Nunavut Hansard — 6 November 2023 (6th Assembly, 2nd Session, Day 62, Official Report, pp. 3934–3986)

2023-11-06, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 62

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 62 Monday, November 6, 2023 Pages 3934 – 3986 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 ...........................................................................................................................3934 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................3934 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3934 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3936 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3940 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3940 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3961 Notices of Motions .....................................................................................................................3961 Motions .......................................................................................................................................3962 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3962 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3985 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3985

A. Daily References Monday, November 6, 2023 .......................................................................................................3934 B. Ministers’ Statements 340 – 6(2): Firearm Safety Awareness (Akeeagok, D) ..............................................................3934 341 – 6(2): FANS Wellness Benefit (Gross) ..............................................................................3935 342 – 6(2): Shared Training for the Well-being of Nunavummiut (Qavvik) .............................3936 C.

Members’ Statements 454 – 6(2): Appreciation of Josephine Nanuraq Kublu (Quassa)...............................................3936 455 – 6(2): Canadian Coast Guard in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) ........................................................3937 456 – 6(2): Co-op Members Day in Naujaat (Malliki) ...............................................................3937 457 – 6(2): Happy First Birthday to Grandchild (Simailak) ......................................................3937 458 – 6(2): Recognizing Abraham and Samantha Kublu (Nutarak) ..........................................3938 459 – 6(2): Nunavut Employees Union Convention (Brewster) ................................................3938 460 – 6(2): Recent Deaths in Constituency (Akeeagok, D) .......................................................3938 461 – 6(2): Invitation to Constituents to the Assembly (Main) ..................................................3939 462 – 6(2): Sanirajak’s New Mayor, Philip Anguratsiaq (Kaernerk) .........................................3939 D.

Oral Questions 665 – 6(2): Igloolik Housing Issues (Quassa) ............................................................................3940 666 – 6(2): Water Quality Impacts on Health (Nutarak) ............................................................3941 667 – 6(2): Elders Residence for Iqaluit (Killiktee) ...................................................................3943 668 – 6(2): Status of Tuberculosis Statistics (Brewster) ............................................................3945

669 – 6(2): Missed Medical Appointments (Quqqiaq) ...............................................................3948 670 – 6(2): Decentralization and Devolution (Malliki) ..............................................................3950 671 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) .....................................................3952 672 – 6(2): Net Metering Program (Savikataaq) ........................................................................3953 673 – 6(2): Petroleum Products Division (Anavilok) .................................................................3954 674 – 6(2): New Wage Scale for Licensed Daycare Workers (Hickes) .....................................3956 675 – 6(2): Ministerial Letters of Expectation (Lightstone) .......................................................3958 676 – 6(2): Tuberculosis Community Screening for Arviat (Savikataaq) ..................................3959 E.

Tabling of Documents 197 – 6(2): 2023 Progress Report on Language of Instruction, Regulations and Curriculum (Gross) .................................................................................................................................3961 198 – 6(2): 2021-22 Department of Education’s Annual Report (Gross) ..................................3961 199 – 6(2): 2023 Early Learning and Child Care Quality Framework (Gross) ..........................3961 200 – 6(2): 2023-26 Early Learning and Child Care Strategic Action Plan for Inclusion and Equity (Gross) ......................................................................................................................3961 F.

Motions 028 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Malliki) ..............................................................3961 028 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment (Malliki).............................................................................3962 G. Committee Motions 004 – 6(2): Unanimous Consent to Invite the Speaker to Chair Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq) .........................................................................................................................3963

H.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Tabled Document 001 – 6(2): Katujjiluta Mandate – Consideration in Committee ..................3962 Tabled Document 120 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Progress on Katujjiluta Mandate Priorities – Consideration in Committee ..............................................................................3962 Tabled Document 163 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements – Consideration in Committee .........................................3962 Tabled Document 174 – 6(2): Updated Ministerial Mandate Letters – Consideration in Committee .............................................................................................................................................3963

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3934 Iqaluit, Nunavut Monday, November 6, 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. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day. Before we begin, Mr. Simailak, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, my colleagues. To Inuit who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast, welcome. Speaker’s Statement (interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to take this opportunity to advice Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings today that the mid-term mandate review will commence this afternoon.

As the House will recall, a number of documents have been formally referred by way of motion to the Committee of the Whole for concurrent consideration. These include the Katujjiluta mandate and the most recent set of ministerial letters of expectation. I anticipate that this will be an informative discussion and I encourage all Nunavummiut to follow the proceedings in person from the Visitors’ Gallery or through our radio, television and live stream broadcast. We will now proceed with the orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 340 – 6(2): Firearm Safety Awareness (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I want to take this time to highlight the important work the Community Justice Division is doing for firearm safety awareness in our communities. Last year the Community Justice Division launched Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavummi – Firearms Safety campaign, in collaboration with the chief firearms officer, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and community organizations.

The campaign aims to provide Nunavummiut with easy access to the firearm possession and acquisition licence course, while promoting the safe use, handling, and storage of firearms through community events and other initiatives. A community event in Pangnirtung earlier this year was very successful. Community Justice staff and its partners helped 47 community members complete their firearm licence

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3935 applications. Courses were delivered in English and Inuktitut. All 23 community members who attended the course successfully graduated. In August 2023 the Community Justice Division and the Nunavut Chief Firearms Officer have partnered to offer train-the-trainer instructor courses. So far, two courses have been offered and 19 Nunavummiut from all three regions have become instructors to facilitate Canadian firearm safety courses in their communities. The next Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavummi event will take place in Pond Inlet and is scheduled to start today.

The campaign will provide firearm safety courses and help residents with licence applications. Firearm locks will be distributed and there will be a firearm safety awareness contests with prizes. As a hunter myself, I understand the importance of the safe handling and storage of firearms and encourage all Pond Inlet residents to participate in the upcoming Firearm Safety Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 341 – 6(2): FANS Wellness Benefit (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to update my colleagues and all Nunavummiut on the progress the Department of Education is making toward completing the comprehensive review of the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program and to announce a new interim measure. A dedicated project team made up of government officials and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated representatives have worked collaboratively on this review. We all know this review is a significant undertaking that has been well overdue. While this important work is ongoing, we are making adjustments and taking interim measures to improve the program. Mr.

Speaker, from what we have heard so far, it is undeniable that our students need additional support and increased funding to better equip them for success in their post-secondary pursuits. Mr. Speaker, everyone in this House and all Nunavummiut are feeling the impacts of the cost of living in our territory. Today I am excited to announce the Department of Education is supporting Nunavut Inuit FANS recipients with a new wellness benefit of $500 per semester. I look forward to sharing updates on the re-envisioning of the FANS program with my colleagues and all Nunavummiut as we move forward. Quana, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3936 Minister’s Statement 342 – 6(2): Shared Training for the Well- being of Nunavummiut (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and Nunavummiut ammalu my constituency of Hudson Bay. Mr. Speaker, the Katujjiluta mandate priority of reinvesting in education lists enhancing indirect supports for post- secondary learners as an action this government is committed to supporting. I am happy to share an initiative between Nunavut Arctic College and the Department of Justice which supports this goal. Mr. Speaker, as part of its training

schedule for its frontline, client-focused workers, the Department of Justice offers mental health training for its staff. Mental Health First Aid is a three-day training course that teaches individuals how to support someone during a mental health emergency. Nunavut Health and Learning Together is a four-day training program that provides participants with the skills to help de-escalate crisis situations through activities including supporting goal-setting exercises and teaching active listening skills. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to recognize the Minister of Justice and his department for welcoming four college security staff into this training with their staff. I understand that an additional two college staff are set to participate in training scheduled for later this fall. The college’s security staff at the Nunatta Campus work directly with students living in single or family residences, or with students and the public at its campus facilities. This training supports college staff in being prepared for a wide range of interactions in its student- centred spaces.

The college is excited about the potential of expanding this training opportunity for its security staff across the territory and in enhancing safety and support for students in our territory learning facilities. Please join me in thanking the Minister of Justice and his department. The college appreciates having access to this training. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 454 – 6(2): Appreciation of Josephine Nanuraq Kublu (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to take this opportunity for the Head Start students in Igloolik, working with elders who are a part of the staff. I wish to thank Josephine Nanuraq Kublu, who is one of the instructors at the Head Start program as a cultural teacher. The students not only benefit, but also her fellow teachers learn from Josephine Nanuraq and the staff of Head Start have made an elder available. I would like to thank Josephine Nanuraq Kublu for taking the initiative and giving herself for the cause of teaching Inuktitut. I hope all the GN employees have elders like her at the workplace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3937 >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 455 – 6(2): Canadian Coast Guard in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the Canadian Coast Guard for their recent search and rescue training and community engagement in Taloyoak. Mr. Speaker, over the summer season, the Canadian Coast Guard completed search and rescue training and exercises in collaboration with the Taloyoak Guardians. Mr.

