very Member’s Statement 085 – 5(1): happy to collaborate with the Different Inuktitut Dialects Department of Environment on this (Akoak) important initiative. Mr. Akoak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to all Mr. Speaker, improving literacy of you, my colleagues and the people of outcomes among students in all of Gjoa Haven who are watching the Nunavut’s official languages is a priority proceedings. If my wife is watching, I for my department. The production of say “good morning” to you. these high-quality books in Inuktitut and English enhances our literacy program I rise this morning to accentuate the and will provide our students the differences in Inuktitut. Although opportunity to learn about environmental Inuktut is used for all dialects in issues that Nunavummiut face. Nunavut, in speaking my dialect, it shows different meanings, even though it Mr. Speaker, furthermore, the is listed as one recognized official Department of Education has introduced language (interpretation ends) all across a strategic, phased-in, territory-wide Nunavut. literacy initiative called Inuktut Titiqqiriniq. The Ikpigittiarlugik Nuna (interpretation) However, in speaking Imarlu reading series is a companion different dialects, the words may have series to this initiative. different meanings to other Inuit. To use this example, when question period is Mr. Speaker, with this reading series we open, I will direct questions to the want to make young people aware of the minister requesting a facility destined for protection of the environment but also to Gjoa Haven. If the minister understands improve literacy outcomes in Inuktut for this, I am referring to the facility that is Nunavut students. to be shipped up in the summer, according to the government Mr. Speaker, lastly, the Minister of announcement. I also want to state with Environment and I are happy to immense pleasure that the minister distribute those books to our colleagues agreed to that facility for Gjoa Haven. today so they can appreciate the quality of this series and so they can share those Let me use this dialectal word books with friends, family, and children tuqunnariksivutit. For other dialects to of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. hear the root word, if you don’t understand, it may confer an ominous >>Applause word. This traditional phrase, when one is thinking of living life, can be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. misunderstood by younger generations Ministers’ Statements. Moving on. and could cause distress. Members’ Statements. Member for Gjoa

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 562

To further define the phrase, it stems >>Applause from the Perry River area Inuit dialect and to illustrate: a young person was Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. asked to deliver some meat to an elder Members’ Statements. Member for and the elder who received the meat Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. used this wording “Koana. Tuqunnariksivutit.” The elder used this Member’s Statement 086 – 5(1): phrase denoting his pleasure in receiving Rankin Inlet Participants at the the meat. It actually means “may you 2018 AWG (Kusugak) live a long life,” or to have a happy life. This is the meaning as per the Perry Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): River Inuit dialect and it is used by the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to older generations. hear the traditional Inuit way of speaking. I am grateful as I have wanted to voice this difference for a long time, although Mr. Speaker, we’re always hearing about Inuktut is used for Inuktitut as one word young people going to sporting in Nunavut, which is understandable. competitions in the NWT for the Arctic However, the meaning of certain words Winter Games. There are so many can be very different. athletes and I’m very proud of all the Nunavut athletes. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to finish my statement. >>Applause

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I’m also very proud of the athletes from The member is seeking unanimous Rankin Inlet. There are 36 of them and I consent to conclude his statement today. can sing them, but I can just read them Are there any nays? There are none. Mr. too. Akoak, please proceed. >>Laughter Mr. Akoak (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, my colleagues. They don’t want me to sing, so I won’t sing them; I’ll just read them. To continue, the phrase used meant that the elder was very appreciative and Leo Kaludjak, hockey player, Israel happy to receive some meat. In his Maktar, hockey player, Xzavier happiness, he used his traditional way of Kubluitok, hockey player, and Luke thanking the young person. I thank you Kusugak, my nephew and hockey for that opportunity to speak to this player. For curling is Jason difference. Panikallagjuaq. Female hockey players are Charlotte Siksik, Caroline Gibbons, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I still Jesse Qiyuk, and Maxine Ronald. Going want the facility in Gjoa Haven. Thank for basketball is Amber Graham. For you, Mr. Speaker. gymnastics are Josie Panika, Aisha Labatete, Kylie Aksalnik, Maya >>Laughter Hidalgo, and Lisa Kresky. Junior hockey

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 563 players are Avaala Sabourin, Scott myself, I share their pride and Sigurdson, Seth Ningeongan, Karetak excitement as they gear up to this Clark Kusugak, and Bryce Kusugak. important event. Referees will be Paul Shodor and Jarred Oddenhoff. Volleyball players are Mr. Speaker, Laila Demerah, Mackenzie Kailee Karlik, Shanty Dias, Robert Demerah, Kimberly Hakungak, Clayton Kabvitok, Tanya Tugak, Mahalia Kadlun, and Daniel Niptanatiak will all Adams, and Elliott Adams. Youth be participating in the table tennis event. ambassadors are Matthew Ford Rogers, I wish them the best of luck and success, Kimberly Tanuyak, Saskia Curley, and and I know they will have a grand time. Linda Curley. Going for curling is Javen Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Go Team Komaksiutiksak. Also for hockey are Nunavut! Adiville Roach-Lindell and Rylie Adam Lachance. Going for basketball is >>Applause Shanisa Nakoolak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I am very proud of the athletes and the Members’ Statements. Member for Nunavut contingent. Thank you, Mr. Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Speaker. Ms. Towtongie.

>>Applause Member’s Statement 088 – 5(1): Chesterfield Inlet Participants at Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the 2018 AWG (Towtongie) Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Ms. Kamingoak. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today for Rankin Member’s Statement 087 – 5(1): Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet. I say Kugluktuk Participants at the “good morning” to them all. 2018 AWG (Kamingoak) Although Chesterfield Inlet is a small Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. community, it has two athletes they are Speaker. Good morning to my sending to the Arctic Winter Games to colleagues and residents of Nunavut and get golden ulus. I am very proud of Kugluktuk. them. The youth who will compete in the Inuit Games is Deon Inummiq Mr. Speaker, throughout the week a Kuglugiak, whose parents are Romeo number of my colleagues have been Kuglugiak and Kyra Tanuyak. A hockey recognizing the athletes of Team player’s parents are James and Doreen Nunavut. Mullins and he is Kyle Mullins. I am very proud of them. Even though Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this Chesterfield Inlet is a small community, opportunity to recognize the athletes we are sending athletes that represent from my community of Kugluktuk who Nunavut. will also be part of Team Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the As a former Arctic Winter Games athlete elder way of speaking. I have a

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 564 grandchild, Danika Pihujui Kigutikarjuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Kigutikarjuk’s mother couldn’t walk and We send you our condolences. once that person was named, my grandchild who is an athlete but not for Members’ Statements. Member for Nunavut has been told by an elder that Cambridge Bay, Ms. Ehaloak. you’re going to be a real sportsman and I’m real glad that the grandchild will be Member’s Statement 090 – 5(1): involved in volleyball. Cambridge Bay Participants at the 2018 AWG (Ehaloak) The minister talked about the Rankin Inlet athletes. I am very proud of them as Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): well. Thank you. I hope Nunavut wins. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today I rise to congratulate and >>Applause make special mention to the Cambridge Bay Wolverine boys and girls basketball Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. team. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. During the 2018 Nunavut territorials, these boys and girls won the gold medal. Member’s Statement 089 – 5(1): Today they will be representing Nunavut Inuksuk High School Science Fair in the Arctic Winter Games that are (Lightstone) being held in Hay River. These athletes Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. are Alysha Maksagak, Linda Howard, Speaker. I would just like to take a Danielle Omilgoitok, Deanna Taylor, moment to inform everyone that today is Leanne Ekpakohak, Edmalene Elias, the Inuksuk High School’s science fair. Kanen Evalik, Peter Norman Evalik, The community viewing will take place Joshua Main, and Lance Akoluk. I from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and I encourage would like to wish them good luck. Have all of the Members of the Assembly as fun. Remember, reach for the stars. well as members of the community to attend this afternoon of science fun. This I would also like to wish my dear little is a great opportunity for us to see what granddaughter happy third birthday the creative experiments are our young today. Koana, Mr. Speaker. mad scientists have put together this year. >>Applause

Now, on another note I would just like to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. recognize that today is my sister’s Members’ Statements. Member for birthday. Sula Enuaraq was my sister Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. and she never had the opportunity to have this day mentioned in the Member’s Statement 091 – 5(1): Assembly. I would just like to take a Recent Criminal Incidents in moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community (Nakashuk)

>>Applause Ms. Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 565 colleagues and the people of Member’s Statement 092 – 5(1): Pangnirtung. Activities in Hall Beach (Kaernerk) Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank express my support for the people of you, Mr. Speaker. That was unexpected. Pangnirtung. Good morning to my colleagues and to my fellow residents of Amittuq. There have been a number of serious criminal incidents over the past week in I rise this morning, but firstly to my the community. These have included an colleague Adam, I feel for you and incident of arson, which damaged one of people in that situation cause us to feel our community’s school buses; the theft for them. of thousands of dollars from our community’s fish plant, which I spoke Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute about; and an attempt to smuggle drugs to the Hall Beach HTO that conducts a and alcohol into the community. These lot of activities for community incidents happened over the past week. development purposes. Youth along with elders will be going on a hunting trip I want to pay tribute to our community’s that continues our traditional lifestyle of first responders who acted quickly to hunting for subsistence. contain the fire near Alookie School before it could do more damage. There’s another matter outside of this subject matter I am speaking, and I I also want to pay tribute to the officers wonder if this is correct. However, I of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police would like Hall Beach recognized, as it who stopped illegal drugs and alcohol is a smaller community that works to from entering the community. develop opportunities amongst its residents. We are hospitable, although Despite these incidents, I know that the we sometimes experience stressful people of Pangnirtung are strong and situations like other communities. I resilient, and I want them to know that I wanted to speak to this, as I will start to am standing with them today. advocate for the community of Hall Beach. Mr. Speaker, with the theft of money from the fish plant and the incidents that As I learn the protocol required in this occurred in our community, we have to House for members, I want to thank my take preventative measures. I pay tribute colleagues for continually teaching me to the people of Pangnirtung and I’m and I am slowly learning the ropes. I standing with them today. Thank you, won’t give up in my efforts and I will Mr. Speaker. advocate nonetheless.

