Nunavut Hansard — 6 March 2026 (Blues, English)

2026-03-06 Blues English

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

NUNA VUT HANSARD UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 IQALUIT, NUNA VUT Hansard is not a verbatim transcript of the debates of the House . It is a transcript in extenso. In the case of repetition or for a number of other reasons, such as more specific identification, it is acceptable to make changes so that anyone reading Hansard will get the meaning of what was said . Those who edit Hansard have an obligation to make a sentence more readable since there is a difference between the spoken and the written word. Debates, September 20, 1983, p. 27299. Beauchesne’s 6th edition, citation 55 Corrections: PLEASE RETURN ANY CORRECTIONS TO THE CLERK OR DEPUTY CLERK

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Speaker Hon. David Joanasie (South Baffin) Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister responsible for Poverty Reduction; Minister responsible for the Status of Women Hon. David Akeeagok (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Government House Leader; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College Hannah Angootealuk (Aivilik) Edward Attagutaluk (Aggu) Hon.

Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Hon. George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Premier of Nunavut; Minister of Justice; Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut; Minister responsible for the Labour Standards Board; Minister responsible for the Human Rights Tribunal Jamie Kablutsiak (Arviat South) Gordon Kautuk (Uqqummiut) Hon. Brian Koonoo (Tununiq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister of Environment; Minister of Energy Simon Kuliktana (Kugluktuk) Hon.

Cecile Nelvana Lyall (Netsilik) Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Hon.

John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of Finance; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council; Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Board Johnny Mike (Pangnirtung) Fred Pedersen (Cambridge Bay) David Porter (Gjoa Haven) Abraham Qammaniq (Amittuq) Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Minister of Community Services; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Development Corporation; Minister responsible for Mines; Minister responsible for Trade Hon.

Annie Tattuinee (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Steven Taqtu (Quttiktuq) Officers Clerk Deputy Clerk Stephen Innuksuk Wendy Bens Clerk’s Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Kooyoo Nooshoota Michael Chandler John Topic Uqausirmit Uqausirmut Inc. 926 Sivumugiaq Street, Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 3H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ................................................................................................................................ 1 Money Message ............................................................................................................................... 2 Ministers’ Statements ...................................................................................................................... 2 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................... 10 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................... 12 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................... 12 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................... 17 Notices of Motions ........................................................................................................................ 18 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................... 19

A. Daily References Friday, March 6, 2026 ..................................................................................................................... 1 B.

Ministers’ Statements 1 – 7(1): Minister Absent from the House (Simailak) ..................................................................... 2 2 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Main) .................................................................................. 3 3 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Brewster) ............................................................................ 4 4 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Healey Akearok) ................................................................. 4 5 – 7(1): Women in Sports (Simailak) ............................................................................................. 5 6 – 7(1): Passing of Geela Palluq-Cloutier(Koonoo) ...................................................................... 7 7 – 7(1): Retirement of Patsy Kuksuk (Nelvana Lyall) ................................................................... 8 8 – 7(1): Women of Impact Initiative (Healey Akearok) ................................................................. 9 C.

Members’ Statements 21 – 7(1): Condolences (Sammurtok) ........................................................................................... 10 22 – 7(1): Honour Arviat Constituency Assistant (Main) .............................................................. 10 23 – 7(1): Honouring International Women’s Day (Koonoo) .........................................................11 24 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Hickes) .............................................................................11 D.

Oral Questions Question 1 – 7(1): Elder Vans (Sammurtok) ................................................................................. 12 Question 2 – 7(1): Water Infrastructure (Kautuk) ......................................................................... 14 Question 3 – 7(1): Water Infrastructure (Porter) ........................................................................... 16 E.

