Nunavut Hansard — 7 March 2022 (6th Assembly, 1st Session, Day 2, Official Report, pp. 37–71)

2022-03-07, 6th Assembly 1st Session, Day 2

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 1st Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 2 Monday, March 7, 2022 Pages 37 – 71 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 Charlie Audlakiak Hansard Production Innirvik Support Services Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Hon. David Akeeagok (Quttiktuq) Minister of Environment; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Hon.

David Joanasie (South Baffin) Minister of Community and Government Services Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Mary Killiktee (Uqqummiut) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Government House Leader; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Hon. Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission 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 responsible for the Status of Women Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Hon.

Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible for Seniors Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Website: www.assembly.nu.ca

Table of Contents Opening Prayer .............................................................................................................................. 37 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................... 37 Money Message ............................................................................................................................. 37 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................... 38 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................... 43 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................... 48 Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters .................................... 66 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................... 68 Notices of Motions ........................................................................................................................ 68 Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ............................................................................... 68 Motions .......................................................................................................................................... 69 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................... 71

A. Daily References Monday, March 7, 2022 ................................................................................................................ 37 B.

Ministers’ Statements 001 – 6(1): Nunavut Support for Ukraine (Akeeagok, P) ............................................................. 38 002 – 6(1): Staff Appreciation – COVID-19 Response (Main) .................................................... 38 003 – 6(1): Recognition of Correctional Healing Facility Staff (Akeeagok, D) ........................... 39 004 – 6(1): Recognition of Income Assistance Workers (Nakashuk) ........................................... 40 005 – 6(1): COVID-19 Pandemic Supports (Akeeagok, P) .......................................................... 41 006 – 6(1): Nunavut’s Aviation Sector (Kusugak) ........................................................................ 41 007 – 6(1): The Resilience of Nunavut’s Education Community during COVID-19 (Gross) ...... 42 008 – 6(1): Recognition of Translation Bureau during COVID-19 Pandemic (Quassa)............... 42 C.

Members’ Statements 022 – 6(1): Condolences to Family in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) ................................................ 43 023 – 6(1): Development of Nattilingmiutut Syllabics (Quqqiaq) ................................................ 44 024 – 6(1): Importance of Safe Drinking Water (Qavvik) ............................................................ 44 025 – 6(1): State of Emergency in Clyde River (Killiktee) ........................................................... 45 026 – 6(1): Tribute to William Lyall (Brewster) ........................................................................... 46 027 – 6(1): Recognition of Essential Workers in Cambridge Bay (Gross) ................................... 46 028 – 6(1): Recognition of Amarok Hunters and Trappers Organization (Akeeagok, P) ............. 47 029 – 6(1): Tribute to Mr.

Speaker, Tony Akoak (Main) .............................................................. 47 030 – 6(1): Supports for People during COVID-19 Pandemic (Kaernerk) ................................... 48

D.

Oral Questions 001 – 6(1): Rankin Inlet Water Infrastructure (Sammurtok) ......................................................... 48 002 – 6(1): Nunavut-Manitoba Relations (Simailak) .................................................................... 50 003 – 6(1): Isolation Supports for Amitturmiut (Kaernerk) .......................................................... 51 004 – 6(1): State of Emergency in Clyde River (Killiktee) ........................................................... 53 005 – 6(1): Appointment of Deputy Ministers (Hickes) ............................................................... 55 006 – 6(1): Appointment of Deputy Ministers (Savikataaq) ......................................................... 56 007 – 6(1): Housing Needs in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) ...................................................................... 57 008 – 6(1): Water Infrastructure (Brewster) .................................................................................. 59 009 – 6(1): Housing Needs in Aivilik (Malliki) ............................................................................ 61 010 – 6(1): Standardization of Nattilingmiutut Dialect (Quqqiaq) ............................................... 63 011 – 6(1): Sanikiluaq Water Infrastructure (Qavvik) .................................................................. 64 E.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 001 – 6(1): Report of the Striking Committee on the Recommended Structure and Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Hickes) ................................................................................................................................... 66 F.

Tabling of Documents 007 – 6(1): Proclamation for the Reconvening of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly (Speaker) ................................................................................................................ 68 008 – 6(1): 2020-21 Annual Report of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Quassa) ......................... 68

G. Motions 008 – 6(1): Legislative Assembly Appointments – Notice (Hickes) ............................................. 68 008 – 6(1): Legislative Assembly Appointments (Hickes) ........................................................... 69 H.

Bills Bill 01 – Interim Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2022-2023 – Notice ............. 68 Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2022-2023 – Notice .......................................................... 68 Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2021-2022 – Notice ...................................................................................................................................... 68 Bill 04 – Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2020-2021 – Notice................................................ 68

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 37 Iqaluit, Nunavut Monday, March 7, 2022 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Hon. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Mr. Daniel Qavvik, Hon. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:29 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, Ms. Killiktee. >>Prayer Speaker: Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you for coming here. (interpretation ends) Thank you. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to make a statement. Speaker’s Statement I am pleased to welcome all members back to the House for our winter sitting. Later today at the appropriate time I will be tabling a copy of the Commissioner’s Proclamation concerning the reconvening of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly.

On behalf of all of my colleagues, I am pleased to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and Her Excellency the Governor General on having recovered from COVID-19.

Although the ongoing pandemic has required a number of measures to remain in place, including the closure of our Visitors’ Gallery, we remain grateful to our frontline health care workers for their ongoing service during these difficult times. (interpretation) We appreciate our workers, especially our frontline health workers who look after our people, as that is how they say it, so they can continue providing excellent care.

They work tirelessly daily, even to the evenings and even with late nights, they still return to work the next morning. >>Applause I thank you. (interpretation ends) I also wish to take this opportunity to thank my constituents in Gjoa Haven for their ongoing support and to assure them that I continue to raise community concerns with the government through appropriate channels. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to read the following message that I have received from the Commissioner of Nunavut. Money Message Mr.

Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly:

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 38 • Bill 1, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2022-2023; • Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2022-2023; and • Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2021-2022. Sincerely, Eva Qamaniq Aariak, Commissioner of Nunavut. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Premier Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 001 – 6(1): Nunavut Support for Ukraine (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to speak about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine is a threat to global security, the stability of arctic communities and the continuity of arctic cooperation. Nunavut condemns this unjustified violation of international law and supports the strong sanctions Canada has imposed on Russia. Uqaqtittijii, I stand united with the premiers of Yukon and Northwest Territories in expressing concern about arctic defence and security.

Russia’s aggression will inevitably impact arctic affairs and threaten valued institutions such as the Arctic Council. As northern premiers, we have reached out to premiers across the country as well as the Prime Minister to address our strategic role in the face of this global threat. Mr. Speaker, to help the people of Ukraine, our government has pledged $25,000 to the Red Cross to assist with the humanitarian crisis. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, Nunavut stands with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! >>Applause Speaker: Thank you, Premier.

Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 002 – 6(1): Staff Appreciation – COVID-19 Response (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and Nunavummiut who are following the proceedings. Mr. Speaker, in 2020 Nunavut joined the world in the fight against COVID-19. At the time little was known about the virus and the Government of Nunavut took immediate action to protect Nunavummiut from the harms of COVID-19. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, during those early days, Department of Health staff were on the frontline of the

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 39 COVID-19 pandemic response and worked hard to implement the necessary actions that helped build our staffing resources, testing capacity, and provide out-of-territory isolation for travellers. Uqaqtitsijii, those actions kept Nunavut COVID-free for eight months and made us the last jurisdiction in the nation to confirm a case of the virus. I commend my department’s leadership and hard work for buying us the time needed to give Nunavummiut the tools to protect themselves from COVID-19. Uqaqtitsijii, it has been a long fight against COVID-19.

Over the past two years the work put in by my department’s staff has been monumental. The staff in our labs, in our health centres, at the hospital, in our public health units, and at headquarters have worked gruelling hours in an effort to keep Nunavummiut informed and protected during this pandemic. I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated health staff in this collective effort. Thank you all so much.

Ma’natsiamiangujuhi. >>Applause Uqaqtitsijii, as we gradually ease public health restrictions, I know many Nunavummiut are concerned with the numbers of active cases of COVID-19 in the territory. I would like to reassure residents that the government will continue to do its part to keep Nunavummiut safe. Health staff will continue offering services and information to help residents reduce their risks from COVID-19. Uqaqtitsijii, the collective efforts to fight COVID-19 go beyond health staff. We all have a part to play in protecting our territory.

Vaccine is available in every community and 90 percent of our population is eligible to receive it. The vaccine is our best defence against the harms of COVID-19 and it will protect us from getting seriously ill. I encourage everyone who can to get the vaccine, especially as we move toward fewer restrictions. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of all the work that Department of Health staff have done, along with other government employees and Nunavummiut. They have worked very hard to reduce the health impacts of COVID-19 on Nunavummiut.

Please join me in showing our appreciation to them today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 003 – 6(1): Recognition of Correctional Healing Facility Staff (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As members are aware, in January 2022 we began to see positive COVID tests of both clients and staff at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility in Iqaluit. We also saw a few positive cases at the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility and the Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre. These cases were in spite of the significant efforts made by our corrections staff to keep COVID out of our facilities through vaccine drives,

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 40 entrance screenings, and reduced public access. As well, most of our corrections clients did their part by getting vaccinated. As soon as active COVID is detected in a facility, our staff implement our containment procedures which includes regular testing and increased restrictions, and the isolation and treatment of any impacted client.

At the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility, our staff quickly worked to empty two sections of the facility to dedicate to COVID isolation, began regular monitoring and support of affected clients, and introduced testing of staff and clients every 72 hours. Due to the efforts of our staff who worked very hard and kept reporting to work in spite of active COVID in the facility, we have been able to get over the curve at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility and we have had no serious medical complications from the virus.

In particular the small health care team at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility conducted over one thousand tests of corrections staff and clients and worked countless hours during the height of the infection. To our dedicated frontline corrections staff, we recognize and thank you for your hard working and commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 004 – 6(1): Recognition of Income Assistance Workers (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition to our income assistance workers and the income assistance team for the work they do. Every day they hear and witness human stories of struggle and hardship. Mr. Speaker, 30 percent of Nunavummiut across the territory rely on the services provided by the income assistance team to meet their basic needs each month. I am overwhelmingly proud of the tremendous commitment and care they bring to their work, day in and day out.

They provided benefits to every eligible applicant during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to do so in 2022. They quickly changed service delivery practices, learning, and adapting on a regular basis, while also supporting their own families. They recognize the critical importance in issuing income assistance to those in need, despite facing challenging new circumstances. This team is made up of 100 percent Inuit employees who hold central frontline roles in their communities. They listen to, encourage, and support their fellow community members. Mr.

Speaker, I invite everyone in this Chamber to join me in thanking our income assistance workers and team. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 41 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. P.J. Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 005 – 6(1): COVID-19 Pandemic Supports (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again rise today to acknowledge our frontline workers and service providers during COVID-19. Mr. Speaker, they were the heroes who kept us going in difficult times and I would very much like to thank those Government of Nunavut employees. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I also want to speak about the various supports the Government of Nunavut provided during this latest wave of COVID-19. Mr.

Speaker, Nunavut’s municipalities played an essential role in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our territory. $4 million was allocated to municipalities to provide support for crucial and critical local services. Community stations, which are essential to keeping Nunavummiut informed, received an additional $375,000 for ongoing local radio operations. Mr.

Speaker, in January the government’s Small Business Support Program offered additional funding of up to $5,000 to subsidize eligible business expenses, and another $625,000 in direct contributions to Nunavut’s hunters and trappers organizations to support harvesters to provide Nunavummiut with healthy country food. Last, the government allocated $7.7 million toward food security supports and poverty reduction programs. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to recognize and thank all Government of Nunavut staff, as well as our territorial and municipal partners, who worked tirelessly over the past two years to provide these much-needed supports. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister for Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. Kusugak. Minister’s Statement 006 – 6(1): Nunavut’s Aviation Sector (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker. It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic created challenging operating conditions for Nunavut’s aviation sector.

Reduced passenger volumes, changes to travel federal regulations, supply chain issues, and the individual impacts of COVID-19 on employees and travellers have tested the sector as never before. Mr.

Speaker, I want to acknowledge and thank all those who have kept Nunavut’s aviation sector operating smoothly these last two years. (interpretation ends) Uqaqtitsijii, I wish to acknowledge the staff of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, who have worked diligently since the beginning of this pandemic to ensure that essential program and operational supports were in place so that Nunavut’s critical

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 42 aviation networks continued to function safely and without interruption. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 007 – 6(1): The Resilience of Nunavut’s Education Community during COVID-19 (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the health of our population and on how we work, live, and learn. Two years into the pandemic, Nunavut’s education community has shown resilience through each wave of the virus.

The pandemic interrupted in-class learning for students throughout the territory. School staff responded in innovative and resourceful ways, ensuring that learning continued even when schools were closed. They delivered and collected learning packages. They went on local radio to broadcast curriculum-based trivia, math bingo, and other learning activities, with students calling in to answer questions. Schools interacted with students by posting videos, photos, and themed challenges on social media.

These activities kept students learning and engaged, and I want to thank all of our schools for their innovative approaches. Mr. Speaker, another challenge COVID- 19 brought to our schools was reducing the spread of the virus. Staff and students had to follow strict health and safety guidelines. Custodians were tasked with maintaining enhanced cleaning protocols. Their tireless work kept our students, staff, and families healthy and safe. I want to thank them for all the work they have done throughout the pandemic. Mr.