Speaker, this was the first time the Canadian Coast Guard conducted training designed specifically for arctic responders. Participants in this course had the opportunity to learn: “essential skills in risk assessment and mitigation, search planning and tactics, and rescue operations.” Mr. Speaker, I was very happy that the Canadian Coast Guard visited schools in the community to raise awareness about the coast guard’s role and discuss potential job opportunities. Mr.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in recognizing the Canadian Coast Guard and the Taloyoak Guardians, who are Steven Ukuqtunnuaq, Sonny Kootook, Abel Aqqaq, McCauley Umingmak, Raymond Mannilaq, John Neeveacheak, Nathan Chad Mannilaq, and Clifford Mannilaq. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 456 – 6(2): Co- op Members Day in Naujaat (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to say “good morning” to my constituents and I celebrate with the people of Naujaat.

They are getting their Co-op dividends today. When the Co-op gets a lot of business, we receive good dividends and that is what the people of Naujaat are getting and they seem pretty rich today. We celebrate with them and I hope they have a great time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Member’s Statement 457 – 6(2): Happy First Birthday to Grandchild (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday in Baker Lake, my family celebrated my granddaughter’s birthday on November 5, who just turned one. (interpretation ends) Maarala, irngutaaq, I love you. I’ll see you when I come home. (interpretation) I wanted to quickly state that for her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3938 Member’s Statement 458 – 6(2): Recognizing Abraham and Samantha Kublu (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My maternal aunt, Rhoda Palluq, told me that she watches the proceedings daily, so I send her my greetings, as she is here in Iqaluit. Additionally, I send my regards to my grandmother, Attakaalik Palluq, in Clyde River, along with all of my relatives in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Samantha and Abraham Kublu today.

The married couple, Samantha and Abraham, took theological training here in Iqaluit at the (interpretation ends) Arthur Turner Training (interpretation) School. After finishing their training, they moved to Arviat as laypersons and spent two years providing church services. However, they returned here to Iqaluit, and on October 8 they were ordained in Pond Inlet. The married couple is now ordained as preachers. The residents of Pond Inlet were overjoyed as they were able to come home and be ordained in front of their family and friends. This was quite uplifting.

There are now 15 people from Pond Inlet who have been ordained as Anglican preachers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating preachers Samantha Kublu and Abraham. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Member’s Statement 459 – 6(2): Nunavut Employees Union Convention (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy Monday, everybody.

This morning, I was very happy to provide opening remarks at the Nunavut Employees Union’s triennial component convention, which began today and will run until Wednesday, November 8, at the Aqsarniit Hotel. Mr. Speaker, there were representatives from bargaining units from across the territory there this morning. I was very happy to be there as the former representative for workers on the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s governance council. I have always looked forward to and use my skills to uplift the rights of workers in Nunavut and elsewhere. I was very happy to see the representatives taking

part in very important governance activities, building their capacity, and working hard for Nunavummiut. The Nunavut Employees Union’s slogan is “Working for those that make Nunavut work,” and I would like to applaud those representatives who are attending the convention this week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 460 – 6(2): Recent Deaths in Constituency (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past week,

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3939 it was a very heavy week for us in one of the High Arctic communities. We have lost six people from the High Arctic, who will be buried shortly. The families of these members are fundraising in order to attend their loved ones’ funerals. We ask for your prayers, especially Arctic Bay, where they lost four people. The Pijamini family, Idlout family, Attagutsiak family, and Shooyook family, I send you my condolences and my thoughts are with you as I can’t be there with you.

My condolences to those families, and I will support you any way I can because the families want to get together in times of need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Condolences to the families. Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 461 – 6(2): Invitation to Constituents to the Assembly (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, colleagues and people of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a reminder for Arviat and Whale Cove residents.

Our House is open to anyone from Nunavut if they would like to watch the proceedings and they are more than welcome to come here, especially people from Arviat and Whale Cove. Usually when I find that one of my constituents is here in town, I invite them to the House, be it an elder, a young person, or anyone. Today we have two people from Arviat, whom I will recognize at the appropriate time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind people that this precinct is owned by all of Nunavut and it’s open to everyone. If you want to watch the proceedings, please feel free to come in and visit us, even if you’re late.

Just be here to watch the proceedings, even for a little while. It’s not very often that my constituents come to Iqaluit, but I would like to extend my invitation to all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Member’s Statement 462 – 6(2): Sanirajak’s New Mayor, Philip Anguratsiaq (Kaernerk) Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to rise to extend my welcome to all of Nunavut. I rise today to say that there was a tie for the mayor position and Philip Anguratsiaq is now the mayor.

He’s a young man and it his first time as a mayor. I will try to have a close working relationship with you, and I’m sure that you will make the right decisions. You will be in your office for four years and I want to work closely with you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3940 Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have two individuals from Arviat who are sitting behind me that I would like to recognize, Ernie and Angeline Eetak. Please be welcome in the House. They are here in Iqaluit for a little while and they toured the precinct this morning. I used to go to school with Ernie and he’s very well known by TikTok or Facebook or other social media. He tells Nunavut hunting stories. Please be welcome to your House. If Ilaittutnaaq is watching, I wish you a good day.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceedings. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of my constituency assistant for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Ms. Becky Mike. She has done a tremendous amount of work for the people of Nunavut over many years. She has been a minister in the Government of the Northwest Territories.

She has worked for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for quite a while. She has done a lot of work for the Inuit language and culture. I would like to welcome Becky Mike to her House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 665 – 6(2): Igloolik Housing Issues (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.

As the minister is aware, the Nunavut 3000 strategy indicates that a total of 160 new housing units are planned to be allocated to Igloolik over the life of the strategy. These include 80 new public housing units, 60 new affordable housing units, and 20 new market housing units. Can the minister confirm how many new public units are scheduled to begin construction in Igloolik during the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We anticipate 20 units in Igloolik, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for the confirmation.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3941 (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly recently approved the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2024-25 capital estimates, which included approximately $7.0 million for mould assessment and remediation. As the minister is aware, mould infestation in public housing units is a serious problem in many Nunavut communities. Can the minister confirm how many public housing units in Igloolik are scheduled to benefit from mould remediation work during the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are targeting, I believe, 14 communities with mould remediation, and we’re just trying to finalize exactly which communities and how many at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I look forward to having those mouldy units remediated in the communities, including Igloolik. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, Igloolik is one of a number of Nunavut communities that is scheduled to receive a new local housing organization workshop, warehouse and administrative office. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the board members and employees of the Igloolik Housing Association. Can the minister confirm when design development for the new local housing organization complex in Igloolik will begin? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the office complexes being planned for construction in the communities, the bids we have seen were coming in too high, so we’re currently looking at reconfiguration. For example, the complex in Igloolik will house the office and workshop, and we will redesign it in order to lower the price of construction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 666 – 6(2): Water Quality Impacts on Health (Nutarak) Ms.

Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, it seems that more and more communities are going for longer and longer periods of time under boil water advisories. This raises concerns with respect to the quality of water that individuals and their families might be drinking. Can the minister clarify whether there has been any corresponding rise in

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3942 community residents experiencing stomach issues or tests resulting in diagnoses of H. pylori or other bacterial infections when their communities are under boil water advisories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. We all know that having good quality water really affects your whole health.

We always try to work closely with the Department of Community and Government Services to make sure that all communities in Nunavut have good quality water available. With regard to my colleague’s question, if my department has realized that there may be different kinds of bacteria in the water when there are water boil advisories, I really don’t know how to respond to this question at this point, but I can say that boil water advisories are there so that nobody gets sick. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I’m unable to say specifically whether there is an increase in various illnesses, whether it’s tied directly to a water issue in a given community at any time, but I can commit to going back and requesting that type of follow-up information. As you know, there have been a number of boil water advisories in a number of communities, so I’m willing to work with the member to look into specific cases or specific time periods. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you for committing to look into that. Mr. Speaker, it seems that infections due to H. pylori are becoming more common in Nunavut, and one has to wonder how often the quality of community water supplies coming from lakes and rivers is compromised by this bacterium. Can the minister describe how staff in his department, including environmental health officers, works with municipalities to assess the risks from different bacteria and viruses that may be in the water? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of [Health], Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Department of Health’s role in terms of water supplies and water quality, we’re in the role of regulator when it comes to water supplies. The nuts and bolts side of providing clean and safe drinking water to communities lies with the municipal governments as well as the Department of Community and Government Services. The Department of Health works in the role of regulator in terms of analyzing samples or monitoring water quality, and then triggering things like boil water advisories when they are required, due to issues in the water supply.

