Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 55 Thursday, October 26, 2023 Pages 3438 – 3496 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 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca 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 Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Education; 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 Hon.

Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation 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) Hon. Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Minister of Environment; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake)

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................3438 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3438 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3443 Returns to Oral Questions ..........................................................................................................3446 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3447 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3447 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3467 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3467 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3494 Third Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................3494 Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...........................................................3495 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3495

A. Daily References Thursday, October 26, 2023 .......................................................................................................3438 B.

Ministers’ Statements 297 – 6(2): Northern Premiers’ Forum and Western Premiers’ Conference 2023 (Akeeagok, P) .............................................................................................................................................3438 298 – 6(2): Recognition of ‘North2north’ Arctic Exchange Program (Qavvik) ........................3439 299 – 6(2): Cyber Security (Joanasie) ........................................................................................3440 300 – 6(2): Staff Housing Allocation to Inuit Employees (Nakashuk) ......................................3440 301 – 6(2): Elders’ Feast (Akeeagok, D) ....................................................................................3441 302 – 6(2): Nunavut Homeowner Fuel Rebate Update (Kusugak) ............................................3441 303 – 6(2): Elders and Youth Grants and Contributions Increase Update (Kaernerk) ...............3442 C.

Members’ Statements 406 – 6(2): The Importance of Early Education (Killiktee) .......................................................3443 407 – 6(2): Election Results in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) .................................................................3444 408 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Naujaat (Malliki) ......................................................3444 409 – 6(2): Recognizing Dennis Lyall (Quqqiaq) ......................................................................3445 410 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandson, Roland Quassa (Quassa) ..........................................3446 411 – 6(2): Recognizing Sam Alagalak (Main)..........................................................................3446 D.

Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 523 – 6(2): Vacancies in Arviat for Environment (Qavvik) ...............3446

E.

Oral Questions 575 – 6(2): Quality of Care for Elders (Nutarak) .......................................................................3447 576 – 6(2): Nunavut Member of Parliament’s Private Bill C-326 (Savikataaq) ........................3449 577 – 6(2): Subsidies Provided by Department of Finance (Lightstone) ...................................3451 578 – 6(2): The Importance of Early Education (Killiktee) .......................................................3454 579 – 6(2): Funding for Water and Sewage Services in Communities (Hickes) ........................3456 580 – 6(2): Chesterfield Inlet Power Plant (Sammurtok) ...........................................................3457 581 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) .........................................................................3459 582 – 6(2): Kugaaruk Power Plant (Quqqiaq) ............................................................................3460 583 – 6(2): Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Review Committee (Brewster) ...............3461 584 – 6(2): Water Infrastructure (Quassa) ..................................................................................3463 585 – 6(2): Southampton Island Caribou Management (Malliki) ..............................................3465 F.

Tabling of Documents 174 – 6(2): Updated Ministerial Mandate Letters (Akeeagok, P) ..............................................3467 G. Bills Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Consideration in Committee ....3468 Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................................................3474 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3476 Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Third Reading .............................................................................................................................................3494

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3438 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, October 26, 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, Hon. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq. >>House commenced at 13:32 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day. Before we begin, Mr. Anavilok, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, Inuit, and my colleagues, welcome to the House, as we will be working hard today. Welcome to those who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 297 – 6(2): Northern Premiers’ Forum and Western Premiers’ Conference 2023 (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon and thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow members and Nunavummiut who are following the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide my colleagues with updates regarding Nunavut’s participation in the Northern Premiers’ Forum and the Western Premiers’ Conference earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories hosted a meeting of the three northern premiers in Inuvik in May.

Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon share many challenges as well as opportunities that are unique to the north, and it has been an honour to work with and to learn from Premier Cochrane and Premier Pillai through the forum this year. Together we have made progress on issues of importance to northerners, including arctic security and sovereignty, strategic infrastructure corridors, labour markets, as well as mobility. Mr. Speaker, I joined other western premiers for the Western Premiers’ Conference in Whistler, British Columbia, in June.

Western premiers represent a wide population facing an equally broad range of issues and concerns. Our meeting discussions focused on strategic infrastructure corridors and mental health and addictions supports. All western premiers agreed to direct our officials to work together to develop an economic corridors plan, as well as share information and best practices around

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3439 mental health and addictions treatment and policy. Mr. Speaker, these intergovernmental forums are vital for building relationships with other provincial and territorial jurisdictions. We are stronger together, and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow premiers as we advocate for the interests of western and northern Canadians on the national stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik.

Minister’s Statement 298 – 6(2): Recognition of ‘North2north’ Arctic Exchange Program (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the University of the Arctic is a network of universities, colleges, and research institutes that are arctic based or arctic focused. Nunavut Arctic College is a part of this network and participates in programs connected to this network. Mr. Speaker, one program that is gaining momentum at Nunavut Arctic College is the North2north program.

The North2north program supports students, faculty, and staff of member organizations to travel to other University of the Arctic institutions. While on this travel, participants can take classes, engage in cultural exchanges, or learn about the operations of the hosting institute. Participants from Nunavut can travel to member institutes as far west as the United States of America, as far east as Finland, and as far south as the Faroe Islands. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to confirm that in the last year and a half, this program has been gaining momentum.

Seven college staff members have travelled to places such as the Northwest Territories, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. Three Nunavut Arctic College students travelled abroad; two students from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program spent a semester in Norway, and one student in the Interpreter/Translator program travelled to Alaska to take

part in a weeklong cultural exchange. The college even welcomed a student from Algoma University in Ontario to the Nunatta Campus here in Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, the college, through the North2north program, supports the Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta mandate priority of reinvesting in education. All those who have participated in this program have returned to Nunavut with a broader appreciation of what learning in the Arctic encompasses and able to help grow post-secondary education by supporting learning in their respective fields.

Nunavut Arctic College is proud to be supporting this learning beyond the territory and across the Arctic. Mr. Speaker, I recommend any Nunavut Arctic College student, staff, or faculty interested in learning about this unique program reach out to the Student Services Division to gather more information about application dates and opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3440 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 299 – 6(2): Cyber Security (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker, and good day to my fellow members and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Community and Government Services, I would like to bring to everyone’s attention that October is internationally recognized as Cyber Security Awareness Month.

This is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cyber security and individual cyber hygiene. In a time where digital connectivity is essential to our daily lives, we must remain vigilant to protect Nunavut against cyber threats and keep Nunavummiut data-secure. Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut has experienced an exponential increase in daily attacks from 400 per day to an overwhelming 7,100 per day in the past 12 months. All evidence indicates this trend will continue. Mr.

Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is providing a substantial investment in security. The Information Management/Information Technology Division is using this investment to continue to improve our security through tools and resources to secure, defend, and monitor our network and data. The department is also building collaborations and partnerships with cyber security experts, such as the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and Microsoft, to ensure we are up to date on cyber threats and trends. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, understanding everyone has a role in security is everyone’s responsibility.

My department recently implemented a cyber security awareness campaign to provide education and training to all users of our network, ensuring users can recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my team for the tireless effort they put in daily to defend against cyber threats and remind everyone to do their part to keep our networks and our data safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 300 – 6(2): Staff Housing Allocation to Inuit Employees (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow members. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, under the Katujjiluta mandate, the Government of Nunavut is committed to ensuring that the public service is staffed and supported to deliver on key priorities. An important recruitment and retention tool is providing staff housing to our employees. Employees who have safe, stable and affordable housing are better equipped to deal with their demanding jobs in the public service.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3441 Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources worked with our partners in government to improve the allocation of staff housing units in the territory. I am happy to report that we have allocated 72 staff housing units to Nunavut Inuit employees on the staff housing wait-list. That’s 72 Inuit families who now have a place to call home. This is a tremendous step toward retaining Inuit staff and meeting our goal of a representative public service. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 301 – 6(2): Elders’ Feast (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In July the staff and clients of the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility successfully hosted an elders’ feast. The purpose of the event was to show appreciation to community elders and recognize how important elder services such as counselling are to Nunavut Corrections’ clients. Over 50 elders and 30 other guests attended, enjoying country food and participating in games hosted by the facility’s clients and Corrections Division staff working together.