Speaker, there are many others who ensured our children and youth continued to learn during this pandemic. Colleagues, together lets show our appreciation to our bus drivers, custodians, district education authorities, early childhood educators, families, school staff, students, and teachers. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for Culture and Heritage, Ms. Quassa. Minister’s Statement 008 – 6(1): Recognition of Translation Bureau during COVID-19 Pandemic (Quassa) Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important and critical work of our Translation Bureau staff at the Department of Culture and Heritage. Mr. Speaker, as you all know, there were significant disruptions to government operations over the last two years due to the COVID 19 pandemic. As many workplaces shut down in-person operations across the territory, including Government of Nunavut departments and agencies, the need for translations remained and the requests for urgent translations increased significantly. I apologize. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the pandemic in March

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 43 2019, the Translation Bureau staff completed translations of over 4 million words… . Speaker: Sorry, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa, I’m sorry, your time is up. You have to seek unanimous consent to conclude. Thank you. Hon. Joanna Quassa: I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: Thank you. The minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her ministerial statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Minister Quassa. Hon. Joanna Quassa: Qujannamiik, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you for your consent. (interpretation ends) Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2019, the Translation Bureau staff completed translations of over 4 million words related to COVID-19. A significant number of those requests were received after regular office hours. Mr. Speaker, during the 2020-21 fiscal year our translators received and fulfilled translations requests totalling over 8 million words. So far in 2021- 22, the number of words translated amounts to almost 7 million, of which approximately 2 million are COVID-19 related. Mr.

Speaker, interpreters and translators are often the vital communication link between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavummiut. Providing critical information to Nunavummiut in Inuktut and our other official languages is no easy task and requires dedication, passion, and hard work. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the translators and interpreters from and outside the Translation Bureau. They ensure that Nunavummiut have access to information in Inuktut and the other official languages.

I ask all members in this House to join me in giving our interpreters and translators a round of applause. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik, koana, thank you, merci. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. I have no more names for ministers’ statements. Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 022 – 6(1): Condolences to Family in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the people of Chesterfield Inlet, especially the people of Rankin Inlet who have lost a loved one, they are in our thoughts and we support them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 44 Member’s Statement 023 – 6(1): Development of Nattilingmiutut Syllabics (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize elder Nilaulaaq Miriam Aglukkaq for her role in standardizing the Nattilingmiut dialect and the creation of new syllabics. Nilaaulaaq Miriam Aglukkaq is a long- time Nattilingmiut educator and language activist who grew up speaking the unique dialect in Taloyoak. She has been working with Hadlari Consulting as well as language experts on this initiative since the year 2007. Mr.

Speaker, the Nattilingmiut dialect contains unique sounds that until now did not have characters to accurately represent them in the dual orthography system. These syllabics will be available for use as a downloadable font for computers or mobile devices in the near future. The team worked together to create new syllabics to represent sounds such as “hi, hu, ha” and “shri, shru, shra.” This allows speakers of this dialect to accurately write down words as they are pronounced for the first time. Mr. Speaker, the standardization of the Inuit language has been a long-standing issue across Inuit Nunangat.

It has been said one of the advantages of a standardized writing system is that Inuktut speakers are able to preserve and strengthen the use of language by way of written materials. I respect the diversity of the Inuit language and I note that the Government of Nunavut’s Inuktut Language Incentive Policy formally recognizes five distinct dialects of the Inuit language, including Nattilingmiut. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations and express my appreciation for Nilaulaaq Miriam Aglukkaq and her team for their important efforts to strengthen and revitalize the Nattilingmiut dialect.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik. Member’s Statement 024 – 6(1): Importance of Safe Drinking Water (Qavvik) Mr. Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and Nunavummiut. I send my regards to everyone who lives in Hudson Bay and my fellow residents of Sanikiluaq. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of having access to safe and clean drinking water in our communities. Mr.

Speaker, as you know, the community of Sanikiluaq has been experiencing serious issues with its water supply for a number of years. In June 2016 the government issued a public health advisory regarding the high levels of sodium in the community’s drinking water supply. The advisories have continued, and I note that the most recent one was issued just a few weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, over the past half-decade, a number of actions have been taken to

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 45 protect the health and safety of the community, including the installation of reverse osmosis filters throughout the community. Mr. Speaker, the community is grateful for these measures, but we are hopeful that a permanent solution will be achieved soon. Mr. Speaker, in June 2021 the Department of Community and Government Services issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for a new water treatment facility for Sanikiluaq.

In August 2021 the federal government announced that it would be providing funding towards this planning, and the contract to perform this work was awarded in the same month. Mr. Speaker, as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Hudson Bay, I will strongly support actions to address this issue, and I will have questions for the appropriate minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Member’s Statement 025 – 6(1): State of Emergency in Clyde River (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am proud to rise for the first time today and to take

part in this, and I have something I would like to talk about, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a short statement about the recent state of emergency in Clyde River. I am sure you have all heard about what has been happening and the serious problems they have been having in Clyde River these past two months in particular. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, a series of major weather events recently disrupted life in the community. Over the past few weeks I have been in close contact, just to let you know, with the hamlet and the minister’s office on this situation.

I have been working with the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the situation. As the MLA for Uqqummiut, I am committed to representing both of the communities with all of my abilities; Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River. Though recent bad weather has prevented me from travelling to Clyde River, I will be there soon. Though that may be the case, I still have plans of trying to get there also with the Minister of Community and Government Services.

I expect that sometime after this session we will be able to go and visit Clyde River to go meet with the hamlet in Clyde River as well as other organizations and infrastructure there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to speak, and during this session I will have questions for the minister about the matter that I just spoke to because it is a critical situation, the emergency that the hamlet has been going through. So I wanted to talk about that first. Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 46 Member’s Statement 026 – 6(1): Tribute to William Lyall (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hello to the residents of Iqaluit-Sinaa and happy birthday to my uncle, Bobby Lyall, in Taloyoak. Today I rise to pay tribute to William Lyall, a resident of Cambridge Bay, my uncle Bill, who passed away in December, as we all know. Bill was a recipient of the Order of Nunavut, a Diamond Jubilee medal, the Order of Canada. He had many accomplishments in his life as a former residential school survivor. As many people know, he was an MLA in the mid ‘70s.

He was a driving member of the Arctic Co- operatives Limited. He was an author and his legacy really is reflected in the title of his book, which is Helping Ourselves by Helping Each Other. This is the legacy that Bill, I think, has passed on to many people in his community and across Nunavut. Certainly it is what has driven me for my entire life, having an uncle who asked me every day what I was going to do for my community, and that came from my grandparents, Ernie and Nipisha.