In terms of the H. pylori question, I don’t have that level of detail at my fingertips at this moment, but as I indicated earlier, I am willing to look into it further. As I mentioned, there are

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3943 a number of different distinct roles in terms of the provision of water supply, and I would want to be providing a response focusing on our role as a regulator. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you to the Minister of Health. Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and minister. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that some bacterial infections, including H. pylori, can lead to such health complications as stomach cancer if not treated for a long time.

It is not clear to me whether the rate of stomach cancer across Nunavut has increased in recent years, especially as so many communities are under water boil advisories. Can the minister update this House on when up-to-date cancer statistics for Nunavut will next be published? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The chief public health officer’s office is currently working on a report regarding cancer prevalence and cancer statistics in Nunavut.

I don’t have the date in front of me in terms of a specific roll-out date, but that report has been worked on for quite some time and so it should be in the short term that we will see that report released. As with any release of information from the chief public health officer’s office and staff, it’s important to us as the Department of Health to help share as much information as we can with Nunavummiut to help raise awareness. It’s all part of helping Nunavummiut to take control of their health outcomes and to learn more about related health issues.

I look forward to seeing that report released. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 667 – 6(2): Elders Residence for Iqaluit (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Good day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, I have heard some very positive news that a group in Iqaluit is moving forward in building a new elders’ residence in the community here in Iqaluit. This is a very good initiative. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister clarify whether his department has provided any assistance or support in promoting and supporting this project? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. Yes, we have heard of it and we know it’s going to be built in Iqaluit. It has its own committee and it has its own association or organization that is working on it. We have been kept informed and we have met with the group that is working on this initiative. However, we have not

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3944 helped them financially up to this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that we need an elders’ facility, and I don’t really like hearing the fact that the government hasn’t put any money into it. However, to continue, (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, I fully support initiatives which address elders’ needs.

Having designated housing space with additional supports available in the same location is a very good way to help elders stay living safely and comfortably in their community as they age. Can the minister describe what assistance his department can provide to a group that is interested in establishing and elder-designated residence in their community? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question.

Maybe just to follow up to my first response, we didn’t receive a request for funding from the group and so the engagement that we’ve had with that group has been based on requests to engage and requests to understand or look at working together. In terms of the member’s second question and what mechanism we have in place to work with non-profits, there are a number of non-profit groups across Nunavut working in areas of mental health, working in community wellness, and working to provide supports to community members.

I must say that working with those non-profits is really exciting for my department because we know that the Department of Health can’t do it all; we need strong partners. The types of work that’s being done by groups like Ilisaqsivik, like the Department of Healthy Living in Cambridge Bay, like Pulaarvik Kablu in Rankin Inlet is not necessarily just in elder’s housing, but I mentioned these groups because we are willing to work alongside non-profits. In some cases, we can provide funding supports to groups if they apply through one of our funding streams.

In terms of a roundabout way of answering the member’s question, in terms of elders’ housing, we don’t have a specific program for that, but we are willing to work with community groups, whether it’s through our home care program, where there could be linkages made. We’re willing to work creatively and support where we can. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have to hear things like that so we all have the same information.

Hearing from that group in Iqaluit and based on your response, it would be really good if this could be expanded. We really believe our elders in the communities need more support and not just be set aside. That’s why I’m saying these things.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3945 (interpretation ends) Uqaqtittijii, I recognize the role of our community- based home care programs is to assist the elders and others with chronic health issues to stay healthy and comfortable in their own homes. The minister has mentioned a number of alternative models, including ‘Greenhouse’ and ‘Butterfly’ models, which may be considered for elder residential care in Nunavut’s smaller communities. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister elaborate on what steps his department will take to review and evaluate these potential elder residence models and if he will be tabling a report on this review in this House? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking those questions. (interpretation ends) I’m really pleased in terms of the amount of times that home care has been brought up during this past sitting.

It’s a very important program, it’s a program that we have added to further during the life of this government, and we’re looking right now how we can do more, expanding hours and adding more staff. It’s something that I think we can all be proud of in this Assembly, that we have seen this move forward. In terms of the member’s question, we’re in the very initial stages of looking at these alternative models, but they are promising. The unique needs that we have across Nunavut, in smaller communities, how can we meet those needs?

How can we meet the expectations and the desires that we’re hearing in the House, that we’re hearing from Nunavummiut? We’re in the initial stages of looking at those alternative models. I’m unable to say whether we will be tabling a report in terms of the review there, but I can say that looking at these models, it won’t be done just by the Department of Health; it would involve partners. Under our mandate, we know partnerships are key and that’s where we would want to be looking at this from several different angles, not just the clinical side, which lies with the Department of Health.

I look forward to updating as this work proceeds. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Before going to the next name, I will advise that the Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet will not be in today. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 668 – 6(2): Status of Tuberculosis Statistics (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I kind of anticipated that I might be next. Ladies first just seems to be the order of the day. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. Mr.

Speaker, on November 3 the Department of Health issued not one but two public service announcements providing updates on the status of tuberculosis cases in the communities of Pond Inlet and Naujaat. Earlier this sitting, the minister spoke about the

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3946 ongoing screening for tuberculosis in the community of Pangnirtung. Can the minister explain why the current status of tuberculosis cases in the community of Pangnirtung was not made public at the same time as it was for the two other communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. We had reported on the status of tuberculosis cases in Pond Inlet and Naujaat.

With the tuberculosis screening currently being done in Pangnirtung, (interpretation ends) the community- wide screening clinic, (interpretation) I cannot say whether it was due to that or not, but I would like to respond to my colleague. I will ask Nunavut’s chief medical officer what the reason was for that and get back to the member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, I understand that sometimes it’s difficult to provide up-to-date information when that information is evolving, so I appreciate that. Mr.

Speaker, historically, tuberculosis has been one of the most difficult communicable diseases to track, treat, and control in the Canadian North. Historically, the published rate of tuberculosis infection in the north has been the highest in Canada. Can the minister clarify when up-to-date information on tuberculosis infections across all of Nunavut’s communities and the rate across the territory will be published? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) We do report on an annual basis in terms of the rates of TB in Nunavut, and when you look at the statistics, as with many other health statistics, there was an impact in terms of COVID restrictions and COVID changes to public behaviour. If you look at our numbers in 2022, for example, our numbers came down or appeared to come down. We suspect that that was impacted by COVID-related public health restrictions. The member is correct; it’s quite sad, actually, that we are standing here in this Assembly in 2023 and talking about tuberculosis.

It’s something that makes us unique in terms of Canadian jurisdictions. When I’m at federal, provincial and territorial meetings and I have a chance to mention that tuberculosis is something that we’re dealing with in Nunavut, it can sometimes take my colleagues by surprise because, I think, for some Canadians, it’s a disease that’s maybe associated with developing countries and it’s a disease that is tied very closely to social determinants of health. When we’re talking about tuberculosis in Nunavut, we’re not just talking about health care and health provision. We’re talking about housing.

We’re talking about nutrition. There are a number of

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3947 different things that are tied to it. I apologize to the member if I have gone off track from her question, but the Department of Health is committed to pushing forward on this, getting testing and treatment to Nunavummiut, along with our partners, Nunavut Tunngavik, and our federal partners. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The member did go off track and I didn’t hear a response to my question regarding providing up-to-date information on tuberculosis infections across all of Nunavut, so I would appreciate a response to that. Mr. Speaker, five years ago, the federal government committed to eradicating tuberculosis in Canada’s North. I would like to recognize the hard work and significant effort that has gone into the many, many activities to address this disease which has had a huge impact on generations of Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, in the past, there has been reference to the historical trauma surrounding the impact of tuberculosis and I know this personally as one of my family members actually honed her

interpretation skills while she was a teenager at the Charles Camsell Hospital when she had tuberculosis for quite some time. It’s unfortunate that it hasn’t been eliminated to date. In May of this year, the minister referred to a TB elimination plan that was under development or an action plan and elimination plan that the Government of Nunavut had yet to endorse at that time with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. We haven’t heard anything about that recently.

Can the minister provide an overview of what new activities are being planned to address the spread of tuberculosis in Nunavut and what resources will be available to fund those activities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the previous question, the statistics will be published in the same way that they have been published in previous years and that’s on an aggregate, looking at Nunavut as a whole.

As the member noted, we’re also providing community-specific updates in the three communities that have outbreaks. However, we will not be providing community-by-community numbers because some of those would trigger concerns around client privacy. Mr. Speaker, in terms of the regional action plan to eliminate tuberculosis, it’s being led by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. The Department of Health is collaborating on that. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is also involved in that. We are participating on that, but the plan belongs to Nunavut Tunngavik. We’re a supporting element of it.

In terms of additional resources and additional programs, we are reviewing and evaluating our directly observed preventative therapy program for latent TB and we’re looking at how to make improvements there. We are updating the Nunavut TB Manual in accordance with the recent Canadian Tuberculosis Standards, 8th Edition. We have also

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3948 developed tuberculosis online modules for training of clinicians and those are hosted by Nunavut Tunngavik. It has been a joint effort and we’re really thankful for their contributions. Those are a few things that are new and being improved or developed on the tuberculosis front. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 669 – 6(2): Missed Medical Appointments (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr.

