Nunavut Hansard — 31 May 2023 (6th Assembly, 2nd Session, Day 47, Official Report, pp. 3018–3073)

2023-05-31, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 47

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 47 Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Pages 3018 – 3073 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Speaker Hon. Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Officers Clerk John Quirke Clerk Assistant Stephen Innuksuk Law Clerk Michael Chandler Sergeant-at-Arms Michel Albert Hansard Production Innirvik Support Services Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Hon. David Akeeagok (Quttiktuq) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Education; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for Seniors George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Hon.

David Joanasie (South Baffin) Government House Leader; Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Mary Killiktee (Uqqummiut) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Solomon Malliki (Aivilik) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Hon.

Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Minister of Energy; Minister of Environment; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Website: www.assembly.nu.ca

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................3018 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3018 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3023 Returns to Oral Questions ..........................................................................................................3030 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3031 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3031 Revert to Item 3: Members’ Statements .....................................................................................3061 Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters .................................3062 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3063 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3064 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3071 Third Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................3071 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3072

A. Daily References Wednesday, May 31, 2023 .........................................................................................................3018 B.

Ministers’ Statements 248 – 6(2): Report of the Auditor General on Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Akeeagok, P) ..........................................................................................................................................3018 249 – 6(2): Office of the Auditor General Report (Nakashuk) ..................................................3019 250 – 6(2): Health Supports for Family Services (Main) ...........................................................3019 251 – 6(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation to Purchase Modular Units from Sakku Innovative Building Systems as Part of Nunavut 3000 (Kusugak) ........................................................3020 252 – 6(2): Retiring Long-term Teachers and School Administrators (Gross) ..........................3021 253 – 6(2): Royal Canadian Mounted Police Change of Command (Akeeagok, D)..................3022 254 – 6(2): CRTC Hearings (Joanasie) ......................................................................................3022 C.

Members’ Statements 329 – 6(2): Many Children Finishing School Grades in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) ..........................3023 330 – 6(2): Kindergarten Graduates (Killiktee) .........................................................................3025 331 – 6(2): Empowered Girls, Empowered Women (Brewster) ................................................3025 332 – 6(2): Patient Care Concerns (Quqqiaq) ............................................................................3026 333 – 6(2): Retirement of Annie Anautalik (Simailak) ..............................................................3026 334 – 6(2): Retirement of Morty Alooloo (Akeeagok, D) .........................................................3027 335 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Mother (Akeeagok, P) ...............................................................3027 336 – 6(2): College Graduates from Cambridge Bay (Gross) ....................................................3028 337 – 6(2): Retirement of Richard Arcand (Main) .....................................................................3028 338 – 6(2): Retiring Constituents (Savikataaq) ..........................................................................3029

339 – 6(2): Press Release from the Iqaluit District Education Authority (Lightstone) ..............3029 340 – 6(2): High School Graduates in Sanikiluaq (Qavvik) ......................................................3061 D. Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 426 – 6(2): Funding Local Housing Organizations (Kusugak) ...........3030 E.

Oral Questions 488 – 6(2): Correspondence Regarding Elder Care (Qavvik) ....................................................3031 489 – 6(2): Partnership with Sakku Innovations (Savikataaq) ...................................................3033 490 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) ...........................................................................3035 491 – 6(2): Follow-up on Court-ordered Fuel Spill Cleanup (Brewster) ...................................3037 492 – 6(2): Dust Suppression (Malliki) ......................................................................................3039 493 – 6(2): Supports for Seniors (Quqqiaq) ...............................................................................3041 494 – 6(2): Marine Infrastructure (Kaernerk).............................................................................3043 495 – 6(2): Status of Cancer Screening (Nutarak) .....................................................................3045 496 – 6(2): Firearms Safety in Nunavut (Killiktee) ...................................................................3047 497 – 6(2): Completed Staff and Public Housing Units (Hickes) ..............................................3049 498 – 6(2): Critical Support Services (Lightstone) ....................................................................3051 499 – 6(2): Community Treatment Facility for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ...............................3054 500 – 6(2): Kivalliq Hydro-fibre Link (Simailak) ......................................................................3056 501 – 6(2): Report of the Auditor General on Child and Family Services (Brewster) ...............3058

F. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters Committee Report 015 – 6(2): Bill 13,

An Act to Amend the Limitation of Actions Act, the Legal Questions Act and to Repeal and Replace the Interprovincial Subpoenas Act (Savikataaq) .............................................................................................................................................3062 Committee Report 016 – 6(2): Bill 22,

An Act to Amend the Mental Health Act (Savikataaq) 3062 G.

Tabling of Documents 149 – 6(2): Shared Directional Statement 2022-25 between the Nunavut Minister of Justice and the Nunavut RCMP Commanding Officer (Akeeagok, D) ..................................................3063 150 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in Reply to Members’ Oral Questions on May 24, 2023 (Brewster) ..................................................3063 151 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with Canada Post (Qavvik) ......................................3063 152 – 6(2): Specialized Pricing Strategy for Renewable Energy Suppliers to the Qulliq Energy Corporation - Final Report (Lightstone) ..............................................................................3063 H.

Bills Bill 13 –

An Act to Amend the Limitation of Actions Act, the Legal Questions Act and to Repeal and Replace the Interprovincial Subpoenas Act – Consideration in Committee .................3064 Bill 22 –

An Act to Amend the Mental Health Act – Consideration in Committee ...................3068 Bill 13 –

An Act to Amend the Limitation of Actions Act and the Legal Questions Act and to Repeal and Replace the Interprovincial Subpoenas Act – Third Reading ...........................3071 Bill 22 –

An Act to Amend the Mental Health Act – Third Reading .........................................3072

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3018 Iqaluit, Nunavut Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Mr. Daniel Qavvik, Hon. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:29 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Let us pray. >>Prayer Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Akoak, for the prayer. Our lord is humorous too, whether it’s serious or by mistake. They make funny people like me too. Thank you. Item 2. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 248 – 6(2): Report of the Auditor General on Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, children are the future of our territory. As Premier, especially as a father, I am deeply disheartened by yesterday’s report by the Auditor General of Canada, Karen Hogan, that says the delivery of child and family services in Nunavut is at a crisis state. Mr. Speaker, as children are involved, our response must be swift.

With the full support of cabinet, the government is unlocking the resources necessary to enable the departments of Family Services, Health, and the Department of Human Resources to respond financially and with increased human capacity. The Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs will establish a GN audit and support function and develop a performance accountability framework. Taking a whole-of- government approach, EIA will provide oversight across departments for services related to the well-being of children, youth, and families. Mr.

Speaker, this is not the first time the Auditor General has called on the Government of Nunavut to better protect children in its care. I accept the findings of the report and extend my gratitude to the Auditor General, Karen Hogan, for speaking on behalf of our most vulnerable Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3019 Minister’s Statement 249 – 6(2): Office of the Auditor General Report (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my colleagues and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Auditor General of Canada released a report that demonstrates the struggles faced by the Department of Family Services to provide services to protect and support the well-being of vulnerable children and youth and their families. Mr. Speaker, I will quote from the report: “This Audit describes a Crisis. It is a Call for Change.

We are urging the Government of Nunavut to take immediate action to protect the vulnerable Children and Youth of the Territory.” Mr. Speaker, I fully accept the contents of the performance audit. I am deeply committed to making the changes that need to be made. My officials are moving forward with a roadmap for change that lays out a whole-of- government approach. This government will implement solutions in partnership and close cooperation with the Auditor General. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Minister’s Statement 250 – 6(2): Health Supports for Family Services (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my fellow MLAs. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtitsijii, the Office of the Auditor General’s child and family services report is a call to action for our government to work together to protect our most vulnerable. The Department of Health acknowledges a government-wide, multi-departmental approach is needed to ensure the health and safety of children and families across the territory. Health is fully committed to doing our part to seeing this happen.

Health with Family Services acknowledges the shared responsibility and interrelated nature of their departments. A number of health centres across the territory share office space with divisions within Family Services. In these settings, an environment of team- based care and integrated approaches to health and family wellness across the continuum is provided and we work diligently to improve this. Recently, Health launched the Women and Girls Wellness program to serve clients of the Sailijaarvik Boarding Home in Iqaluit.

The success of the program can be attributed to the close collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Family Services, Department of Culture and Heritage, Department of Education and support from Nunavut Arctic College. This multi-department approach acknowledged the holistic and unique way women and girls experience health and wellness and the importance of a cross-departmental approach to supporting and addressing their priorities and needs.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3020 Uqaqtitsijii, the Department of Health is committed to providing quality and culturally safe health care to ensure Nunavut families access services that lead to better health, wellness, and safety. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Minister’s Statement 251 – 6(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation to Purchase Modular Units from Sakku Innovative Building Systems as Part of Nunavut 3000 (Kusugak) Hon.

Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day to my colleagues and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share with you today that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has entered into purchase agreements with Sakku Innovative Building Solutions (SIBS) for 22 modular units to be set up in 11 communities in Nunavut. SIBS is a new joint venture modular housing company in which the economic development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Sakku Investments Corporation, has a majority ownership stake. This joint venture also presents an opportunity for capacity building for Nunavummiut.