>>Applause An Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): What I Members’ Statements. Member for want to voice today is that in the 1980s, Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. our community used to have jet services

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 566 and I will fight to reinstate that service. I proud that we do have participants. I was will start to direct more questions to the an athlete once at the Arctic Winter Minister of Transportation as Hall Beach Games. can benefit from other initiatives. To use this example related to healthy foods, I root for Team Nunavut. This is an perhaps this can be the base for looking opportunity to make friends from other at Hall Beach as a base for healthy foods territories and countries. You become a distribution, which could provide team and there are only two athletes opportunities for the community. representing my communities, but they’re able to participate. From Cape Moving on to another subject, I sure like Dorset, Lilly Parr is representing the jumping amongst subjects. With regard youth of Nunavut, and from , to our athletes representing Nunavut at Leo Temela is on the volleyball team. the Arctic Winter Games, do the best (interpretation ends) Let’s go, Nunavut! you can. Since you are young people, you will have the stamina to compete. I >>Applause give you my full support and I stand on your behalf and say, (interpretation ends) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. “Go Nunavut!” (interpretation) Thank Members’ Statements. Member for you, Mr. Speaker. Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

>>Applause Member’s Statement 094 – 5(1): Toronto Maple Leafs (Main) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I would like to remind the members that Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, during Members’ Statements, you stick Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my to one subject, but I know that when you colleagues and the viewing audience. are a new member, there are a lot of things you want to say and so I forgive I want to take this opportunity to provide you. I would like to remind you that you recognition to our extremely talented have to stick to one subject during athletes representing us, and we ought to Members’ Statements. It’s just a recognize them. I would like to first reminder and it’s not a reprimand. acknowledge the young athletes at the (interpretation ends) Arctic Winter Members’ Statements. Member for Games (interpretation) originating from South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Whale Cove and Arviat. How talented they are. Do the best that you can. Member’s Statement 093 – 5(1): Participants at the 2018 AWG As well, another team that I like to cheer from Constituency (Joanasie) for and which I cannot ignore, and that are one of the best teams in the NHL is Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today on behalf of the people of Cape Dorset and Some Hon. Members: No, not even! Kimmirut. I do commend the Arctic Winter Games athletes and I am very Mr. Main (interpretation): Indeed, the

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 567 reason which should be obvious to all the land claims agreement, will have to fans is that in this season, these hockey negotiate for Inuit impact and benefit players are amongst the best players and agreements. In January of this year the I would like to single out these players. Qikiqtani Inuit Association consulted (interpretation ends) Mitchell Marner, 59 five communities and I was able to points; William Nylander, 51 points; participate in Grise Fiord. Auston Matthews, 50 points; Nazeem Kadri; and James van Riemsdyk I heard about the concerns from the (interpretation) are in the top categories people in my riding and again, I look for points, Mr. Speaker. That is why I forward to see the federal and territorial wanted to say (interpretation ends) go governments and the Inuit organization Leafs go! (interpretation) Thank you, reach an agreement about employment, Mr. Speaker. tourism, and other benefits that might arise from this agreement. Thank you, >>Applause Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Main, >>Applause please be seated. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Laughter Members’ Statements. I have no more names on my list. Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Akeeagok. Before we proceed, on behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly Member’s Statement 095 – 5(1): and all of Nunavut, we are very proud of Lancaster Sound (Akeeagok) the young athletes who will be going to the Games. We wish you the best of luck Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): and enjoy your trip and return home Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In August of safely. We are very proud of you. Go this year the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Nunavut go! the federal government, and our government have been anxiously waiting >>Applause for an agreement on Tallurutiup Imanga. Thank you. Going back to the orders of When I was still crawling around, my the day. Item 4. Returns to Oral father was surprised when ships started Questions. Item 5. Recognition of coming up to the High Arctic to do some Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral drilling without informing the people Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. from the High Arctic. There are 109 Netser. square kilometres in Lancaster Sound. There are three of us who lived up there Item 6: Oral Questions and we will participate. It’s approximately 2 percent when you look Question 114 – 5(1): Nunavut Mining at Canada as a whole. Industry (Netser)

Again, the Inuit organizations, through Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you,

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Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the Minister responsible for Mines. Minister responsible for Mines, Minister Sheutiapik. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we were informed that the NWT and Nunavut Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Chamber of Mines, which represents the (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. interests of the mining industry, issued a Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, I’m press release in which the organization very well aware of the mining expressed concerns about the state of the symposium happening. It is going to be mining industry here in Nunavut. my member’s statement tomorrow and I will be involved. (interpretation) Thank There are mines near Baker Lake and you, Mr. Speaker. Rankin Inlet, and they have employees coming from and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. . We support the mining Your first supplementary, Mr. Netser. companies that are operating in Nunavut because they create employment. My Mr. Netser: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I colleague from Rankin Inlet North note that the minister says she is going to indicated that there is an individual who make a statement tomorrow. was trained in the mines and was able to pay off her Visa. For those of us in the >>Laughter smaller communities, the government has forgotten us. We need full Tomorrow is Saturday and we’re going participation from all the communities in to be elsewhere, so it’s going to be an Nunavut. empty House.

I’ll speak in English. (interpretation >>Laughter ends) Mr. Speaker, I recognize and respect the role of our regional Inuit The current business plan of the associations, including the Kivalliq Inuit Department of Economic Development Association, as well as our institutions of and Transportation indicates that one of public government, including the its priorities has been to “Promote an Nunavut Planning Commission and the investment climate and regulatory Nunavut Impact Review Board. regime that will attract responsible resource developers, including by The 2018 Nunavut Mining Symposium developing guidelines to clarify will take place next month, and I note expectations during socio-economic that the event organizers have identified impact assessments…” Can the minister land use planning as a major topic for describe one or two specific actions that discussion. Is the minister aware of this her department has taken recently to event and will she take part in this accomplish this goal? (interpretation) important discussion? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>Applause Minister Sheutiapik.

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Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik Question 115 – 5(1): Homeownership (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Programs (Keyootak) Speaker. As we are planning, I was talking about Monday’s statement. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for I can state right now that this is an the Minister responsible for the Nunavut important issue for Nunavut. Housing Corporation. (interpretation ends) I have committed to work with the industry of mines. I met The NHC’s most recent annual report actually during Northern Lights with the indicates that “In some communities, the Nunavut and NWT mining and I actually lack of available local contractors has have told them that I want to use them as limited the NHC’s ability to deliver its a tool to engage with the industry. homeownership programs. Much of the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. work designed to be supported through NHC’s homeownership programs Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. requires specific skilled labour and the Your final supplementary, Mr. Netser. costs of flying in contractors to do renovation and repair work significantly Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, adds to the costs. For this reason, a new Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The clause was added to home repair and government’s current mining strategy maintenance program guidelines to was originally tabled in the Legislative allow additional program funding to Assembly on March 14, 2007. Mr. include travel costs of bringing a Speaker, that’s over a decade ago. Can contractor in to complete the job.” the minister indicate what her department’s timetable is to update the Mr. Speaker, I am very glad that the strategy? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. NHC made this change, as there is a lack Speaker. of contractors in the communities of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq. However, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I am concerned that people in our Minister Sheutiapik. smaller communities, especially unilingual Inuktitut-speakers, are not Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik aware of this change. Can the minister (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. describe how the Nunavut Housing Speaker. (interpretation ends) I don’t Corporation has publicized this have a timeline for a strategy, but I can important change to its homeownership tell you this: I am engaging the mining programs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. industry to guide me during this time without a strategy. (interpretation) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Minister Kusugak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. Good morning. I thank you for asking that very good question. These are the types of information that the public

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 570 needs to be aware of that originate from communities. Can the minister clarify the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the reasons for the backlog? Thank you, actually from all government Mr. Speaker. departments. Whether it is a policy, new guidelines, or amended documents, we Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have to publicize all government Minister Kusugak. documentation. With that being the case, the communities will all receive the Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): updated information as well as the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my changes made to existing directives or colleague for asking that question. I’ll policies. look into it. This is the first I have heard of it. I’ll look into where we stand and I am working with my officials at the inform him, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. housing corporation to review the new and amended information as it has to be Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. disseminated through various media, Your final supplementary, Mr. such as radio announcements, public Keyootak. service announcements, and website information, and we would use them all. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank I believe there has been a long period you, Mr. Speaker. I understand and where this information hasn’t been recognize that the Nunavut Housing released as changes were implemented. Corporation cannot just hand out money By using these different avenues, we without requiring residents to go through will release the information and we are an application process. However, the starting to publicize the regulations, application forms can be quite complex, including job opportunities and the especially for unilingual Inuktitut various new funding programs available speakers. Can the minister confirm that at the housing corporation. Thank you, government liaison officers and local Mr. Speaker. housing organization staff are able to help residents complete their application Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. forms? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Minister Kusugak. you, Mr. Speaker. During the 2015-16 fiscal year, the Nunavut Housing Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Corporation approved a total of 11 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank him for applications from homeowners in Clyde his excellent questions this morning. River and Qikiqtarjuaq for assistance Yes, these are part of the responsibilities under the Nunavut Housing of the government liaison officers, as Corporation’s homeownership program. their duties are slowly being finalized However, only one application was from the time the positions were created approved during the 2016-17 fiscal year. to date.

It is my understanding that there were When we need to use their services, we close to 20 applications from the two work with them as well as the local

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 571 housing association. When their Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): assistance is required, we collaboratively Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was not quite provide these services and make aware of this issue, but you brought up announcements locally. We also have to the petition that you tabled and that was assist them when they are filling out the first time I found out. I feel for the forms. Some forms aren’t that easy to patients. Even though we’re not elders, complete and even people fluent in it’s very tiring to be travelling all day. I English can have a difficult time am aware of it now. Thank you, Mr. comprehending the form. Speaker.