Tabling of Documents 2 – 7(1): 2024-2025 Public Accounts of Nunavut (Main) ............................................................. 17 3 – 7(1): 2024-2025 Director of Family Wellness Annual Report (Healey Akearok) ................... 18

F. Bills 1 – 7(1): Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026 2027 – Notice ...................................................................................................................................... 18 2 – 7(1): Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2026 2027 – Notice ........................................................... 18 3 – 7(1): Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2025 2026 – Notice ................................................................................................................. 18 4 – 7(1): Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2025 2026 – Notice ....................... 18

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 1 Iqaluit, Nunavut Friday, March 6, 2026 Members Present: Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok, Hon. Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Hon. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Gordon Kautuk, Hon. Brian Koonoo, Hon. Cecile Nelvana Lyall, Hon. John Main, Mr. David Porter, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Hon. Craig Simailak, Hon. Annie Tattuinee. >>House commenced at 09:00 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon. David Joanasie) (interpretation): Please be seated. Good morning, Nunavummiut. Before we proceed with Orders of the Day, I call on Member Mr. Simailak to lead us in prayer. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): (no

interpretation) Before we proceed with the Orders of the Day, I am pleased to welcome members back to the House for the winter sitting. I also extend a very warm welcome to elders and Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings on radio, television and Internet livestream. As the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and member for the constituency of South Baffin, I join with the people of Kinngait in mourning the recent passing of respected Elder Martha Jaw. Martha was a community leader, pastor and mentor to generations of young people.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be with the community in recent days. (interpretation ends) I also wish to express our condolences to the family and friends of the late Rhoda Cunningham, who recently passed away. Rhoda was an educator and entrepreneur. For many years, she was an integral part of the team that produced the Nunavut Hansard, which is only one of a few bilingual Hansards in the country. (interpretation) I also would like to send my condolences to my stepmother, my stepsisters, and all of my relatives and all the relatives in Kinngait.

I send my condolences and we think of you through compassion and love. I am pleased to join with many Nunavummiut in congratulating James Ungalaq and Mathew Nuqingaq for having received the 2025 Commissioner’s Arts Award. This recognition is well-deserved, and I note for the benefit of newly-elected members that Mathew was one of the artists who created our legislature’s Mace.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 2 Money Message Before we proceed with the Orders of the Day, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut: (interpretation ends) “Mr.

Speaker: “I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the 2026 winter sitting of the first session of the 7th Legislative Assembly: Bill 1, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027; Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2026-2027; Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2025- 2026; and Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2025-2026.

Commissioner Aariak” (interpretation) I also wish to advise the House that the Member for Cambridge Bay has constituency business this week and will be joining the sitting on Monday. I also wish to advise the House that the Member for Hudson Bay has informed my office that he will not be attending the winter sitting due to personal circumstances. (interpretation) We will proceed with the Orders of the Day. Item2, Minister’s Statements. I apologize. You will be provided with the copies of Ministers’ Statements.

We don’t have copies of the Ministers’ Statements at this time, but they will be providing copies later on. Minister Simailak, Government House Leader. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 1 – 7(1): Minister Absent from the House (Simailak) Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. (interpretation ends) I would like to advise the House Minister David Akeeagok will be absent from the House for personal reasons. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. We think of Minister Akeeagok. He’s in our thoughts. Premier Main.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 3 Minister’s Statement 2 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues, for those who are able to come. I’m very pleased that you were able to make it last night. Mr. Speaker, since it is going to be International Women’s Day, I will have comments to make. This morning I rise to talk about the government Legislative Assembly’s moving forward.

On March 2025, the Nunavut government looking at the officials, the women, let me speak English. (interpretation ends) Women fill two-thirds of our roles across the Government of Nunavut.

Eight of our 14 government departments and corporations are led by female deputy ministers or presidents, and for the first time since the creation of Nunavut, your premier is supported by a balance of four women and four men. >>Applause This is an incredible display of how far we have come with fair and equal representation and is a testament to the skills, abilities, passions and experience of these members. (interpretation) Mr.

Speaker, (interpretation ends) achieving gender parity is important to Nunavut, to our democratic system, and to making sure our policies, systems and priorities are inclusive and effective. It’s clear that all members of this Legislative Assembly understood that during our Leadership Forum last November, and for that, I applaud you. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) on Sunday, March 8, I encourage all Nunavummiut to take time to reflect on the importance of International Women’s Day.