Speaker, a number of my constituents have raised concerns regarding missed medical appointments. Often due to flight delays or cancelled flights, they miss their medical appointments and have to wait for a long time before a new appointment is scheduled. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify how the Medical Travel Division of the Department of Health monitors missed appointments and tracks the medical clients to ensure that they receive updated appointments as soon as possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) I apologize to my colleagues if you’re tired of hearing me talk. I thank the member for the question. As we all know, medical travel is one of those essential services that is necessary for Nunavummiut to access the essential health care that they need. Mr. Speaker, the member’s question around missed appointments is really a collaborative effort when there are… . Let’s say in the example of a Taloyoak resident whose flight is cancelled due to weather and they miss their appointment as a result, there would be several things that happen.

The medical facility where they were going to be headed to would be required to rebook that appointment. The airline ticket would either be cancelled or refunded. There’s medical travel that would be handled through the regional medical travel office. The local health centre where our hard- working medical travel staff work, the clerks, would be the ones dealing directly with the client in terms of following up and notifying them as appointments are rebooked. There are multiple, different facets to answering that question.

At the end of the day, the priority is on making sure that that appointment happens, whatever it was, and trying to find an opportunity to rebook as soon as possible with the clinical side. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last summer, during the wildfires in the west, many of my constituents were sent to Winnipeg for medical travel instead of to Edmonton or Yellowknife, which are the usual hubs for medical clients. Many found the environment quite different from what they are used to.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3949 Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm that all the medical clients who were unable to travel to Edmonton or Yellowknife during the wildfires did receive the medical care that was planned for and, if not, how many patients still need their appointments to be rebooked? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. Yes, I know that the Kitikmeot patients were going through hardship.

We felt for the residents who were impacted by the wildfires this summer in the NWT. We made an urgent decision since it was an emergency situation. Patients in Yellowknife were quickly flown out on a charter and sent to Edmonton and then later on, as the member stated, some patients who would have gone to Edmonton or Yellowknife were diverted to Winnipeg. This was to ensure the safety of our patients from the Kitikmeot region. Some medical treatments cannot be deferred or delayed, including appointments, so we prioritized them.

We are very appreciative of everyone who assisted the patients and the airlines, Canadian North and Keewatin Air, who provided special flights. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, all that to say that I don’t have the specific information as to individual appointments coming out of the Kitikmeot for the wildfire period, but I can commit to consulting with my staff and getting back to the member in terms of the fallout or the effects of that redirection that I believe he was trying to ask me about. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is very important that medical patients have the medical attention that they need within an appropriate time frame. When medical clients miss their appointments through no fault of their own, every effort should made to rebook their appointments as soon as possible, ideally within the week or two and certainly no longer than a month. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify if standards are in place to rebook missed appointments and ensure that medical patients who miss their appointments can travel to receive medical care within a set time period? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the specific guidelines or the specific time frames that are spelled out in terms of rebooking appointments, in terms our current Medical Travel Policy, I don’t believe there is one, but it is something that we are looking into in terms of how can we better serve medical travellers across Nunavut, looking at things like how far in advance are we notifying medical travellers before they have travel.

Those are the specific kinds of things that we want to work towards spelling out and setting specific time periods or lengths of time because we know that when medical travellers are asked to travel at the last minute and they don’t receive advance

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3950 notification, then it can be very stressful for them, it can be very hard, and that’s something we have heard and we are looking to improve on. Mr. Speaker, before I sit down and end my response, we are concerned about no-shows in terms of missed medical travel flights and missed medical travel flights are causing some strained relationships with our health care clinics in other jurisdictions.

It is an issue that we do want to deal with in terms of making sure there are fewer no-shows for scheduled flights and scheduled appointments going forward. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 670 – 6(2): Decentralization and Devolution (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are not for the Minister of Health today, but I want to instead question our Premier. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Mr.

Speaker, as the minister is aware, I represent two non-decentralized communities that suffer from high rates of poverty. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the best cure for poverty is a job, which is why I continue to advocate for my constituents in this area. As the minister is aware, his department’s business plan and his own ministerial mandate letter indicate that a current priority is to “initiate a review of the decentralization of department and corporation offices in the communities.” Mr.

Speaker, when I last raised this issue in the House exactly eight months ago today, the minister told me that work would begin “immediately.” Can the minister update me today on the status of the decentralization review? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my fellow MLA for raising this important issue. It is good to remind communities as they all require employment.

I completely understand where the member is coming from as I, too, grew up in a small community. Mr. Speaker, we have been working to review the actual department’s roles in wanting to work with smaller communities. However, I want to add that we are not just waiting. To date, my ministerial colleague, Minister Nakashuk, has brought forward benefits for smaller communities and employment opportunities available in communities. I mentioned that as we review and that it will keep moving forward, but there are various facets to this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr.

Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The current business plan indicates that “A report will be developed to present

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3951 findings, observations, and recommendations to meet increasing demand for programs and services in Nunavut.” Can the minister confirm when this report will be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank the member for the follow-up question. To date, the work has been proceeding. We are working with the departments and reviewing. I expect this year as a target.

As we are currently sitting, I cannot say today as to when it will be done, but I am still committed to bringing it forward. As I said, I will work closely with the human resources minister and working on our mandate. It is proceeding forward, but I cannot provide you the exact details today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be expecting that response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the issue of devolution is closely related to the issue of decentralization.

As the minister is aware, the government’s most current employment report indicates that there are approximately 170 Nunavut government positions in Naujaat and Coral Harbour. I recognize that devolution negotiations with the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik are ongoing. Can the minister indicate whether the devolution process will result in federal positions being moved to non- decentralized communities like Coral Harbour and Naujaat? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, devolution has been debated for many years, and our negotiations are underway between the other parties, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the federal government. Our vision is primarily how best to ensure that the people of Nunavut should be making decisions on issues which affect them. There are also employment issues that we are currently negotiating, and I cannot speak to that matter as it is without prejudice. However, the review will have an impact on our communities as the positions that currently exist and future positions can benefit us.

I anticipate the inclusion of our communities in decisions during our final review. This will determine the kind of benefits that can accrue to our communities, and we are trying to keep the smaller communities, as we know many are interested and we believe wholeheartedly that Nunavummiut with the requisite education also want jobs. With challenges like that, this ongoing review has commenced.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3952 I will take the member’s words to heart and I appreciate the statement by our colleague as we need this as the foundation to have the smaller communities and Inuit in Nunavut benefit by being gainfully employed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 671 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Environment. Mr.

Speaker, I want to revisit the important issue of caribou management by following up on questions that were asked last week by my colleague from Aivilik. (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 his letter dated July 20, 2022, the acting chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board indicated that the Board had “approved the listing of barren-ground caribou as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act, with the condition that recovery planning will be undertaken on a herd- by-herd basis.” For the record, does the Government of Nunavut support this decision, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Mr.

Speaker, the Government of Nunavut works collaboratively with other jurisdictions, the federal government, and co-management partners to administer caribou herds. To answer the member’s question, the Government of Nunavut does not support the listing of barren-ground caribou as threatened. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for the response and a clear and frank answer. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Kivalliq members of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board.

Can the minister indicate what discussions he and his department are currently having with the board concerning the Species at Risk listing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed barren-ground caribou as threatened in 2016. Environment and Climate Change Canada was given between January and October 2029 to complete consultations

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3953 on the potential listing of barren-ground caribou with affected communities and provincial and territorial governments. Relevant co-management partners were permitted an extension due to additional needs to identify the consultation. Further, the community consultations by Environment and Climate Change Canada were considered inadequate by some communities and additional consultations for the listing of barren- ground caribou started in 2020 and were completed by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

These additional consultations were completed and the consultation record was provided by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In his letter dated September 22, 2022, the federal Minister of Environment wrote that he had directed his officials to “integrate range-wide concerns with herd-level nuances within one overarching recovery strategy.” Can the minister clarify how his department will be supporting hunters and trappers organizations in the Kivalliq to participate in herd management and recovery plans? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Mr.

Speaker, the listing of barren-ground caribou under the Species at Risk Act would result in the federally required recovery strategy and the identification of critical habitat. Once critical habitat is identified, federal staff would work with its partners to find the best method to protect that habitat from activities that would negatively impact the consultation with the recovery strategy. Mr. Speaker, our Department of Environment will continue to communicate the government position on this listing proposal based on the best available science and indigenous knowledge.