We try to utilize all existing resources Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. wherever possible to ensure that the Your first supplementary, Ms. forms are properly filled out, legible, and Towtongie. understandable, as we want completed forms from our residents to provide the Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Mr. assistance they need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, some patients are in extreme Speaker. pain from surgery while others are fitted with pacemakers. Thank you. However, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. when patients are travelling home to Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Chesterfield Inlet, as I made you aware, Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Ms. they are awoken at 4:00 a.m. to prepare Towtongie. for the drive to the airport. Some patients also have young children with whom Question 116 – 5(1): Options to they are travelling. This flight leaves in Change Calm Air Schedule the afternoon from Rankin Inlet and the (Towtongie) schedule as it stands today goes from Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank Rankin Inlet to Baker Lake, which lasts you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for for one hour. The next leg from Baker the Minister of Health. Lake to Chesterfield Inlet is another hour in addition, so it totals over two hours. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I tabled a petition signed by many constituents If the flight first landed in Chesterfield from Chesterfield Inlet regarding their Inlet originating from Rankin Inlet, the request for Calm Air to modify its flight flight would last only about 15 minutes. schedule to better accommodate the If the flight schedule was to be changed needs of medical travel clients who have by Calm Air and management has undergone surgery. informed us that they would be willing to substitute the legs, they would then fly Can the minister tell this House if she to Chesterfield Inlet from Rankin Inlet, was aware of this request? Thank you, with Baker Lake being the final Mr. Speaker. destination.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. My question is, Calm Air wants to Minister of Health, Minister Angnakak. change the schedule, but only if the Government of Nunavut agrees to it. Can the minister clearly indicate if the

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 572 government is willing to agree to the Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank proposed change of route on Calm Air? you, Mr. Speaker. I am well aware that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the government doesn’t have any control over Calm Air flight schedules. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Nonetheless, I return to their stated Minister Angnakak. position of Calm Air, who has made it known that with respect to the medical Hon. Pat Angnakak (interpretation): travel contract, if our government is Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The changes to willing to agree to their proposed routing the aircraft are beyond our changes, then it can be quickly control when it comes to flights. implemented. However, what I can say is this: the medical travel office prepares most of The Government of Nunavut’s medical the flight reservations and tickets. Now, travel contract has a major impact on the they search for the best possible route to exorbitant costs for Nunavummiut. Will their home community. the minister commit to considering the requested changes to the flight routes, If they find that a particular flight takes taking into consideration the ease of too long, they would look for a shorter travel arrangements for medical travel route. If this flight was available, then clients? Calm Air has already stated their they would look for the most suitable position and if the government is willing flight for the patient and obviously that to agree to the contract changes, the may be a different airline. Now, if Calm schedule can be readily changed. Air wants to make changes to their flight scheduling and if it turns out the flight is (interpretation ends) Will the minister more suitable for the patients, then most commit to considering the requested likely the travel office would take changes to the flight routes, taking into advantage of it. consideration the ease of travel arrangements for medical travel clients, I personally would prefer that if I were and work with Calm Air to have the in their shoes and I was to travel flight routes and schedules changed? somewhere and had a choice between a Thank you, Mr. Speaker. longer flight and a shorter one, I would definitely choose the shorter flight, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. which would be more suitable for me. Minister Angnakak.

The medical travel people would Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. probably take advantage of these Speaker. As a department, we have changes if Calm Air made those flight never been approached by Calm Air. schedule changes. Thank you, Mr. This is the first that I’m hearing of it as a Speaker. minister for when you tabled it in the House. We have a contract with Calm Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Air that expires in August of 2019. I’m Your final supplementary, Ms. just reading my notes here. We have to Towtongie. work within that contract, but in saying that, we welcome Calm Air to write to

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 573 us if they want and we can certainly than $620,000. Mr. Speaker, can the meet with them if that’s what they want. minister indicate what specific activities We have to work within the contract that were funded with that money? Thank we have. you, Mr. Speaker.

In the meantime I will ask my Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. department to look at some of the Minister of Community and Government difficulties or challenges that some of Services, Minister Kusugak. our patients have been having when they fly into Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Inlet and see what we could do. Maybe Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The funds that we can look at not having elders fly all are raised through the lottery that Mr. the way in one day, or I don’t know. Akoak is asking about, which is a very There might be other ways of what we good question, are all allocated towards can do in the meantime. Thank you, Mr. expenses associated with sporting Speaker. events. The funds on their own aren’t allocated towards specific sports Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. budgets, as it is put all into one fund that Oral Questions. Member for Gjoa is applied to all sporting events. It is Haven, Mr. Akoak. applied to all the various sporting events, whether it involves hockey, badminton, Question 117 – 5(1): Western Canada or any other sport played by our athletes. Lottery Act (Akoak) The funds are put into one pot, and then the funds are allocated as needed to the Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. various sports that our youth play. The (interpretation) The question I wish to purpose is to fund our young people’s direct is regarding Nunavut’s youth and participation in all sports. Thank you, the recreational facilities used for Mr. Speaker. hockey, volleyball, or basketball. I am thinking of our arena, as it helps with Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. physical well-being and communal life. Your first supplementary, Mr. Akoak.

(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. questions are for the Minister of Thanks to the minister for the response. Community and Government Services. Mr. Speaker, section 5 of Nunavut’s Western Canada Lottery Act provides Mr. Speaker, section 4 of the Western that the minister shall table an annual Canada Lottery Act provides that profits report on the operation of Nunavut’s from Nunavut’s lottery must be used for lottery. the purpose of “promoting sport and recreational opportunities” in Nunavut. To date these annual reports have only included audited financial statements for According to the department’s 2015-16 Nunavut’s lottery account. For example, annual report on the administration of none of these annual reports include any this legislation, the balance of Nunavut’s information concerning specific lottery account after expenses was more activities that were funded by the profits

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 574 of Nunavut’s lottery in a given fiscal the Minister responsible for the Housing year. Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify I believe you had highlighted the why the department does not include applications that have to be completed. information concerning the specific What I want to ask about is this: in our activities that are funded by the profits community of Hall Beach we have an of Nunavut’s lottery in its annual elder, but I do not want to announce his reports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. name as deference to their age. We were brought up not to call our elders by their Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. names. Minister Kusugak. This elder is a homeowner and she is Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. often astounded by the lack of support as Speaker. I think he answered himself she tries to deal with her concerns. She partially. The money raised, the has approached the local housing $600,000, gets pooled into sports and association to try to find out what recreation funding that we get outside programs are available. As a private from the lottery. It gets pooled into one homeowner, it can be very difficult to sum and disbursed accordingly. It’s very find a person who can provide this type difficult to say exactly what that of information. She is in that situation $600,000 something and something where she doesn’t know whom to turn cents was used only for this much in to. badminton. It gets pooled the funding to fund all sports and recreation activities My question I wish to ask is this: does that the lottery corporation allows that the housing corporation provide money to be spent to, Mr. Speaker. It assistance to private homeowners who gets audited that way and reported, as are elderly and who wish to try to sell per the requirements of the Act my their homes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. colleague just pointed out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Housing Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Corporation, Minister Kusugak. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Question 118 – 5(1): Assistance for member for his question. Yes, we have Homeowners Who Own Homes many aging people in Nunavut who are (Kaernerk) homeowners. It seems these individuals Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Mr. start experiencing difficulties Speaker, I don’t have a specific question, maintaining their private homes and they but I wanted to ask about this issue my are physically no longer able to do the colleague raised about homeownership work themselves. Homeowners in that programs. situation usually think of selling their homes or to return the ownership back to I would like to first direct my question to the corporation.

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There are programs and employees Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): available to provide assistance from the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the first housing corporation. Further, they can question, if there’s anyone who would request information on available like to get support in regard to heating programs through their local GLOs. fuel and other services, there’s a They are also approachable for this type homeownership program for elders of information assistance or other needs through the Department of Family they may have. If they wish to get more Services. They are responsible for that information or assistance, that is what program and services. these GLO positions are for, if it is related to government programs. Thank Even if the elders are not asking for you, Mr. Speaker. help, we really would like to help them without them making applications. It’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. very confusing. Sometimes we might Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. turn our back to the people who have made applications. I know and I live Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank with people who are homeowners and you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the their home needs to be maintained. minister for his response. This individual They’re experiencing just exactly like approached me because she felt like the way you stated and we will try to giving up at times paying for her bills, provide support through our programs especially for her electrical bill. The and services once they ask for help. electrical bills are increasing and sometimes it varies every month. We can look to help them through EIA. Elders and people who are listening can What she was also confused about was approach their GLOs if they have any related to her home heating fuel and who questions or if they need assistance. The to approach to request assistance for that GLOs can give them the right direction. need. She wanted to know how she Please ask questions to your GLOs and could get help for the maintenance of her I’m sure the reason why we’re here is home and stated her inability to continue because we want to help. Thank you, being a private homeowner. That was Mr. Speaker. personally disappointing to me. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I now want to ask this question, although Your final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. it may be related to the issue our colleague raised in relation to the Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank different applications. I wonder if you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the homeowners past a certain age could be minister for explaining those programs assisted without having to weave that can provide assistance to the person through the myriad of applications for in that situation. homeowners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, this person is quite aged, as she is Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. over 80 years old. She can only get Minister Kusugak. around with her walker in our community, which she uses to go to