Let’s celebrate the strides we’ve achieved, consider the work left to do, and plan for the battles left to win in the fight for gender equity. This government supports, upholds, and recognizes the valuable contributions of women, girls and gender-diverse people in Nunavut. We welcome your opinions, viewpoints, and suggestions as we endeavour to make improvements to our operations, programs and services. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 4 Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Brewster. Minister’s Statement 3 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Brewster) Hon. Janet Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome back to Iqaluit, everyone. I look forward to seeing the rest of our members very shortly. Mr. Speaker, March 8 marks International Women’s Day. Women are not only the heart of our communities; we are the strength, the wisdom, and the foundation. Together with the men and boys in our lives we guide our communities and carry the responsibility of shaping the next generation.

Women, girls and gender diverse Nunavummiut exemplify Pijitsirniq, serving and providing for our family and community. We are mothers, daughters, teachers, artists, health professionals, caregivers, seamstresses, hunters, elders and leaders. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, highlights the importance of taking meaningful steps to advance gender quality. When women, girls and gender diverse people thrive, we all rise. Mr.

Speaker, while in Ottawa for the Nunavut on the Hill engagements, I was honoured to meet with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada’s president and CEO, Nancy Etok, joined by my women cabinet colleagues Minister Cecile Nelvana Lyall, Annie Tattuinee, and Gwen Healey Akearok. Our discussions were empowering, inspirational, and vulnerable. They were rooted in our culture as matriarchs of our communities. We discovered many similarities from our different backgrounds, and often found connections through kinship.

As we spoke from the heart, there was an overwhelming and quiet unity to work together towards ensuring we enable women, girls, and gender diverse Nunavummiut to thrive by collaborating to provide supports in mental health, health care, maternal care and to protect them from gender-based violence. When women girls and gender diverse people come together, we don’t just share ideas; we amplify each other’s voices. On March 8 and every day we honour the resilience and leadership of women, girls and gender diverse people across Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you.

Ministers’ Statements. Minister Healey Akearok. Minister’s Statement 4 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Healey Akearok) Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 5 (interpretation ends) Sunday, March 8, is International Women’s Day. Nunavummiut will join people across the world to celebrate the strength, leadership, and generosity of women and girls. The Give to Gain theme centres on a simple but transformative idea: When we give, whether it’s time, resources, knowledge or advocacy, intentional giving creates opportunity. This is something we know and are taught from a young age, to share a successful hunt, to help a neighbour shovel snow, or to pass skills on to the next generation.

The idea that we give so the whole community gains is the foundation of our way of life in Nunavut. Give to Gain names in modern terms what Inuit have always practised. Across Nunavut, women are leading with resilience, compassion, and determination. Our contributions in workplaces, community organizations, on the land, and in our homes shapes the future of our territory every day. I want to recognize the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council for their ongoing work to uplift women, strengthen community wellbeing, and advocate for safety, equity, and opportunity.

Their leadership continues to create space for women’s voices and support community driven solutions that reflect the realities and strength of Nunavummiut. As part of this year’s Give to Gain theme, we are proud to collaborate with Qulliit and YWCA-Agvik Society on a youth leadership and mentorship workshop for young girls and women. The workshop will focus on empowerment and developing leadership skills and promoting community service. It will include elder teachings and peer mentorship.

By investing in girls and young women today, we are giving to gain a stronger and more empowered generation of leaders for tomorrow. On International Women’s Day, let us honour the women who give of themselves without the expectation of return, and let us commit to giving back through mentorship, support, and action. Together we’re building a Nunavut where every women and girl thrives. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Simailak. Minister’s Statement 5 – 7(1): Women in Sports (Simailak) Hon.

Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 6 (interpretation ends) Today I rise to honour women in sport across Nunavut. On International Women’s Day, our athletes are preparing to walk into the open ceremonies of the Arctic Winter Games. Among them will be a proud young women from Cambridge Bay, Peyton Dyer-Aknavigak, who will carry the flag for Team Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, that image carries profound meaning. When a young Inuk woman cares our flag into the arena, she carries more than fabric and colour; she carries community, she carries language, she carries generations of strength.

In that moment, under bright lights far from home, she represents Nunavut, a territory shaped by resilience and forged in some of the toughest conditions in the world. Our athletes train in darkness through the long winter months. They practise in aging rinks and small gymnasiums. They travel vast distances across challenging weather, and still they rise. Mr. Speaker, Inuit women have always been pillars of strength. They have sustained families, preserved culture, protected our language, and adapted with ingenuity and determination in an Arctic environment that demands encourage every single day.

That same resilience lives in our female athletes and alongside Inuit women, many other women who call Nunavut home, coaches, teachers, volunteers, and athletes, stand shoulder to shoulder in strengthening our communities through sport. Together they model leadership, perseverance, and pride for our youth. When young women compete in Inuit traditional games, they are not simply participating in sports, they are carrying forward skills rooted in survival, balance, endurance, focus, and mental toughness. These qualities are not new. They are woven into Inuit identity.

As a father and a grandfather, I cannot help but feel something deeply personal in the image of a young woman stepping confidently into an arena knowing she belongs there. Sport builds more than physical strength; it builds confidence, it builds leadership, it builds belief. Across Canada, women’s sport continues to grow at events like the Canada Games and beyond, but here in Nunavut, our measure of success is also found in opportunity. It is found in a young girl in Rankin Inlet deciding to try out for hockey. It is found in a teenager in Iqaluit discovering her competitive spirit.

It is found in women coaching the next generation, ensuring the path forward is stronger and wider than the one they were given. Mr. Speaker, when Payton carries our flag into the opening ceremonies she reminds every young girl watching in every community across this territory that strength, resilience, and excellence are already part of who they are. When we support women in sport, we invest

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 7 in healthy communities, we invest in leadership, we invest in the enduring strength of women across Nunavut. To every woman and girl who trains, competes, coaches volunteers and perseveres, thank you. You carry more than medals; you carry our history. You carry our daughters and granddaughters forward, and carry our future.

In closing, I would invite all community leaders to visit my department’s This Girl can Campaign and contact the Sport and Recreation Division, and resources to help celebrate and promote sport for our women and girls in our communities. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Koonoo. Minister’s Statement 6 – 7(1): Passing of Geela Palluq-Cloutier(Koonoo) Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today with profound sadness to acknowledge the passing of Geela Palluq-Cloutier on January 1, 2026. Geela was a devoted wife, a loving partner, and dedicated mother to her children and extended family. Her home was a profound foundation of her strength, and her family at the heart of her life. Yet her love extended far beyond her immediate is circle; it reached into classrooms, research institutions, and communities. Mr. Speaker, Geela devoted her life to Inuktut, a passionate teacher, respected researcher, skilled translator, and recognized expert in Inuktut.

She worked tirelessly that the strong would not only survive, but thrive, whether in advancing research, developing new terminology, or mentoring the generation of speakers and scholars. She stood at the forefront, an unwavering advocate and fierce defender of Inuit language and identity. Throughout her personal and professional initiatives, one guiding thread remained constant: Her relentless, consuming love for Inuktut. It was more than her work, it was her calling. Through her efforts, she passed on not only language but culture and future generations. Mr.

Speaker, the Inuktut community has lost a steadfast companion. Her passing leaves a profound void, but her legacy endures in every translation completed and every young person inspired to carry Inuktut forward.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 8 (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the government, I extend our deepest condolences to her husband and her children and her entire extended family. We stand with them in their grief, and in gratitude for having shared Geela with our community. Geela Palluq-Cloutier will be deeply missed by all who love Inuktut. May her dedication inspire us to honour and protect the language she worked so hard to protect and revitalize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Koonoo. Ms.