We will continue to monitor the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd at that area, and certainly the Department of Environment will continue to consult with the hunters and trappers organizations and the affected communities in the Kivalliq region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 672 – 6(2): Net Metering Program (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, in the Committee of the Whole last week while we were deliberating the budget there, the Department of Environment, one of the programs was over by roughly $100,000 or something, but it came out that $300,000 was spent on the Renewable Energy Homeownership Grant Program, which is a program to help homeowners get solar panels, wind generators, and then you can get onto the net meter.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3954 My first question would be to the Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation. This is a good program that is being utilized to help fund it. How many customers are on the net metering program within Nunavut now? Thank you. 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 that question. To date, there are 14 hamlets and 16 homeowners who are using the net metering system. Those are the current numbers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased that there is some uptake on the program. You indicated that there are 16 homeowners who are using the net metering system. How much savings does the net metering program generate on a monthly basis? Thank you. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. It’s a new program and because of that, we don’t know how much savings we have had at this time.

Once I have the number on the amount of savings, I’ll make sure to pass on the information to you. I can’t provide an answer to that at this time, so I’ll get back to you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question will be, this is a good program that seems to be taking off and more and more people seem to be getting on the bandwagon to get net metering.

Is there a maximum number of customers that can be in the community, or can all members of the community that want to apply for the grant from the renewable energy home grant and then apply for the net metering, is there a limit on the number of customers per community that can be approved by the Qulliq Energy Corporation? Thank you. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that supplementary question. Since it’s a new program, I urge and encourage homeowners to apply.

To make it brief, there’s no limit. We are trying to help as many customers as we can in order to use alternative sources of energy. There’s no limit at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 673 – 6(2): Petroleum Products Division (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be asking questions about the naphtha that is used in the Kitikmeot and those who use this naphtha, such as hunters, are experiencing problems with it.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3955 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Community and Government Services, whose department is responsible for the government’s Petroleum Products Division. As the minister will recall, I asked him questions a year ago today about concerns that had been raised with me by hunters in Kugluktuk concerning the 2022 annual fuel resupply to the community. Can the minister provide an update today concerning the status of Kugluktuk’s 2023 fuel resupply? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question. Mr. Speaker, the 2023 resupply is still ongoing. I think most, if not pretty well all, communities have been reached so far, but the issue around fuel products has come up again, as my colleague has brought up. This is something that my department, through the Petroleum Products Division, is taking very seriously and making sure the quality of our products is at its finest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr.

Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) When I raised this issue last year, I spoke about concerns that had been raised with me by hunters regarding problems with the naphtha supply. Mr. Speaker, the minister’s department recently issued a request for proposals concerning the Petroleum Products Division’s fuel distribution and sales management system. Information contained in the request for proposals indicates that: “Naphtha is a camping fuel product.

It is sold in four-litre containers, which makes it labour-intensive to distribute and is therefore highly subsidized by other products to keep it affordable for Nunavummiut.” As the minister is aware, naphtha is used extensively for on-the-land activities and hunters depend on an affordable and reliable supply. Can the minister assure me that his department is not considering removing the subsidy on naphtha? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

No, we’re not looking at that as far as I’m concerned. I stand to be corrected, Mr. Speaker, but naphtha is a product that is purchased in a prepackaged state and this meets the Canadian General Standards Board standards, the naphtha packaging that it comes in, off the shelves. No, we’re not looking at reducing or removing the subsidy for that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3956 Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, his department issued a request for proposals in June 2022 to conduct a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Products Division structure and functions. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question from my colleague. Mr.

Speaker, this work is ongoing and we are still very much looking at how the Petroleum Products Division functions currently within our department, the operational structure, as well as how much human resource the division works within, but we are looking at, within the corporate structure, how we can restructure it and make it work better going forward. Mr. Speaker, in the end, we want to improve Petroleum Products, how they do their sales, their inventory pricing, their whole operation, so we look forward to that review to go through 2024 and 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 674 – 6(2): New Wage Scale for Licensed Daycare Workers (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, last week, the minister read a minister’s statement on the new wage scale of licensed child care centres and I was very happy to see that. I have been a strong proponent of that stage of the federal funding agreement to get completed. Mr. Speaker, as it was effective October 1, how many daycares have applied for or are already receiving these wage subsidies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question and his advocacy in terms of the early learning and child care sector. Mr. Speaker, the question in regard to how many child care facilities are accessing these funds, we do ask that the child care facilities do apply to receive the funds under this Early Learning and Child Care Wage Scale Program and we will be requesting that child care centres reapply every year throughout the next three years.

I am pleased that we have set aside $2.9 million for this fiscal year to support the sector and enhance the wage scale. We have 29 out of 52 centres who have signed their agreements so far and the department is waiting to have six more that have applied had two of them are…sorry. We’re waiting for four more for signatures. This is an ongoing process and as the funds came out on October 1, we do look forward to having, hopefully, all of the child care facilities sign on to this so

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3957 that we can better enhance and support that sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I and the minister mentioned, this program came into effect October 1, but sometimes in industry, there is often a call or a notification. My next question is: as this program came into effect October 1, how were all daycares notified in sufficient time to allow daycares to immediately gain benefit upon implementation of this program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon.

Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. We have a great division with the Early Learning and Child Care Division here in Iqaluit that is working hard on implementing this Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, and I commend the staff for their hard work and working with all of the child care centres across the territory. There was written communication that was sent to all child care facilities over one month in advance of this wage scale coming into effect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s response on that. Mr. Speaker, my hope when this program was first even talked about a number of years ago, when I have raised it, and then the federal government brought in a program to actually provide funding to support initiatives such as this, my hope is that it increases the demand for child care workers and I hope more and more people take advantage of educational opportunities to choose this as a career path and not just a temporary means of employment. Mr.

Speaker, what discussions have taken place with Nunavut Arctic College on making early childhood educator programming available in more communities, especially those with existing daycares? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member again for that question. The Department of Education has a few avenues of discussion and work in regard to training. We do see the great benefit, of course, of partnering with Nunavut Arctic College to encourage people in the sector to take that program.

We have a few communities across our territory that are doing hybrid models of training. I got to visit first-hand one of the programs in action in Igloolik last year and it was great to see all of the early learning and child care centre staff in the community that are working part time and also going to school part time. The sector has employed more staff to fill in the gaps when one cohort is at school and the other is working and vice versa. In terms of having that program expanded, I do know that they’re looking to go into Rankin Inlet to

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3958 expand the training program there. We also work with our regional Inuit associations. Staff from both the Department of Education and the regional Inuit associations have come together and bring the daycare centre staff together for training. The same method is applied if there are centre staff from the daycares that are going into these training opportunities. We will cover special type of people to be employed casually during that time.

We are exploring other opportunities with other institutions to see if there is online training, for example, that daycare centres can go into and learn from. We’re still exploring more options, but those are just a few outlined there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 675 – 6(2): Ministerial Letters of Expectation (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Finance.

Last Friday, the minister had tabled the 2023-24 Letters of Expectation to our five major public agencies and territorial corporations. Mr. Speaker, these letters of expectation are key accountability and priority- setting tools. I was surprised to note that although all of the letters of expectation set out priorities for the current fiscal year, they were not signed and submitted until late September or early October, at which point the government was already halfway through the fiscal year. I would like to ask: can the minister clarify why the government waited six months to send these letters of expectation?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our department works regularly, often daily, with these other departments where the letter of expectation was sent to. Mr. Speaker, I can’t explain why it took this long to send out the letters of expectation, but I could assure my colleague that meetings on what was expected of the departments are often in discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As these letters of expectation are essential to set the priorities of these organizations, I think it would be appropriate for these letters to be provided prior to or at least at the beginning of the fiscal year. Moving on, a number of this year’s letters of expectation directed these public agencies to enter into formal memorandums of understanding with the government. I was wondering if the minister would be able to describe what specific matters will be covered by this new memorandum of understanding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. There will be a number of

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3959 different parameters in each of the expectations. At an appropriate time, I would be more than happy to share them with this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response. As the minister will recall, I asked a number of questions last week concerning the issue of municipal borrowing for the purpose of land development.

I was very interested to note that one of this year’s letters of expectation made reference to a new “Lands for Homes Initiative” that involves a number of GN entities, Inuit organizations, and the Nunavut Association of Municipalities. I would like to ask: can the minister describe the goal of this specific initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I will provide the details of those initiatives and outlines at a later date, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Question 676 – 6(2): Tuberculosis Community Screening for Arviat (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Health, as he has been sitting down for a while now. Mr. Speaker, this pertains to the minister’s statement earlier about Pangnirtung’s tuberculosis screening clinic. Mr. Speaker, the minister stated, “on September 15 the Department of Health, in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, mobilized a community- wide tuberculosis (TB) screening clinic in Pangnirtung.” I know I have asked the minister on this subject before and I’ll ask him again.

Is the Department of Health willing to do a community-wide screening in Arviat? Thank you. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question in regard to TB clinics. TB work in all of Nunavut communities is being worked on. The three communities that we mentioned previously had been identified by the chief public health officer that there were outbreaks in these communities.