A crew from Arviat will be sent to the plant in Quebec to be trained on the modular building system. This pilot initiative represents one of the exciting new approaches to achieving Nunavut 3000’s ambitious goal to realize 3,000 new housing units across the territory by 2030. Approximately two-thirds of these units will be used as temporary accommodations for construction workers engaged for public housing builds through the partnership agreement with NCC.

Once construction of the public housing units is complete, the corporation will work with the community to find the best purpose for the modular units, such as affordable rental or homeownership and/or transitional housing. Eight units purchased for Sanirajak, Kinngait, Sanikiluaq, and Pangnirtung will be targeted to support the Department of Family Services and help address critical needs in those communities. The Nunavut Housing Corporation will work closely with Family Services on the plan for these units once they arrive.

Expanding the housing supply in Nunavut’s communities as quickly as possible is a priority for the corporation and Nunavut 3000. Purchasing modular housing units where it makes sense to do so will help address the most acute housing needs in our communities while we work to expand the supply of permanent units created through Nunavut 3000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3021 Minister’s Statement 252 – 6(2): Retiring Long-term Teachers and School Administrators (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to Nunavummiut and everyone here in the House with us this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the amazing contributions our soon-to-be retiring teachers and school administrators have made to the territory. They are the pillars of our schools and will be greatly missed. This is not a comprehensive list, but I would like to recognize: In Arctic Bay: • Morty Alooloo, Teacher.

In Arviat: • Richard Arcand, Teacher. In Baker Lake: • Helen DePeuter, Principal; Nancy Nagyougalik, Custodian; Becky Tootoo, Teacher; and Elizabeth (Eetoovee) Tunnuq, Language Specialist. In Clyde River: • Jeanie Natanine-Joanasie, Teacher. In Coral Harbour: • Nellie Ell, Teacher and Vice Principal. In Gjoa Haven: • Lorraine Puqiqnak, Teacher. In Kugluktuk: • Atilla Csaba, Teacher; Maria Csaba, Teacher; Danielle Frenette, Teacher and Vice Principal; Marjorie Havioyak, Teacher; and John Power, Principal. In Pangnirtung: • Lena Metuq, Principal. In Pond Inlet: • Geebowah Arreak, Teacher.

In Rankin Inlet: • Trudi Bruce, Teacher and Vice Principal; Chris Eccles, Teacher; and Molly Kidlapik, Teacher. In Taloyoak: • Mary Neeveacheak, Teacher. Mr. Speaker, these teachers and school administrators have spent many years guiding and supporting our children and ensuring the schools are operational. I encourage everyone to recognize their hard work in educating and developing Nunavut’s next leaders. I also want to recognize those who recently retired and I haven’t mentioned their name. Their commitment and contributions are greatly valued and appreciated. I wish them the best in their retirement.

Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3022 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 253 – 6(2): Royal Canadian Mounted Police Change of Command (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Attention, Mr. Speaker, June 1, 2023 will mark the official change of command at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Nunavut “V” Division. The change of command marks the official passing of the torch from Chief Superintendent Amanda Jones to Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar. I want to thank Chief Superintendent Jones, who admirably served as the Commanding Officer of the Nunavut Royal Canadian Mounted Police for three years.

Chief Superintendent Jones displayed exceptional leadership during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, visited many communities to discuss their policing priorities, and was a strong advocate for Inuit recruiting, ensuring fairness and support for Nunavut applicants. I am also pleased to welcome Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar, who assumed the position of Commanding Officer of the Nunavut Royal Canadian Mounted Police in July 2022.

With previous policing experience in Labrador and a deep appreciation for the sense of community in Nunavut, Chief Superintendent Blackadar has already formed positive relationships with Inuit organizations and Nunavut communities and he has prioritized Inuit first decision-making through the Commanding Officer’s Cultural Advisory Committee. Let us express our gratitude to Chief Superintendent Amanda Jones for her service and extend our warmest welcome to Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar as he embarks on this important role in serving and protecting our communities. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 254 – 6(2): CRTC Hearings (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the MLAs and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s 25 remote communities depend on a reliable telecommunications network to connect with each other, Canada, and the rest of the world.

As Canadians, we count on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to establish standards, regulations, provide direction and develop programs to enable affordable access to essential broadband capacity for all Canadians. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has set standards of a minimum 50 down/10 up for broadband access.

Recently, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission held “Telecommunications in the Far North” hearings on April 19, 2023 in Whitehorse, Yukon, to gather input from representatives, including indigenous

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3023 organizations, local governments, and telecommunications providers from the north on what actions it should take to improve telecommunications services in communities in the Far North. However, no one from Nunavut attended the hearings in Whitehorse, Yukon. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut remains the only Canadian territorial jurisdiction that is 100 percent dependent on satellite services for telecommunications. On May 2, 2023 I sent a letter to Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Minister Pablo Rodriguez and the Hon.

Francois-Phillipe Champagne of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) to encourage the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to conduct consultations here with Nunavummiut on the state of telecommunications. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, in closing, the Department of Community and Government Services is committed to providing equitable services in all 25 communities using a hybrid of technologies and connecting Nunavut to the rest of the world more efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak.

Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 329 – 6(2): Many Children Finishing School Grades in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I may speak a bit slow today as I just came here after being sedated at the hospital, although it isn’t anything serious and as soon as I awoke, I came here. >>Laughter On June 8…I apologize, as I should firstly state that I want to wish the twins celebrating their birthday today, Apphia Killiktee, who is my mother, and my uncle, Jonathan Palluq.

To continue, on June 8, the grade 6 class will be graduating from the elementary school and I want to recognize them by saying their names. They are: • Honey Akpaleeapik • Jimmy Aksarjuk • Dora Amarualik • Elvis-Lucas Angetsiak • Douglas, whose surname I can’t pronounce [Carruthers] • Jayko Innuaraq • Shannon Innuaraq • Oangna Inuarak • Danny Killiktee • A.J. Koonark • Alina Maktar • Elisapee Nashook • Joapie Jr.

Oolateeta • Elektra Ootova • Mason Parks • Leetia Peterloosie • Emerald Pewatoalook • Josephine Satuqsi • Joseph Suqslak • Pat Angilirq • Charles Angnetsiak • Jesse Angnetsiak • Sheldon Angnetsiak • Breanna Arnakallak

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3024 • Balika Idlout • Jack Inuarak • Jasmin Kasarnak • Corianne Killiktee • Nadine Killiktee • Sarah Komangapik • Calvin Koonark • Jerome Koonark • James Mucpa • Francis Nashook • Desiree Qamaniq • Katelynn Simonie • Simon Suqslak • Stephanie Takawgak • Seanna Enoogoo-Soucie These students will be going to classes at the Nasivvik High School to the junior grades.

Additionally, on June 9 these students will be completing their kindergarten classes and I also wish to acknowledge them: • Thomas Aglak • Raymas Akpaliapik • Jacky Angiliq • Freddy Apak • Logan Aqiaruq • Yuri Arnakallak • Velma Arreak • Ryu Atagootak I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. • Velma Arreak • Scott Avva • Mackenzie Awa • Peterson Enoogoo • Rosalynn Enoogoo • Reyeh Evaloakjuk • Navana Inuarak • Dora Itturiligaq • Solomen Itturiligaq • Nathan Jawerenko • Derek Kadloo • Rebecca Kadloo • Carla Katsak • Jobie Kaunak • Josephine Killiktee • Paul Killiktee • Alicia Komangapik • Kyle Komangapik • Mark Koonark • Sheldon Koonoo • Barry Maktar • Hillary Mike • Marlene Nutarak • Rocky Ootook • Carl Ootoova • Sativa James Ootova • Adelyn Peterloosie • Mackenzie Peterloosie • Nicole Pitseolak • Joyce Qanguq • Leonie Qiyuapik • Glenna Quaraq • Austin Sangoya • Bruce Sangoya • Jennisa Suqslak • Maya Suno • Caiden Tagak • Myles Tagak • Gavin Tapardjuk • Darlene Tigullaraq This many kindergarten students will be completing their kindergarten class and move up to grade 1.

I’m very proud of these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3025 >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Member’s Statement 330 – 6(2): Kindergarten Graduates (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to recognize the young children who completed their class and some are named after my father. I am very proud of my fellow residents in Qikiqtarjuaq. I would like to cite their names here in recognition and express my pride along with their parents.

They are: • Gillian Audlakiak • Ashley Eenoogoo • Olivia Kalluk • Dana Keyookta • Houston Kilabuk • Imoona Kokseak • Allen Kooneeliusee • Sye Kooneeloosie • Scott Kopalie • Jasmine Awa • Ava Kukseak • Silasie Natsiapik • Pauloosie Kevin Nookiguak • Leslie Nuqingaq • Paula Qappik • John Aiki Qiyuqtaq • Nikia Sanguya These 16 students completed their kindergarten school and I would like to ask you to join me in congratulating these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Member’s Statement 331 – 6(2): Empowered Girls, Empowered Women (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Four years ago, when my father was manager of the Co-op in Coral Harbour, he invited my sister Kristy and I to choose some graphic t-shirts from amongst their inventory and we excitedly went in and had a look to see what we wanted. My older sister, Kristy, chose one that said, “Little sister for sale. Cheap.” Nobody ever took her up on the offer. Mr. Speaker, you may not be surprised to hear that I chose one that said, “Never underestimate the power of a girl.” >>Applause Mr.