The event was a great opportunity to build community support and work on positive communication and collaboration among clients and staff. It also helped clients with their rehabilitation and provided them with an opportunity to give back to our elders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Minister’s Statement 302 – 6(2): Nunavut Homeowner Fuel Rebate Update (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My colleagues may recall that during the last sitting, I rose to announce that the Government of Nunavut would be offering a one-time fuel rebate to Nunavummiut that own and live in their own home in Nunavut. The Nunavut Homeowner Fuel Rebate, which launched on April 1, has provided more than 1,100 Nunavut homeowners with a $1,000 direct rebate to help with the higher cost of fuel. >>Applause I would like to remind all Nunavummiut that this program is still accepting applications until December 31 for 2023. Application forms can be found on the Department of Finance’s website or by calling 1-800-316-3324. Mr.

Speaker, though I did say a one-time rebate, it is my pleasure to rise again today to announce that our government is able to offer this $1,000 homeowner fuel rebate again in 2024. >>Applause Applications for the 2024 Homeowner Fuel Rebate will open on December 1

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3442 and will be available on the Department of Finance’s website. Homeowners who have already received the 2023 rebate are eligible to receive the 2024 rebate. Mr. Speaker, this rebate demonstrates our government’s commitment to invest in programs that support homeowners and assist Nunavummiut who are paying higher fuel costs to heat their homes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kaernerk. Minister’s Statement 303 – 6(2): Elders and Youth Grants and Contributions Increase Update (Kaernerk) Hon.

Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my fellow members, and especially Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I am announcing an increase to the elders and youth grants and contributions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Culture and Heritage supports the priorities set out in the Katujjiluta mandate and my department has increased its elders and youth grants and contributions budget from $800,000 to $2,225,000. >>Applause It’s for this fiscal year and this is great news. My department has awarded funds to over 60 recipients in Nunavut communities.

This represents a significant increase of 76 percent in funding for individuals, non-profit organizations, and municipal corporations. Mr. Speaker, I am excited to see this increase in recipients who are running this positive programming in our great communities throughout Nunavut that promotes the knowledge transfer between elders and youth. My department will be doing a second call- out for proposals for the remainder of this available funding. Mr.

Speaker, the Elders and Youth Branch Grants and Contributions have funds available in elders and youth facilities contributions, elders’ initiative grants, and elders and youth committee grants. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nunavummiut to contact my department’s Grants and Contributions Division to discuss how these available funds can be used to support their initiatives for elder and youth programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Members, our Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak, will not be in the House today. Item 3. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms.

Killiktee.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3443 Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 406 – 6(2): The Importance of Early Education (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) First of all, I just want to say with my member’s statement that I will present this afternoon and with my question, it is very important to me that I be understood, that I’m not doing this to criticize, but that I’m standing to advocate for Nunavut teachers, the appropriate training and help those that are already employed.

I just wanted to briefly say that first before I carry on with my member’s statement, the importance of early childhood education. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the importance of good educational practices from the earliest stages of a student’s learning. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education recently announced the launch of the full-day kindergarten pilot project. I will be closely following what happens after the pilot is complete. Mr. Speaker, beginning students, kindergarteners, come to school needing to learn many skills.

They come not just to learn how to write their name or colour inside the lines, but also to gain an understanding of the rules and discipline in a school environment. Their attendance is important not just to be in a school, but to learn. Mr. Speaker, it is equally important that our teachers can properly promote these skills. We need educators who can contribute their knowledge, skills and resources to help our children succeed in a school environment. I am concerned that some of our teachers do not have the necessary training to properly support our students.

When a teacher has a class with students who have different levels of need, it requires different sets of skills. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, some teachers lack the ability to provide the appropriate educational supports to some students. Even though a student may have special needs, the education system can support them in [acquiring] skills and help to build their confidence. (interpretation) I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Ms. Killiktee. Ms.

Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues. I also thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the Department of Education begins to expand its kindergarten program to a full-day system across Nunavut, more teaching staff will be needed. This is a good opportunity to provide extra training to those teachers who are lacking the skills to provide the level of education and support that is needed for all students to thrive. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on this issue. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3444 Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 407 – 6(2): Election Results in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I was unable to make my statement regarding the election results in Pond Inlet and the municipal election for the mayor. However, there were candidates for the hamlet council, the district education authority, as well as the alcohol education committee.

There were not very many candidates and some were acclaimed and for hamlet council, I would like to recognize them: • Joshua Idlout • Elisirie Peterloosie • Guy Nutarariaq • Moses Koonark • Cornelius Kadloo Nutarak • Sharon Ootook. I expect to work with them in the future.

Also, for the district education authority, there were two candidates: • Boazie Ootoova • Susie Simonee For the alcohol education committee, the acclaimed candidates were: • Marc Nutarak • Phanuel Enooagak With the current trend of low numbers of candidates resulting in acclamations for various committees, it means there will have to be several appointees, and I anticipate in Pond Inlet some people may get appointed in order to fill out the committees and councils. I also hope that in 2024, more candidates will run, allowing me to work closely with these local bodies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 408 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Naujaat (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my constituents in Naujaat, Coral Harbour, and to the people of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I wish to voice my pride by acknowledging a bowhead hunt that took place this summer on August 29 in Naujaat. I want to recognize the following people who took

part in this hunt. They are Captain Joel Tegumiar, Co-Captain Gabby Tinashlu. The crew were Larry Tagornak, Jimmy Mark Tegumiar, and myself. We also had youth on this hunt who were the harpooners: • Ramsey Akkuardjuk • Roger Siutunuar • Andy Malliki • Joe Jr. Angotinguaq They were part of the crews on these boats that were owned by: • Bobby Tinashlu • Pius Putulik • Bernice Malliki • Richard Jr. Angutialuk • Anderson Putulik • Jamie Mapsalak • Albert Amautinguaq

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3445 These youthful hunters formed the crews in these boats for the bowhead hunt and of the several bowhead hunting parties over the years in Naujaat, they were youngest ever hunting party. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them here in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 409 – 6(2): Recognizing Dennis Lyall (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today with great honour, and I believe unsung heroes should be mentioned in the House, and in recognition and support of Nunavut students who are pursuing post- secondary education in the trades. Mr. Speaker, Atuqtuarvik Corporation is pleased to offer a new scholarship for 2023 in honour and memory of the work of the late Dennis Jordan Noah Lyall, who was a known and respected business man in Taloyoak, and a long- time board member for Atuqtuarvik Corporation. Mr. Speaker, Atuqtuarvik Corporation is pleased to remember Mr. Lyall with a scholarship in his name in the fields of study in trades. Mr.

Speaker, the Dennis Lyall Memorial Trades Scholarship will award one scholarship annually in the amount of $5,000. Mr. Lyall was an advocate for bettering the lives of Inuit through economic development and utilizing the local Inuit workforce. He owned and operated Lyall Construction and Lyall Enterprises, which held local contracts for heavy equipment services, water and sewage services, construction and garage use in the community of Taloyoak for many years. He also established and managed Arqsarniit Ltd., which built and maintained the Boothia Inn; a strong hospitality business in Taloyoak.

He was also a great family man for he and his wife, Christine Kamingoak Lyall, raised four children and had many grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to full-time students as they enter or complete their studies. Mr. Speaker, Atuqtuarvik Corporation believes in investing in the education of our Nunavut Inuit students and looks forward to receiving applications for this new scholarship. Mr.

Speaker, for more information on this scholarship, Nunavummiut are advised to apply at Atuqtuarvik.com and the deadline for application to apply is October 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. central standard time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Atuqtuarvik Corporation, and Megan Pizzo-Lyall. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3446 Member’s Statement 410 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandson, Roland Quassa (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon colleagues and people of Nunavut. I rise to wish a happy birthday today to one of my grandchildren. After about three years of learning to talk, he has had the word for middle finger for a while and now that he is seven years old, he has learned how to count with his fingers. Roland Quassa is my daughter’s sixth child. I wish him a happy birthday today and I hope he has a very good day. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat-North, Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 411 – 6(2): Recognizing Sam Alagalak (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, colleagues, the people of Arviat and Whale Cove. During my member’s statement yesterday, while I was voicing my appreciation, I failed to name an individual who has worked with the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

I forgot to mention Sam Alagalak, who is currently the (interpretation ends) secretary- treasurer, (interpretation) who has been living in Rankin Inlet for a long time, but Sam is, I believe, originally from Arviat and may still be a resident, but I wish thank him. Back when I was going to school in Arviat, perhaps it was in grade 8, if I recall correctly, Sam was running for the MLA position. He came to make a presentation at our school to speak with the student body. From that time, I have never forgotten that, as it showed me his dedication and desire to work with, and listen to the youth.

It had a big impact on me, as it sparked the dream and ambition within me to someday run for MLA, and that was the first time I had even thought about politics. So I am forever grateful to Sam Alagalak for instilling that dream in me back then. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Before going on to item four, I would like to remember the community of Kugaaruk, who has just lost an elder to illness and he is well known by the Kitikmeot East communities. Our condolences to the family. Item 4. Return to Oral Questions, Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik.

Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 523 – 6(2): Vacancies in Arviat for Environment (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to return to an oral question asked by Joe Savikataaq, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Arviat South, No. 523 – 6(2). Mr. Speaker, I rise today to supplement an answer I gave during question period on October 19, 2023. The Member for Arviat South requested information on

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3447 the status of the vacant positions in Arviat with Department of Environment. There are four vacancies at the Department of Environment in Arviat. The vacant positions are the Environmental Protection Officer, the Wildlife Manager for Kivalliq, the Wildlife Manager Trainee, and the Wildlife Deterrent Specialist. These vacant positions are in various stages of the staffing process. Mr. Speaker, one of these positions is currently filled temporarily in Rankin Inlet. Once it is released for competition, it will be posted in Arviat. Mr.

Speaker, I can confirm that my department is working diligently to attempt to fill these vacant positions following the Government of Nunavut hiring practices and standards. My department is committed to improving capacity and reducing department vacancies through continued recruitment efforts and making training initiatives available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Malliki. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Its very rare that I recognize anybody in the House.

There is a Page serving us during our session whom I want to recognize; my daughter, Bridgette Malliki is in the House today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 575 – 6(2): Quality of Care for Elders (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and it is in regard to elder care. (interpretation ends)Mr.

Speaker, the minister has indicated that approximately 65 Nunavut elders are currently being cared for at the Embassy West facility in Ottawa. Can the minister provide some information on how much it costs for elders to be cared for at this facility, and whether the rates for care provided to Nunavut elders are the same as for clients from other jurisdictions, including Ontario? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank the member for the question regarding elder care outside of Nunavut including the incurred costs. It is rather expensive, however we all know that they require proper care. Every month we pay approximately $16,800, nonetheless, there is always a caveat there. It really depends on the type and level of care that an elder requires as there are slight differences in this provision of care for each individual.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3448 Also, as to your other question, as it was a two-part question, I cannot respond because I don’t have the federal government data or figures in front of me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I have been hearing a number of alarming concerns about the standards of treatment and care being provided to some Nunavut elders at the Embassy West facility.

I have been told that when some family members tried communicating directly with the management at the Embassy West facility to ask about their loved one, they were told that everything is fine when it became clear that it was not fine. This is very concerning. Can the minister describe how his department monitors the care and treatment being provided to Nunavut elders at the Embassy West facility, and what steps are taken to address concerns when they are raised by family members? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for her question about the situation in Ottawa where Nunavut elders receive care at the Embassy West facility. We make sure that there is ongoing dialogue between the Embassy West and our staff and they have a (interpretation ends) close working relationship, (interpretation) in English. However, when concerns are expressed to our staff outside of Nunavut, since their location is in another jurisdiction, these concerns do not land in our department here. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, we do have the ability to receive complaints and look into and answer questions on behalf of family members. As the member indicated, they do have the ability to enquire directly with the facility operators. In terms of formal complaints and investigations, that would be handled through the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority, which is the regulator of retirement homes in Ontario. Mr. Speaker, I have to say that the care provided at Embassy West is high quality. They have an in-house physician with extensive experience with geriatric patients, dementia and responsive behaviours.

They have annual onsite services in terms of eye care, dental care, hearing tests, access to very specialized care. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to add that. I think, speaking on behalf of the Department of Health, we really appreciate the high quality of services that are provided there because we cannot provide that service here in territory yet. As we work on building our in-territory capacity, we continue having that strong working relationship with Embassy West. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker and thank you,

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3449 minister. Mr. Speaker, when families’ loved ones are removed from their home communities and sent far away for care, it can be very worrying. It is difficult to know from so far away whether they are being well looked after and if they are comfortable. Too often, ongoing communications with caregivers at the facilities seem to be lacking, or when it does happen it feels inadequate or misleading.

Can the minister describe what kind of initiatives are being considered to give families more peace of mind that their loved ones are being well cared for at the Embassy West facility in Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) There are a number of ongoing initiatives. I recognize that having a loved one move so far away is very difficult for the family members. It’s very difficult for everyone involved and there’s no way of … . I am not trying to gloss over that.

The Department of Health works very closely with family members of elders residing in the Embassy West to try to give them the assurance, give them a sense so that they know where their loved one is staying, and the different services that are available. There are a number of different services that are available. One of them is that residents are assisted to stay in touch with their families through regularly scheduled phone and video calls. We provide paid travel for family members twice a year down to Embassy West to see their loved ones.

It is difficult, but we want to support families as best as we can to give them the surety that they’ll know that the care being provided is high quality, and that their loved ones are being looked after properly. If there are ever any concerns, or suggestions for additional supports we can provide, our long-term care staff are open to those. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 576 – 6(2): Nunavut Member of Parliament’s Private Bill C-326 (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the Premier. During Tuesday’s sitting of the House, the Minister of Environment confirmed that the minister shares my position regarding Bill C-326, which our Member of Parliament has introduced in the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker, during yesterday’s sitting of the House, the Minister responsible for Mines also confirmed that the minister shares my position on the bill. Mr. Speaker, let’s see if we can make it three for three.

Can the Premier confirm that he and the Government of Nunavut formally rejects our Member of Parliament’s position

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3450 that the development approval process in Nunavut is flawed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question. I, too, agree and fully trust the institutions of pubic government we do have, right from the impact review board to the water board, among many other institutions and public governments. I feel very confident in the systems that are in place. I am not aware of our MP’s bill, and I have not yet spoken to the Member of Parliament, Ms.

Idlout, specifically on her bill. She has reached out to be able to discuss what pertains in her bill, but I have yet to review the details of what has been presented to the House of Commons. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, our Member of Parliament and the federal leader of her political party were here in the Assembly. It is my understanding that they had a cabinet meeting with the Premier and cabinet.

Yesterday, the Minister responsible for Mines clearly stated in the House that mining has been net-positive for Nunavut. I completely agree with the minister; responsible, sustainable mining is good for Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I greatly respect our environment and I want our environment to be good, but we also have to provide opportunities for Nunavummiut to get employment. Not everybody wants to be a Government of Nunavut worker, and the Government of Nunavut can’t provide all of the jobs that are necessary within our territory. Mr.

Speaker, as our Member of Parliament is on the record as saying that she opposes mining in Nunavut, can the Premier assure us today that he has sent a strong message to our Member of Parliament at their meeting last week, that her positions is completely wrong for Nunavut and that our territory welcomes responsible, sustainable mining? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I thank my colleague for asking that question. Every opportunity I do have, I always talk about the importance of finding that balance.

I think it is very important to ensure that we realize the opportunities and I actually just had the amazing opportunity to go to a mine site just outside of Rankin Inlet to see, directly, the impact that is very positive of the Inuit employment we see from the community, the business opportunities that comes with it, but also there is the other side that the member mentioned. We must find that balance, and that is really the message that we’ve said right from the beginning since we formed government and will continue to ensure we send that message, that we support

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3451 responsible development right across the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn’t hear the Premier state whether that message that mining is positive and good for Nunavut was relayed to our Member of Parliament when they had the meeting. I will ask again: has the Premier told Nunavut’s Member of Parliament that responsible, sustainable mining is good for Nunavut; is a positive for Nunavut?

Has the Premier clearly stated that the Government of Nunavut encourages responsible, sustainable, and is a welcoming territory for mining? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I thank my member colleague for asking that question. I have a very strong working relationship with the Member of Parliament and will continue to have those conversation with the Member of Parliament.

During the informal meeting we had with the Leader of the NDP, as well as our MP, we covered a wide range of issues, but in particular, the lack of housing infrastructure we see across the north and the importance of seeing investments around that. We also talked about the importance of the high cost of living that we see right across our communities and what we could do.

I was very pleased to be supported by all of cabinet to join in that conversation and to relay what we could do to see the implementation of the Katujjiluta mandate, which tackles the very issues of the lack of housing we see and the lack of infrastructure we see right across. During that meeting, we didn’t cover specifically the importance mining has within our economy.

However, I do commit to continuing to advocate that and meeting with the Member of Parliament to advocate our position, and to reaffirm the importance of finding that balance, in particular, as we go through the development of the draft land use plan, which strives to strike a balance between the two very important fields as we move forward. I again thank the member across for bringing this very important issue forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 577 – 6(2): Subsidies Provided by Department of Finance (Lightstone) Mr.

Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Finance. Before I begin, I would like to thank the minister for his very exciting minister’s statement regarding the 2024 homeowner fuel subsidy. I’m sure that will be greatly appreciated by many. Mr. Speaker, it is well known that inflation has been hitting Canada hard, especially the cost of living increases that we are seeing here in Nunavut.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3452 Mr. Speaker, we have seen the cost of food, the cost of electricity, the cost of gasoline and home heating fuel, rent and mortgage, continually increase month after month. Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate the Minister of Finance initiating another round of homeowner fuel rebate subsidies, but I feel like the Government of Nunavut can and should be doing more. Mr. Speaker, no one is hit harder than homeowners; especially single homeowners. No one is hit worse than single parents who are homeowners.

Very recently, a constituent of mine who was a single mother and a homeowner, had to put her house up for sale because she could no longer afford the cost of living. Mr. Speaker, my first question for the Minister of Finance: I have been calling for six years now for the Government of Nunavut to increase the household allowance that is provided to GN employees who are not in subsidized housing. The $400 a month that is provided, which is substantially decreased after taxes, pales in comparison to the subsidies provided to others; Nunavummiut who reside in subsidized housing. So, Mr.

Speaker, I would like to ask again: would the minister provide the House on any progress made by the Department of Finance, in reviewing an increase to the household allowance, and what options are being considered? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you for your question. It is true, it is getting more and more challenging for everybody in Nunavut to be able to afford to be here.

Even though we have the cheapest fuel products across the country, we still have to struggle every day for homeowners to heat their homes, and for single income families to be able to feed their family nutritious foods. Mr. Speaker, our department is still trying to figure ways to increase that amount of $400 and see if it’s increasing the amount or finding other ways to be able to complement the working members of our community to be able to afford and sustain their family life, Mr. Chairman. We’re still trying to find ways to make those improvements. Is it through a family subsidy or what is it?

We’re still trying to work on those parameters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response and I really hope that an announcement or a press release announcing the increase of the household allowance will be coming out in the near future. Mr.

Speaker, the $400 a month or $4,800 a year pales in comparison to the subsidies provided to those in subsidized housing, but it also pales in comparison to the household allowance that other major organizations here in Nunavut offer as their own household allowance to their employees.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3453 Mr. Speaker, moving on to my next subject, the Department of Finance also offers a Nunavut Electricity Subsidy program which pays 50 percent of electricity rates for residential and commercial electricity clients. Mr. Speaker, one thing that I would like to focus on is the commercial electricity subsidy that the Department of Finance offers to our small and medium sized businesses in the territory who are also suffering through the inflationary pressures that we are all facing. Mr.

Speaker, the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy, in my point of view, is very underutilized and also mainly due to the fact that it is very poorly advertised and promoted. Looking at the Department of Finance’s grants and contributions document, in the most recent year, there were 15 commercial small and medium sized businesses utilizing this subsidy, for a total of $147,000. In the prior year, there were again 15 small/medium businesses who received $83,000 in total. Speaker: Mr. Lightstone, is there a question coming up soon? Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: My apologies, Mr. Speaker.

I didn’t have time to write out my comments here, so I’m just kind of going off of a whim here, but my final question is: as the cost of living is substantially influenced by small and medium sized businesses, what is the Department of Finance doing to promote this electricity subsidy to our entrepreneurs in order to offset the cost that’s passed on to all Nunavummiut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the Reader’s Digest version of that question. Mr.

Speaker, I know our department could do much better in promoting the subsidies we do have. I think that we need to make improvements in that sector and we strive to do better on that. Some of the programs that we do have are we get funding from the federal government and in my meetings with my counterparts, I constantly talk about the need to loosen up the reporting process so that we can loosen the parameters around how we can give these subsidies so that they’re more user-friendly for Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, my friend is correct that we could do better in terms of the programs we do give out and that we make them more user-friendly, more attractive, and worthwhile for the business community to access the funding we do have, in particular, with the electrical city funding for the business sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll try to offer the minister a condensed version of Reader’s Digest for this next question. Mr.

Speaker, the last topic that I would like to raise with the Department of Finance is the Nunavut Child Tax Benefit that is offered to low-income families. Mr. Speaker, in the most recent year, the Department of Finance distributed $2

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3454 million through this child tax benefit. However, we do have the highest cost of living in Canada here in Nunavut and looking at comparison of our own child tax benefit to all the other provinces and territories, we rank eighth on the list. Our $300 a year pales in comparison to Quebec’s $2,300 a year. The median income threshold to receive this child tax benefit in Nunavut is a household income of $20,900. Meanwhile, the median income in the territory is $28,000. Mr. Speaker, it means that over 50 percent of Nunavummiut are ineligible for this child tax benefit.

I would like to ask if the minister would consider increasing the total child tax benefit and increasing the income threshold. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the question and I commit to doing that. Mr. Speaker. Those are some very positive suggestions and we will take them and work on those, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 578 – 6(2): The Importance of Early Education (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to bring attention to the importance of early education. The students are very important and to make sure that there is the importance of early education, I would like to see support for the teachers. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, as students begin school, it is important that they are taught the basic skills. It is also important that our teachers have the skills to teach their students.

Can the minister clarify how her department will ensure that teachers being employed to deliver the full-day kindergarten program will have the necessary training and certification to enable them to set these young students on the right path? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the excellent question on full-day kindergarten. As we all know, full-day kindergarten started in five of our communities this past school year.

We have Apex, Kimmirut, Whale Cove, Chesterfield Inlet, and Kugluktuk that are participating in the pilot project. There has been a special committee that was established for the creation of this pilot project and I can say that all of the kindergarten teachers who are in those schools gathered together to learn about the full-day kindergarten pilot project and have been a part of the special committee on how to teach the full-day kindergarten project. The department has created a comprehensive guide and a book for the teachers to use to support the full-day kindergarten project in their classrooms.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3455 Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Her response is very good to hear and I’m very happy about it. Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that a number of teachers in our schools do not have certification or qualifications. Can the minister provide an update on how many teachers are currently teaching under letters of authority? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for the question. Currently in our schools, we have 62 on letters of authority. We have 34 in the Qikiqtaaluk, 6 in the Kitikmeot, and 22 in the Kivalliq. To the member’s constituency of Qikiqtarjuaq, we have two on letters of authority at the moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you for informing us of the figures. I will move on. I have a question I would like to ask. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I do appreciate that many individuals have a lot of knowledge and expertise that they contribute to teaching of our children. Their input is very valuable. However, some students need special supports and guidance to help them to progress. Teachers need additional training in how to support these young learners. Mr. Speaker, can minister clearly describe what initiatives are underway to train the teachers to address the different needs of their students? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minster of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr.

Speaker and quana to the member for the question. There is teacher training that does occur for our teachers. To be a teacher there is a lot of certification and requirements that the teachers do need to be able to teach in our schools to be a qualified teacher. Upon a teacher’s hire, it is required for the department to have the appropriate information that’s requested of each teacher and they also have to take teacher training every five years.

We do also do training throughout the school year for teachers and if there are specific topics, the teachers gain that understanding through the different types of training that they need. They go through and they have to renew this every five years for their teacher certificate, and that is signed off by their supervising principle, or the superintendent. They also, with that, need to have 50 hours of professional development within those five years. I will add that the five-year certificates for teachers would require a completion of 120 hours of professional development to renew their licence.

Each time there’s a teaching certificate

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3456 that is renewed, they also must submit other types of documentation, such as their criminal record check and their vulnerable sector screening, and all of those are required throughout the five years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 579 – 6(2): Funding for Water and Sewage Services in Communities (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister responsible for Community and Government Services. Mr.

Speaker, I realize municipal funding formulas are fairly complex, but could the minster provide us today with how municipalities are funded for providing water and sewer services to their residents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My department provides block funding and proposal-based funding for municipalities for their operations to provide services to their residents. We do factor many things into the municipal funding formula, including population, but there are quite a few factors. Mr.

Speaker, my department also provides a sewage subsidy to allow for municipal councils to have their fleets and provide services around trucked and pump-out services on a daily basis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier just mentioned a little while ago his concern on the high cost of living in the territory and Mr. Lightstone brought forward a number of questions along those lines to the Minister of Finance.

When we’re talking about utility rates in the territory, water and sewer for municipalities is one of the few ways that municipalities can raise revenue in both tax-based and non-tax-based communities. The simple fact is while government housing utility costs are paid for by the Nunavut Housing Corporation for most public and staff housing, and Community and Government Services pays for most other government infrastructure utilities, for most homeowners and private renters, these costs are simply not sustainable, Mr. Speaker. I know of households that pay well over $500 a month just for water services. Mr.