Based on the numbers, the chief public health officer announces… . (interpretation ends) When the chief public health officer identifies or declares an outbreak in a community, it is the trigger for additional resources and additional supports in order to address that outbreak. To the member’s question in terms of a community-wide screening clinic in Arviat, it would be a determination or a recommendation that would come from the clinical experts looking at the data and that would come from the chief public health officer’s office. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr.

Savikataaq.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3960 Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is sad that there still is tuberculosis in Nunavut. I think, if we don’t act on it and eliminate it and it was supposed to be eliminated by 2013, as the federal government had proposed that, it is sad that we still have it. I’ll ask the Minister of Health then again. I know that Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is holding a large sum of money that is supposed to help eliminate tuberculosis within Nunavut.

What was the total amount given to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and how much of those funds have the Department of Health accessed to date? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the accounting for the funds that flowed to Nunavut Tunngavik, I’m not in a place to speak to what the balance of the fund is within Nunavut Tunngavik’s coffers. I respect their end of the fact that they are an independent organization from the Nunavut government and that’s why I can’t answer that.

The accumulative total to date, I’m not comfortable with my math skills to add up the accumulative total to date, but I can speak specifically to the community- wide screening clinic ongoing in Pangnirtung. The amount that has been identified for support flowing from Nunavut Tunngavik for that screening clinic is approximately $2.5 million, and that’s looking at the logistics and the needs of setting up the clinic in Pangnirtung.

We really do appreciate the ongoing support and collaboration with Nunavut Tunngavik specific to Pangnirtung but also with regard to other work on tuberculosis. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s too bad the minister doesn’t know how much has been spent by Health up to date from, I believe it has been either three to five years since the funds were given to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and I might be wrong, but I assume that only the Department of Health will access those funds to help eliminate tuberculosis within Nunavut. Going on from there, Mr.

Speaker, if it is on the recommendation of the chief public health officer that a community get a community-wide screening and the experts are in the minister’s department, which is part of the chief public health officer, can I ask the minister why the chief public health officer has been vacant for so long if that office is needed to make recommendations to battle tuberculosis within the territory? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member. (interpretation ends) The hon. member is correct that the role of chief public health officer is important and it is needed. The permanent resident of the chief public health officer’s position, Dr. Wachtel, having been on leave for some time now, we have had acting chief public health officers who have come

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3961 into the role to fill the gap for a time. A familiar and trusted face, Dr. Michael Patterson, was acting in that role. We also had Dr. Jasmine Pawa acting in that role. I would like to reassure the member that at no point has the role been vacant. There have been several individuals filling that role on an acting basis to ensure that the important work through that office continues. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. 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. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross.

Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 197 – 6(2): 2023 Progress Report on Language of Instruction, Regulations and Curriculum (Gross) Tabled Document 198 – 6(2): 2021-22 Department of Education’s Annual Report (Gross) Tabled Document 199 – 6(2): 2023 Early Learning and Child Care Quality Framework (Gross) Tabled Document 200 – 6(2): 2023-26 Early Learning and Child Care Strategic Action Plan for Inclusion and Equity (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to table four documents: • The 2023 Progress Report on Language of Instruction, Regulations and Curriculum; • The 2021-22 Department of Education Annual Report; • The 2023 Early Learning and Child Care Quality Framework; and • The 2023-26 Early Learning and Child Care Strategic Action Plan for Inclusion and Equity. Quana, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 14. Notices of Motions. I recognize the Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Item 14: Notices of Motions Motion 028 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Malliki) Mr. Malliki: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I give notice that on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, I will move the following motion: I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that pursuant to the provisions of Rule 3, that when the House concludes its present sitting, it shall be adjourned until February 22, 2024. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3962 Speaker: Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. I recognize the Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Item 16: Motions Mr. Malliki: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Malliki. Motion 028 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I MOVE, seconded by the Hon.

Member for South Baffin, that pursuant to the provisions of Rule 3, that when the House concludes its present sitting, it shall be adjourned until February 22, 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. 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. Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), 163 – 6(2), and 174 – 6(2) with Mr. Hickes in the Chair. Before we proceed with the committee, we will take a 30-minute break.

Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:19 and Committee resumed at 15:55 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Thank you. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We wish to commence with the concurrent consideration of the following tabled documents: 1 – 6(2): Katujjiluta Mandate; 120 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Progress on Katujjiluta Mandate Priorities; 163 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements; and the last one, Tabled Document 174 – 6(2): Updated Ministerial Mandate Letters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Tabled Document 001 – 6(2): Katujjiluta Mandate – Consideration in Committee Tabled Document 120 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Progress on Katujjiluta Mandate Priorities – Consideration in Committee Tabled Document 163 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements – Consideration in Committee

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3963 Tabled Document 174 – 6(2): Updated Ministerial Mandate Letters – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Just to let everyone be aware, Full Caucus has agreed to the procedures for the conduct of the mid-term mandate review through the concurrent consideration of these tabled documents. I would like to now recognize Member Savikataaq. Committee Motion 004 – 6(2): Unanimous Consent to Invite the Speaker to Chair Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I seek unanimous consent of the Committee of the Whole to invite the Speaker to chair these proceedings for the concurrent consideration of the tabled documents. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Do members agree to invite the Speaker to chair these proceedings? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: I will now depart the Chair. Thank you. Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Thank you. The view is a little different from my usual seat. >>Laughter We will now commence with the mid- term mandate review. Caucus has agreed to a number of special provisions for this review, including time limits for opening comments.

After the Premier has concluded, ministers will deliver their opening comments in alphabetical order as follows: Hon. Pamela Gross, Hon. David Joanasie, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Joelie Kaernerk, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, and Hon. David Akeeagok. I will now invite the Premier to deliver opening comments. Premier, you may proceed. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good day, my colleagues and all Nunavummiut who have tuned in today.

I especially want to thank the elders in Nunavut, who came in to guide us with their insight and wisdom. (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, in May 2021, as newly elected MLAs, we joined our Inuit organization partners to discuss priorities and aspirations that we see for Nunavut. Our efforts were guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the Inuit societal values of Aajiiqatigiinniq, decision-making through discussion and concensus, and Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq, working together for a common cause.

The result was a creation of the Katujjiluta mandate which includes five key themes: aging with dignity; expanding the housing continium; enabling health and healing; reinvesting in education; and diversifing our local economies. This fall marks two years since the start of the Sixth Legislative Assembly and the development of the Katujjiluta mandate. At this midpoint, we can see the work we have accomplished and envision the results.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3964 On October 19 I tabled the Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid- term Report on the Highlights of Achievements. This is our second annual progress report. It provides a comprehensive

summary of our ongoing efforts on key priorities. From the onset, we wanted to ensure that our work to better the lives of Nunavummiut is both transparent and accountable. To realize this Assembly’s mandate, we adopted the whole-of-government approach, meaning all departments are to work collaboratively, while strengthening partnerships with Inuit organizations and other sectors. The goal is to grow and advance our territory and meet the needs of Nunavummiut. These are challenging times.

Our governments grappled with the closures of COVID-19 in December 2021, and post-COVID, we have seen staffing, supply and inflation issues. We are working to address the issues raised by the Office of the Auditor General and their report on the crisis facing child welfare in Nunavut. The government is making efforts across departments to meet increased capacity and also to provide these very important services.

Despite these challenging economic times and emergencies that required us to divert our limited resources, I am pleased to report that we have made tremendous progress and tremendous gains in accomplishing our mandate goals at this midpoint. Nunavummiut have always maintained that adequate housing is central to our well-being. It impacts health, education and employment outcomes. Meeting this challenge head-on has been one of the government’s highest priorities. Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3000, a multi-pronged approach to expand the housing continuum in the territory, is a very proud achievement.

I would like to congratulate Minister Kusugak on his efforts to address Nunavut’s housing crisis by seeking partnerships. This year we broke ground and are starting to build in 12 communities, meaning 158 public housing units. This does not include the construction being done by the private sector. By 2024 and 2025, each community in Nunavut will have new public housing, with an additional 310 units across the territory. Moving quickly to address our housing crisis is only possible by leveraging the partnership that we have established with Inuit-owned NCC Development Ltd.

This rate of constructing homes is unprecedented for this territory. Nunavut 3000, already on track to deliver 3,000 new housing units by 2030, also means training for the local workforce and the growth in our local economies. To build new homes, we need to ensure that our communities have the necessary infrastructure. Again, I would like to commend Minister Joanasie for his leadership in this regard. With initiatives such as the Granular Crushing Equipment Program, his department provided granular supply required for each housing development.

Community and Government Services worked hard to ensure that Nunavut communities have the water and wastewater treatment facilities that they need.