Speaker, empowered girls become empowered women, and I’m proud to say that here today we have guests that include the all-women first responders team that served our beautiful city of Iqaluit on March 6, 2023 on International Women’s Day. They include: • Emily Galipo, who is a firefighter and medic • Amelia Martin, firefighter and medic • Mam Osmani, emergency dispatcher; and on the day • Casey Warren, who is a firefighter and medic • Brianna Kovacs, who is a firefighter and medic as well. They are accompanied by their chief, Steve McGean

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3026 Mr. Speaker, I’m proud of these hard- working women and all of Nunavut’s first responders. Welcome to the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 332 – 6(2): Patient Care Concerns (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address a concern that has been raised by my constituents with respect to patient care at our community health centres. Mr. Speaker, an elder from my constituency went to the health centre to seek medical attention.

He was turned away because the health professional thought he was drunk. He wasn’t. Mr. Speaker, he tried again and again to seek medical attention and finally managed to be seen after family members made several phone calls. He was eventually medevaced for his illness, although the medevac took a very long time. Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge, this is not the first time this type of thing has happened. It is concerning because an elder did not get the care he needed in a timely manner. It is also concerning because it seems to show a lack of orientation and awareness on the part of our health professionals.

While I believe they are well-trained and do their best to provide quality care to the residents of Nunavut, it also seems to be the case that the lack of cultural awareness is a barrier to providing that quality care when it is needed. Mr. Speaker, I wish to be clear that I am very grateful for the hard work and dedication of our nursing professionals. However, I feel that more needs to be done to orient health care providers to the culture, lifestyle, and ways of life and work in our territory. Miscommunications can happen so easily when individuals do not speak the same language.

Misunderstandings occur when one person does not have the knowledge to properly interpret another person’s actions and behaviours. Mr. Speaker, I encourage our government to work harder to ensure that health professionals coming to work and live in Nunavut receive a full orientation on our communities and culture. This will improve their ability to provide quality patient care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Member’s Statement 333 – 6(2): Retirement of Annie Anautalik (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day, colleagues and residents of Baker Lake. I hope you have a good day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce today that another one of my constituents has just announced their retirement, Annie Anautalik. She has been working many years for the Baker Lake prenatal nutrition project. Over the last 11 years of service, she has helped many expectant mothers learn how to cook and prepare nutrition foods for these new mothers, and I’m

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3027 sure that the office will be missing all of her services along with all the mothers that she has helped over the years, and we are all very grateful for your service. Annie, enjoy your retirement. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 334 – 6(2): Retirement of Morty Alooloo (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prior to making my statement, I want to state the loss of our beloved elder who passed away in Arctic Bay. I send our love to the Atagootaaluk family, and our elder will be missed dearly. Further, there is a birthday today shared by Ann Akeeagok and Johnny Flaherty, who celebrate the last day of May vigorously, and I wish them both a very happy birthday. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my immense gratitude to Morty Alooloo, whom my ministerial colleague cited their appreciation for earlier.

She will be retiring from her position at the Inuujaq School, where she was a teacher for 43 years and served as a teacher, curriculum developer, and the principal of the school up in Arctic Bay. Morty began her career in 1976 as a teaching assistant, as she wanted to become a teacher of the local children. Over these many years, she has contributed to the development of the school where a lot of progress was made, as she personally assisted in developing curriculum materials. She also worked hard to keep Inuktitut alive.

Although she took on the role of the principal, she didn’t want to deal with adults daily, but she wanted to return to teaching children. She returned to her role as a teacher teaching in the classroom. Many of her earliest students are now grandmothers and grandfathers. As she retires, her current students are the grandchildren of her earliest students. Due to that, I am extremely thankful for her dedication. Mr. Speaker, Morty will leave a huge emptiness when she retires. Nonetheless, I know for a fact that she will continue to contribute and will support her fellow residents.

To the students in the Teacher Education Program today, I know she will provide her vast experience to assist them. My dear great mother-in-law, I hope you enjoy your retirement, and I am glad and extremely thankful for your long service as a teacher in your community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 335 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Mother (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today because May 31 is a very important day. My mother, Ann, who lives in Grise Fiord, is celebrating her birthday today. We love you and have a great day today

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3028 on your birthday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 336 – 6(2): College Graduates from Cambridge Bay (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to everyone in Cambridge Bay. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to recognize those graduating from post- secondary. This is a list that I have right now and I know I will have to add more later when I collect some more names.

Right now, I would like to recognize those who have gone to Arctic College and have attended the Social Service Worker Program, and they will be graduating on June 2. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Nellie Hogaluk, Kelly Lear, Chanese Nakoyak, and Presley Taylor, who are graduating from that program. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize, graduating from Nova Scotia Community College in the plumber apprentice program on June 6 is Brian Mala. I’m wishing all of those students all the best in their careers ahead as they either go into the workforce or continue on with their education, Mr. Speaker.

All those across Nunavut who are also graduating from post-secondary, congratulations to them all and I’m wishing them the best in their future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 337 – 6(2): Retirement of Richard Arcand (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize my former teacher, Richard Arcand, who will be retiring shortly, which the Minister of Education announced earlier. I wanted to thank Richard publicly, as I believe it was 1993 when he was my teacher in grade 8.

Meda who also works in the Assembly, Meda Baines, also had him as a teacher. Richard, I want to thank you for your long service record and for always warmly welcoming students in your role as a teacher and becoming an integral part of Arviat’s community. He built a house and also built a cabin, and he will be leaving a large void, so I wanted to take this opportunity to voice my gratitude to Richard. Back in those days when he was my teacher, I apologize for not always paying attention which I regret, but he was a great teacher and he never gave up on any student.

Back then, Meda and I were very inattentive, as we didn’t listen and even fought in class. Let us take this opportunity to express our thanks for the teachers who are a boon to many students and tirelessly

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3029 provide lessons to their students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Member’s Statement 338 – 6(2): Retiring Constituents (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the member across me here beat me to half of my member’s statement. >>Laughter Richard Arcand has been a teacher in Arviat for a long time, and Minister Main went on, so I won’t go deep into that, but Richard Arcand, happy retirement.

When the school year ends, have a good retirement and just take it easy. Another teacher in Arviat that is retiring, I would like to wish her a happy retirement, Molly Kidlapik, and unless there is another exact person, the minister’s statement said that she was from Rankin Inlet. Molly Kidlapik is from Arviat. Molly Kidlapik has been a teacher for a long time and I am glad that she is going to retire in her later years to enjoy life and do what she wants, when she wants. (interpretation) Molly, have a great retirement to both you and your husband.

You can now do whatever you want. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Member’s Statement 339 – 6(2): Press Release from the Iqaluit District Education Authority (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express concern over a press release that was issued by the Iqaluit District Education Authority on April 12 titled, “Critical Support Services to be Denied to Children in Need.” Mr.

Speaker, the press release indicates that the authority had been granted funding from the federal government’s Inuit Child First Initiative to contract professional services that are not available in Nunavut. The press release also indicates that the district education authority had received initial support granted for the project from the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Education in 2019. The press release further indicates that the Department of Education’s Student Achievement Division issued an order preventing such contractors from entering Nunavut’s schools. Mr.

Speaker, it would seem that providing professional services for Nunavut children to help them succeed and thrive in a school environment would be a positive initiative and it is unclear why the Department of Education would not support this and similar activities undertaken by

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3030 Nunavut’s elected district education authorities. Mr. Speaker, I would greatly appreciate detailed clarification on this issue and will be asking the minister some questions at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 426 – 6(2): Funding Local Housing Organizations (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

George Hickes, MLA for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, asked on May 24 a question to me. The question is: What process does the Nunavut Housing Corporation use in establishing budgets and funding amounts for local housing organizations, including the impacts of rental arrears? In response, Mr. Speaker: The funding model for local housing organizations is based on a modified block funding approach that covers maintenance and administrative expenses based on standard costs applicable across Nunavut that may be adjusted for community-specific factors, such as the Nunavut Northern Allowance.

The basis of the model is the number of units within a specific community and it provides the suggested number of staff to adequately service and maintain these units. The formula is updated on an annual basis to provide increases to labour and materials funding. Most utilities and all taxes and land lease costs for public and staff housing programs are paid through the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Funding to local housing organizations is provided in the form of a monthly operating grant (cash payment).

Assessed rents are calculated annually and vary from year to year to reflect changes to the number of units managed by the local housing organization as well as tenant incomes, and the cash payment portion of funding from the Nunavut Housing Corporation varies accordingly. The funding model allows for 3 percent uncollectable rent (i.e. rental arrears), meaning that local housing organizations are required to target a collection rate of 97 percent. A final adjustment based on audited actual rental assessments is completed after the fiscal year-end.