Speaker, water is not a luxury. What considerations have been made with increasing municipal funding to help ease these pressures to homeowners and private renters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll reference the water/sewer service subsidy program that my department provides. On an annual basis it is to the tune of just over $8 million per year. In terms of if we’re going to increase the subsidy rates, we have to be mindful, and the cost of providing the

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3457 service of water delivery and pump services is something that we work with the municipalities on with what the rates are. Mr. Speaker, on an ongoing basis, through our operations and maintenance and looking at the formula on a periodic basis, it’s something that we will consider given that the cost of operating at the municipal level and the territorial level fluctuates. It’s something that we can always consider moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the minister’s response, but I do hope he has some specific conversations around water and sewer services to residents across the territory. I understand that block funding is there to give the municipalities some flexibility in providing the municipal services, but it can’t be on the backs of water rates for our residents. Mr.

Speaker, with the recent announcement on power rates increasing by yet another, I believe, 9 percent that was mentioned, yet another utility that homeowners already pay arguably the highest rates in the country on, is this government considering increasing its rates to help ease the financial impact on homeowners as this rate increase will incur? Similar to the last rate increase that the Qulliq Energy Corporation put out, the Government of Nunavut chose and absorbed higher costs so that homeowners and other residents didn’t have quite the large of a hit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I may have missed the question, but in terms of if it’s around ensuring that hamlets and municipalities are not in a deficit situation, given the cost of fuel and power and utility costs across the board, my department continues to work with and between my colleagues here as well, we present our budgets and these cost pressures are coming from every direction. Mr.

Speaker, we will continue on and get feedback from hamlets around how we can make sure that they’re not overburdened throughout these processes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 580 – 6(2): Chesterfield Inlet Power Plant (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the residents of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.

As the minister is aware, Chesterfield Inlet’s current power plant is almost 50 years and in need of replacement. In June 2022 the Utility Rates Review Council submitted its report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s proposal to construct a new power plant. The Utility Rates Review Council

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3458 recommended that the project be approved. Can the minister provide an update today on the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s timeline for the design and construction of Chesterfield Inlet’s new power plant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. With regard to Chesterfield Inlet’s power plant, yes, it’s true that the power plant is over 50 years old and is one of the oldest power plants.

I apologize; due to the lack of funding, I will say to you, (interpretation ends) when it comes to the Utility Rates Review Council, yes it was looked at, but due to insufficient funds, the Qulliq Energy Corporation has moved the program, but has budgeted for a new generator for the upcoming budget for 2025 until they have constructed a new power plant in Chesterfield Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Utility Rates Review Council’s report indicated that the Chesterfield Inlet power plant project “has been identified to receive funding from the Arctic Energy Fund program for a contribution of 75% of eligible expenses.” Can the minister confirm when the Qulliq Energy Corporation will submit a request for funding under this federal program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Under the Arctic Energy Fund project, still again, unfortunately due to insufficient funds to replace all of the power plants across Nunavut, Chesterfield and other communities must be funded through another program, and once the funding is available, I can commit to the member to get full details on his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, the Qulliq Energy Corporation was working towards the design and construction of a new hybrid diesel-solar power plant in Kugluktuk.

However, the cost of this approach has impacted the ability of the corporation to successfully tender the project. Can the minister indicate if Chesterfield Inlet’s new power plant will also be a hybrid design? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, it has been put as a hybrid project as well under the Arctic Energy Fund.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3459 To return to your other question, the Government of Nunavut and Qulliq Energy Corporation is working hard to find additional funding through the Arctic Energy Fund. That is what they are planning to do, and with Kugluktuk power plant, yes, it will be a hybrid power plant. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 581 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions towards the Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation also.

I want to revisit the issue of Kugluktuk’s long-delayed but much-needed new power plant. As the minister is aware, Kugluktuk’s existing power plant is over 50 years old and in urgent need of replacement. The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s most recent attempt to award a tender for the construction of a new power plant was unsuccessful. When I raised this issue during last Thursday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the minister indicated that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has not yet issued a new tender.

Can the minister provide a clear timeline today for when the tender will be reissued? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. The new power plant will incorporate current technology to improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise and air pollution, and respond to increased energy needs in the community. It is working with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr.

Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the most recent tender closed in May of this year. Information published by the government indicates that it was “Cancelled due to budgetary constraints.” When I raised this issue during last Thursday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the minister made reference to the scope of work of the project. Mr. Speaker, the new power plant in Kugluktuk was originally a hybrid solar- diesel design.

Can the minister clearly indicate if the new power plant will be redesigned to remove the solar energy component? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. The short answer: yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3460 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. (interpretation ends) Some federal funding for the construction of the new power plant had previously been approved through the Arctic Energy Fund. In response to my questions last spring, the previous minister indicated that some of this funding had to be returned to the federal government.

Can the new minister clearly indicate whether or not additional federal funding may be available to ensure that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is able to successfully award a tender for this essential project? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. QEC has participated in the Arctic Energy Fund program to support building basic infrastructure that enhances efficiency and reliability in the North. We are able to do it under the Arctic Energy Fund program. Yes, we are able to. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 582 – 6(2): Kugaaruk Power Plant (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I go on to ask my questions, I send my sincere condolences to the families in Kugaaruk as well as Taloyoak for yesterday. I send my sincere condolences for the loss of another elder. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, Kugaaruk’s current power plant is almost 50 years old and in need of replacement. Mr.

Speaker, in June 2022 the Utility Rates Review Council submitted its report concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s proposal to construct a new power plant. The Utility Rates Review Council recommended that the project be approved. Mr. Speaker, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2023-26 corporate plan indicates that one of its priorities for the current 2023-24 fiscal year is to “start design of a new power plant in Kugaaruk.” Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify if the new power plant will have a hybrid diesel-solar design? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I’m overly warm. >>Laughter When I first started public speaking, I used to get overwhelmed and broke out

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3461 in a sweat, and now on this side, the temperature is even hotter, perhaps because of the power. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the QEC will look for additional opportunities to build Kugaaruk and for his questions, there will be no hybrid program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2023- 26 corporate plan indicates that one of its priorities for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year is to “start construction of a new power plant in Kugaaruk.” Mr.

Speaker, can the minister confirm when the Qulliq Energy Corporation will issue the tender for the construction of the new power plant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for his follow-up question. Yes, in response to the question, unfortunately the tender will not be issued and is deferred this year due to a lack of funds, as my colleague mention. It is quite unfortunate, but that will not be the case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Utility Rates Review Council’s report indicated that the Kugaaruk Power Plant Project is eligible to receive federal funding under the Arctic Energy Fund. Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm the status of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s application for funding under this federal program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question.

Under the ten-year capital plan replacement, there are no indications and due to no funding and no timeline, the Qulliq Energy Corporation will not be tendering until there is funding available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 583 – 6(2): Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Review Committee (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to send my condolences to the community of Taloyoak. This elder will be greatly missed. She was a very important person in our community. Mr.

Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice and they concern the issue of domestic and intimate partner violence committees. Mr. Speaker, I have raised the need for domestic and intimate partner violence prevention initiatives a number of times in this House. I strongly support initiatives that provide advice and recommendations with respect to the

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3462 prevention and reduction of family and intimate partner violence. As the minister will recall, during last Thursday’s sitting of the House, I tabled our recent exchange of correspondence concerning the need to establish a Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Committee in Nunavut. In his response to my letter, the minister indicated that the Department of Justice and the Office of the Chief Coroner have been exploring the possibility of establishing a committee to review deaths involving domestic and intimate partner violence in Nunavut. Mr.

Speaker, we do talk a lot about public safety in this House and what we know is that often violence in the home spills out into the streets. This is an issue that affects all of us. Can the minister provide a clear update today on what specific actions, beyond reviewing what’s going on in relation to intimate partner violence and death review committees in other jurisdictions, as stated in his letter, what other specific actions is his department taking to move forward on this priority? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much for continuing to raise this and it’s something that we desperately need and need to be upfront about. What we have done to date is the work that we are working with the Ontario coroner’s office on to review the work, composition structure and scope of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee for Nunavut. That’s one of the jurisdictions that we are in discussions with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for that response. I think it can’t happen soon enough. Mr.