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3965 Mr. Chairman, in the past two years our government has made tremendous strides to support families with children. I would like to acknowledge Minister Gross’ leadership in that regard. Nunavut was the first jurisdiction that implemented the $10-a-day daycare parental fee as part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This fall we followed that work with a new pilot program for full- day kindergarten in five communities.

Access to affordable child care is key to the well-being of families, especially women wanting to re-enter or advance in the workforce. From day one, our government has been focused on building partnerships to leverage more resources and opportunities. I am pleased to report that we have signed the Nunavut Partnership Declaration with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to collaborate on the shared priorities. The memorandum of understanding with Greenland on joint areas of interest came in the summer of 2022.

With Newfoundland and Labrador, we realized the agreement to diversify our economies and strengthen our close ties. Just this past summer, we also entrenched our long-standing partnership with the Government of Ontario through a memorandum of understanding on health care, transportation, infrastructure, and indigenous relations. Advancing infrastructure improvements to support economic activities is one of the main pillars of our mandate. I would like to thank Minister Akeeagok for his leadership in overseeing the opening of the deep sea port here this past July.

This port is providing important enhancements for both sealift but also community use, such as the harvesters. Another way we have enhanced supports for local economies is by investing $3 million in funding over five years in infrastructure, such as community freezers and food-safe handling equipment. Providing essential health and well- being services in our territory to Nunavummiut of all ages is a theme echoed right in our Katujjiluta mandate. I would like to acknowledge Minister Main’s efforts in this regard.

We broke ground with the Aqqusariaq Recovery Centre, Nunavut’s first recovery trauma treatment centre. This facility will include in-patient care, on-the-land programming, family programming, as well as a daycare. Our government continues to work towards investments in providing care for aging Nunavummiut so that our grandparents and our parents can live their last years in dignity closer to family in the territory. We are nearing the completion of the 24-bed Kivalliq long- term care facility. The facility provides assisted living residential care and supports to individuals with complex care.

In addition, our departments are working together to explore options to expedite the construction of the Kitikmeot and Qikiqtani long-term care facilities. We look forward to sharing the progress on these fronts in the coming months. In the past two years, we have established the associate deputy minister positions for Nunavut Inuit to increase public service representatives at the executive level. We have also supported

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3966 more Inuit employees to obtain staff housing to ensure that we don’t lose great talent because of the housing allocation. In addition, we have created the Nunavut-wide Hiring Policy that supports positions being posted in Nunavut communities in which there are available office spaces. This will provide more opportunities for Inuit across Nunavut. I would like to acknowledge Minister Nakashuk for her leadership on this very important work. We remain committed to developing and implementing detailed, specific and ambitious Inuit employment plans.

I have shared a few highlights from our accomplishments to date. Each minister will provide additional information on our collective efforts. Mr. Chairman, we are only at the halfway mark, yet we have done a great deal addressing Nunavummiut. I am very optimistic about the work ahead of us to realize our ambitious priorities. Our work is taking place during a very important

chapter in our territory’s history. Nunavut is preparing for devolution, namminiqsurniq. Since the creation of the territory, we have been striving for greater autonomy and control on decisions that impact our land, water, and resources, and I look forward to the day when we realize that dream. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >>Applause Chairman: Thank you, Premier. I now invite Minister Gross to deliver opening comments. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Chairman, colleagues, Iqaluktuuttiarmiut, and Nunavummiut. It feels like only yesterday that we met in Cambridge Bay to craft our Katujjiluta mandate.

That’s almost two years ago now. As a new mother, I know a lot can change in two years. When I took leave for the birth of Qimniq, I thought about the work we do in this House and the work our public servants, Inuit organizations, and key stakeholders do on a daily basis to help shape the future of our territory. It’s a privilege to serve as Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, and Minister responsible for Seniors. I am proud of the team we have in cabinet in our Sixth Assembly. I’m also grateful for our Premier’s leadership and all of your support through the collective challenges we face.

Through motherhood, I gained a new perspective on just how critical our work is. It has strengthened my resolve to work even harder to help bring all of our children and learners the best education system we can, a system that reflects Inuit society and the cultural values of our elders, and one that continues to adapt to the needs of our youth and supports them on their learning journey. I am thankful that our Katujjiluta mandate emphasizes reinvesting in education. Mr. Chairman, now is the ideal time to reflect on our mandate and chart our path forward.

As our Premier noted, together we are bringing meaningful change, especially for families with children. Last year we moved forward well ahead of the

schedule to implement $10-a-day daycare, making us the first

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3967 jurisdiction in Canada under the Canada- wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This initiative alone profoundly impacts families. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives recently noted that the median school-aged fees in Iqaluit had the highest in the country. Our move to set fees to $10 a day resulted in an 82 percent drop in fees, the largest reduction in any city in Canada. A young mother from Cambridge Bay told me that this initiative enabled her to return to the workforce, and many of you have shared similar stories. Mr.

Chairman, for many families, this means a savings of almost $55 a day, close to $14,000 a year. That’s real change. Mr. Chairman, our government committed to creating 238 new licensed child care spaces by March 2026, and we’re working towards that goal. As of last month, we had created 92 licensed child care spaces across Nunavut. We’re supporting this by engaging and funding community partners, Inuit organizations, and stakeholders. To build the child care spaces we need, we must recruit, develop, and retain qualified child care staff.

These workers form part of the building blocks of our children’s education and they must be paid fairly for their foundational work. Through this partnership with the federal government, we have invested more than $10 million over three years into the new early learning and child care wage scale to ensure they are. Mr. Chairman, research shows that a full-day kindergarten program gives students a strong foundation for their future learning. That’s why this fall we launched a full-day kindergarten pilot program in five of our communities that we will aim to expand.

Full-day kindergarten gives students access to more instructional time, but to build and knowledge and skills, culture, language, literacy, and numeracy, while promoting health and wellness. Through these efforts, we help our youngest with a path to success. We also know that students in our schools face many personal challenges in a rapidly changing world that is more complex than ever. Mr. Chairman, that’s why last winter in this House, we passed a budget enabling us to expand mental health supports to all students in our schools.

Together we were able to ensure access to a range of services to support their well-being. Mr. Chairman, culture, language, and our history are something we all value. They serve as the foundation of our territory. Our children have a right to a culturally relevant education. My department remains committed to developing the curriculum and resources needed for a fully bilingual education system.

Just last week, our House welcomed QIA President Olayuk Akesuk and members of his team to announce a new partnership for the development of educational resources that incorporate historical material from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission report. To date, we have created and distributed over 1,000 teaching and learning resources in Inuktitut and over 500 in Inuinnaqtun for our schools and daycares. Partnership is a focus of our mandate, and collaboration is the biggest

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3968 ingredient to reach shared goals. In support of that, last year we provided a funding increase of more than $4 million to the Coalition of Nunavut District Education Authorities. This new funding allows them to support district education authorities to better support community interests at the school level. I look forward to continuing these partnerships that support our students and communities. Mr. Chairman, it’s no secret that our Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) program has long needed an overhaul.

We inherited a program that pre-dates Nunavut, still uses an archaic database, and presents countless challenges for students and hard-working staff. That’s why we committed to a comprehensive review of the program. To our post-secondary students, I assure you that we are listening. We have been working in close partnership with NTI to revamp and modernize the program so that it supports your needs and goals for higher learning. This work takes time and resources. That’s why earlier today we announced the new wellness benefit of $500 per semester for Inuit FANS recipients.

I look forward to sharing more updates on the progress of the re- envisioning of FANS with you all. Mr. Chairman, as Minister responsible for Seniors, I know that our elders serve as the pillars of our communities. They keep us informed of our past and our traditions. They instruct our language and remind us of the beauty and resiliency that shape our culture. Their wisdom continues to guide our actions and support our progress. Through our mandate, we committed to coordinate the development of a comprehensive elder and senior care strategy.

Led by our Premier and his department, this work is being done in close consultation with elders across all communities. A new elders’ care strategy aims to better coordinate and enrich service offerings. As Minister responsible for Seniors, I see my role as one of advocacy, and I know that each of you in this House feels the same way. I know that because I hear from many of you on behalf of your constituents. Through my advocacy role, I work to coordinate resources and gather information from my cabinet colleagues and their officials, who have been very supportive of our efforts to assist our elders. Mr.

Chairman, I have travelled across all three regions to visit many of our communities. I have been to more than two dozen of our schools so far, where I’ve had the fortune to witness the pride beaming from our students and their families on many graduation days. I have watched teachers instruct students in our language and I have witnessed how vital schools are to our communities. I also hear the concerns that each of our colleagues in this House share on behalf of their constituents, whether that be about busing, bullying, FANS, or capital needs.