Local housing organizations are required to assess rent to tenants per the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s public housing rent scale. It is the local housing organization’s responsibility to collect rental assessment and all rental revenue remains in the tenants’ community to help them cover their operating expenses. This means significant rental arrears from tenants can affect the local housing organization’s cash flow as it is a major source of revenue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3031 Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said earlier, I’m very happy to welcome a number of Iqalummiut to the gallery today: • Emily Galipo • Amelia Martin • Mam Ousmane • Chief Steve McGean A special welcome to one of my constituents, Mr. Kent Driscoll; some of you may know him. Welcome to the gallery. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik.

Item 6: Oral Questions Question 488 – 6(2): Correspondence Regarding Elder Care (Qavvik) Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Premier of Nunavut and they concern the issue of our current legislative mandate, aging with dignity in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, on March 14, 2023, I wrote a letter to the Premier of Nunavut and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president asking for their support and commitment to establish an elder facility in the community of Sanikiluaq.

In my letter, I also stated that in recent years, no fewer than five elders from Sanikiluaq have passed away while at the Embassy West facility, far away from their home, family, and culture. I would like to ask the Premier whether he will respond to my correspondence letter and, also in part, whether he has had discussions with the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president in regard to my correspondence letter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank my fellow MLA for writing that letter in March of this year regarding how we can better support our elders. To date, we’ve had consultations with the elders and we did tours of the communities and we’re currently gathering the information. Once the information is compiled, I’ll draft a letter together to my colleague. To date, I have not had a meeting with the president of Nunavut Tunngavik regarding the letter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Earlier this month, the Premier and his cabinet were down in Ottawa and during their stay, the Premier and the Prime Minister made a joint statement, and I will excerpt from their statement. It states, “Our bilateral meeting took place as part of ‘Nunavut on the Hill,’ a two- day working visit to Parliament where Nunavut’s Cabinet participates in meetings with the federal government. Especially on housing, health care, climate change, Arctic security and sovereignty, and Nunavut devolution…”

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3032 Also in that statement, it states, “As part of the Government of Canada’s recent, significant investments to improve health care for people - increasing existing investments by more than $198 billion over the next 10 years - the governments of Canada and Nunavut will continue to advance discussions for health transfers and agreements that meet the territory’s unique circumstances, support Nunavummiut who are aging, ensure Elders can age with dignity at home, and prioritize the collection of health information to deliver better care and modern health infrastructure.” I would like to ask the Premier whether small communities like Sanikiluaq were part of the discussions during their meeting.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleague once again. I had a meeting with the Prime Minister and I can state that we did have talks on the issue of elders and how we can repatriate them back to Nunavut. This is one of our priorities under our government’s Katujjiluta mandate. The Prime Minister, Minister Leblanc, Minister Miller, and Minister Vandal and I had a discussion in regard to the repatriation of our elders.

It is a very big question and we are well aware of the people who want to bring their elders back home. We are looking at the possibility of bringing the elders back and that was one of our major topics during that meeting in Ottawa. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year, the Government of Nunavut released a news release on February 16, 2023. It is in regard to consultation that began for the Strategic Action Plan for Elders in Nunavut.

In that release, the release stated that “Over the coming months, consultations will take place in the North Qikiqtaaluk, South Qikiqtaaluk, and Kitikmeot regions, and in Ottawa to gather input from Elders, families, communities, and partners.” I would like to ask the Premier if he has information as to when their next visit is to communities in regard to the consultation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am very pleased and we have been working very hard to consult with the elders and senior citizens as soon as we can so that we can consult with the communities. We have consulted with the communities that he just mentioned. We completed them last month and we are now analyzing what we have heard and after we have heard from the elders and after we analyze it, we will get back to our elders and we will be making a report on what we have heard, but we are up to date with our strategic plan and the process with our consultation plan.

We are not going to consult with the other communities because we have had elders come to visit here and have a meeting here from all Nunavut

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3033 communities. Therefore, the report has not been completed, but we are up to date with the consultations with the elders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 489 – 6(2): Partnership with Sakku Innovations (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to question the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation on the minister’s statement. First, Mr.

Speaker, I am happy and very glad and pleased that the housing corporation has entered into a purchase agreement with Sakku Innovation Building Solutions in Arviat as jobs are needed in Arviat and the training is needed in Arviat. I applaud the minister for going into that agreement. On page 2 of his statement, I will read it, “Approximately two-thirds of these units” that will be purchased, the 22 units, “Approximately two-thirds of these units will be used as temporary accommodations for construction workers engaged for public housing builds through the partnership agreement with NCC.

Once construction of the public housing units is complete,” NHC “will work with the community to find the best purpose for the modular units, such as affordable, rental or homeownership and/or transitional housing.” My first question is: in the past, anyone who got any contracts from the housing corporation to build public or staff housing were required, it was in the contract, required to stay in local accommodations and hotels to help local businesses. Now it appears that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be providing housing to the construction companies.

Will the construction company pay for staying in these accommodations that are equivalent to staying at a hotel for per person per day or is it free of charge? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work around this is to ensure that we use as much of the money as we can and turn it into housing, into beds and doors for Nunavummiut. Many of them will still have to utilize hotels and other accommodations.

That seems to continue, but in terms of these units, it was an opportunity that we saw, that instead of spending up to $200,000 in finding other accommodations, the idea was to purchase these units and lease them out through the agreement and let the construction people stay in there, and then when they are completed, they will be handed over to either the local housing association or turn it into something that will benefit the community. This should not have a negative impact on the local hotels and it wouldn’t cost the corporation any more money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr.

Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the access to the per-unit cost and all that, so I can’t argue that it would cost the housing corporation money or no money. The

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3034 minister stated it would cost no money. Someone has to pay for these units. I did not get an answer as to whether the rates will be equivalent to the amount that the construction company would have paid to stay at a hotel. That is money being taken away from private business within the communities and some of the hotels have a tough time staying in business because they don’t have enough customers staying there and paying to keep the hotel open.

There is a government policy with EDT that they will not put in free money to disrupt the capital free flow of a business within the community. They will not fund someone to compete against an existing business, and I feel that this falls into that category. I ask the minister again: if they’re going to be leased, will the lease be equal to how much the construction company would have paid if they stayed in a hotel? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I never said that these buildings will be free. Mr.

Speaker, I’ll use an example. If we are doing construction work in community X and that community requires room and board for the construction crew, we will be putting in these units, and if it costs NCC in this case $200,000 to pay for room and board for that time, it will be deducted from the cost once they start staying there. We are using money we would have paid for them to stay in a different accommodation to make a payment on the cost of that unit. I’m trying to make it as clear as mud, Mr. Speaker, but it got convoluted.

In terms of having a negative impact on the hotels, we’re finding that every year it’s very hard to get hotel rooms at the best of times and we believe that this should not have a negative impact in the forefront, affecting the current accommodations of these communities where these are being placed, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for the clarification. He tried to explain it as simple as possible, but I still have… . He said that there will be no costs, but there will be a cost there.

I don’t know if it’s predetermined where they’re going or whether they try to get a hotel first and if they can’t get a hotel, then these will be put in, but I’m not going to argue that point right now. Mr. Speaker, these units will be seven years old when they are turned over to the housing association or sold off or rented as affordable housing units. Construction workers are not exactly gentle in wherever they stay normally. They’re there to do a job and get the job done.

Will the housing corporation or will the construction company pay to have these units renovated to as new before they are turned over so that whoever gets them is not stuck with renovation costs, if there are any? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3035 Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If these buildings do get brought up, they will be brought up to be…how would you do it? Remodel- friendly, the walls could be moved and partitioned, in this case, to have it more or less like a bunkhouse and in any case, if it’s turned over for a women’s shelter or a men’s shelter or to the hamlet or to the local housing associations, there would be some cost in fixing it so that it could be used for those purposes.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation will, at that time, take a look at the cost of doing that, but in most of these cases, the units would be handed over upon completion of a project, usually within a two-year window, Mr. Speaker. We’re still trying to work out a lot of the details on these projects as we’re flying by the seat of our pants in some cases, Mr. Speaker. We’re trying to find ways to get as many housing units in the community as possible.

We continue to hear the need for shelters and different spaces in the community, and we’re trying to be creative in terms of how we could make that happen and this was an opportunity to do that. As the weeks go by and we get down to finer details on what we’re doing with these projects, I will most definitely share more information as it clears up with this Assembly, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 490 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are for the new Minister of Languages and they concern the issue of the Inuinnaqtun language. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the minister for her new role as Minister of Languages. I recognize and appreciate that her previous professional experience, including her role as executive director of the Kitikmeot Heritage Society, has contributed to the revitalization and preservation of Inuinnaqtun. Mr.

Speaker, during the Legislative Assembly’s sitting of March 10, 2023, the minister’s predecessor indicated that “we are proposing shifting the focus of Inuinnaqtun translations to prioritize areas that are either likely to improve revitalization or directly support access to service.” Mr. Speaker, I understand that the shift of focus means that there is an emphasis on more resources to support those learning Inuinnaqtun. Can the minister clearly explain what specific actions are currently being undertaken to improve and support access to Inuinnaqtun learning resources? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Languages, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to our colleague for that great question on Inuinnaqtun. I know it plays a soft spot in both of our hearts here as well.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3036 First of all, I would like to thank our Inuinnaqtun translators that are here with us in the leg., Mr. Speaker. They have a very important role in protecting and promoting Inuinnaqtun. I, too, look forward to the enhancement of Inuinnaqtun services for our communities and working to strengthen the language and preservation of Inuinnaqtun. Mr.