Palluq-Cloutier was my teacher at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, and our condolences to her husband and children and family. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Lyall. Minister’s Statement 7 – 7(1): Retirement of Patsy Kuksuk (Nelvana Lyall) Hon. Cecile Nelvana Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize an extraordinary woman whose dedication to housing spans more than three decades. Patsy Kuksuk is retiring from the Nunavut Housing Corporation after a remarkable career in our public service, and it is my honour to acknowledge her many contributions to our government and Nunavummiut. Ms.

Kuksuk’s journey in housing began in 1989 when she joined the Arviat Housing Association as assistant manager. From those early years, she developed a deep understanding of the housing challenges we face in our communities. In 1999 she joined the Nunavut Housing Corporation as manager of rental programs, then advanced to director of operations; then to vice president, and most recently, executive director of programs. During her tenure at NHC, Ms. Kuksuk helped lead some of the corporation’s most significant policy advancements.

She played a key role in the development of the current public housing rent scale, helping to ensure rental rates remain fair and affordable for Nunavummiut. She has also contributed to the development of NHC’s new suite of home ownership programs, helping to create pathways for families to achieve greater housing stability. Ms. Kuksuk’s service has never been limit to do housing alone. She has dedicated herself to community in many other ways, serving as chairperson of the divisional board of education, as deputy mayor of Arviat, and on numerous other boards and community organizations.

Her spirit of volunteerism and desire to help all reflect the type of leader she is, someone who leads with heart as much as expertise.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 9 In her personal life, Ms. Kuksuk is a proud grandmother to 30 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is known for opening her home and her heart to all of them, and in her quieter moments, she retreats to one of her cabins to recharge and enjoy the land. Mr. Speaker, careers like Ms. Kuksuk’s are rare. She has given decades of her life in service to Nunavummiut, and housing programs, policies, and relationships she has helped to build will continue to benefit families and communities for years to come.

On behalf of the Nunavut Housing Corporation staff and our government I extend sincere appreciation to Patsy Kuksuk for her extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting legacy. We wish her all the best in this well earned next chapter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Our congratulations, as well. Ministers’ Statements. Minister Healey Akearok. Minister’s Statement 8 – 7(1): Women of Impact Initiative (Healey Akearok) Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to speak about the importance of promoting women’s voices, advancing women’s career pathways within traditionally male-dominated work places. Mr. Speaker, I would like to request unanimous extent to conclude my statement. (interpretation) Thank you, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The minister is asking to extend her minister’s statement. All in favour? Are you in favour? Minister Healey Akearok, go ahead. Hon.

Gwen Healey Akearok: Across many sectors in Nunavut including energy and infrastructure, women continue to step into leadership roles where they were historically underrepresented. While progress is being made, the challenges women face in these environments are sometimes overlooked or dismissed. Addressing these will realities requires intentional leadership development, mentorship, and the creation of supportive professional networks. I am pleased to highlight the recent launch of the Women of Impact leadership development initiatives at Qulliq Energy Corporation.

The inaugural session, which took place in Baker Lake, brought together a cohort of high performing women professionals for powerful introductions, meaningful dialogue, and relationship building. The participants included Sarah Carriere, Patricia Tapatai, Alice Ehaloak, Hajira Sajjad, Mariana Guardado Barneym and Tina Mandeya.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 10 The discussion was candid and constructive, establishing a strong foundation of trust and peer support. This initiative will consist of six structured sessions, delivered over the coming months in the form of a facilitated round table that allows participants to share their knowledge, lived experiences, and practical strategies for navigating leadership roles and advancing within their careers.

By supporting initiatives such as this, we are strengthening leadership capacity within our territory, fostering inclusive workplaces, and helping ensure that women’s perspectives are present at decision-making tables. When women are supported to lead, our organizations and communities are stronger as a result. (interpretation) Thank you, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Following the Orders of the Day, Item 3, Member’s Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.

Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 21 – 7(1): Condolences (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, good morning, people of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet. Mr. Speaker, I rise today. Today they will be having prayers for Dorothy Mary and her daughter and family. (interpretation ends) I give my greatest condolences to the family of Dorothy Mary, because they are doing a service for their only son that they had. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): We will have the people of Rankin Inlet in our thoughts today. Members’ Statements.

Item 3. Any member have a statement? Member for Whale Cove and Arviat, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 22 – 7(1): Honour Arviat Constituency Assistant (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have my constituency workers in my mind today, as International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday. We rely on our constituency assistants, and first of all I would like to say thank you to Lynn Eesolook (ph) of Arviat. She’s a mother and works in a job. She is very able at whatever she does.

She’s a very good seamstress, and she’s very good at care-taking children and she does a very good job in the office. I say thank you to Lynn, and I’m grateful that I can work with you.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 11 I would like to inform the people of Whale Cove, my constituency office will now have a worker. Angela Okalik (ph) will by be my assistant there now. She is very new to that position, but she will be running the constituency office. I thank you ahead of time, although I’ve never really worked with you yet, but I have great expectations of you helping the people of Whale Cove. I would like to thank those two women. I believe they are very able, and I rely on them as an MLA. thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): I say thank you to them as well.

Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Koonoo. Member’s Statement 23 – 7(1): Honouring International Women’s Day (Koonoo) Mr. Koonoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On International Women’s Day, I would like to remember my late mother, Rhoda Kauviuq Koonoo (ph). She passed away at the end of November. She has helped the people of Pond Inlet a lot, and she was with the women’s auxiliary for almost her entire life. She was helping anybody, women and other people and students, and at two times she was a foster parent. She really helped a lot in that regard. We remember her strength and I will carry her strength.

I’m very grateful to her. She brought me up very well and taught me and other people too. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Now women have big effects in our lives and we remember them. Members’ Statements. According to my list, Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Member’s Statement 24 – 7(1): International Women’s Day (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize International Women’s Day. Mr.

Speaker, I just rose in this House a number of times to speak of the women that have had an impact on me in my life and my career, but I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I didn’t talk about my four daughters that I’m extremely proud of. They are doing exceptionally well in life and I’m extremely, I can’t believe how proud I am of them. Just in a recent ceremony we had here in this House, when we had our swearing-in, it was the first time I had all of my girls in this House at the same time and it really made me

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 12 realize how important they are to my life. I continuously work to make sure that I’m the father that they can continue to be proud of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Members’ Statements, Item 3. Any more statements? According to our Orders of the Day, Item 4, Returns to Oral Questions; there are none. Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. Janet Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m very happy to recognize my mentor and good friend in my constituency, life-long resident of Iqaluit, current resident of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Anya Arreak. Welcome to your House, Anya. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Please feel welcome, Mr. Quarrak. Everybody in Nunavut, you can visit the Legislative Assembly here and be welcomed. Everybody is welcome. Back to the Orders of the Day. Item 6, Oral Questions. Member for Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Sammurtok. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 1 – 7(1): Elder Vans (Sammurtok) Mr.

Sammurtok: My questions are for the premier, who is the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. As the premier will recall, I asked many questions during the previous Legislative Assembly concerning the department’s elder vans initiative. When I last raised this issue, shortly before the end of the previous Assembly, the former premier confirmed that although the government paid for the elders vans, they are owned by a private organization that has not yet been able to operationalize them.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 13 Can the new premier indicate today if the new government has changed its approach on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Member of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I say thank you to my colleague for asking the question. The five vans were purchased in 2024 and they were provided to the Northern Futures Development business. After the government bought the vehicles – no, the government provided funding for that business to buy the vans.

We would like them to get operationalized, and even though they are owned by a private business, us as a government, it sounds like the company is still looking for funds to do the operations. We would like to have the operations started in the five communities that were for the elders. They are still looking for financing for operations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. First supplementary question, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

When I last raised this issue, the former premier indicated that the private organization has been unsuccessful in seeking the federal funding to provide the elders van service. Can the new premier confirm how much funding the organization requires, and can he indicate if his department has any plans to provide it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the amount that’s required, or that the organization is seeking to operationalize the vans, I am not able to speak to that level of detail.