I take all of your concerns seriously and I know we still have work to do Mr. Chairman, our accomplishments and goals can only happen because of the team and support around us. I want to personally thank Deputy Minister Rebecca Hainnu, who always reminds us that the decisions we make here impact

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3969 the 10,629 students we represent. To each of you in the Department of Education, thank you for the work you do to support our learners. Your work is making a difference. Mr. Chairman, in closing, I thank you, our Premier, my cabinet colleagues, and all Members of this House for your work and advocacy. I look forward to continuing our Katujjiluta progress together. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Applause Chairman: Thank you. I now invite Minister Joanasie to deliver opening comments. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Good day, Nunavummiut and members. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to report on the progress made toward the goals of the Katujjiluta mandate. I will speak specifically to the important milestones and achievements made toward achieving the priorities identified within my ministerial mandate letter from Premier Akeeagok. Mr.

Speaker, the first priority identified in my mandate letter is to work closely with the departments of Economic Development and Transportation, Human Resources, and Finance to develop options, a work plan, and timeline for the realignment of community and government services and economic development and transportation. To this priority, my department has initiated a series of reviews and changes to our existing organizational structure and developed a detailed timeline to inform the planning of the realignment for CGS and economic development and transportation functions at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The second priority associated with the goal of aging with dignity was to assume responsibility for maintenance of continuing care facilities. I am pleased to share progress on this priority as it was an opportunity for me to contribute directly to supporting the continuing care of Nunavummiut. I’m happy to report to the Assembly that earlier this year, my department took over facility management responsibilities for two existing continuing care facilities in Nunavut.

This transfer of responsibility was completed through a collaborative effort between the Nunavut Housing Corporation, the Department of Health, and my department. (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the third priority of my mandate letter, another contribution towards the goal aging with dignity, is working with the Department of Health to expedite the construction of the Kivalliq Long-term Care Facility. This 24-bed facility is incredibly important to Nunavummiut, particularly the people of the Kivalliq region.

My department has successfully managed the planning, design, and construction of this $59 million project, and I look to substantial completion of this first-of-its-kind in Nunavut facility in early 2024. The final priority identified in my mandate letter is supporting efficient lot development and opportunities for private land development and housing construction. Mr. Chairman, it brings me great pleasure to report on the progress made in this area because progress is

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3970 being achieved collaboratively with the municipalities responsible for the local land inventories and ultimately providing municipal services to these new developments. Over the last two years, I am proud to say that my department has made significant progress in ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to enhance the delivery of municipal programs and services and accommodate the growing needs of our communities.

This is why in 2022-23 we increased the block funding provided to hamlets to purchase and maintain mobile equipment essential to building and maintaining local lands and roadways to $5.5 million annually. Concurrently, recognizing that this infusion of funding to purchase the equipment to build and maintain local lands would result in an increase in the size of municipal fleets and the need for heated storage space, we developed the Municipal Parking Garage Program. Mr.

Chairman, this initiative has provided municipalities with a means to access the funding they need to manage the planning, design, and ultimately, construction of new parking garages to accommodate their growing needs. Land development initiatives to support new housing and infrastructure require access to an ample supply of granular material. To ensure municipalities have access to the equipment necessary to crush and screen material to support land development, this year my department introduced a new $5 million program to support the purchase of crushing equipment for municipalities who need it.

Further to this, to ensure access to aggregate is not a barrier to land development, my department initiated studies to locate quarry sites near six municipalities with limited supply this year. In addition to these initiatives to support the development of new land and lots, as part of the 2024-25 capital estimates, my department has proposed a new demolition fund. This $4 million initiative will help ensure existing structures that cannot be repurposed can be removed to allow for new, much- needed development.

Moreover, we have increased municipal block capital funding and invested in innovative community-led projects under Municipal Green Infrastructure and Community Small Projects. These efforts recognize that municipalities are eager to take on projects and have the capacity to manage local initiatives. To further support these local initiatives, our department has advanced legislative and policy planning to support sustainable communities.

This includes consultations aimed to modernize the Planning Act over the coming months, the development of the technical services offer for municipal support services to identify contract solutions for community infrastructure, and the completion of the Drinking Water Strategic Framework.

The secondary broader contribution I was tasked with to guide future actions included two items: first, to work with Health to “explore options to expedite the construction of the Qikiqtaaluk and Kitikmeot long-term care facilities”; and second, to examine Government of Nunavut assets that are underutilized or deemed surplus across the territory to support increased housing supply. I am

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3971 pleased to confirm that we have made strides in both areas. My department remains committed to provide expertise and guidance to the Department of Health on these projects. Mr. Chairman, the department has been working to assess surplus Government of Nunavut assets and while some may offer opportunities for repurposing, most of them will require demolition. Nevertheless, the removal of these assets presents an opportunity to create valuable space that can be repurposed to support the housing continuum and meet other municipal facility needs. Mr.

Speaker, in addition to being the Minister of Community and Government Services, I have served as the Government House Leader in this term thus far. This has allowed me to act as a liaison between the Executive Council, the Regular Members’ Caucus, and the Clerk’s Office to ensure the government’s legislative initiatives move forward. We all know that the importance of the management of this House and business during our legislative proceedings is essential, and I have enjoyed playing this role in the smooth running of our Assembly with the support of the Clerk’s team. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Chairman: Thank you.

I now invite Minister Main to deliver his opening comments. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, who is the Speaker. I am honoured and humbled to serve as Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention. In Katujjiluta, we aimed for important improvements in health for elders, youth, and all Nunavummiut. I am fully committed to steering our priorities forward.

Through this mid-term mandate review exercise, I am eager to discuss the progress that we have made towards our collective goals and the work that still needs to get done. (interpretation ends) Back in 2021 when we met in Cambridge Bay, there were challenges that we anticipated and those we didn’t. Roughly the first five months of my work as minister from my recollection was dominated by responding to the omicron wave of COVID-19.

Health management staff and partners were called to respond yet again, after already putting in so much during previous waves, to a more contagious and less controllable variant, which rapidly spread throughout the world and across Nunavut. The early days of our government saw public health restrictions implemented just in time for the 2021 holiday period. We provided supports, vaccinations, and information to the public and gradually, thanks to vaccination, we have seen a relaxation of public health restrictions and a return to normal.

A related but separate challenge for Health has been on the human resource front. The pandemic affected labour availability in health in a fundamental way, and the past two years have seen governments all across Canada struggle to adjust. Adaptations have been made, but health human resources continue to be a leading challenge for my department, which in turn affects Nunavummiut. These shortages also affect our mandate implementation. I want to mention these two key

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3972 challenges up front because they weren’t apparent back in 2021 when we were drafting Katujjiluta. I’m now going to talk a bit about the two mandate headings that Health has been tasked with. Aging with dignity is a central mandate heading where we focused efforts. Health is currently exploring ways to expand our home and community care programs to support elders. This means reviewing home care hours and exploring the possibility of increasing the number of positions.

For elders with complex medical needs, we are planning for three new long-term care facilities across the territory. The Rankin Inlet facility is being built and set for completion in early 2024. Next steps will be opening the facility where we will be prioritizing the repatriation of elders from out-of-territory care facilities. The Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit long-term care facilities are currently in the planning stage and will be moving to design, thanks to the recent support of the Assembly for the required funding approvals.

We have been exploring opportunities to construct the facilities with Inuit-owned private partners and look forward to sharing additional information as it becomes available. Iksivautaaq, our commitment to elders goes beyond just constructing facilities. Health is collaborating with Culture and Heritage to strengthen cultural programs within existing facilities in the territory. Health is also participating in the development of a strategic action plan for seniors, being led by Executive Intergovernmental Affairs, which is an exciting and promising initiative going forward.

On the human resource side, partnership with Nunavut Arctic College on the new Personal Support Worker Program is essential. We need a capable health care workforce that can support operations of long-term care facilities. With the hybrid model of delivery, the new program will able to reach more staff and students across Nunavut. Also following the mandate, we are working with the Community and Government Services to assess the feasibility of expanding elder facilities in Arviat, Igloolik, and Gjoa Haven.

We are also examining long-term care alternative models to help inform future potential investments in elder care in additional Nunavut communities. Iksivautaaq, I’m now going to speak about enabling health and healing. With the support of the Assembly, Health is consistently invested in our health care technology, equipment, and programs to meet the needs of our growing population. In this context, I want to highlight some of the achievements and areas of focus. Without our workforce, we can’t deliver essential health care.

As mentioned earlier, we have been impacted by health human resource shortages, especially in professional fields like nursing. In response, we have rolled out incentives. We have started implementing our Nunavut nursing roadmap. We have partnered with colleagues to develop critical staffing initiatives and continued to support and foster Nunavummiut into health careers. Going forward, our workforce will continue to be a focus,

Monday, November 6, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3973 and I hope to see significant stabilization in the coming months and years. Looking at how we deliver services, the past two years have been a time of transformation for health care in Canada and in Nunavut as well. We have seen remarkable gro

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2023-11-06, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 62
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20231106 Hansard
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	26b17d19d2001186bbd84172d5ea64cf953883f8

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