Speaker, the member asked about the work that is going on in terms of Inuinnaqtun and there is a lot that is happening in terms of the revitalization and it just doesn’t happen with only the Government of Nunavut, but it also happens through the work of those that apply for grants and contributions under culture and heritage, Mr. Speaker.

There are many organizations that are working on this work and I would like to commend them and thank them for the work to ensure that Inuinnaqtun is happening and that we are working on it together with the available funds that are there, and the more funds that are there, the more work that can happen. Mr. Speaker, the department is exploring ways to work with the Kugluktuk office of the Department of Culture and Heritage to utilize those that have been typically there as interpreter/translators and looking to explore what ways to use them for… . Sorry; I need some water.

The department is looking for ways to see what ways we can have them be utilized in the communities to enhance the work that they do and have them in different capacities, such as teachers or language promoters, and not just as interpreter/translators in the capacity of reading and writing materials and documents, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to getting that information as the department works on this issue and works to address revitalizing Inuinnaqtun. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your response, minister. Mr.

Speaker, on February 28, 2023, the 2020-21 Annual Report of the Minister of Languages was tabled in the House. The report outlines a total of 32 Inuit language community initiatives that the Department of Culture and Heritage funded in the 2020-21 fiscal year. I appreciate that a number of those initiatives supported the use of promotion of Inuinnaqtun in our communities. Can the minister confirm how many Inuit language community initiatives were funded during the 2022-23 fiscal year and can the minister indicate how many of those were Inuinnaqtun-focused initiatives? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Languages, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. It’s a very detailed question that I will look at within the department to gather those numbers because there are a number of different grant and contribution programs that pertain to all the projects that are received, Mr. Speaker. Just within that portion of grants and contributions across the territory, we have so far allocated over $11 million to that.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3037 To look at the specifics for Inuinnaqtun, I can commit to getting back to the member on how much money pertains to Inuinnaqtun revitalization and work. I’ll get back to him through letter format. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you for your response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Uqausivut 2.0 was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 14, 2018.

The document outlines a five-year strategy that identifies a number of priorities and outcomes regarding language of work, language services, and language revitalization. The Uqausivut 2.0 strategy expires this year. Can the minister clarify what the expected timeline is for the completion of a new language implementation plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. As the member has stated, Uqausivut 2.0 has been stated and the department will continue with the implementation efforts for 2023 and 2024.

We’re working right now on a new comprehensive plan this year for the next phase of Uqausivut and the implementation support that the government’s efforts will do to increase the number of Nunavummiut who are learning and using Inuktut, while we also respect the other official languages. Quana, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 491 – 6(2): Follow-up on Court-ordered Fuel Spill Cleanup (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to ask a question regarding correspondence sent by the Minister of Education to the Standing Committee on Social Wellness earlier this spring regarding court orders. The minister’s correspondence indicated that a budget transfer from her department’s ongoing lifecycle budget for the fuel spill cleanup project was the result of a “Court Order.” Can the minister provide further information on the “Court Order” which mandated this work and how it came about? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

Quana to the member for the question in regard to the court order. The Department of Education has mitigated services under the Qikiqtaaluk court- ordered fuel spill cleanup project and that the Department of Education allocated funds to Community and Government Services, who oversees the delivery of the capital projects for the Department of Education. The Department of Education works with Community and Government Services to work on the projects and we are the ones who provide the funds.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3038 In reference to what the member is talking about, there was an order for 34 non-compliances that needed to be addressed before October 2023. The Department of Education has asked for approximately $560,000 for the project. There are a number of projects which were referenced in the letter that the member is speaking about and that the department is working on with Community and Government Services to have those court-ordered spill mitigation measures in the Qikiqtaaluk looked into and looked after. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms.

Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m still not clear why there was a court order needed. Mr. Speaker, while members appreciated receiving additional details regarding the specific deficiencies to be repaired at nine different Qikiqtaaluk schools, there was no explanation in the correspondence of why or when the Nunavut Court had issued an order that such work be done only that it had to be addressed by October 2023.

I just heard reference to that date again of October ‘23 and I would like to know: can the minister clarify whether it is anticipated that all of the work at the nine Qikiqtaaluk schools will be completed by October, as ordered? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education was never issued the court order. The court order was issued to Community and Government Services, Mr. Speaker.

It’s the Department of Education that holds the funds to work on these capital projects to assist them to be done with the government asset, so we are the ones that provide the money to Community and Government Services for that work to go forward, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think most members are well versed in the way that departments work together and one would hope that in that work together, the sharing of dates and commitments are part of the information that is shared, that even if a minister isn’t even directly immediately responsible for something that is occurring in buildings that their department uses, they would at least have the information and be able to share that information about when these things are going to happen. Mr.

Speaker, members do appreciate receiving updates on work being carried out in their constituencies, especially when it addresses deficiencies at such critic facilities as schools and health centres. My colleague from Netsilik recently spoke of the challenges faced by Taloyoak students to get back into their school which was closed for a long period of time due to a fuel spill. Can the minister clarify whether similar fuel spill cleanup projects will also be conducted in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3039 regions with or without a court order? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. Yes, the department does take fuel spills and any types of measure such as that to the work that we do and ensure that they do happen. In terms of Taloyoak, we are waiting for the ground to thaw so that we can dig up the soil and remediate that space outside of the school that has been contaminated. We have been doing that with all fuel spills that are happening.

In terms of working on them in the past year, for example, we have worked to address concerns in terms of any type of fuel spill and it is taken as a very serious matter and we do work to ensure that they are going to happen. For the court-ordered fuel spills, I can say that they will happen this summer and that we have the appropriate funds to use that money to work on that project and ensure that the grounds are cleaned up and that the fuel spills and the tanks are replaced and whatnot. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki.

Question 492 – 6(2): Dust Suppression (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my constituents in Naujaat and Coral Harbour. Mr. Speaker, I have more questions today for the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the issue of dust suppression. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Association of Municipalities approved a formal resolution at its 2022 annual general meeting concerning this issue. The resolution called on the government to invest in a “universal dust control program” across the territory.

This would benefit all communities, including Naujaat and Coral Harbour. Can the minister indicate what specific actions his department is currently taking in response to the resolution? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member again for this line of questioning and it provides me an opportunity to clarify. If I’m not mistaken, in yesterday’s line of questioning, I may have mentioned that my department has a universal dust control program, but in fact we do not have one.

In terms of working with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, currently the funding is not an eligible expenditure through federal funding requirements that are managed through our department. We are of the view and our position is that dust control can be funded internally through municipal funding programs that hamlets receive on an annual basis. Working within this budget, we feel that it can meet the needs of hamlets at this time.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3040 Mr. Speaker, again, dust control is an issue that comes up periodically from time to time, but normally in the summer months, and again, we will be working with trying to employ different solutions that are more effective in getting dust to remain suppressed for the benefit of Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Indeed, this issue has festered for many years where complaints about the dust issue were brought up, as even the other government before the creation of the Government of Nunavut dealt with the concerns voiced on dust control. This is still an issue we face in 2023, as we still see the same problem. Further, with the continual complaints brought to the attention of our government and with funds available as (interpretation ends) surplus, (interpretation) why isn’t our government applying it towards that? It keeps cropping up with many communities voicing their concerns, including past assemblies by prior MLAs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the member can elaborate on the matter of surplus funds. As I am not aware of any surplus funds, I would like more information on that. Nevertheless, Mr. Speaker, the funding provided by the Department of Community and Government Services to our municipalities includes funds requiring applications with some base funding provided. With respect to surpluses or carryovers, we continue to work with our hamlets.

If they require additional funding, we assist by applying for specific federal government funding programs. If we can find funds for specific programs, we will try to look further into that option. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The matter the minister wants more clarity on was announced previously by the Minister of Finance, who mentioned that this government had a surplus.

I believe we can find some funding from that surplus. (interpretation ends) During yesterday’s oral question period, I noted that the government published a document concerning Environmental Guidelines for Dust Suppression on Unpaved Roads back in the year 2014. Can the minister provide me with a clear answer today as to when this document will be updated to reflect advances in dust suppression technologies? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The document was previously published and it needed an update. I do not know the current status of that, but let me reiterate that the hamlets get substances for dust control,

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3041 such as to say it in English, (interpretation) calcium chloride, (interpretation) and this substance has to be applied to the municipal road systems. However, there is occasional work and research that CGS shares with the (interpretation ends) Municipal Training Organization (interpretation) to provide towards that, including the training program for it. With regard to the update issue, I will share that with my colleagues once I have the relevant information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Question 493 – 6(2): Supports for Seniors (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Seniors. Mr. Speaker, a few of my constituents who are elders have come to me on a number of occasions to ask for support in dealing with drunk and abusive individuals who live in the same residence. Mr. Speaker, I am sure many of my colleagues have had to address similar concerns. Mr. Speaker, elder abuse is a very serious issue and a problem in our territory. Mr.