My department has been in contact with this entity but we have not been, the organization receiving application for funding, the organization Northern Future Skills Development has been looking at federal sources of funding, so they have been applying to federal sources. That’s why I’m not able to speak to that level of detail. But we are exploring options in terms of these vans, and we do want to see them operationalized similar to the member. I think we have a shared goal or a shared desire to see the vans on the road and providing to important service to elders, which is outlined in the Seniors Strategy.

I think that’s an important component.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 14 I just wanted to mention, Mr. Speaker, is that the elders van initiative is something that flowed out of the Seniors Strategy, and within that strategy it outlines that this is a service that’s needed in every community. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you as well. Second and final supplementary question, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The premier answered some of my questions. (interpretation ends) As the premier will recall, Rankin Inlet is one of the five communities that originally were scheduled to receive a new elders van. Can the premier confirm today how his department will address the need for transportation mobility services for elders in Chesterfield Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the member’s question and Chesterfield Inlet, at this point we are looking at the five vans as a pilot, and the approach for other communities will be informed by the results of that pilot.

I think that, coming back to the five vans that are already on the ground in communities, that is why we are so eager to see Northern Future Skills Development’s operationalization of the vans move forward, because we’re eager to see the results of the pilot so that we can move on, or the government or partners, can move on to provide similar services in other communities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Following my list of names, member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Kautuk. Question 2 – 7(1): Water Infrastructure (Kautuk) Mr.

Kautuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister of Community Services. As the minister is aware, both Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River have experiences a number of boil water advisories in recent years. Mr. Speaker, it is very important for all Nunavut communities to have safe and clean drinking water. In June 2024, the government issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for upgrades to Clyde River’s water treatment infrastructure. The Department of

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 15 Community Services has been funding a number of water infrastructure projects in different Nunavut communities. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of the Clyde River project. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Please say thank you when you end your question so that the technicians will know when to turn off your mic. Minister of Community Services, Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his question.

Access to safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment is vital to health, safety, and resilience for communities across Nunavut. As for Clyde River, planning activities began in August 2024, and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025-2026 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary question, Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In June 2025 the government issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for upgrades to Qikiqtarjuaq’s water treatment infrastructure.

The Department of Community Services has been funding a number of water infrastructure projects in different Nunavut communities. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of the Qikiqtarjuaq project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community Services, Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his question. With regards to the Qikiqtarjuaq project, work is still underway. I lost my line here. Work is underway and we will continue to work on it.

I do know that it was provided under the federal program of Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, along with Baker Lake and Nunavut. The studies are expected to be completed March 31, 2027. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. We look forward to your final question, Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government of Nunavut’s drinking water strategic framework was tabled in Legislative Assembly on May 29, 2023. Can the minister indicate how his department is working with Department of Transportation and

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 16 Infrastructure Nunavut to achieve the objective outline in the framework. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community Services, Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Community Services, along with Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut, and also along with the Department of Health, are continually working together to ensure that we’re planning properly to meet the federal drinking water guidelines, and putting together plans on how we can achieve that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Following my list of names, Member for Usqsuqtuuq, Mr. Porter. Question 3 – 7(1): Water Infrastructure (Porter) Mr. Porter (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Community Services. As the minister is aware, Gjoa Haven has been under a boil water advisory since mid- January as a result of major problems with the community water infrastructure. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank all the Gjoa Haven municipal staff who have been working hard under difficult circumstances in recent weeks. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister provide an update on how his department has been working with the municipality of Gjoa Haven and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut to address this serious situation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Community Services, Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his question. I thank the community of Gjoa Haven for their patience as we continue to work together to resolve the drinking water issue.