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 576 church and to go shopping. It can be Thank you, Mr. Speaker. heart-wrenching to see elders in those situations wherever they are in Nunavut. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Even though that is the case, the elder really impacted me when she imparted Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): her feelings of despair of being a Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for homeowner and that she had reached her helping the elder. Elders, please go to limit in trying to maintain her home. She your MLAs for help. We are here for our kept referencing the electrical bill, as I elders. That is what we said when we said, which has to constantly be paid were campaigning. We all said that we monthly and she has to submit a monthly support our elders. Let’s support them. I application for assistance with her fuel support all the elders who are listening bill. Here she is, surviving on her old age and watching. Go to government offices pension to try to pay for her groceries and ask for help. We are here for you. and various bills associated with her Come to us. If people want more home. information as to where they can get help, request for information from us. How can we provide better assistance to We don’t know all the people who need our beloved elders? As elders, they don’t help out there, but they should ask for have our abilities to conduct searches help. and they generally don’t know who to turn to. I imagine it is very disconcerting If elders who own their own homes want to be in that situation. She had no choice to sell their homes, there is a process that but to ask for my assistance, as she the housing corporation has set up. Each wanted help to navigate her way. Here circumstance is different. They would she is an elder whom I should be have to make it available to the local assisting. That is what I want known in community and if nobody is interested, this House, as it relates to our elders. then they can offer it to the local housing authority. There is a process. If you’re The housing corporation and local an elder and you’re thinking about housing associations have to join forces selling your house, check with the to provide assistance to elders, without housing corporation. We will help them. the onerous application process they If they go to the local housing force elders to navigate. There should be association in the community, I’m sure an identified amount between the bodies they can get information. that can be provided to elders based on historical information, without I would really like to hear about those constantly having to make applications things so that our staff can be made to for assistance. They should qualify for a help these people, not just elders but monthly allowance of sorts, especially anybody who is having problems related to fuel and electrical bills. maintaining or up keeping their homes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe you won’t understand this, but if the elder wants to sell her house, can she Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. sell it to the local housing authority? Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk,

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Ms. Kamingoak. many productive choices. That is one of them, looking for employment. They can Question 119 – 5(1): Income look for educational training. They can Assistance Policies (Kamingoak) do traditional activities. I know you have to have money to do some traditional Ms. Kamingoak: Koana, Mr. Speaker. I activities, but they can go out with would like to direct my question to the someone. They can take care of elders or Minister of Family Services. take care of their family members and they can volunteer in the community. Mr. Speaker, under the current policy, There are many different productive income assistance clients must go choices. around to potential employers to get signatures to show that they have been The whole process about income support looking for work. Even though this is supposed to help you when you are in practice is supposed to demonstrate that a time of need and also help you to get to they are looking for work, in reality a different stage in your life where you there are no jobs to be had in the don’t have to rely on income support, community. where you can better yourself and give yourself an opportunity to go to the next Can the minister tell this House what step to provide for yourself. Thank you, consideration has been given to Mr. Speaker. changing this specific policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Ms. An Hon. Member: Good question. Kamingoak.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Kamingoak: Thank you, Mr. Minister of Family Services, Minister Speaker. I thank the minister for his Savikataaq. response. Mr. Speaker, it is in my view that forcing people to go around asking Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. for jobs that don’t exist for them simply Speaker. I’m well aware of the process makes them feel embarrassed. This there as before I was an MLA, I used to requirement belittles them. No wonder have income support clients come to my people are so dependent on the system. office with a piece of paper and ask me The system itself makes them feel they if there were any jobs and I would sign. aren’t good enough to work. The member is right. When you have the same person come in to your office Mr. Speaker, I know that income every single time and every single time assistance is a measure of last resort, but you tell them there is no job, but this is it is heart-wrenching to see a mother part of the productive choices and we are with her infant in her amauti and holding looking at other ways that we can do the hand of another young child and a this. job search in the other hand. She goes from workplace to workplace to get We just want income support clients to these signatures. have a productive choice and there are

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Can the minister explain what kinds of Question 120 – 5(1): Need for Health initiatives are in place to support income Professionals in Nunavut assistance clients to build up their (Qirngnuq) confidence in their efforts to find work? Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, to define the meaning, when we are not feeling well, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. we can feel it ourselves and no other Minister Savikataaq. person can feel it like we do. This is just to ensure we are understood, which is Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. why we speak to health professionals Speaker. I feel for the member. One of when feeling ill. the productive choices is looking for employment. That is in by no means to (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I try to belittle anybody. It’s just one of would like to direct my question to the the choices they make to prove that they Minister of Health. are making productive choices. I’m fully aware that in smaller communities there Mr. Speaker, there is no question that are no jobs, especially in the winter, but Nunavummiut want to be healthy in this is just one of the productive choices today’s world. Life is not the same as it that are offered. was 60 years ago. There seem to be more challenges to our health and we The member asked what we’re doing so need more medical attention. that people don’t always depend on income support. We initiated a program, Mr. Speaker, Nunavut needs more health I believe, about a year ago. It’s called the professionals. At times people call in G.R.E.A.T. program where income sick to the health centre and they are told support clients go to get their training to check in the next day or to wait until with Arctic College. We work with there is an appointment available. Arctic College. I think it’s a 12-week program where they go there and they Can the minister tell this House what she get their basic skills to be able to go to is doing to increase the number of health the next step. professionals in our health centres and help meet the needs for medical We will do whatever we can. We work attention? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. with the clients. Our goal is not to make anyone feel belittled. Our goal is to help Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. people in their time of need. I’m sorry Minister of Health, Minister Angnakak. that the mother felt belittled and I apologize to her, but our role is to help Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. people in their time of need. Thank you, Speaker. I thank the member for that Mr. Speaker. question. I think we all know that the hiring of staff to carry out our health Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. care delivery services in Nunavut has Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, been a challenge. It’s not just here in Mr. Qirngnuq. Nunavut; it’s across Canada.

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We do everything we can to try to attract done to make sure that when people call staff, nurses, and doctors to come to in sick, they can be seen as soon as Nunavut. We offer financial incentives. possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We try to offer it as an experience to try to get the interest of nurses or doctors in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the south to come up north. We are Minister Angnakak. flexible with work schedules. For example, we have some nurses that are Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. here for part time or they only want to be Speaker. I think I answered that here for a certain amount of time and question, but once again, I have every doctors too, and we try to be flexible to faith in our system, in our nurses that that. they wouldn’t leave anybody just hanging. If you phoned and you said it We recognize that we need more nurses was an emergency or if you provided and more doctors to come to Nunavut. your details as to why you need to see a We are doing what we can and we’re nurse right away and the nurse felt, “You using all the resources that we have to do know what? We need to see you right so. I acknowledge that there are some away,” I know that’s what would health care centres that don’t have happen, but if they assessed you based enough nurses and we put a lot of strain upon what you said, that maybe you on those that are there. I acknowledge could wait until tomorrow, then that’s that and I’m so thankful for those who what would happen. Thank you, Mr. don’t give up and continue to carry on Speaker. the heavy loads that they do. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I know that some health care centres Your final supplementary, Mr. even operate under emergency Qirngnuq. situations. What you referenced is familiar to me where somebody may call Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. and say that they want to see a nurse, but Speaker. I thank the minister for the they are told to make another response. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that appointment on another day because health professionals are in demand all their workload that day is just too much, over Canada. so they can’t take on any more appointments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister describe what plans are in place to train Nunavummiut to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. become medical practitioners like Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. doctors and nurses? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Qirngnuq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community residents respect Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and understand that our health Minister Angnakak. professionals work very hard on their behalf. Hon. Pat Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we recently had a really Can the minister clarify what is being good role model, Donna May, who is the

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 580 heart surgeon. It’s just wonderful to see and it seems the ministers are taking a somebody from Chesterfield Inlet, the little too long with their answers. It family of Chesterfield Inlet, and what a would be appreciated if they could wonderful role model. We need to talk shorten them up a bit so we could all get more about her in the schools. We need our questions in today. to inspire our children who are in schools to take those kinds of courses Mr. Speaker, my questions are directed that could lead them to those kinds of to the Minister of Family Services. fields. Mr. Speaker, my colleague addressed the This is a long-term goal. We can’t all of practice of sending income support a sudden have Inuit nurses overnight. It clients around the community to collect takes time for people to go through signatures showing that they have been school. We need to encourage our looking for work. In smaller children to stay in school, to take the communities like and, I proper courses, and in the short term we imagine, in Kugluktuk there just aren’t are supporting the nursing students that enough available jobs. This practice is currently are in Arctic College through causing unnecessary hardships on some the Nursing Program. We support them income support clients who do not have through bursaries. We provide a one- transportation. year mentorship program once they come out of the college so that we can Can the minister tell this House how give them some experience to work on many signatures are required and how when they do go out into the health care his department monitors what jobs are centres. actually available in each community before asking income assistance clients This is always on our radar. We work to go out and look for them? Thank you, with Nunavut Arctic College to start Mr. Speaker. looking at more of the health fields to see how we can support more Inuit to go Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. into those kinds of fields. We Minister of Family Services, Minister acknowledge that there’s always more to Savikataaq. do, always more improvements to be done, but I think we are doing what we Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. can with what we have right now. Thank Speaker. I don’t have a copy of the form you, Mr. Speaker. here, so I don’t know exactly how many names are required, but just from Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. memory when clients used to come to Oral Questions. Member for Hudson me looking for jobs, I believe it was half Bay, Mr. Rumbolt. a page or maybe 10 signatures. I’m only guessing, but somewhere around that. Question 121 – 5(1): Jobs for Income Assistance Clients (Rumbolt) I’m aware that there are very few jobs in small communities, but as I stated Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. earlier, this is just one of the productive We only get an hour for question period choices. It may be one that clients have

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 581 chosen to use. In my binder here we judge it by the number of seats available have eight different categories of that go into the G.R.E.A.T. program, it productive choices they can make. I has been very successful in terms of the would talk a little bit longer, but the number of seats available filled and the member says that we have been talking number of clients that finish the too long, so I’ll stop right there. Thank G.R.E.A.T. program. you, Mr. Speaker. If you measure in terms of how many >>Laughter actually got jobs, then that’s a bit harder because if the jobs aren’t there, then it’s Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. harder to get these people employed. It’s Your first supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. one step. We work with the CEDOs and most of the CEDOs are in the same Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. office as the income assistance workers, I appreciate the minister cutting himself so we work with them to try to help the off. clients.