Today, I believe he is somewhere in heaven, feeding some fish, some Iqaluktuuttiaq fish and peas to all of my ancestors, and I pay tribute to Bill and to every person who has worked hard for our community of Nunavut in some kind of a leadership role and in giving back to their community. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 027 – 6(1): Recognition of Essential Workers in Cambridge Bay (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to acknowledge the community of Cambridge Bay and thank our frontline workers who have worked hard to ensure essential services were carried out in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Speaker, there are many who have been working during these challenging times. I thank our airline and cargo workers, bank tellers, critical industry workers, emergency responders, health centre and continuing care staff, housing maintainers, municipal service staff, postal workers, private sector, RCMP, store clerks and managers, and our teachers and early childhood educators. Mr.

Speaker, I would also like to thank our community for following the public health measures set out by our chief public health officer and everyone for doing their best to ensure that our community is safe and healthy. Throughout the pandemic, everyone had a role to play. (interpretation) Thank you to the people of Cambridge Bay. (interpretation ends) Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 47 Member’s Statement 028 – 6(1): Recognition of Amarok Hunters and Trappers Organization (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would once again like to thank the people of Iqaluit- Niaqunnguu for putting their faith in me, which I am grateful for to this day. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association in Iqaluit for their hard work. I rise to express my pride in the hard work that they have been doing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everybody had to go through some kind of hardship in one way or another. I would like to recognize Chairperson, Mr.

Jimmy Akavak, Vice-Chair David Alexander, Treasurer Adamie Itorcheak, and board members Jeetaloo Kakee, Kathy Hanson, Archie Angnakak, Noah Alookie, and Noah Sageatook. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the last two years have really taught us how essential our HTOs and our harvesters are to our communities. They are a lifeline. They have been instrumental in combating our food insecurities in our communities. Mr.

Speaker, with the financial support from QIA, Baffin Fisheries, as well as the Government of Nunavut, the Amarok HTO has provided and distributed many inussiut, from tuktu, iqaluk, nattiq, igunaq, aiviq, aqiggiq, kinguppak, just to name a few. They have distributed roughly 25,000 pounds of inussiut to date and have provided nutritious inussiut for up to 4,000 Iqalummiut, with special deliveries directly to over 200 elders in our community. Please help me in thanking the hard- working Amarok HTO Board of Directors for doing such an incredible job during this pandemic. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statement. Member for Arviat North- Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 029 – 6(1): Tribute to Mr. Speaker, Tony Akoak (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to make a statement about you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate with you the fact that you are now sitting in the big chair and I congratulate you for that. We were regular members together for four years in the past, and although those four years have passed, you were always known for working hard to represent your constituents of Gjoa Haven.

It has always been clear to all members and other individuals that you met with that you are a very hard worker. I know that will continue in your new role as you continue as the MLA representing the Kitikmeot. Also, unless I am mistaken, I believe that you may be first Speaker from the Kitikmeot and I am very proud of that fact. I know that you treat everybody the equally as the Speaker. Whether it’s a minister or a regular member, you will treat them all the same. I thank you for that beforehand.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 48 If the previous Speaker, Mr. Mikkungwak, is watching, I’m sure he is also celebrating the fact that you’re sitting there as well. If Mr. Mikkungwak is listening, I am very happy that there is someone rooting against the Toronto Maple Leafs sitting in the Speaker’s Chair. I’m very proud of you, Mr. Speaker, and I’m sure that we will have very good meetings and that you will facilitate the sessions here well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Main. I have no more names on Members’ Statements. Mr. Kaernerk.

Member’s Statement 030 – 6(1): Supports for People during COVID-19 Pandemic (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and especially to my fellow residents of Amittuq in Igloolik and Sanirajak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the issue of residents who aren’t infected with COVID-19 yet have to also isolate. If you don’t understand this word, I’m referring to (interpretation ends) isolation. (interpretation) I also experienced that because of my last trip here to Iqaluit and that is why I am raising it today in my statement on behalf of Amittuq.

I had to stay isolated for ten days and I could not visit anywhere, and this was very unfortunate as the session had already begun. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have questions to the Minister of Health about the sort of support vaccinated and non-vaccinated people receive if they must isolate and how they are supported by the government while they are isolating. As an Inuk in isolation, people probably get confused as to what’s going on. By the time they complete their isolation they must wear a mask if they are going into public places and socially distance themselves still.

The reason I rise today is to question the need for isolation and the limited number of people allowed to visits. The reason I am questioning this is because I have seen on websites information in English about (interpretation ends) “isolation support.” I will be looking for the numbers later related to the number of residents in my two communities who received support. This will be my line of question on this. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak, and unfortunately I could not visit my constituents in Amittuq and I apologize. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you.

I have no more names for Members’ Statements. We will continue. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. As we are closed to the public, there is no recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 001 – 6(1): Rankin Inlet Water Infrastructure (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are to the Minister of

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 49 Community and Government Services and they concern the issue of Rankin Inlet water infrastructure. In July 2021 the minister’s department issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for a new water treatment facility in Rankin Inlet. On August 4, 2021 the federal government announced that it would be providing funding towards this planning. The contract to perform this work was awarded in September 2021. Can the minister update me on the status of this work? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good day, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for his question. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Community and Government Services is working to upgrade Rankin Inlet’s aging water infrastructure and to be able to produce water that will meet the guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality. This project is currently in the planning stage and we can anticipate that a business case will be completed this month, in March 2022. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you to the Minister of Community and Government Services.

Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister confirm when his department will be requesting capital funding for the construction of a new water treatment facility in Rankin Inlet? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) The capital funding which we will be requesting as CGS for Rankin Inlet may not be in the 2022-23 budget, but as the planning is near completion, requests for capital funding will be made for the water treatment facility in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In June 2021 the minister’s department issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for a new wastewater treatment solution in Rankin Inlet. On August 4, 2021 the federal government announced that it would be providing $225,000 in funding towards this planning. The contract to perform this work was awarded in August 2021. Can the minister update me today on the status of this work? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The planning is near completion and once complete, perhaps at the end of this month, we will know the status of the business case and we will be requesting capital funding from there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 50 Question 002 – 6(1): Nunavut- Manitoba Relations (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Baker Lake and to my colleagues here in the House. Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the Premier will concur with me when I say that the connections and linkages between the Kivalliq region of Nunavut and the province of Manitoba are long- standing and deep.