With regards to the drinking water issue in Gjoa Haven that began on January 18, the department began coordinating with the hamlets and the government. Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut has been leading its technical repair, planning for the water intake while the Department of Health continues to monitor public health impacts and provide guidance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions, Item 6. Your last and final question, Mr. Porter.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 17 Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will be aware, the government issued a request for proposal in June 2025 to “develop a business case report outlines plans to address long-term capacity of treatment requirements to meet projected community domestic water needs through at least 2025.” Can the minister indicate when the new water infrastructure for Gjoa Haven is expected to be added in his department’s five-year capital plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): I apologize. That was the Minister of Community Services. Mr. Simailak. Hon.

Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question with regards to water treatment plan for Gjoa Haven. The departments currently working through a number of communities that require new water treatment plants. We are working to see when we can incorporate new communities into these plans. Federal regulations has been changing quite frequently, so we’re trying to keep up, but it’s in the works. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your last and final question, Member for Usqsuqtuuq, Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, the government of Nunavut’s drinking water strategy framework was tabled in the Legislative Assembly May 29, 2023. Can the minister provide an update today as to how his department is involved in implementing this strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community Services. Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The department is working with Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut and Department of Health as to what the water regulations in each adhere to, and Gjoa Haven is still in the works as well with regards to planning studies. These studies should be expected to be completed by March 31, 2027. That should be done this fiscal year, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Following the Orders of the Day, Item 6, Oral Questions; I have no more names on my list. Item number 7, Written Questions. Item number 8, Return to Written Questions; there are none.

Item number 9, Replies to Opening Address. Item number 10, Petitions. Any? Item number 11, Responses to Petitions. Item Number 12, Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item number 13, Tabling of Documents. Premier Main. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 2 – 7(1): 2024-2025 Public Accounts of Nunavut (Main)

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 18 Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister of Finance, I am (interpretation ends) pleased to table the 2024-2025 Public Accounts of the Government of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, the Inuktitut version of the report will be tabled once the translations are completed. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents, Item number 13. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Akearok. Tabled Document 3 – 7(1): 2024-2025 Director of Family Wellness Annual Report (Healey Akearok) Hon.

Gwen Healey Akearok: I am pleased to table the 2024-25 Annual Report of Director of Child and Family Services Family Wellness Division. Mr. Speaker, the Inuktitut version of the reporting be tabled once the translations are complete. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item number 14, Notices of Motions. Item number 15, Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Minister Main.

Item 15: Notices of Motions Bill 1 – 7(1): Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026 2027 – Notice Bill 2 – 7(1): Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2026 2027 – Notice Bill 3 – 7(1): Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2025 2026 – Notice Bill 4 – 7(1): Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2025 2026 – Notice Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Monday March 9, 2026 that the following bills be read for the first time: Bill 1, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027; Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2026-2027; Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2025-2026; and Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2025-2026. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the Day. Item number 16, Motions. Item number 17, First Reading of Bills. Item number 18, Second Reading of Bills.

Item number 19, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Item 20, Report of the Committee of the Whole. Item 21, Third Reading of Bills.

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 19 Last item. Before we go on to item 22, to day is quite unique with the session, because there were quite a few members not available attending. I just want you to be aware that when the rest of the members arrive, you will have opportunity to answer questions and to do more questions. Item number 22, Orders of the Day, Mr. Clerk. Item 22: Orders of the Day Clerk (interpretation): Just a reminder there’s a meeting of the full caucus 10:30 tomorrow morning in the Nanuq board room. (interpretation) Orders of the Day for Monday, March 9: 1. Prayer 2. Ministers’ Statements 3.

Members’ Statements 4. Returns to Oral Questions 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 6. Oral Questions 7. Written Questions 8. Returns to Written Questions 9. Replies to the Opening Address 10. Petitions 11. Responses to Petitions 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 13. Tabling of Documents 14. Notices of Motion 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills 18. Second Reading of Bills 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills

Friday, March 6, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 20 22. Orders of the Day. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. This House stands adjourned and will resume Monday at 1:30 p.m. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 09:59

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2026-03-06 Blues English
Type	statute
Volume / chapter	20260306 Blues English 2
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	3e88e51bc8328d41c330a232b9c8355e1a02ae38

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).