Speaker, it is a tragic reality that far too many Nunavummiut have experienced or witnessed family and intimate partner violence within their lifetimes. It is well known that the short- and long-term impacts of experiencing and witnessing domestic and intimate partner violence are devastating. Mr. Speaker, many targets of such violence are not in a position to report the abuse and not able to make a safety exit plan. Can the minister clearly explain how his department works in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in developing safety plans for victims of domestic and intimate partner violence?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through our shared service priorities that we have agreed to between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Department of Justice, those works continue and their work related to domestic violence is high priority. There are far too many in Nunavut to see the domestic violence that is taking place and it’s something that we need to talk

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3463 about in this House and also in the public. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police alone can’t do this; it has to be a whole approach within our territory. The discussions that we have with RCMP on safety plans and others continue and, if implemented, will be available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I was really hoping to hear from the minister some advice and encouragement to those who are impacted by violence in their homes to trust the RCMP in their communities to be able to support them, if they are able to approach them, in order to help create safety plans. Mr. Speaker, I know that it is so difficult to ask for help. It is also very difficult sometimes, especially when it is gender- based violence; it can be even more difficult to approach a male member of authority for support. I think it is really important to encourage people to do that and approach the RCMP for support. Mr.

Speaker, the 2011 Annual Report of the Office of the Chief Coroner was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 19, 2014. That’s almost a decade ago. No other annual reports have been tabled since that time. In my recent letter to the minister, I encouraged his department to resume the practice of tabling this office’s important annual reports. In the minister’s reply to my correspondence, he indicated that he has shared with the chief coroner the strong desire from the Assembly to see this information. The impact of this request on the office’s capacity and operational requirements is being considered. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all of our community coroners for the difficult but critical work that they do. Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important that the information this office produces is made publicly available for the benefit of this government in order to better prevent and respond to tragic events. Can the minister commit today that he will resume the practice of tabling these annual reports at the earliest opportunity? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s difficult to commit where reports are non-statutory in place and where an independent body, such as the coroner, determines whether or not to produce the report. I will continue to encourage our coroner to produce those reports. If and when those reports are done, I plan on making them public and, if need be, able to table them here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Question 584 – 6(2): Water Infrastructure (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3464 Minister of Community and Government Services and they concern water infrastructure. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I want to again address the importance of safe drinking water for Igloolik and all other Nunavut communities. Mr. Speaker, I was very happy to hear the minister’s statement that he made during Monday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, when he spoke about his department’s work to ensure that every Nunavut community has a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. Mr.

Speaker, as the minister is aware, a boil water advisory was issued for Igloolik in July of this year as a consequence of high turbidity levels. It is my understanding that the boil water advisory is still in place. Can the minister indicate how his department is supporting the municipality to address this situation and end the boil water advisory? (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for her first question regarding me or my department. Mr.

Speaker, the Igloolik boil water advisories, the water treatment plant is a municipal asset and we do note that it can cause some turbidity. Mr. Speaker, the department provides technical support to the municipality to assist with the plant’s seasonal challenges around turbidity and it’s an ongoing thing that my department continues to hear from Igloolik.

With that, our department has been trying to push forward on our water capital infrastructure needs across the territory and we hope to make some good headway, given the blessing of this House has been provided on the substantial investments towards water treatment plants and ensuring that they meet the standards that we expect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the minister for highlighting that again. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, he tabled the Government of Nunavut’s Drinking Water Strategic Framework during the spring sitting of the House. Mr.

Speaker, as my colleague representing Iqaluit-Sinaa noted, the document indicates that the “cost to fulfill the Drinking Water Strategy...will be [$610.0 million] [to rectify the infrastructure deficit] with an estimated annual operational and maintenance increase to $600,000 to $1.2 million for most communities.” Can the minister confirm how much of this funding will be required to improve Igloolik’s water infrastructure and end the cycle of boil advisories that last for months? (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3465 Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for providing me an opportunity to respond on a previous matter regarding the drinking water strategy. It does reference up to $610 million needed to fix some of the infrastructure needs across the territory. One of the questions that our colleague from Iqaluit-Sinaa asked about was whether that figure encompasses the needs for Iqaluit. At this point, I could say that it does not, so the monetary need for water infrastructure is that much greater. Mr.

Speaker, in terms of specifying what the breakdown of that funding that we anticipate we will need, I can’t say for certain, but we are trying to make, again, headway on a year-to-year basis and to allow for our water treatment plants across the territory to provide safe drinking water and also in partnership with the Department of Health on regulations that we operate under. Mr. Speaker, I can’t say for certain what funding levels would be required for Igloolik. That figure is not known at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms.

Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister and I look forward to receiving that information once it is available. (interpretation ends) In the statement that he delivered during Monday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the minister made reference to the need for Nunavut to meet the national Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Can the minister confirm today which Nunavut communities do not meet the current standards? (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Community and Government Services is supporting the Department of Health on developing new public water supply regulations and these are anticipated to be completed in 2023-24. Mr. Speaker, the national Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality is something that we’re working with the Department of Health to ensure that, again, we have the highest quality standards in our drinking water across the territory and specifically, around which communities are not meeting the national… . I can’t provide a list of that, but again, this is on a community basis.

Some communities have brand-new water treatment plants and have one of the best qualities. We will have to look at that a little more closely and I’ll commit to bringing that back to my colleague, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 585 – 6(2): Southampton Island Caribou Management (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the (interpretation ends) Minister of Environment. As the minister is aware, the caribou population on Southampton Island is very important to the hunters and people of Coral Harbour.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3466 Last week, my colleague from Baker Lake asked a number of questions concerning the recent caribou summit that took place in Rankin Inlet. Can the minister confirm what discussions were held at that meeting concerning the Southampton Island caribou population? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the question from the member. Mr.

Speaker, my department submitted the new population estimates and results from the 2019 survey to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in December 2020, and no changes were made to the current total allowable harvest of 1,000 caribou. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment will consult affected co- management partners on the final report when it is made available in late spring of 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The minister stated that the total allowable harvest for caribou is 1,000 and it was increased to 1,600. (interpretation ends) Can the minister indicate what work his department is currently undertaking in reviewing these numbers? Are they going to increase? Yes, or no? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment will consult on the survey that was conducted in May 2023, which we expect to have the status of the population made available in the new year.

Environment will consult on these surveys and will bring it to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board if there is a need to recommend a new total allowable harvest modification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the minister for his response. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board exchanged correspondence with the federal Minister of Environment last year concerning the federal government’s proposal to list barren-ground caribou as “threatened” under the federal Species at Risk Act. In its letter of January 25, 2022, the board described the Southampton herd as having a “stable” population trend. It is my understanding that this proposal has been approved.

Can the minister clarify how this decision will impact management of the Southampton Island caribou herd? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Southampton Island caribou population has been varying

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3467 throughout the years. The caribou have been known to possibly migrate through the mainland and onto Southampton Island. Again, we will continue to work with our co-management partners, with the hunters and trappers organizations and the Kivalliq Regional Wildlife Board, and to bring our decision to have a sustainable harvest level for the Southampton caribou harvest. I expect that during the new year, my department will have a better understanding of the Southampton Island caribou and we will bring the results to the House as they are made available. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately my

preambles to my questions today were far too long, therefore I would like to seek unanimous consent to extend question period an additional 30 minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There is a nay. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok.

Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 174 – 6(2): Updated Ministerial Mandate Letters (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table today a set of updated ministerial mandate letters that reflect the recent changes to the composition of the Executive Council and the ministerial portfolio assignments. I encourage all members to review these with special care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.

Bills 31, 32, 33, 35, and 36 and Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) with Mr. Savikataaq in the Chair. Before we proceed with the committee, we will take a 20-minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:26 and Committee resumed at 15:53 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Savikataaq): Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 31, 32, 33, 35, and 36 and Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 –

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3468 6(2), and 163 – 6(2). What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to do the clause-by-clause review of Bill 35, followed by Bill 36. We then wish to continue with Bill 31 and the 2024-25 capital appropriation for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and, if time permits, the Department of Education. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Are we in agreement to first deal with Bill 35? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Consideration in Committee Chairman: That’s what we will do. I would like to ask Mr. Speaker Akoak: do you have any officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Speaker: Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree to let Mr. Speaker’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Okay. For the record, Mr. Speaker, please introduce your officials and then proceed with your opening comments. Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Sitting beside me today is Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fredlund. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide opening comments concerning Bill 35,

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut. As members will recall, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion at its sitting of October 26, 2022, to establish an independent electoral boundaries commission, as required by the Nunavut Elections Act. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Electoral Boundaries Commission for their dedication and informed recommendations. The report of the Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission was released publicly on July 4, 2023, and formally tabled in this House on October 19, 2023, along with the commission’s addendum of August 10, 2023. In accordance with

section 28 of the Nunavut Elections Act, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has prepared the bill that is before members today, to implement the recommendations of the Electoral Boundaries Commission concerning the number, names, and boundaries of our constituencies. These constituencies will take effect at the next general election in October of 2025. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I look forward to responding to any questions that my colleagues may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Do any members have any general comments? Mr. Lightstone.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3469 Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to speak briefly about the bill. Before I do, I would also like to thank the independent Electoral Boundaries Commission and the membership it consists of. I had an opportunity, as many of us did, to attend the hearings and consultations which occurred in our communities. I recognize the challenging work that the commission had to go through, and I appreciate all the effort that they had put it in through the process.