As one of the six Kivalliq Members of this Legislative Assembly, I am very much aware of the importance of this relationship to our communities and constituents. As the Premier will recall, a formal memorandum of understanding between Nunavut and Manitoba was signed in November 2015 and expired in the fall of 2020. Can the Premier update the House today on the status of signing a new memorandum of understanding between our two jurisdictions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank my colleague for that good question and I completely agree with him that we need to have good working relationships. He’s correct in that the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba have a good working relationship. Mr. Speaker, for example, things that can be developed in the areas of health care, just recently the community’s art gallery and the agreement we have. The memorandum of understanding ended in 2020 and we’re now reviewing this in view that a new agreement will arise. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Premier. As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Baker Lake, I have been a strong supporter of ensuring that the proposed Kivalliq Hydro Fibre Link Project benefits Baker Lake. Can the Premier update the House today on what discussions he has had with the Premier of Manitoba concerning this initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Premier Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank the member. The areas of development have been clearly identified in the memorandum of understanding and this is one very good example.

I can say that Premier Stefanson and I have not spoken together yet, but I expect to raise this as well other issues with her in the near future, and that’s when we will decide to have a new memorandum of understanding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you again, Premier. As the Premier will be aware, the Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable served as a critical forum for bringing together leaders from Nunavut and Manitoba to address issues of mutual concern. The 10th Hudson

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 51 Bay Regional Roundtable was held in April 2018, and it is my understanding that a formal regional roundtable summit has not been held since that time. Can the Premier update the House today on efforts to revitalize the Hudson Bay Regional Roundtable and can he confirm which minister he has assigned to represent our government at this important forum? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Premier Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This will have to be revisited and renewed.

In particular we will have to depend on the communities affected in looking at our future and have a good working relationship in these important areas. The last roundtable meeting was in 2018 and I will return to the member’s question on this at a later date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Question 003 – 6(1): Isolation Supports for Amitturmiut (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, my question is for the Minister of Health.

Earlier I talked about the support provided on the Internet for those in isolation at isolationsupport.gov.ca. Does the Department of Health have figures of how many people have accessed this website and how many have used the 1-800 number? Do you have figures of how many people in isolation have accessed support? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for asking that question.

As we know at the Department of Health, when you’re put in isolation, it’s very difficult for families and physically hard on our bodies and minds. We all realize how hard it is. As the government we have provided support with food vouchers and isolation hampers that I believe the MLA is referring to with the Department of Health. We have no control over these hampers. It’s the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, through the COVID Secretariat, that handles the food hampers.

I think the question could be directed to our Premier to get a proper response, if he were to be seeking that information on numbers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, if it’s possible, I will want to ask that question to the Minister of EIA, but with my question to the health department, they didn’t give me figures as to how many people have sought isolation support. You weren’t able to provide me answer that question.

Upon (interpretation ends) public emergency orders (interpretation) and changes to them, the use of masks, for example, and calling in before going to health centres first, recently the health

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 52 department put out a notice that they are losing frontline health workers and that includes one of my constituency communities of Igloolik. Can you give us figures? We have many figures and with the changes and the issue of lack of frontline health workers, what review has taken place and what can be done to address the shortage of health care workers in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.

Yes, we are currently experiencing a shortage of nurses and health care professionals in Nunavut. Many communities have been affected by this shortfall and it was unfortunate that this occurred as it highlighted our dire shortage of qualified nurses, which was saddening. There has been an improvement in the numbers, but we are still lacking nurses, as I can relate here. Looking at the shortage of nurses in Canada, an impact was felt in many (interpretation ends) provinces and territories (interpretation) and on a global scale due to COVID-19 causing burnout amongst the sectors.

Though that may be the case, the Department of Health will work to recruit more nurses as we have 19 positions open and overall, there are 33 positions available. If the member is looking for numbers in the communities, I could speak to more local details. Maybe I didn’t quite understand the question, but nursing shortages in the communities are having an effect and at this time in many of the communities, they show up as emergency-only services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Perhaps you can’t hear me properly because of my mask. I would like a commitment from the minister. The various departments of the government provide different services. For example, the Department of Community and Government Services provides food hampers for support during isolation. The question that I was trying to ask was in regard to the (interpretation ends) isolationsupport@gov.nu.ca (interpretation) address. If the Department of Health doesn’t have the numbers, then another department must have them. We recognize that tallying numbers can be boring and tedious, and that we are all tired.

We all recognize that the pandemic has been hard on you, both mentally and physically. There is also additional strain from worrying about the health of our children. The hamlet councils have (interpretation) health committees (interpretation) in most of the communities, and I would like to request that your department develop a closer working relationship with them so that there are no gaps between the government and the communities that utilize the health committees. Can you agree to that as the Minister of Health and start utilizing the health committees more? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 53 Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t agree to it at this time because we already have an ongoing working relationship with the hamlet councils. For example, over the past months, we have been kept informed by the mayors or the subcommittees of many hamlets and then in turn, the MLAs are able to provide information back to the hamlets. We have an ongoing working relationship with the hamlet councils in regard to health services that are provided.

There are (interpretation ends) health committees of council (interpretation) in the communities and the government provides funds for those entities. It is the (interpretation ends) voice of the community. (interpretation) The Department of Health is always looking for feedback from communities regarding their concerns and suggestions so that we can make improvements moving forward. We have consistently been doing that for the last few months and that will continue going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee.

Question 004 – 6(1): State of Emergency in Clyde River (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community and Government Services, David Joanasie. I would like to make a

preamble to my question. We have a concern that I would like to bring up, and as I indicated earlier, I wanted to ask a question at the appropriate time regarding the recent state of emergency in Clyde River. Mr. Speaker, to clarify for the minister, just recently we had meetings and discussions and I would like to thank you for that first of all. Can the minister indicate today as to what action or support will be provided to the community of Clyde River? They needed support with the blizzards that have been occurring over the last few weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister for Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Member for Uqqummiut for reporting on that. We can’t do anything about the weather, but we can only take action on what is within our control. Mr. Speaker, we have been working together with Clyde River since they had several storms where there was heavy buildup of snow and problems with the heavy equipment. The deputy minister and the mayor and the Department of Community and Government Services began working together on February 11.

We received correspondence indicating that they were in a state of emergency. Officials from the Department of Transportation were able to go up to look at the mobile equipment and they were loaned equipment to help with their situation in the community. I’m sorry, not February 4, but we met with local representatives on March 4 to discuss the current situation. I would also like to thank the member for making sure that services are

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 54 provided and I would like the community to know that diesel is being airlifted to help the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, one of the specific concerns raised by the municipality has been the issue of the fuel supply, as you said. It is my understanding that there are also concerns with certain regulatory requirements that are overseen by the federal Department of Transport. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister clarify what specific actions his department is taking with respect to the community’s fuel supply so that incidents of this nature do not occur again? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for her question. Mr.