I would appreciate it if the minister As part of the G.R.E.A.T. program, they could look into this issue of the get, I believe, two weeks on-the-job signatures. Even 10 signatures in a training. It just gives them a bit of a taste community where there are very few of what it is to work, how it feels to jobs are totally unnecessary for our work, and what work is like because clients, and I would appreciate it if he some of these clients may not have could look into that. worked before and we want to get them a taste to work. Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that the Income Assistance Division has done a I realize that in small communities when lot of work in productive choices, as the there are no jobs, there are no jobs, but minister stated, to get ready for this is just to help them to go to the next employment programs, to provide more step because maybe there will a job at support for income assistance clients some point and then they would have a who are trying to work towards better chance of getting that job. Thank employment. Can the minister describe you, Mr. Speaker. how effective these initiatives have been in supporting income assistance clients Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. in smaller communities? Thank you, Mr. Your final supplementary, Mr. Rumbolt. Speaker. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. That’s the issue in our smaller Minister Savikataaq. communities. Mr. Speaker, there are just no jobs available. Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure. The word Moving on, one way to address this issue “effective” is very broad and of income assistance clients looking for interpretative, but in terms of if you… . jobs is to focus on creating more jobs. There are many ways of judging. If you Can the minister clearly describe how

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 582 his department works with his Question 122 – 5(1): Inuit Labour counterparts in Economic Development Content Requirements for and Transportation to support job Government Contracts (Main) creation, business development, and any other initiatives to create employment Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, opportunities for income assistance Mr. Speaker. My question this morning clients in Nunavut’s smaller is for the Minister of Community and communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Government Services.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I Minister Savikataaq. would like to thank the minister for his very informative response yesterday. He Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. mentioned the NNI Policy among other Speaker. Family Services is not there so things. I would like to follow up on that. much as to create jobs, but we will talk In fact last night I found some of the and work with other departments. information that I was requesting here in the House. Our role, working with Education and with Arctic College, is try to make In the government’s contract activity people who are in income support report tabled in the House March 13, employable, give them the skills they 2017, CGS, in the compiled report, need or let them know what the skills indicates that the average percentage they have. They may have skills there required for Inuit labour on construction that someone who is looking for contracts for major works was 29 employees that doesn’t know this person percent. has the skill. We work with the clients too and we say, “What skills do you Mr. Speaker, I’m holding here a recent have?” Some clients think they don’t tender for the Qikiqtani Correctional have any skills, then you talk to them Healing Centre. The Inuit labour and they tell you what they can do. You requirement for this project is 20 say, “Well, you do have some skills.” percent.

We help them make resumés and we try Mr. Speaker, unless I’m wrong on my to make them more employable. We’re math here, it seems that this major not in the employment business, but we construction project is under the are there to assist income assistance Nunavut average. Can the minister workers and others even not on income please tell me why? Thank you, Mr. assistance through the EDOs to try to Speaker. make people employable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community and Government Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Services, Minister Kusugak. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the question. I’m glad that the average is higher than the

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 583 minimum requirement that we put out requirement as possible. there. It shows that it’s working. As I explained to my colleague This requirement that you’re asking yesterday during his line of questioning, about is a minimum requirement, not there are many factors that are built into maximum. You will probably find by the this. Are there other existing projects end of the time this contract is done, it happening in the community that are will be higher than the 20 percent accessing the same workforce, the same required and that’s why we’re hitting the labour force, and the same technical 29 percent. I would like to see it go to groups and stuff like that? 30, 40, 50, or 60 percent higher, but these requirements that are worked in There are many factors that are put into there are the absolute minimum coming up with a minimum requirement requirements, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. for any contract at any given time. It takes into account the skills that are Speaker (interpretation): Your first required for that job. It takes into supplementary, Mr. Main. account the labour force available, skilled labour force and non-skilled Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. labour force. It also takes into account Maybe I’ll clarify my question here. The how many projects are happening in the average required in the contracts across community while this project is Nunavut was 29 percent in 2015-16. The happening. government’s own report says that contractors on average are able to exceed You take those into account and you the minimum requirements, which is take a look at how many Inuit are going great, Mr. Speaker. I would love to see to be available for that particular project more Inuit and Nunavummiut workers and you come up with a minimum employed in our major construction requirement. 20 percent is the minimum projects. requirement in this case after weighing all those values on this particular The average achieved was 37 percent. contract, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to This seems to tell me that we may be the contractors coming out and having a setting the Inuit labour requirements a larger impact than the minimum 20 bit too low. Again I’ll reiterate: why was percent. I hope they come out with 30 or the Qikiqtani Correctional Healing 40 percent, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Centre tender labour requirement for this project set at 20 percent? Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Your final supplementary, Mr. Main.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Main: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Minister Kusugak. thank the minister for his response. I think we’re all on the same page in terms Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. of what we would like to see here, but I Speaker. Our department, with our client have to say that I’m a bit concerned that departments, tries to set the highest we’re not putting the bar high enough. requirement as possible or the minimum These contractors have shown across

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Nunavut that they’re able to exceed the Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Member minimum requirements. for Aivilik, Mr. Netser.

Maybe my suggestion would be we Item 13: Tabling of Documents should be setting the bar a bit higher. Without getting into too much more Tabled Document 024 – 5(1): detail, I’ll note that across Nunavut in Photograph of Classroom at the three-year period, the amount of Sakku School (Netser) penalties collected went down and the amount of bonuses went up. In 2015-16 Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, a million dollars in bonuses was paid out Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have and that is for exceeding the Inuit labour spoken a number of times in this House requirements set out in contracts. about the severe mould problems at Sakku School (interpretation) in Coral My final question for the minister is: yes Harbour. or no, will he commit to taking immediate measures along with his Mr. Speaker, our local school, Sakku partner departments taking immediate School, was built atop an old swimming measures to increase the percentage of spot which was a small lake and this lake Inuit labour required under major has always had a creek that keeps construction contracts? Thank you, Mr. running. Due to the fact it keeps running Speaker. even in the winter as well as summer, the air inside reeks of mould, causing >>Applause issues as well as the aging of the school.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The little lake we used to go swimming Minister Kusugak. when I was a child was called Uquutalik by locals. The area adjacent to the school Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. becomes waterlogged in the springtime Speaker. I thank my colleague for the and this lake continues to drain even in question. Our department, with our the winter. The road becomes quite icy client departments, is always striving to as a result. achieve goals and improve where we can and looking and setting those increases I would like to table some photographs is one of them, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. showing some of the classrooms and the kind of HVAC equipment installed in Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. the room to filter out the mouldy smell Members, please note that the time for that emanates into the room. This question period has expired. We will equipment was installed by the proceed with the orders of the day. Item government, and I want these 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to photographs viewed by my colleagues, Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to which is why I am tabling these Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. photographs today. Thank you, Mr. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Speaker. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.

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Tabling of Documents. Member for infrastructure meeting in Ottawa. I Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, would like to table that document. Ms. Towtongie. Under the Nunavut Housing Tabled Document 025 – 5(1): Excerpt Corporation, I am tabling the Nunavut from Government of Nunavut’s Housing Corporation’s 2018-19 Proposal for the Regulation of Proposed Construction Report, which Cannabis in Nunavut (Towtongie) has been shared with members in January of this year. Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table an My friend from the Hudson Bay will be excerpt from the government, Nunavut’s glad to hear that I am tabling the official public consultation concerning Nunavut Housing Corporation’s the legalization of cannabis in Nunavut. Allocation System Backgrounder. Thank Mr. Speaker, this excerpt highlights the you, Mr. Speaker. housing-related issues that I noted in my oral question yesterday. Mr. Speaker, I >>Applause encourage all members to review this document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m sure your friend from Hudson Bay is very happy. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents. Minister of >>Laughter Community and Government Services, Minister Kusugak. (interpretation) Tabling of Documents. There are no more. Let us proceed. Item Tabled Document 026 – 5(1): FPT 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Responsible for Infrastructure Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading Meeting, September 20 to 21, 2017 of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of (Kusugak) Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Tabled Document 027 – 5(1): NHC’s Committee of the Whole of Bills and 2018-2019 Proposed Construction Other Matters. Bills 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Report (Kusugak) Mr. Mikkungwak in the Chair.

Tabled Document 028 – 5(1): NHC’s Before we proceed to the Committee of Allocation System Backgrounder, the Whole, we will take a 15-minute January 2018 (Kusugak) break.

Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms. Speaker. I have the privilege of tabling three documents. >>House recessed at 10:53 and Committee resumed at 11:08 The first document is the federal- provincial-territorial ministers and deputy ministers responsible for

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Item 19: Consideration in Committee Some Members: Agreed. of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak): Good minister’s officials in. morning. (interpretation) Good morning, Nunavummiut. For the record, Minister Quassa, please introduce your officials. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. (interpretation ends) In Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Committee of the Whole we have the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left following items to deal with: Bills 1, 2, and your right is our (interpretation 3, and 4. What is the wish of the ends) Deputy Minister, (interpretation) committee? Mr. Rumbolt. Kathy Okpik, and to my right and your left is Les Hickey, (interpretation ends) Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Corporate Services Director. Chairman, and good morning. Mr. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, we wish to continue with Bill Chairman. 1 and commence with the review of the capital appropriation for the Department Chairman (interpretation): Thank you of Executive and Intergovernmental very much. Yesterday we completed the Affairs, followed by the Legislative opening comments. General comments? Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) On page B-3. Executive and Intergovernmental Chairman: Thank you. Are we in Affairs. Directorate. Total Capital agreement that we first deal the Expenditures. $250,000. Mr. Hickes. Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs? Agreed? Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the substantiation sheet for the Some Members: Agreed. $250,000 in minor renovations it speaks to that part of it is to create office space Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, for two senior positions, of which one No. 2, 2018-2019 – Executive and position has been relocated from the Intergovernmental Affairs – Ottawa office. What kind of impact does Consideration in Committee this have on the office requirements of the Ottawa office? With moving that Chairman: Thank you. I would now position up here, are they over-housed? like to ask Minister Quassa: do you have Thank you, Mr. Chairman. officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Chairman: Thank you. Minister Quassa.

Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Yes. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank Chairman: Does the committee agree to my colleague for that question. Firstly, let the minister and his officials go to the this applies to a (interpretation ends) witness table? senior position (interpretation) and this

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 587 position is situated in Iqaluit already. As Currently at the office there are two well, the details outlining this position positions: the (interpretation ends) are included in the opening comments executive service officer and aboriginal we provided. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. affairs advisor. (interpretation) They comprise these two positions. The third Chairman (interpretation): Thank you listed position is the (interpretation ends) very much. Mr. Hickes. community corrections officer. (interpretation) I was just recently in Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ottawa where I met the three people I know that. My question is: by moving working at that office. this position to Iqaluit, has it created too much of office space in the Ottawa As well, although he didn’t ask about office for the amount of staff that’s this issue, to ensure the member is aware there? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of this information, the (interpretation ends) lease (interpretation) ends on Chairman (interpretation): Thank you March 31, 2019. That’s our current very much. Minister Quassa. situation. I hope I responded properly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize if Chairman (interpretation): Thank you I misunderstood the question. No, it has very much. Mr. Hickes. no impact on the office in Ottawa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know Nunavut bureaucrats do travel Chairman (interpretation): Thank you down to Ottawa and utilize the office very much. Mr. Hickes. space. One of the questions asked is how many offices were located in there, but if Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the lease is coming up in the next year, is Is the office space in Ottawa the government looking at renewing the Government of Nunavut-owned office existing lease or finding a smaller or space or is that leased and, if so, how larger space than they’re currently many staff is currently located in that leasing right now? Thank you, Mr. office? If I can also add on, how many Chairman. offices are currently in that office space? Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Premier Quassa. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Premier Quassa. Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I said, the present lease Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): expires at the end of March of 2019. My Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Currently the department will be working with CGS office space in Ottawa… . Let me first and an RFP to secure alternate office start by stating that we are only leasing space for the beginning of April 2019. the space and we don’t own the office (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. space. Chairman.

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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you only thing that we had to change. very much. (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental We have what’s called CORCAN Affairs. Directorate. Total Capital furniture. (interpretation ends) Let me Expenditures. $250,000. Mr. Main. just switch over to English. The office presently has CORCAN furniture that’s Mr. Main: Thank you, Iksivautaaq. quite old and we need to be diligent and (interpretation) I have only one question to look at employees who have extreme this morning. It states here in the sensitivities. Certainly, again, safety substantiation sheets that… . I’ll speak always comes first for our employees. in English as it’s written in English. Safety and health of our employees are very important. That’s a mitigation that (interpretation ends) On page 3 of 5 it we did for our EIA office here in Iqaluit. mentions under project impact it says, (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. “improving wellness by the introduction Chairman. of ergonomic furniture.” I wonder if the minister could provide us with more Chairman (interpretation): Thank you detail on that and in particular I’m very much. (interpretation ends) interested to hear if this type of furniture Executive and Intergovernmental is available to all GN employees outside Affairs. Directorate. Total Capital of the department. I just want to make Expenditures. $250,000. Agreed? sure that it’s in line with what’s available to other employees in other Some Members: Agreed. departments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Go to page B-2. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Executive and Intergovernmental very much. Premier Quassa. Affairs. Total Capital Expenditures. $250,000. Agreed? Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank Some Members: Agreed. you for asking about that. As an example, this office is quite small. The Chairman: Thank you. Do members reality is that in this case, if you compare agree that we have concluded the our offices here, if there are no Department of Executive and (interpretation ends) walls, then dividers Intergovernmental Affairs? (interpretation) are used to delineate our offices. Some Members: Agreed.

If you look at the space behind you, Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) there is a cloth divider and that office Premier, you can now make your closing had these types of cloth dividers. One of remarks. Mr. Quassa. our employees is (interpretation ends) allergic to dust (interpretation) as the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): cloth dividers pick up the dust. That Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like person had an allergy to dust. It’s for to thank my officials by starting with my that reason that the dividers were the Deputy Minister, Kathy, as well as Les

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Hickey for preparing the documentation someone say no to bring the officials in. and for their empathy towards our staff. I During question period, I’ll be running extend our gratitude to them, along with the proceedings. all the staff working at the Department of EIA. I reiterate my thanks to our staff. >>Laughter

I also thank my colleagues, as it is better Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right to know how departments operate in is the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, order to run a good government. Thank Mr. Quirke, and to my left is the you, Mr. Chairman. Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Rose. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Sergeant-at-Arms, please Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. escort the Premier’s officials out. Welcome, officials, for coming to the Legislative Assembly. Please proceed, Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, Mr. Speaker, with your opening No. 2, 2018-2019 – Legislative comments. Mr. Enook. Assembly – Consideration in Committee Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to appear Moving on. We will now start the review before you and members today to of the Office of the Legislative present the proposed 2018-19 Capital Assembly. Welcome, Mr. Speaker. Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Speaker Mr. Enook, would you like your Assembly. officials to go to the witness table? Mr. Enook. As members will note, the proposed 2018-19 capital budget for the Office of Speaker (interpretation): Yes. Thank the Legislative Assembly is a very you. modest $155,000.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Our priority areas for the coming fiscal very much. Do members agree to bring year include office equipment the officials in? replacement and information technology enhancements. I would like to take this Some Members: Agreed. opportunity to note that our five-year capital plan includes a number of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you upgrades to the audiovisual systems, very much. Sergeant-at-Arms, please which support the production of escort the officials in. Hansard and enable Nunavummiut to view our sittings and televised Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, for committee hearings. the record, please introduce your officials. Mr. Chairman, (interpretation ends) this institution is committed to accessibility. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Recent enhancements in this area have Mr. Chairman. Before we start, I heard included improvements to the front

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 590 entrance of the Legislative Assembly, as 19 but have future requests going well as ensuring that the three public forward. washrooms on the first floor of our building, one of which has been I just believe that this is very helpful designated as gender-neutral, are now with us seeing the future year requests, wheelchair accessible and have been and I think it would be great if other equipped with change tables for infants departments would provide the courtesy and babies. of doing the same. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) Mr. Chairman, that concludes opening comments. Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you you, Mr. Chairman. very much. (interpretation ends) Office of the Legislative Assembly. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Independent Officers of the Legislative very much. Go to page A-3. General Assembly. Total Capital Expenditures. comments? (interpretation ends) Office $15,000. Agreed? of the Legislative Assembly. Assembly Operations. Total Capital Expenditures. Some Members: Agreed. $140,000. Agreed? Chairman: Thank you. Go to page A-2. Some Members: Agreed. Office of the Legislative Assembly. Total Capital Expenditures. $155,000. Chairman: Thank you. Flip onto page Agreed? A-5. Office of the Legislative Assembly. Independent Officers of the Legislative Some Members: Agreed. Assembly. Total Capital Expenditures. $15,000. Agreed? Mr. Lightstone. Chairman: Thank you. Do members agree that we have concluded the Office Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut? Chairman. I have more of a general Agreed? comment if I may be allowed to go back and make a general comment. Thank Some Members: Agreed. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Chairman (interpretation): Please You can now make closing remarks, Mr. proceed, Mr. Lightstone. Speaker. Mr. Enook.

Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I would just like to make a members and also thank you, Mr. comment that I would once again like to Chairman. applaud the Legislative Assembly for providing us a true representation of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you their five-year capital plan, as they are very much. the only department that has provided substantiation of future projects that >>Laughter don’t actually include a budget in 2018-

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 591

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the span a number of different fiscal years officials out. and expenditures which only take place during one fiscal year such as equipment Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, acquisitions. No. 2, 2018-2019 – Consideration in Committee However, I again emphasize the importance of ensuring that the (interpretation ends) We will now information which the government proceed to the clause-by-clause review publishes as part of its procurement and of Bill 1. Go to Bill 1 in your legislation tendering activities clearly and explicitly binders. recognize that such expenditures are ultimately contingent on receiving Before we proceed to the clause-by- formal Legislative Assembly approval. clause, I believe Mr. Hickes wants to make a comment. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Chairman, as someone who once spent his working days on the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. FreeBalance system, I’m a little Before we move on to the clause-by- mystified as to how the departments clause consideration of this bill, I want have been able to apparently go ahead to make some general comments. and spend money for the next fiscal year before it has been appropriated. As the minister and his officials will recall, concerns have been raised in Mr. Chairman, the other day I was recent days about the government’s asking questions of this nature to the procurement and tendering processes in Minister of Finance, asking for a relation to this capital budget. commitment that a review on all purchasing be made to make sure that no As I pointed out the other day, it appears other uncommitted dollars have been that some departments have already spent to date. I would like to ask the issued and awarded tenders for a number minister right now if that information is of items of capital equipment before the available. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Legislative Assembly has actually approved the capital estimates and the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you bill that is before us today. very much. (interpretation ends) Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. Mr. Chairman, I recognize that these capital estimates are being considered Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): during the winter sitting immediately Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect preceding the start of the new fiscal year to the question, we have to review every rather than during the fall sitting of the last file, and that is evident. Currently, preceding calendar year as a regarding the particulars the member consequence of our territory’s four-year raised, I don’t have that level of detail electoral cycle. with me.