Speaker, for the benefit of the listening public and for me to take back to my constituency, can the minister provide some information or guidance on what kinds of supports are available to help elders address situations like the one I described? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Seniors, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. Mr. Speaker, if the member can repeat his question; I didn’t catch the latter half of his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Member Quqqiaq, please repeat your question for the minister. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the benefit of the listening public and for me to take back to my constituency, can the minister provide some information or guidance on what kinds of supports are available to help elders address situations like the one I described? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Seniors, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. In regard to working with seniors, there are a number of various, different work that happens between many different departments across the Government of Nunavut.

In terms of working with the seniors, we are working to strengthen the work for seniors in the Government of Nunavut as it falls under the Department of Culture and Heritage at this time. There is work that happens with the Department of Justice and the Department of Justice is the one who works to ensure that there are activities for the elders and that they have the support that they need, Mr. Speaker. In terms of working for the elders, the Department of Justice does have a number of programs and

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3042 committees that they work with to offer to clients and support the elders where they need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I note that the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program will be providing $25,000 each to 12 different projects across Nunavut to support seniors. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the elders and youth program in Taloyoak will be receiving this funding to promote the sharing of traditional knowledge and skills in the community. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister describe how the Government of Nunavut collaborates with the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program to promote volunteerism among seniors, engage seniors through mentoring, and to expand our awareness of elder abuse? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Seniors, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question.

If there is elder abuse happening, it is a crime, and if there are people who know that that’s happening, it should be reported to the RCMP to look into the matter and work to support the elders if they are going through any type of this harm, whether it be financial or any type of abuse that might happen, and to work with them as the ones who prevent and work to solve those issues for the public, Mr. Speaker.

In terms of work with the federal government for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, earlier this month while we were in Ottawa for Nunavut Day on the Hill, I did have a chance to meet with the minister and talk about the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Minister Khera, and we talked about Nunavummiut who are receiving the benefit from that program funding. I expressed concerns over that program funding and said that Nunavut does not have very many non-profits that advocate for seniors or work with seniors, so that pot of funding for seniors is sometimes a challenge for all of our communities to access.

I have asked that we work with the federal government closely to ensure that programs such as the New Horizons for Seniors are more accessible for Nunavummiut and that we can use that money. For example, if there’s a blanket application, then we can use that program money to disburse so that all of our communities can benefit and not just the few that might have programs or available services to support seniors in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I mentioned, the issue of elder abuse is very real for far too many of our elders. Mr. Speaker, many elders feel alone and helpless when trying to address the problems they are facing. Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to working with her counterparts in the federal government as well as with the territorial and regional Inuit organizations to increase awareness of

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3043 elder abuse and how to put an end to it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Seniors, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. Yes, I can commit to ensuring that elder abuse is talked about and it is actually something that I have talked about as well with the federal minister when I had the opportunity at the last meeting that we had. There are also federal-provincial- territorial meetings and elder abuse is one that can be on the agenda.

I do know that we do highly respect our elders and we feel for those that might be going through challenges and to work to support them and to make sure that we have those issues, if they are ever brought up, they can be responded to. As I stated, if anyone is ever going through any distress, if they know their elder is going through support, to contact the RCMP on behalf of their family member, for example, or the elder can go directly to the RCMP and talk to them about what needs they need support with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk.

Question 494 – 6(2): Marine Infrastructure (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Attention! >>Laughter As the minister is aware, I have tabled the marine infrastructure plan last week and that was recently commissioned by Municipality of Sanirajak, Mr. Speaker. Now, I would like to show my acknowledgement and I applaud and congratulate the mayor and councillors for taking action to address the community goals of constructing a small harbour. Mr.

Speaker, the study clearly identifies a number of important benefits that the new small craft harbour would have for the community, including “ensuring that future commercial inshore fisheries have access to a safe harbour and landing facilities,” not to mention our great hunters too, Mr. Speaker. Now, can the minister clearly explain how his department is working or collaborating with Sanirajak to identify funding sources for a new small craft harbour? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon.

David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also am thankful to the Hamlet of Sanirajak for producing this request, submitting their plan of action towards this project, and estimating the cost during this feasibility study. With that being the case, we will work with them to try to determine the next steps, especially for critical infrastructure, such as these small craft harbours for all of Nunavut. We will include that consideration as we receive information on the different federal programs, and we would most likely go that route.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3044 With that being the case, we want to insert this study into the small craft harbour queue which will be for the whole of Nunavut, as this is what we are attempting to attain when we receive funding from different federal programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaking of federal funding, I would like to say that this government’s mandate talks a lot about the blue economy; oh, what a coincidence I’m wearing blue here, and sustainable fisheries.

Now, as the minister is aware, as he just mentioned about the federal funding from the National Trade Corridors has gone towards the planning, design, and construction of a new deep water port for Qikiqtarjuaq. I would like to show my congratulations for Qikiqtarjuaq. It cost like $40 million. Now, can the minister clarify if this federal program will be renewed, and can the minister commit to making a submission to the program in respect to Sanirajak’s small craft harbour? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. When the federal budget was announced this last round, the National Trade Corridors Fund was not mentioned and I raised this with the minister responsible if there are any more programs like this. It has been useful for the territory. Not just the National Trade Corridors Fund, but the Oceans Protection Plan still has funds under that program. When the federal minister for fisheries and her department put callout letters to communities and to the territories, definitely, those are ones that we try to get as much projects into those. I continue to raise awareness with my federal colleagues.

It’s not just one. There are a number of colleagues that oversee these programs and something that I keep advocating that Nunavut needs more small craft harbours and docks, as we have been left behind from the rest of Canada, and I will continue to advocate for that. I thank the member and the community for taking this initiative and demonstrating that there is a huge need for the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the minister collaborating with the federal counterparts in regard to the marine infrastructure. As he just clearly said, most of the communities are left behind when it comes to these great initiatives for the communities to benefit on marine infrastructure, Mr. Speaker. I do understand and recognize that the minister’s department administers the Community Transportation Initiatives Program, which is an application-based program that provides funding to

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3045 municipalities for small-scale marine infrastructure. Now, can the minister clarify again if his department has received any applications from the Municipality of Sanirajak for the current 2023-24 fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m trying to be as fast as possible to find that very information on our community transportation initiative which I do not have at my fingertips right now, but I want to mention that the Municipality of Sanirajak used those funds to help develop this feasibility study and I applaud them for that. It was used last year and for this year. In my briefing notes, I cannot go fast enough to find the document, but I will definitely commit to providing that to the member directly, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak.

Question 495 – 6(2): Status of Cancer Screening (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions this afternoon to the Minister of Health. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, as the minister will be aware, a few months ago a cancer screening clinic was held in the community of Pond Inlet. Some patients were informed that they may be at risk and would require a colonoscopy, but it may take up to one and a half years for the procedure.

Can the minister explain why there is such a long wait for colonoscopies across the territory and what is being done to address the backlog? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for asking that question. (interpretation ends) The colorectal cancer screening program is the first initiative that the department is rolling out in terms of taking a systematic approach to cancer screening, and colorectal cancer is one of our most prevalent types of cancer in Nunavut, so it is exciting work.

In terms of Mittimatalingmiut, they were one of the three communities where the pilot implementation was put in place. In terms of the backlog of colonoscopies, it is something that we’re dealing with. There are backlogs in these types of procedures across the country. Unfortunately, I believe it is part of the pent-up demand from pandemic restrictions. It is something that we are looking at closely in terms of seeing whether there are additional places that we could send clients from Nunavut. It is something that has been identified as an issue.

Unfortunately, if we look to southern jurisdictions, many of them are faced with similar backlogs, so we are looking at where we could find opportunities to shorten the timelines. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3046 Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) Thank you for choosing Pond Inlet for the screening. (interpretation) Sometimes people who have cancer are not diagnosed for a long time. More work needs to be done in Nunavut for early detection to be done before the cancer reaches stage 4 or before it has grown and spread throughout the body. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, as you can imagine, it can be quite stressful to be told you are at risk and you need a diagnostic test but that you have to wait for a very long time. Some of my constituents have had to wait over two years for a procedure. Can the minister describe what kinds of counselling and information resources are available to support medical clients who are at risk of cancer or who may have been diagnosed with cancer and are awaiting treatment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the services that are available to medical patients, whether it’s anxiety about an upcoming procedure or whether it’s issues around a diagnosis, the department really does try to take a holistic approach to treating and supporting Nunavummiut. The resources that could be made available to those individuals would be similar to the ones that are available to all Nunavummiut. There could be in-person counselling or support offered. There could be remote counselling or support offered.

The individual should identify to their health care practitioner that they’re having these types of issues. They are very real issues. We know that mental health is something that is just as real as a physical ailment and it’s a very important part of getting well and getting better in terms of taking care of the mental health of the patient. There are resources available. The individual should identify those issues to their health care practitioner and they will help them to get the help that they need.