Speaker, my deputy and the chief administrative officer of Kangiqtugaapik have been in regular communications and this has been one of the discussion points around how our government is supporting the local government up there. We have been going back and forth on letters and one of the things that we’re looking at is potentially modifying the existing fuel storage in Clyde River to accommodate multiple fuel types. This is an area that we’re trying to address going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would also like to say that it has been very obvious in the hamlets, not only in Clyde River, but also in other communities. (interpretation ends) As we know, it has been an issue with the hamlet’s heavy equipment. Although we are grateful for the support that the Government of Nunavut provides through its Municipal Mobile Equipment Program, there are concerns about the challenges of keeping equipment in working order, given our small communities’ limited resources. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister clarify how his department is working with the Municipal Training Organization to provide training and courses that will increase the capacity of our smaller communities to maintain their equipment fleets? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister for Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for bringing that question forward. Mr.

Speaker, the Department of Community and Government Services is pleased to partner and work with the Municipal Training Organization to provide opportunities for communities, such as Clyde River and others, on operations and maintenance of their fleet and other areas where hamlets, if they need further

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 55 supports in different areas, we’re happy to work with them in this manner. I would be pleased to and, as the member had indicated, we will be… . There’s an open invitation to visit the community, possibly at the end of this winter sitting, and I am open to that. Perhaps that can be a discussion item to discuss with the Hamlet of Clyde River as well as the Municipal Training Organization. I would like to bring that forward at that time and thank the member for her question. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Question 005 – 6(1): Appointment of Deputy Ministers (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome everyone back here to Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, I have a question today for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, deputy ministers are appointed by the Premier and his office, and most people are aware of that, but one thing that seems to be a little vague in some circumstances is how acting deputy ministers are appointed to relieve deputy ministers during types of leave. I was wondering if the Premier would be able to update this House and the public on that practice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you.

Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleague for asking that good question. The Premier identifies who is going to be a deputy minister. When there needs to be an acting deputy minister, it goes through my office and we work with our deputy ministers on the list of candidates who are capable and qualified. We keep an ongoing list of who is qualified. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that response.

Human resource policies are very clear on reporting practices to avoid conflict of interest liabilities. Mr. Speaker, I was shocked to recently learn that a member of the household of the responsible minister was appointed as an acting deputy minister. Mr. Speaker, I was floored. I have never heard of that happening in any other jurisdiction and was quite taken aback on that practice being practised here in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, what faith do we have that this will not occur again? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank my colleague. We’re always based on policies and that is how we always base our decisions when we’re appointing deputy ministers and we will always be following that. I can point that out and in the future, if there needs to be an acting person, we will always follow the policies. We haven’t broken any policies or regulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 56 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that assurance. Mr. Speaker, when we look at the civil service and their policies and rules that are in place within the Human Resources Manual, there is very clear direction on conflict of interest, and I was quite surprised that a minister would be so exposed to a very obvious direct conflict of interest. I just want to leave it at that, Mr. Speaker.

I do appreciate the Premier’s assurance that this will never happen again and it is something that I will continue to follow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: That just being a comment. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 006 – 6(1): Appointment of Deputy Ministers (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) To the people of Arviat, I say “good day” to you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I’ll just follow up with MLA Hickes’ question. Mr. Speaker, the Premier said that he is going to follow the guidelines.

Just for clarity, can the minister confirm to the House that he appointed an acting deputy minister that was in the same household as the minister responsible for the department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for the question. It’s true and you’re quite aware that there is a policy on appointments because they hold very important positions. I would like to point out that we haven’t broken any policies and we will always abide by them.

I would like to reiterate that we’re always looking at whether there might be problems with these higher positions. When we’re going to be appointing deputy ministers, it’s not only us that look at them; we always have to ask the people involved and we will always be tolerant to ensure there are no problems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Premier talked about going to follow the policies again.

I’ll ask again: did the Premier appoint an acting deputy minister to a department which lived in the same household as the minister responsible for the department? It’s a simple yes or no question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member. No. To my understanding, we’re always looking at policies to see whether there are any problems. We haven’t broken any policies and I have always looked and I will look further into it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr.

Savikataaq.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 57 Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m having a tough time getting a straight answer out of the Premier. This is a simple question. Mr. Speaker, did the Premier appoint an acting deputy minister to a household member of the minister responsible for that department? It is a straightforward, simple question. Mr. Speaker, as an MLA, we cannot hire a constituency worker that lives in the same household for reasons of nepotism and for transparency.

It’s just a simple, straightforward question: did the minister appoint an acting deputy minister to a member that was in the same household as the minister responsible for that department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank my colleague for that question. I will look further into his concern. When we’re going to make appointments, we’re always looking at the policies to ensure there are no problems. Yes, I fully agree that the policies are there to protect us and we have to base our decisions around them.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 007 – 6(1): Housing Needs in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my regards to the residents of Pond Inlet. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. As the minister is aware, all communities in Nunavut are suffering from severe shortages of housing, and Pond Inlet is no exception.

During the previous Legislative Assembly’s sitting of June 2, 2021, MLAs were informed that although some of the housing corporation’s construction of new units would be postponed as a result of supply chain and cost issues, the planned units for Pond Inlet would be going ahead. (interpretation ends) On March 4, 2022 the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced that a number of new affordable housing units are planned for a number of Nunavut communities, including Pond Inlet.

The announcement indicated that 50 percent of the units will be “dedicated to women and their children.” Can the minister provide an update today on the current status of public housing construction plans for Pond Inlet? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question. This is an ongoing planning process on the need for local construction with housing being very critical in Nunavut and there are different types of housing.

It’s always getting more difficult. We heard the other day and I assisted the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation with an announcement on the Rapid Housing Initiative to ensure that half of them are

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 58 slated to women and children and single parents, and this is moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary question, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly held a caucus retreat in the community of Cambridge Bay last December, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Cambridge Bay welcoming us warmly. (interpretation ends) After the retreat concluded, the Premier publicly announced that the government is “taking collaborative action” with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the regional Inuit organizations to “achieve meaningful improvements in such critical areas as housing.” Can the minister update the House today on what specific commitments, resources, and support have been offered by NTI and the regional Inuit organizations to address Nunavut’s housing crisis? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the issue of housing and shortages, it was good to debate the issues, though it is a heavy issue we discussed in Cambridge Bay just prior to Christmas. Since then, to date, we have continued with planning toward meeting our needs on how to move the housing issue forward, and indeed, a new corporate leader was just selected as President of the NHC last week.

We hope to try to move this file forward on both housing and housing shortages we face here in Nunavut. Our objectives are numerous and if we are going to try to achieve them all, then there will have to be changes to the funds we receive from the federal government, along with our elders’ care facilities. If we intend to move them forward, we will continue to fall behind, such as we have to this day.

Nonetheless, we must empower our residents so that they can start to build private homes with relevant funding, rather than just leaving it to LHOs to deal with the shortages and we need to have more residents able to build their own homes. I will want to work with relevant bodies, and she mentioned Nunavut Tunngavik. Yes, we have identified our desire to work together on the housing shortage. We have all identified our desire to work together, but we haven’t really set anything down on how we’re going to deal with it.