I also recognize the difference between Nonetheless, I have queried my officials multi-year construction projects that and they are preparing the paperwork

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 592 outlining how funds can be allocated glad that my colleague has been raising towards procurement of the questions about this because we need to infrastructure we have chosen and be open out there. We have no choice whether the process was followed. This but to do these things sometimes in order has been accomplished using various to make sure the government continues methods. However, everything falls to run. So that we will know as new under the realm of the Financial MLAs, planning takes a very long time Administration Act and the associated and we are reviewing what you policies have given permission to considered last month in standing undertake that through the different committee. The cabinet reviewed the planning processes. same things. That’s normal procedure.

With respect to the details, I am trying to When elections happen, sometimes the review them now. However, what I note way the government runs is that we need immediately is that these expenditures to approve things right away. Yes, we have followed the planning processes have learned from this and the previous that are outlined in the policies. Some of legislature had some really good the ministers provided reports that they thoughts. They wanted to divide the were borrowing funds for that purpose. capital. There was the first part of capital This includes future borrowing of funds proposals and then there was the second specific to capital items. When this part of capital proposals. We’re thinking statement of borrowing funds is stated, it that maybe we should start doing this is from approved appropriations and with the purchase of vehicles and use it they have to report back to the members in the five-year capital plan. After this whose constituency would be impacted. we will be going back to the normal way Some of the reports were written that of reviewing capital proposals in the they would borrow in the interim while winter sitting. the legislators are reviewing the approval of the capital items. I will do a proper review of the vehicles that were purchased right away before I tried to review them as there were the capital was approved. Thank you, questions posed about them. If there was Mr. Chairman. money that was spent that was not supposed to be spent, I will report that Chairman (interpretation): Thank you back to you, but from what I have very much. Mr. Hickes. reviewed, some departments have been doing it in a way where they have Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. purchased vehicles right away in order to I also would note that other members make it to the sealift because sealift have brought to my attention that there closes in a month or so. The capital have been suspicions of this type of items that we call have already been activity in non-election years as well. planned to make sure that they can be ordered right away following the I do have a final question for the election year. minister if the Chairman will indulge me. I would ask him that any items It has been a learning curve and I am identified that were expended out of

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 593 surplus 2017-18 fiscal year where very much. Mr. Hickes. vehicles and mobile equipment were budgeted and projected to be acquired in Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the 2018-19 fiscal year, that those I would just like to clarify for the record amounts of the reductions be determined that the minister has agreed with the and that the minister come back with a information that he is committed to Supplementary Appropriation Act providing to the Legislative Assembly reducing the 2018-19 capital on each vehicle and every piece of appropriation of any department, Crown mobile equipment that was purchased in agency, or territorial corporation that the 2017-18 fiscal year that is on the list acquired those vehicles. Thank you, Mr. to be purchased in the 2018-19 capital Chairman. budget that we have yet to approve will be returned in an appropriation back to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you this Legislative Assembly to the penny, very much. (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman. I would like to confirm Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. that. Thank you.

Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Thank you. (interpretation ends) For us very much. (interpretation ends) new members, we should be aware of Minister of Finance, Mr. Akeeagok. our processes when it comes to financial. There are supplementary appropriations Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): that this government brings from time to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. time and there are usually capital (interpretation ends) We are talking appropriation carryovers that would about the small capital budget here and come this spring. If there are any funds within that there are some avenues that that have already been spent and that the departments can take on those for were targeted towards this, and if it did that. not go and get spent for that, then yes, through the supplementary What I am committed to doing is that if appropriations we have to be financially there are any unspent dollars that were prudent now. geared towards this vehicle or any future purchases that were bought, if they are We know our financial reality here. If not in that and they were clearly there are funds that our department still dedicated and they weren’t spent, then needs, we need to bring it back and we we have that through our supplementary need to be looking at our finances. appropriations, the avenue to bringing it That’s something that we will definitely back. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. do, but we do have avenues through our Chairman. supplementary appropriations, whether it’s capital or O&M, that if there are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you unused dollars, it will be reported on. very much. Mr. Hickes. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To the minister’s recollection, when was Chairman (interpretation): Thank you the last time an appropriation of that

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 594 nature was brought to this House? Thank That’s my point. I know this avenue is you, Mr. Chairman. available to the government to return surplus unused expenditures. They have Chairman (interpretation): Thank you clearly shown that they’re able to use very much. (interpretation ends) surplus from previous years to purchase Minister of Finance, Mr. Akeeagok. equipment from an unapproved item list that they’re looking at applying for Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. budget dollars for the next fiscal year to Speaker. What appropriation was purchase items. This has been happening brought back to the House? for years from my understanding from (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. some of my colleagues, yet there has Chairman. never been a return of those dollars.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you At this time I would like to move a very much. Mr. Hickes. motion. I move that this committee recommends that the Minister of Finance Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. introduce a Supplementary Basically a reverse appropriation, Appropriation Act during the spring returning money to the Legislative 2018 sitting of the Legislative Assembly Assembly of unspent capital dollars that reduces the 2018-19 capital through this different variety of small appropriation of any department, Crown capital budgets that departments apply agency, or territorial corporation that for. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. acquires vehicles or mobile equipment during the 2017-18 fiscal year when the Chairman: Thank you. Minister of vehicles or mobile equipment were Finance, Mr. Akeeagok. budgeted and projected to be acquired during the 2018-19 fiscal year, and that Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): the amounts of the reductions be Thank you, Mr. Chairman. determined based on the entities’ actual (interpretation ends) I’m looking to the expenditures in each case. Thank you, Clerk because this is my first Mr. Chairman. appropriation that I have been involved as an elected official. I’m looking past Chairman (interpretation): Thank you cabinet ministers and now ministers and very much. (interpretation ends) Please along with the Clerk. I believe it’s zero. provide a copy of the motion to the (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. table. Chairman. Thank you. As the motion is not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you translated [from] English, we will take a very much. Mr. Hickes. short break to have it translated. Thank you. Committee Motion 002 – 5(1): Introduction of Supplementary >>Committee recessed at 11:46 and Appropriation (Capital) Act resumed at 11:58 (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: I call the committee meeting

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 595 to order. Mr. Rumbolt. capital and small capital items that are on that list that we question each Committee Motion 003 – 5(1): Motion department on, on the validity of those to Conclude Bill (Rumbolt) purchases. One of the responses we’ve got during this proceeding, if Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. departments are taking surpluses from Chairman. Pursuant to Rule 45(2)(a), I other areas to get a head start on their move that we continue to sit beyond our next year’s unapproved budget, then noon adjournment time so that we can they don’t need those items because they conclude with the review of Bill 1. have just purchased them already with Thank you, Mr. Chairman. surplus items.

Chairman: Thank you. The motion is in The intent of this, as the Premier has order and is not subject to debate. All said numerous times, transparency of those in favour. Opposed. The motion is this government is going to be different carried and we will continue with the than previous governments. I think this review of Bill 1. is a step in the right direction. I’ll end my comment there. Thank you, Mr. Order. The motion is in order. Before we Chairman. proceed with debate on the motion, I have a few comments to make as to Chairman: Thank you. To the motion. procedures. Ms. Towtongie.

Every member has the right to speak Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank once to the motion for a total time of 20 you, Mr. Chairman. We have to be very minutes. careful about what we are approving. We can’t just approve everything that’s The mover of the motion speaks first. requested by the government. The Premier has indicated that he wants to be The mover of the motion has the right to accountable. the last reply, which closes the debate. Spending surpluses and spending money To the motion. Mr. Hickes. without prior approval is not the procedure. We have to follow the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Financial Administration Act. With the I think the discussions over the last few previous actions by the previous days on this topic have culminated in government, we have to be fiscally this having to come forward. Like I had responsible and be accountable to the mentioned earlier, there have been some people out there and use public money suspicions raised to me from my prudently. colleagues over the last few days that this is not just a one-time occurrence With the public money, I don’t think this during election year cycles. is the first incident. The government has been doing that for a very long time and When we sit down as a committee and I will support the motion that’s on the we approve budgets, there are lists of floor because we have to be accountable

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 596 to the people out there who elected us to expenses for projects which had not represent them. Thank you, Mr. previously been appropriated, which is Chairman. why I believe that we need to work towards increasing financial Chairman (interpretation): Thank you transparency. Hopefully we will be able very much. Mr. Main. to achieve that over the term of this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a brief comment to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you make, Mr. Chairman. I support the very much. Mr. Netser. motion because we have to manage our monies wisely, which is obvious, Mr. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I personally have looked at Mr. Chairman. The Department of the departments and there is a lot of Health had expended monies already for discretion for the small capital projects. vehicles because they have to meet the The small capital funds have been deadline for sealift. It’s not too late; increasing steadily over the past years. more than one ship comes in bringing in Looking at the management, it seems cargo. We have to be fiscally responsible like it’s a discretionary fund. and the government should not be appropriating monies that haven’t been As Members of the Legislative approved yet. I will support the motion. Assembly, we have the responsibility to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. make sure that the monies appropriated are used for what they’re identified for. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you The government didn’t do this very much. (interpretation ends) intentionally and we have to work Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. together in the upcoming years. It’s unintentional, but it’s to improve the Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): money management of the government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Related to That is my comment. Thank you, Mr. that comment, I have maintained which Chairman. funds are used to purchase vehicles and how the funds have been used. Further, I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you am open to providing the information to very much. Mr. Lightstone. the House.

Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Our legislation, policies, and regulations Chairman. I would just like to mention have to be adhered to and purchasing that I fully support the motion. One of vehicles is only possible by following the main principles behind the Financial the rules. Employees can’t just go Administration Act is of course to protect shopping for any item by signing the public funds but also to ensure that form, as we have checks and balances. government does not incur an expense They have to look at their operational that it does not have an appropriation budgets to find budget items that apply for, which is why I was shocked when towards vehicles or vehicle maintenance we learned here in the Assembly that funds that they can use. It has to be part several departments have in fact incurred of their operational budgets. With that

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 597 being the procedure, we were informed have to amend their capital purchase that a department had borrowed from listing. This is allowed in these cases. different budget items to purchase the vehicle or have ordered the vehicle in With that being the case, when the interim. departments are requested to go back and excise specific budget line items, as I want to have every opportunity as well I still don’t know the final amounts, as to be transparent. This government thusly I will not be able to support this wants to be transparent, especially when motion to excise these budget items. it comes to expenditures. However, if we That is my line of reasoning. Further, are advised by this House to draft new although we had a good election legislation and that certain funds must be campaign to run in, it caused a hiccup in excised, I don’t think some budget items the financial planning cycle. Interim need to be removed. Further, I thank our appropriations can’t cover the entire year colleagues for having this discretionary and that is where we are currently in this funding if the appropriation is approved cycle. as this will allow us to operate until the spring. When any emergency crops up, the government has to also fund it. This Nonetheless, I want to clearly outline includes unexpected replacement that with respect to vehicles and mobile funding that occurs from time to time equipment capital purchases, it has been that we have to deal with on an several years where capital items were emergency basis. This occurs listed separately and required to be operationally before the appropriation reported on. As an example, any funds approvals and this is why there is that over $250,000, including capital items, fund. When actual sessions take place, would be put together into a single then these emergency or unplanned appropriation. Until such time that expenditures are submitted through the funding is approved, none of the funds (interpretation ends) supplementary can be used. That is how the current appropriation (interpretation) for them. process is followed. Any expenditure That is how the government will under this amount is put under continue to operate. (interpretation ends) small capital (interpretation) by the departments. For the fiscal year 2018-19 capital plans, if they are indeed there, then yes, we can I forget how years have passed, perhaps remove it. This is where the opportunity over four years where MLAs have is to excise particular budget line items. wanted details on the particulars of the We will need to search ways to lower the every annual sealift order. This querying expenses we incur. In that regard I do is a good usage of our roles and we agree with the members, but as it relates should be following that process. It is to financial planning cycles… . Actually good to see the interest from the if they used their authority, I will be members, but sometimes departments reporting on the details, including if any have to plan quite a bit ahead in order to funding was unnecessary, which I would qualify for this program. If any type of be able to speak to, and whether funds urgent situation arises, then they would were used properly or not. If we didn’t

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 598 see that as a government, we would have our historical records were approached, to return to report on it. That is how the hence my reference to the fact that the process runs. This is what I wanted to mover has already experienced the exact say regarding this motion, Mr. same thing. We know, at least the Chairman. Thank you. incumbents who were re-elected, and continuing MLAs have experienced this Chairman (interpretation): Thank you sort of financial barrier in operations. very much. Premier Quassa. This is the reason why I state that we will not see this type of two-pronged Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): approach for the next four years. I want Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To the you to all know that. motion, we all know that the recent election that the Minister of Finance We have tried to speak to this issue. alluded to in his explanation...my voice Perhaps to illustrate, Nunavut can only is still bothersome. get sealifts once a year during the summer. In order to time the shipping of The election we underwent is partly to the items, orders have to be placed far in blame, as everyone sitting in this House advance of the sealift season, as a knows. It has caused problems in this tangible deadline exists. Yes, Iqaluit regard due to the fact that the election may receive several more ships than created a break in the approval process. I other communities, but it is seasonal and believe that all members are aware of ends at a certain time. Any orders for how this led to two separate funding shipping that season must fall within approval streams in the capital estimates. these deadlines for each voyage, even as This should be clearly understood by all far back in the winter. members, as it now has broken into two streams. Our government operations and services we provide are dictated by the amount of Now, what we are reviewing now is the resources required. At a certain point, second stream. With respect to this decisions are made to order process, I think we know and are aware replacements or resources for the year. that this isn’t the first budget cycle That is what is followed in this case. As affected by an election. It isn’t the first a government, we don’t want to delay time an election has caused financial our programs and services, which planning issues, as the mover of this include any and all services we want to motion well knows. He understands the succeed. I wanted to put that clearly for past elections have caused the same my colleagues. I reiterate that this problem, but what I want to specifically situation will not unfold for another four voice here is this appropriation we are years. I don’t expect you to think that reviewing will not resurface for another this will reoccur every year. four years. This type of planning hiccup won’t occur again in the future. Let’s be Further, for the understanding of my aware of that fact. This is something I colleagues, there are no intentional have maintained. overages in ordering equipment, as that is not how government operations are We have to look at how similar events in conducted. Obviously we all know that

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 599 additionally, these government funds are has been provided to us to get approved (interpretation ends) public money. out of the current year’s budget. If they (interpretation) As an example, it is the already have that item, no department is Nunavut residents’ money that we are going to miss out on any of the items on spending, which is the reason why there their list. This is an exercise in place. are no intentional misappropriations. We don’t do it out of spite and as a We’re all working together to make sure government, that sort of behaviour is that we’re expending dollars in a fiscally unacceptable. Operating out of spite isn’t responsible manner and that we’re used, especially as a government that has providing the best benefit we can to to service its people, and not the way Nunavummiut with the dollars that government works. I wanted to point we’re provided with. There’s nothing that out clearly. It is clear that whether it untoward. I know I’m the one speaking is spiteful or not, everyone will vote and moving the motion, but this is a using their best conscience. committee motion. We have been talking about this not just today but over the last I want to again point out here that I few days amongst all of us. I guess I’ll doubt we will see this type of motion for leave it at that, Mr. Chairman. the upcoming four years. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I do request a recorded vote. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) To the Chairman: I wish to inform the motion. Mr. Hickes. committee that I have no more names on my list. The debate is now closed. We Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. will now vote on the motion. A recorded I’m not sure where the Premier comes vote has been requested. All those in up with the word “spite.” This is nothing favour, please stand. After I have personal. mentioned your name, you may sit down. Like Mr. Main said, this is a now- identified flaw in the procurement Mr. Hickes. process. If nothing else, this discussion has highlighted the need to take a look Ms. Kamingoak. at, as an example that was brought up of the last Assembly, bringing the capital in Mr. Qirngnuq. two stages. This is now an identified issue, but it has also been alluded to that Ms. Nakashuk. this doesn’t just happen in election years. Ms. Towtongie.

I also disagree with the fact that… . How Mr. Keyootak. do I put this appropriately? No departments will lose anything on their Ms. Sheutiapik. list. We’re talking about going back over stuff that is purchased from the list that Mr. Kusugak.

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 600

Ms. Ehaloak. Some Members: Agreed.

(interpretation) Premier Quassa. Chairman: Go to the Schedule on page 2. Schedule. Amounts Appropriated for Ms. Angnakak. the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2019. Vote 2: Capital. Total Capital Mr. Joanasie. Appropriation. $161,553,000. Agreed?

Mr. Savikataaq. Some Members: Agreed.

Mr. Akeeagok. Chairman: Thank you. Clause 4. Agreed? Mr. Rumbolt. Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Akoak. Chairman: Clause 5. Agreed? Mr. Netser. Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Kaernerk. Chairman: Thank you. Clause 6. Mr. Main. Agreed?

Mr. Lightstone. Some Members: Agreed.

(interpretation ends) Since everybody Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 1 has voted, the motion is carried as a whole? unanimously. Some Members: Agreed. >>Applause Chairman: Thank you. Do members (interpretation) We will now proceed. agree, pursuant to Rule 62(2), that Bill 1 (interpretation ends) Go to Bill 1 in your can be placed on the orders of the day legislation binder. for third reading?

(interpretation) We can start now. Bill 1, Some Members: Agreed. (interpretation ends) Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2018-2019. Clause Chairman: Thank you. What is the wish 1. Agreed? of the committee? Mr. Rumbolt.

Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to report progress at Chairman: Clause 2. Agreed? this time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Some Members: Agreed. An Hon. Member: Good member.

Chairman: Clause 3. Agreed? Chairman: Thank you. We have a

Friday, March 16, 2018 Nunavut Hansard 601 motion on the floor to report progress Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. and the motion is not debatable. All The motion is in order. To the motion. those in favour of the motion. All those opposed. Thank you. I will now rise to An Hon. Member: Question. report to the Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Question has Speaker (interpretation): Going back to been called. All those in favour of the the orders of the day. Item 20. Report of motion, please raise your hand. Thank the Committee of the Whole. Mr. you. You have unanimously voted in Mikkungwak. favour. The motion is carried and Bill 1 is now ready for assent. Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole Item 22. Orders of the Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Clerk. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been Item 22: Orders of the Day considering Bill 1 and would like to report that Bill 1 is immediately ready Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. for third reading and that one committee Speaker. Orders of the Day for March motion was adopted. And, Mr. Speaker, 19: I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to. Thank you, 1. Prayer Mr. Speaker. 2. Ministers’ Statements

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. 3. Members’ Statements There is a motion on the floor. Is there a 4. Returns to Oral Questions seconder? Mr. Quassa. The motion is in order. All those in favour of the motion, 5. Recognition of Visitors in the please raise your hand. Thank you. All Gallery those opposed. The motion is carried. 6. Oral Questions Moving on with the orders of the day. 7. Written Questions Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Akeeagok. 8. Returns to Written Questions

9. Replies to Opening Address Item 21: Third Reading of Bills 10. Petitions Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 11. Responses to Petitions No. 2, 2018-2019 – Third Reading 12. Reports of Standing and Special Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Committees on Bills and Other Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Member for Rankin Matters Inlet South, that Bill 1, Appropriation 13. Tabling of Documents (Capital) Act, 2018-2019, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 14. Notices of Motions

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15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills 18. Second Reading of Bills 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters  Bill 2  Bill 3  Bill 4 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills 22. Orders of the Day Thank you.

>>Applause

Speaker: Qujannamiik, Mr. Clerk. (interpretation) Before we proceed, as it will be the weekend, let me thank all the staff of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you to all the interpreters and our four pages. Thank you.

>>Applause

My colleagues, I wish you a safe weekend, including Nunavummiut.

This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 19, at 1:30 p.m.

Sergeant-at-Arms.

>>House adjourned at 12:30