It could be, in some cases, while they’re in the south for treatment, where there may be specialized support groups, if it’s around cancer diagnosis, that they could be a part of. Mr. Speaker, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer affecting Nunavummiut. It accounted for approximately 19 percent of the cancers diagnosed in Nunavut. That was between 1999 and 2011. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I do appreciate that the Department of Health is working very hard to enhance and expand testing and treatment options for Nunavut residents, especially those who do not live in the regional centres and may not have easy access to specialist services. Can the minister provide an update on the different initiatives, including the colon cancer screening project, that are being rolled out across the territory now that the COVID pandemic is no longer

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3047 causing such a disruption in health services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for asking that question. (interpretation ends) There are several initiatives in different areas. We just hosted a cancer care in Nunavut conference which was the first to be held in the territory. It was an event focused on medical practitioners, so oncologists, doctors, other types of doctors, etcetera, but it also included other stakeholders. That was really a quite exciting event.

I believe it will be kind of a kick-off event which feeds into additional initiatives around cancer care, such as the trip to Pond Inlet that the member mentioned recently. We do have ongoing work with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and that’s through the chief public health officer’s office. In terms of cervical cancer, we have revised cancer screening guidelines that should have been distributed back in 2019, which are consistent with our national guidelines.

We also have other initiatives ongoing around supporting, not necessarily systematic screening yet, but in terms of breast cancer and there’s additional information there that I can share with the member in terms of what we are offering in territory. That’s something that we’re looking at very closely. There are a number of different initiatives and I don’t want to take up too much more of the oral question time, but I really thank the member for the question and encourage Nunavummiut to learn more about cancer and the things that they can do to prevent cancer.

If they have questions around getting screened, please contact their local health centre. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 496 – 6(2): Firearms Safety in Nunavut (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Good day. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Justice and it concerns the issue of firearms safety in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I understand and recognize that the Firearms Act is federal legislation.

However, Nunavut is a unique jurisdiction and the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada Adaptation Regulations allow a different approach when issuing and regulating firearms licences. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that there is a federally appointed chief firearms officer assigned to the territory who plays a role in administering firearms safety courses and issuing or revoking firearms licences. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister clearly describe how his department works with the chief firearms officer to deliver firearms safety courses in smaller Nunavut communities, including Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3048 Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very glad that you asked that question. Our department is in the works of setting up a pilot project in Pangnirtung to provide firearms safety courses and safe handling of firearms. It has helped the community greatly and we are currently planning to do the same thing in other Nunavut communities. We now have courses set so that we can teach young people about the safe handling of firearms, in collaboration with the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms.

Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your response. As the Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the constituency of Uqqummiut, I am a strong advocate for firearms safety in Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Nunavut as a whole. As you mentioned, the minister’s department issued a public service announcement regarding the launch of Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavummi, a firearms safety campaign.

The public service announcement indicated that several firearms safety initiatives would be undertaken by the Department of Justice, including holding a possession and acquisition licence course in Pangnirtung. Perhaps I will ask my question in English. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify how his department works with the Chief Firearms Office to assist unilingual Inuit with their possession and acquisition licence application? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

That’s one of the challenges the RCMP and in particular the Firearms Registry do have is on the

interpretation and translation of the forms. I have instructed my department and I have also raised it with the federal minister that it is a concern that the forms are only in English and French and that Inuktitut is needed because we do have a lot of unilingual Inuit still that want to obey the law. It’s one that I have asked them to get it as soon as possible. I got positive feedback on that and they’re aware of it and something that I will continue to advocate for our harvesters and our gun owners in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms.

Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely, it makes Inuit pleased when we can use our language and when receiving training in Inuktitut, we are much more relaxed and speeds up the learning process.

Due to this fact, I urge you to ensure the program designers understand this need as we want to see the changes made, as Inuit need to know the safety and hazards, which we must all understand. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, my understanding is that the Department of Justice, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Chief Firearms Office, and a number of organizations are collaborating to promote the safe use,

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3049 handling and storage of firearms in the territory. I appreciate this collaborative effort to help raise awareness about firearms safety and keep our communities safe. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, firearms incidents can occur due to the improper storage and handling of firearms. These incidents can result in very serious consequences, including severe injuries, individuals being apprehended, and losing the ability to legally own a firearm.

For that, can the minister indicate how many firearms have been seized in Nunavut due to improper use and handling in the last two calendar years? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the details on what has been seized, I don’t have that information in front of me. Part of her question was on firearms safety. I do want to give thanks to the federal government.

Under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund, our government has reached an agreement for a five-year deal that started implementing this year and for the next four years. We have a project coordinator specifically within our department that’s going to do this and that’s more relevant to our territory versus from Ottawa. To me, this is a very good step in the right direction that our government has done, and I look forward to working very closely with you and your communities as we roll this out regarding firearms safety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Question 497 – 6(2): Completed Staff and Public Housing Units (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, since fiscal year 2019- 2020, how many new public housing construction projects and how many new staff housing construction projects were completed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There have been a number of housing projects that have been completed to date over the last couple of years. I do have it somewhere, Mr. Speaker, but there have been a number of units that have been completed to date, if you would bear with me as we look for it. In the year 2022-23 the public housing constructions that were completed would be 103. Mr. Speaker, in the prior years of completion of those units, I do not have before me, but I most definitely will get back to my colleague on those details as I can get them, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr.

Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From the numbers I have in front of me, almost $175 million has been allocated

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3050 to the Nunavut Housing Corporation for new public housing and new staff housing since the 2019-2020 fiscal year. I do look forward to some updated numbers to see how those funds were utilized and how much of a carryover that the corporation is carrying. Mr. Speaker, there have been at least two RFPs that have been cancelled that drew my attention, one of them being a residential multiplex design-build in various communities, RFP No. 110002096, targeting up to 66 units across a number of different communities.

The target within the request for proposals was $625 per square foot. When I look at the announcement that was made last month with NCC Development Ltd., signed the construction of 150 new public housing units to start construction this fall, based at an approximate value of $600 per square foot. The numbers jumped out at me, Mr.

Speaker, that if we go to public tender and set parameters within our request for proposals documents and the number is actually higher than what the agreement is with NCC, and I’m not begrudging the negotiation of the Nunavut Housing Corporation and NCC Development Ltd., but the target numbers are higher in the request for proposals and it was all cancelled due to insufficient funds. That tells me that the bids are coming in quite substantially higher. When I look at another cancelled request for proposals for a position, the project director of services for the Nunavut 3000 program, there were no bids. Mr.

Speaker, I looked through the proposal in a fair bit of detail and one thing that really jumped out at me is that it’s looking at an estimated budget of $2.6 billion to complete the roll of this project, of which somebody would be hired to administer, yet there is very little commitment and definitely nowhere near $2.6 billion. My question to the minister is: when we look at targeting projects using a square footage model, what advantages are achieved through negotiations or sole sourcing that can’t be accomplished through a normal request for proposals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a huge difference between the discussions that NCC had with the Nunavut Construction Corporation.

Those negotiations brought housing costs at about $600 per square foot and what we were hoping for is that if we put out the tenders on the design, supply and build, the contractors out there would be able to bid closer to the $600 per square foot rate, which is around the part that we are getting with the Nunavut Construction Corporation, and they’re coming at almost twice the cost of that at $1.2 million to $1.5 million on the tenders.

That just cannot be done and so therefore we will be putting them back out in the next fiscal year, but before that, we will be looking at different avenues we could see how we can build those costs down, Mr. Speaker. It’s just not viable to build the units that are being built at $1.2 million or over $1,200 to $1,500 per square foot, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3051 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate that information from the minister. However, I think, when we look at just cost per square foot, it doesn’t give a realistic picture of what we’re looking at accomplishing. I’m surprised and I would be curious to know whether NCC submitted a bid to the RFP that was put out. My next question is when we look at the cost per square foot, like I started saying, it doesn’t really give a true picture of what it costs, so I would like to get a breakdown.

I realize that the minister won’t have this information in front of him today, but I will expect correspondence with the detailed information of the cost per square foot over the last three years, cost per bedroom, and cost per unit for the last three years of construction costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To answer the first question, no, NCC did not put in a bid for the tenders that did go out, Mr. Speaker.

My colleague is right; I don’t have the kind of detailed information that is provided in a tender package that goes out each year for tender construction for public housing units, but I’m sure that we could put some of those numbers together and at an appropriate time, I will be happy to share it with my colleagues and the regular members through the caucus chair, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted…Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to extend question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There is none. Question period is extended another 30 minutes. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 498 – 6(2): Critical Support Services (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my member’s statement earlier, my questions today are for the Minister of Education regarding the Iqaluit District Education’s press release dated April 12, titled, “Critical support services to be denied to children in need.” Mr.

Speaker, I appreciate receiving the minister’s statement in response to the district education authority’s press release. However, the information contained in this one-page document doesn’t provide much clarity on the matter and as such, I would like to ask the minister to provide additional rationale for issuing a direct order to prevent professionals’ access to the school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3052 question on the Iqaluit District Education Authority and responding back to the press release that they had put out. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education has school-based mental health supports that we offer to our students that are in school. Currently we have a pilot project where we have mental health supports in 22 of our schools in 12 communities. As of this fiscal year, we’re able to increase our budget for mental health support services so that all of our communities across Nunavut will be able to receive those school-based mental health services.