In the short-term future, we will be making decisions on this collaboration, how it will look, and we are looking for ideas on how we can rectify the housing shortage and how we can work together and what resources are required. This is a very big issue, looking at the whole picture, but we’re starting to work together on rectifying the housing shortage for Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 59 Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister for the Housing Corporation. (interpretation ends) As I noted earlier, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s recent announcement indicated that 50 percent of the new units in Pond Inlet will be “dedicated to women and their children.” As the minister is aware, local housing organizations are responsible for allocating housing units to community residents. Can the minister confirm if local housing organizations have been made aware of this requirement? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Rapid Housing Initiative project that is happening in Pond Inlet that my colleague is referring to is one where there was commitment to provide half the unit for women to move into. Mr. Speaker, we are working with the communities where the Rapid Housing Initiative is being implemented.

We will ensure that the local housing authority or agency that is administering the allocation of these units is well aware of the guidelines that have to be implemented in terms of issuing houses that are directly related to the Rapid Housing Initiative and we will ensure that those guidelines are met. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 008 – 6(1): Water Infrastructure (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services. Mr.

Speaker, in 2020 the United Nations declared that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, and I’m hopeful that the minister and everybody here agrees with me when I say that it is critical decisive action needs to be taken to address the City of Iqaluit’s water infrastructure crisis. Mr. Speaker, over the last number of months, residents of the capital, including my constituents and those of the community’s other three MLAs, have been enduring crisis after crisis as a consequence of the city’s aging and failing infrastructure. Mr.

Speaker, the city is investing about $1.5 million as part of its strategic plan towards developing a long-term water and sewage infrastructure solution, and I actually will take this opportunity right now to pay tribute to my former council colleagues and the hard-working frontline city staff for the work that they have been doing on this. Can the minister confirm what specific resources and support his department is contributing to this vital work? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for her question.

The Iqaluit water emergency, as we know, the City of Iqaluit had

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 60 declared a state of emergency on October 13, which happens to be my panik’s birthday, and that was a result of presence of hydrocarbons of the city’s treated water supply. This request for assistance was actioned with a federal request for assistance. The Canadian Armed Forces arrived a week after that. We have also been providing ongoing support and resources to the city, including support to implement a bypass that would eliminate… . This was all in partnership and collaborating with the Department of Health’s Public Health Office.

These are resources and supports that were provided to not just the city but other communities when they faced a local state of emergency. This is an ongoing thing that we’re still dealing with, but the aftermath. We also provided support to the city in purchasing, transporting, and distributing bottled water. This was a need that residents needed immediately, so we acted on it first and foremost. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you for your response, minister. Mr.

Speaker, well, actually, thank you and I think we can all agree that acting on emergencies is extremely important, but it doesn’t solve our long-term issues, Mr. Speaker. It is a matter of public record that estimates for a long-term solution to Iqaluit’s water and sewage infrastructure have exceeded $100 million, and it’s widely understood that our ability to grow as a capital and address such issues as the housing shortage is under threat by the constraints imposed by this infrastructure crisis.

On March 28, 2018 the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut issued a joint news release concerning the signing of a bilateral agreement under the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. The announcement indicated that Nunavut would receive up to $566 million over the ten-year period of 2018-2028. The agreement’s end date is March 31, 2028. Can the minister confirm when his department will be submitting a formal application for federal funding to address our water infrastructure crisis once and for all? Speaker: Thank you. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for her question. Mr. Speaker, the territory in itself has a huge infrastructure deficit and our critical infrastructure such as water and wastewater is an area that is a high priority for the department, along with Iqaluit, but other communities face several challenges and are facing either boil water advisories or what have you. We are working to address some of these infrastructure challenges; the deficit that we face.

Tomorrow we will be presenting CGS’ proposed budget for capital and unfortunately we don’t have any specified funding for the Iqaluit crisis per se, but we are working with the city as well as other partners federally to try to address the city’s challenges around the aging infrastructure and we also have Rankin

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 61 Inlet, for example, my colleague brought up and there are many others. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My apologies; that number was in the $566 billion range, a little bit of a difference in funds there. I thank the member for referring to the other communities. Mr. Speaker, although I represent the constituency of Iqaluit-Sinaa with great pride, I am also mindful of the importance of supporting all of our territory’s important communities.

Over the past year, the minister’s department has issued a number of requests for proposals concerning water infrastructure in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Resolute Bay, Sanikiluaq, Taloyoak, and in Whale Cove. Information published by the minister’s department indicates that it has been “participating in the finalization of the Drinking Water Strategic Framework with a planned distribution to all relevant stakeholders in late 2020-2021.” Mr. Speaker, as we all know, it is now March 2022.

Will the minister commit to tabling Nunavut’s new Drinking Water Strategic Framework and Action Plan in the Legislative Assembly before the end of our winter sitting, yes or no? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Community and Government Services has engaged with the Department of Health and Environment in developing a territory- wide drinking water strategy and we are working with interdepartmental working groups.

This is ongoing work that we’re dealing with and going back to the city, as it is tax-based, they do have a $4 million block funding, plus the gas tax, but there is a contribution agreement with the city. It’s in its final year, but we will be looking at extending that to another multi-year agreement. We are working on the framework with all of our partners and I can’t say that this report will be ready during this sitting, but at the earliest opportunity, we will be providing that report to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki.

Question 009 – 6(1): Housing Needs in Aivilik (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to my constituents of Naujaat and Coral Harbour, I’m pleased to be in the House right now. My question will be for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, both Coral Harbour and Naujaat are experiencing housing shortages.

During the Legislative Assembly’s sitting of June 2, one of the MLAs learned that although some of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s construction of new units would be postponed as a result of supply chain and cost issues, the planned units for Coral Harbour and Naujaat would be going ahead.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 62 Can the minister provide an update today on the current status of public housing construction planned for Coral Harbour and Naujaat? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not aware of any delays that would impact his constituent communities. I have no knowledge of any delays or postponements occurring for housing construction, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr.

Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify what Inuit labour content requirements are there for the Coral Harbour and Nunavut construction projects as they are going ahead? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We try to maximize the Inuit labour content during the construction of housing as much as possible. We don’t have a particular percentage, but the communities operate by a certain percentage.

We don’t have any breakdown of figures for his communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) On March 4 (interpretation) the federal government announced that a number of new (interpretation ends) affordable housing units are planned for a number of Nunavut communities, including Naujaat. The funding is being provided under the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative.

Can the minister clarify what additional housing investments he has requested from the federal government? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are constantly requesting funds from the federal government. We make additional requests to address the shortage of housing in Nunavut. We get support from Inuit organizations like Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. The Premier also has talks with the Prime Minister.