I would like to thank the chief electoral officer for producing this bill. I look forward to the debate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Next person on my list, Mr. Akeeagok. (interpretation) Please hold on. (interpretation ends) Just to make it clear so they know which switch; Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I should start off by thanking the people on the commission who reviewed the electoral boundaries and were able to visit Grise Fiord. I was grateful for that.

Although they were not able to visit every community within Nunavut, they still accomplished a great deal, and the report they provided recognizes the fact that smaller communities have stated time and again that they must be considered, particularly because of their smaller size, they should have their own MLA, regardless of population. Nonetheless, though the report acknowledges this fact, it is not reflected in their recommendations as a desire for their own MLAs that would actually represent their individual communities. I represent three communities; two of which quite small, with the third one being larger.

That being the case, this has been a cause of frustration. Further, with the changes in the electoral boundaries for smaller communities, like Chesterfield Inlet for example, it was first a part of a much larger regional centre, then it was moved to another constituency, then moved again, and again a third time. Seeing that community mistreated makes one very protective of all smaller communities. I get uncomfortable seeing that on a personal level. That’s why I have a bit of an issue in seeing that and I won’t be able to support the recommendation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you.

I have no more names on my list. Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too, wish to voice my thanks to the members of the (interpretation ends) Electoral Boundaries Commission (interpretation) as there were three commissioners, performing tremendous work and this is understandably tedious work. In reading the contents of the report, yes, you can see the cause of frustration from the residents of the smaller communities, especially the feelings of non- representation.

So we need to seriously reconsider our options as elected representatives of larger communities, because the perception is that larger communities are getting the lion’s share of the infrastructure.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3470 Regardless of the infrastructure, smaller communities should see tangible proof of how we are providing support to these smaller communities by fighting for their local infrastructure needs, and to see how to better provide real support. We were the ones who provided the directive to the electoral commission or their (interpretation ends) terms of reference. Mr.

Chairman, I believe that when we gave the Electoral Boundaries Commission their terms of reference and basically their marching orders in terms of how to do their work, we specified in there that the average mean, in terms of the population numbers, should be a plus or minus 25 percent. Looking at the recommendations that they have produced in the report, I’m understanding that their recommendations were following the terms of reference. We didn’t give them unlimited freedom to create new constituencies. We set that plus or minus 25 percent.

While I do have concerns specifically around the need for smaller communities to be represented properly, I recognize that we are the ones who set that plus or minus 25 percent. I don’t want to point fingers at the boundaries commission members. I think the other thing I want to mention is that what’s being proposed here for Arviat North and Arviat South is a redrawing of the line dividing the community and it’s being adjusted to bring the population numbers so that they’re more equal between Arviat North-Whale Cove and Arviat South.

That’s something that makes sense and for this reason, I will be supporting this bill. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the spring and summer, leading up to early fall, I had the opportunity to hold meetings with the hamlet councils in both of my constituency communities. I also had an opportunity to speak with the Mayor of Rankin Inlet.

He promised to bring up the issue with his councillors, and the majority of my constituents expressed their wishes to me not to support this particular recommendation, so I will not be able to support this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Similar to Mr. Main’s concerns, or not concerns, but the reasoning behind his choice to vote; when I look at the current numbers in ridings here in Iqaluit, the lowest riding is 1,630 people and the highest populated riding is 2,806 people.

That’s almost 1,200 people between two different ridings here in Iqaluit. With the difference in growth of different constituencies across the city, some balance and more parity, I think, is important. That would be the reasoning why I will be supporting this report. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names, Ms. Killiktee.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3471 Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the members of this commission for their important work, including the travel you undertook within your mandate. It is critically important work that I feel strongly about, as this was not an exercise in futility. Communities that were visited voiced their appreciation, although it was unfortunate that one of my constituency communities was not visited due to concrete reasons based on the report provided during our review of this issue.

One of the two communities I represent expressed a desire to have their own MLA during the last election when I was campaigning. This has been a public debate and the community has loudly voiced their view, and in looking at their population and the numbers being discussed for various constituencies, for that reason, I believe that we need to lay a better foundation. I believe that the low population numbers mean I, too, cannot support this bill, so I am also clarifying that here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also very much like to express my gratitude to the members who visited and consulted with the communities as we had directed them to do so they could explore options and recommend changes. I concur with my colleague, the Member for Iqaluit, that there needs to be parity amongst the four constituencies in Iqaluit. This has become unmistakeably clear, especially when holding public meetings, and my colleagues can also clearly speak to the concerns that have been expressed by their constituents.

This aspect can improve our lot here and my feeling is to try to fix it as it would impact mainly two election cycles perhaps, with the interim period being usually ten years. That is the minimum period required to conduct another electoral commission review, and for this reason, I anticipate having more parity in the representation here in Iqaluit since it is already a large city and we represent various peoples and races. I wanted to clarify that here. I will be supporting this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names: Mr. Kusugak. Hon.

Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This also impacts the people of Rankin Inlet because seems in almost every election the boundaries change incorporating different areas, causing confusion amongst the voters. Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, together, originally made up one riding and I was happy to represent them as my constituents. It was noticeable though that the size of the population of Rankin Inlet, in comparison to the much smaller population of Whale Cove, was always felt by the residents of Whale Cove. I am, however, just using this as an example.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3472 They need to be better represented, especially in being included in a much larger constituency riding. When the last electoral boundary was reviewed, Whale Cove was moved to Arviat, and Chesterfield Inlet was transferred to Rankin Inlet North. Some of these decisions were based solely on pure numbers, and yes, I understand that they were only following the directive provided to them.

Though they had to look at an equitable means of ensuring smaller communities’ ridings are represented, smaller communities that are appended to larger communities tend to be under represented, and they feel lost because of the disparity in the numbers. Of course, it’s very understandable to hear that and I agree with the smaller communities. The larger communities, too, need to be careful when having a small community included in one of their ridings as they have to be cognizant of perceptions and that is a part of the problem that I have noticed.

I am of the opinion that there will be future reviews of the electoral boundaries and there will be room for improvement in the future. For this reason, I will not be supporting the bill. We need to hear more and give much more support to the smaller communities as well as the larger communities. Mr. Chairman, with that, I will not be supporting the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman Chairman (interpretation): Following my list of names: Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you, Chief Electoral Officer, for being here. Yes, the words that Mr.

Kusugak just spoke are true. The communities that I represent in the constituency of Amittuq, include Sanirajak and Igloolik. Igloolik is one of the larger communities with a larger population in Nunavut. Igloolik and Sanirajak are both decentralized communities. When you are representing two communities, we try to ensure that there is fairness and not to overrepresent one community more passionately than the other, as this can lead to misconceptions in the public opinion. I, too, am partisan to this community, or am I being silent on an issue?

Trying to be fair and equitable is something I really notice especially if one riding is in a decentralized community such as Igloolik. Since I represent a portion of the community of Igloolik, then is the perception that Sanirajak is now part of a decentralized community even though it is much smaller than their population? Alternatively, the people I represent in Igloolik may feel lost and no longer part of the decentralized community. That is what I notice when I speak about disparity and, as Mr.

Kusugak just noted, when we consider the issues, numbers should not be the sole reason for making changes, and we are not just numbers. For that and other important reasons, Inuit and Nunavummiut should voice their needs without these differences, and also, the perception of being branded as just a number irks me. I’m not just a number. Mr. Chairman, decentralized communities total 11, I believe, and for those reasons, I will also not be supporting this bill and I wanted to

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3473 clearly make that statement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Chairman, and quana to the Electoral Boundaries Commission for this very important work that commenced over the past year. As the Member for Cambridge Bay, the commission was not able to fly into the community due to flight cancellations. I believe that the community visit could have had people wanting support for two constituencies.