We have a specific division that was established in 2017. The Student Achievement Division, in 2017, had one staff member and I’m happy to say that we now have about 16 staff members in that division to support our students across the territory in achieving that these are supports are available for students and we offer these supports through various contractors to work on the supports that are needed for the students when they come forward. Mr.

Speaker, this is a long-standing issue, I guess, that started back in 2019 with the district education authority here in Iqaluit that had applied for Child First Initiative funding. Back in 2019 there was the old Education Act and now with the November 2020 amendments to the Education Act, those changes created the authority of oversight for inclusive education where the authority once fell to the DEAs. This new Act gives the authority to principals. This change shifted the control of the identification of student needs from the DEAs to the department.

While the department will always work with the DEAs to ensure that the best services are provided to students, the authority of the DEA in this area is limited. Mr. Speaker, because it happened in 2019 that the application was applied for and with the new changes to the Education Act, that is where those referrals were placed within the DEA spectrum, but I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the Department of Education, we do have a priority to work on the services to offer and work with students in a safe and confidential manner and to get consent from parents as well when we do undertake this work.

It is an ongoing issue that we want to work to meet with the district education authority, and I had asked to meet with them before they put out this press release, but they denied that request. I hope that they know that they have the supports for their students and that they have been receiving support from within the department. I can assure you, Mr.

Speaker, that we are there to support the students and since this work started, there are students that were on the list that are receiving support for the services that were hoping to be attained for in 2019, and we look forward to supporting the students even further. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For a number of years, district education authorities have been calling for increased behavioural supports for students and I have raised this exact issue in the past.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3053 Mr. Speaker, looking at the Department of Education’s business plan for that specific branch of the department, the department’s educational support services focuses on occupational therapy, speech language pathology, deaf and hard of hearing support services, physiotherapy, and educational psychology. Mr. Speaker, the Iqaluit District Educational Authority has put together this lengthy process to provide such essential supports to our students who are suffering from emotional and behavioural challenges.

I would just like to ask: can the minister confirm if the Department of Health is actually providing support for students who are suffering with emotional and behavioural challenges? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. The Department of Education has been able to enhance our work in this area and as I mentioned, we have work on various mental health support services and we are able to provide that service within the department and work on mental health support services.

I can say that we currently have offered support to 135 individuals across the territory for mental health-based support, but if there is ever any instance where a student does need extra support, the school team does look for external services, whether it be from the RCMP or mental health support workers in our communities, to support the needs of those that are there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s response.

I’m very glad to hear that 135 individuals have received mental health support in our schools. Mr. Speaker, another concern that has been raised in relation to this specific issue is that the Department of Education’s current practice is to send one specialized professional into a community per year. I would like to ask: when will these 28 Iqalungmiut be receiving the necessary professional screening and assessments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question.

The Department of Education has been working with qualified practitioners to work through contract to support the students. I can assure you that we have looked into the names of those that were referred back in 2019 to ensure that they are on the list and that they have been receiving support services. We don’t want to duplicate the work that is done, but we have been working on this matter to ensure that those individual students that were named in 2019 are receiving or have received support from within the Department of Education.

I can’t give the accurate number because some of them might not be in the school at this time, but I can look into getting that number to the

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3054 member when I have it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 499 – 6(2): Community Treatment Facility for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, many Nunavummiut who struggle with substance abuse and addictions are required to travel south for treatment. It will be very good when Nunavut has a facility in the territory to help residents address their challenges.

Can the minister provide an update on the progress towards opening the Nunavut Recovery Centre? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) I agree that having in-territory treatment capacity is something to look forward to. Currently we are in the public tender process with regard to the Nunavut Recovery Centre. I was about to quote a budget number here, Mr. Speaker, but I corrected myself.

The budget did have to be increased recently and that was something that we went to the Financial Management Board and then through a supplementary appropriation here, but the project is scheduled to be complete by 2025. The land for the facility has been secured. The lease for the lot is up the hill, close to the new arena here in Iqaluit. That was a major milestone. We are also working towards developing an operational model and plan, and that is through the work of a development team.

We have a multiparty development team that is helping us to make decisions in terms of what the operating model and what the programming will look like within the facility. It is really exciting to think that the 24-bed facility will be coming online in the next few years. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that there are other options made available to address substance abuse and addictions, including counselling and on-the-land programs.

However, being in a safe and secure facility can also be very beneficial. It does not always have to be a large institutional facility. Small community-based facilities could also offer culturally appropriate and financially manageable alternatives. Can the minister tell us what consideration is being given to opening smaller treatment facilities across Nunavut where people can go to stay for a period of time to get support and counselling in overcoming their substance abuse issues? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is a component of our addictions and

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3055 trauma treatment system. The member is correct; treatment doesn’t always have to be a in a large institutional setting. It can be provided in many different locations. One of the pillars of the addiction and trauma treatment system is on-the-land programming. I am happy to report that we are well on the way to seeing on-the- land treatment programs being provided in all three regions this upcoming summer.

In Rankin Inlet, for example, the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre is in the final stages of planning their first 28-day program which is scheduled for late summer 2023. There are other initiatives underway with on-the-land treatment in Cambridge Bay, which I noted recently is being advertised throughout the Kitikmeot region. There will be a number of intakes through that. For the Qikiqtaaluk region, it is through the Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River, where there are on-the-land initiatives starting up. Mr.

Speaker, there has to be a continuum of treatment options, including day treatment or walk-in type of services; residential treatment that will be offered at the Nunavut Recovery Centre; on-the- land treatment. We also still have access to out-of-territory treatment, some of which is very specialized and can meet the needs of specific clients. We are committed to bringing more resources and making more resources available for Nunavummiut so that when they need help, they can get help that is appropriate and meets their specific needs. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister may be aware, the opening of the beer and wine store in Rankin Inlet has raised concerns about increased substance abuse issues in the community of Rankin Inlet. At one time, in previous Assemblies, there were plans to convert what was once a children’s group home in Rankin Inlet into a mental health transition home where individuals could stay and get help. That building is occasionally used for programs, but it could serve a higher purpose.

Will the minister consider converting the old group home building in Rankin Inlet into a small community-based treatment facility? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for that suggestion. I can commit to looking into that. I am unaware of whether that specific building is being used by the Department of Health currently, but I can certainly commit to looking into that and seeing whether it is a building that is currently in use or whether it is has been surplused. Mr.

Speaker, in terms of the continuum of care, it starts with ready-for-treatment programming, then we also have planning for day treatment, on-the-land programming that I mentioned, in- patient treatment that will be what will be available at the Nunavut Recovery Centre once it is built and is operating.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3056 I also should mention that the Nunavut Recovery Centre, based on work of our development team to date which includes Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, will allow for family treatment. It’s not just necessarily one person separated from their family. It will allow for family groups, which I believe is something that is very holistic and quite important as well. Mr.

Speaker, the continuum includes aftercare, so that means after you have gone through your treatment so that you’re not just going off the end of a cliff, so to speak, so that there is ongoing support to ensure that people continue on the right path of their recovery. I really thank the member for the question and I do commit to looking into that specific building. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 500 – 6(2): Kivalliq Hydro- fibre Link (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are for the Premier.

As the Premier will recall, a number of questions have been asked in this House by a number of members concerning such important initiatives as the proposed Kivalliq Intercommunity Road, the proposed Grays Bay Port and Road Project, and the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link. Mr. Speaker, it makes sense to me that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation should be taking the lead in respect to the Government of Nunavut’s role with these projects, and the responsible minister has provided answers in response to questions concerning Grays Bay and the Kivalliq intercommunity road. Mr.

Speaker, can the Premier clearly explain why he appears to have taken over responsibility in respect to the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleague for his question. The file has always rested in the Premier’s Office. Specifically to the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, to my understanding, when it does touch upon a whole-of-government where it does impact multiple departments, EIA is best situated to review those applications as they go through.

With the partnership approach that the Inuit organizations do want to bring on this particular and very exciting project, it rests within the Department of EIA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for the response. As the Premier is also aware, the recent federal budget announced that “clean electricity measures would be able to support projects across the North that support the transition away from diesel…including…the Kivalliq Hydro- Fibre Link.”

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3057 I recognize and understand that the territorial government is not responsible for funding this project. In his responses to my questions last week, the Premier stated that “we all shared the frustration that we didn’t see the investments in the federal budget.” Can the Premier indicate what specific funding commitments he has been seeking from Ottawa in respect to this project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I would like to thank my colleague for that question.

As I indicated in my response as well, we do have a very strong working relationship with the lead proponent, which is the Kivalliq Inuit Association, through the Nukik Corporation. As such, we work very closely with them and have attended, as I indicated, an event in Ottawa where they shared an update. During those times, it has been their file specifically on this one where it is Inuit- driven and Inuit-led. As a government, we weren’t seeking a specific amount. We were in support of the proponent, which is the KIA specifically. That is where our shared frustration was, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Information published by the Nukik Corporation indicates that “the Kivalliq region is home to some of the best untapped mineral resources in the country, including

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2023-05-31, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 47
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20230531 Hansard
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	333f0c2d66fccf8d9818e12b50578c21a23fa62d

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