I would like this work to see if the commission can talk to the community at a later time and make that effort. I believe maybe the timeframe of this travel during blizzard season in our communities can be a hindrance to getting into our communities. If there was a longer, extended time to make sure that our communities are visited by the commission, it would be appreciated. For that reason, I am not going to be supporting this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list: Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I want to thank the Electoral Boundaries Commission for hearing submissions from Kugaaruk and Taloyoak. That is the constituency of Netsilik, and they requested their own MLAs for both communities. However, if we pass this bill, it does not mean that we will have our own MLAs. I want to inform my constituents that I will not be supporting this bill because we won’t have our own MLAs. So I just wanted to make clarifications to both of my communities, and as your MLA, I will not be supporting this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Anyone else?

I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Alright, members, I have no more names for general comments, so I ask members to go to Bill 35 in your legislation binder. I will just give members a few minutes to get their binder out. I believe all of the binders are out now. Bill 35,

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut. Clause 1. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 2. Agreed? Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. The member has requested a recorded vote on clause 2 and this is how it’s going to work: I’ll ask all those in favour of approving clause 2 to stand up and then once that is done, I will ask all those opposed to clause 2 to stand up, and when you stand up, stay standing up until your name is called and then you sit down. So that it’s very clear, all those that are in favour of clause 2, please stand. Okay. Ms. Brewster. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Lightstone.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3474 Mr. Qavvik. Ms. Nakashuk. Mr. Joanasie. Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Mr. Main. All those opposed to clause 2, please stand up. Mr. Anavilok. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Nutarak. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Quqqiaq. Ms. Quassa. Mr. David Akeeagok. Ms. Gross. Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kusugak. We’re just tallying up the vote. Sorry, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Akoak. Anyone standing up for abstentions? Mr. Akoak. Abstentions. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) I had to make sure that this is right. There are 11 against clause 2; 8 for clause 2, and 1 abstention.

Therefore, clause 2 is defeated. Given the defeat of clause 2, the core of the bill no longer exists and therefore, we cannot proceed any further with Bill 35. I now ask Mr. Speaker to proceed with his opening comments on Bill 36. Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Consideration in Committee Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide opening comments concerning Bill 36,

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act. Mr. Chairman, many of the proposed amendments in Bill 36 reflect observations and recommendations that were contained in the Chief Electoral Officer’s most recent annual report to the Legislative Assembly. I am pleased to highlight a number of them today. Bill 36 streamlines certain administrative procedures and removes barriers for voters who leave Nunavut for long-term medical care.

This bill reflects advancements in technology and real- time information sharing, ensuring that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer remains adaptive and relevant. Mr. Chairman, Bill 36 also amends the Nunavut Elections Act to provide that the rules to be a candidate in a by-election will be the same as the rules for the general election. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I look forward to

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3475 responding to any comments or questions that my colleagues may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Do any members have any general comments? Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Elections comprise a large issue, and due to the critical importance of this issue, it is not just for show, neither is it just parody to deal with electoral boundary issues within Nunavut. I will use this last municipal election cycle for local chairpersons and mayors, including councillors as an example.

With the need to change certain areas listed in this bill, I will be voting in support of this it so that it clarifies some of the confusion if the legislation is approved. These two pieces of legislation, namely the Nunavut Elections Act and Plebiscites Act, will be made clearer. It will become easier for the electorate to understand it, so that is why I will be supporting it. While I have the opportunity, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Fredlund is the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer for Elections Nunavut. He works very hard. I have witnessed that myself. I want to thank him for all the hard work he did.

I would like that to be recognized here in the House. Elections for all of Nunavut is for everyone in Nunavut, from young people to old people. They help us to have good, proper government and Elections Nunavut has helped us in that regard and I wanted to say “thank you” for that. That’s it. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I don’t have any more names on my list. Is there anyone else? (interpretation ends) I have no more names for general comments, so I ask members to go Bill 36 in your legislation binder. I believe everyone has it now. Bill 36,

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and Plebiscites Act. Clause 1. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 2. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 3. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 4. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 5. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 6. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 7. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 8. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 9. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 10. Agreed?

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3476 Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 11. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 12. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 13. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 14. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 15. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 16. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 17. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 18. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 19. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Clause 20. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Do members agree to Bill 36?

Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Do members agree to put Bill 36 on the order paper for the day for third reading? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Closing comments. Mr. Speaker, do you have any closing comments? Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank my committee for approving this and it is for a better future for all of Nunavut in relation to elections in Nunavut. I would also like to thank our chief electoral officer sitting beside me who did all the work and he knows the ins and outs of what’s in there. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. >>Applause Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The witness and Mr. Speaker may leave the witness table. We will take a 10-minute break. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Committee recessed at 16:26 and resumed at 16:40 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Good afternoon. I would like to call our committee meeting back to order. Today we’re dealing with Economic Development and Transportation. I would like to ask Minister David Akeeagok: do you have any officials that you would like to

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3477 appear before the committee? Minister David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Minister, can you reintroduce your officials? Sergeant-at- Arms. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) To my right is David Kunuk, Deputy Minister, and to my left is John Hawkins, Assistant Deputy Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members, go to K- 3. Transportation. Do we have any members with questions leaving off from where we left off yesterday? I see none. Oh, sorry. Do any members have any questions for K-3, Transportation? Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): I’m sorry I said ajai. >>Laughter Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m a bit lost; I’m sorry. I don’t believe that we completed in regard to the docking facility issue or marine infrastructure. I know I like this and I’m never going to get tired of this. Mr.

Chairman, I would like to ask questions in regard to the funding for docking facilities or the marine infrastructure and how it will start functioning. Looking at the process of how to start operating it and with the funding that was requested in July of this year, to date, what is the status? Is there any information in regard to this on the process? What is the status? It contains $3,569,000 in funding for the Qikiqtarjuaq Marine Infrastructure project. I just have that question in regard to that project. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister David Akeeagok. Hon.

David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In August 2023… . I don’t think you can hear me? You can hear me? Okay. The request for proposals closed in August 2023. To say it in English, (interpretation ends) the architectural and engineering (interpretation) services contract for this project has been awarded. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Killiktee Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Mr. Chairman. I feel like I’m not behaving very well. I could not hear. I was not even wearing my hearing aid. >>Laughter I did not even understand his response, if he doesn’t mind repeating it, Mr.

Chairman. I apologize. >>Laughter

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3478 Chairman: Minister David Akeeagok, can you repeat your response. Minister David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The request for proposals closed in August and in English, the (interpretation ends) architectural engineering (interpretation) services for this project the request for proposal was awarded. The contract was awarded, and they will start moving ahead. That is what the department has competed to date. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Ms. Killiktee. Ms.

Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s great to hear that it is actually happening, and it is supported by the Legislative Assembly. The money was never enough in the past and it is actually finally happening. I am very proud of the fact that it is happening, and I support it. I had some questions in the past about before any construction being done as to whether these concerns were voiced at that time. Does the substantiation allow enough for the completion of the Qulliq Energy Corporation planned project, including the blueprints and mapping of the locations of the power poles?

There are several problem areas, although that road leading to the proposed port area has a road allowing full lighting. No piling has been installed yet in that area to allow for the construction of the light poles, so I wanted to ensure that this two-part plan allows for the fuel tank farm and the lighting so I hope my concerns are included in the area. Construction will take place over four, or five years. I want to make sure that my concerns are addressed for the light poles and so on. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. For the power poles, with the contract that we just signed; the contractors will do the scoping of the project now that it is in the planning process, so the scoping has begun. They have to measure the depth of the water. There will be a number of things like that happening as the work progresses. With the extra fuel tanks the community may need, we kept that outside of this particular project, and its not included in our request for funding for the project, but that will have to be done next. We are also looking at other things that will affect it.

The fact that we will have to work with other groups is agreed, and we will work with the community and other groups to do the planning for the project which is our main goal in the planning of these projects. As for the requests for changes, the funding is only for the construction of this project as it does not include the actual construction costs as this is the only reason for this request under this application. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3479 Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for explaining that further. I very much like the fact that the upcoming planning process is taking place and that you also want to work with others also for the architectural and engineering side of things. I would like to tell you right off the bat. In previous years it was questionable as to whether or not this would actually happen.

I went to a hamlet council meeting, and I only know it in English, I asked the hamlet to put together an (interpretation ends) advisory group. (interpretation) We used to have one at the hamlet in Qikiqtarjuaq, but they stopped. All of the paperwork for the matter had been closed, so now that it is going to be happening, I will be asking them to restart the advisory committee because it is going to be a very big project. I would like to move on to another matter, Mr. Chairman. With airport terminals or airport strips that are going to be built, I may have missed one.

I have a lot of reading material, and I wanted to ask about the places where they will be building airport termi