At the ministerial level we meet with our counterparts at the federal government. We have a real shortage of housing in Nunavut. These funding sources are slowly trickling in, but they never seem to be enough. The (interpretation ends) Rapid Housing Initiative (interpretation) will provide an additional 101 housing units or more on top of what we have provided. Mr. Speaker, we will not stop there. We will continue to request more for Nunavummiut for social housing or private housing. We will continue requesting funds from the federal government and from any other

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 63 organizations that provide funding for housing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 010 – 6(1): Standardization of Nattilingmiutut Dialect (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Languages and they concern the issue of standardization. In my member’s statement today, I spoke about an exciting initiative in the Kitikmeot to standardize the Nattilingmiut dialect and the creation of new syllabics.

Can the minister clarify the extent to which her department has been involved with this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Ms. Quassa. Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question. The intent is not to standardize the language, but I can state here that having standardized roman orthography will allow us to understand each other better. The orthography is being developed and it is being slowly familiarized in our schools, but it’s still in the developmental stages. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The introduction of new syllabics gives Nattilingmiut speakers the opportunity to read and write their dialect accurately for the first time. Can the minister commit to working with the Department of Education to produce new learning materials with the new syllabics for students in the Nattilingmiut-speaking communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Ms. Quassa. Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question.

The writing system has been developed, but it has not been distributed yet for use in our communities in schools as we still wait for its finalization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I noted in my member’s statement, the standardization of the Inuit language has been a long-standing issue across Inuit Nunangat, and I respect the many strong views that people have on this important question. Can the Minister of Languages clarify the government’s position concerning language standardization? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Languages, Ms. Quassa. Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. I did allude to the standardization of language, but we’re not here to standardize dialects. Rather, we are standardizing the writing system in order to communicate better. This is something that ITK has been working on and the Department of Culture and

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 64 Heritage has been one of the instruments towards that. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik. Question 011 – 6(1): Sanikiluaq Water Infrastructure (Qavvik) Mr. Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions today seem to relate directly to the Minister of CGS/water infrastructure issues. I have some questions for the Minister of Community and Government Services.

Earlier today my colleague from Rankin Inlet had some very similar or same questions, but more or less, I want to get information specifically related to my constituency. Earlier today in my member’s statement, I noted that Sanikiluaq has experienced serious issues with its drinking water supply for a number of years now, and I understand that there are other Nunavut communities that experience the same issues in terms of water treatment and solid waste issues.

As my colleague noted from Rankin Inlet North, in June 2021 the minister’s department issued a request for proposals to develop a business case for a new water treatment facility. He also noted that the similar work, the contract to perform this work was awarded in August 2021. On August 4, 2021 the federal government announced that it would be providing funding towards this planning. Earlier today my colleague had the same question, but I didn’t clearly hear what Mr. Joanasie had answered. Can the minister update me today on the status of this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cherish the Member for Hudson Bay on water questions. Mr. Speaker, a new water treatment plant is needed in Sanikiluaq to ensure safe drinking water and that’s because the community’s water infrastructure is not capable of treating the unique water quality situation and their water source. The treatment technology that’s being proposed there is for the new treatment plant to have reverse osmosis and this is due to the high salinity.

The project is within the planning stage and there are field studies, capacity assessments, and site selections have been completed. The technical assessments, technology review, and schematic designs and cost estimates are underway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the minister for his response. I had a chance to go over the Government of Nunavut’s feasibility report for the project named Sanikiluaq Feasibility Study. This report was submitted in 2019.

There were two options that were considered within the feasibility report planning studies. There are two figures within the report that evaluated the cost of the proposed planning studies.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 65 I’m going to shout out some figures. Treatment of current water source: to replace the current treatment water source, the new facility would cost roughly $8.8 million, and another study was made and the rough estimate of that cost is $32.5 million, which is a supply from a new source that is eight kilometres away from the community. I understand that based on figures, the lowest cost would be a determination. I’m just wondering if the minister can indicate whether the lower figure or the higher figure will be projected to be made if the water treatments were to proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question. Mr. Speaker, those options are still under consideration and so that will help determine what resources we do have available, but also looking at financial implications. These are factors at play that help us determine how we will be proceeding on our infrastructure needs, but at this time I can’t say which way we will be going. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Qavvik. Mr.

Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Earlier today Minister Joanasie had provided an answer to my colleague from Rankin Inlet North about the business case that would be put out this month, and I look forward to seeing the information on Nunavut Tenders. My previous predecessor and the past Minister for CGS, when the issue of Sanikiluaq’s water supply was raised in the Legislative Assembly from my previous predecessor, MLAs were informed that “the planning for this project was submitted under the Green Infrastructure Stream under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Once the planning is complete, an application will be submitted to Infrastructure Canada for design and construction funding.” Can the minister confirm the current timeline for submitting this application to the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question. Mr.

Speaker, in my response to the Rankin Inlet MLA regarding the water treatment facility, the new water treatment facility for Sanikiluaq is in the same situation where we are anticipating completing a business case by the end of this month. Once that is completed, we will try to proceed with the funding applications and secure funding where we can. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Members note that the time allotted for question period is now over. We will proceed to 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. Mr. Hickes.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 66 *See Appendix for full text of Committee Report 1 – 6(2). Item 12: Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters Committee Report 001 – 6(1): Report of the Striking Committee on the Recommended Structure and Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the honour today of presenting the Report of the Striking Committee on the Recommended Structure and Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the 6th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, as the House is aware,

section 17 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the institution may “establish such committees to aid and advise it as it considers necessary.” Mr. Speaker, Rule 83 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut requires that a Striking Committee be established to report and recommend to the House, “with all convenient speed,” the membership of the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, as members will recall, the Striking Committee was established by way of motion on the first sitting day of the Sixth Legislative Assembly. Mr.

Speaker, standing committees perform a number of important oversight functions on the activities of the government through: • The consideration of proposed legislation; • The consideration of proposed main estimates, capital estimates, and business plans; • The holding of televised hearings on the reports of independent officers of the Legislative Assembly; and • The study of specific public policy issues and other matters referred to committees by the House. Mr. Speaker and members, the work of standing committees allows for public and stakeholder input into the development of new legislation.

The televised hearings that standing committees hold on the reports of the Auditor General and other independent officers of the Legislative Assembly serve to enhance government transparency and accountability. Mr. Speaker and members, I note that approximately two dozen televised hearings were successfully held by standing committees during the Fourth and Fifth Legislative Assemblies, and approximately 75 bills were referred to committee for detailed consideration during this period. Mr.

Speaker, Members of the current Legislative Assembly have agreed to maintain the standing committee structure that was in place at dissolution. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of the permanent record and Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings today, I wish to take this opportunity to review the proposed mandate and structure of each of the Legislative Assembly’s standing committees.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 67 The Standing Committee on Legislation will be composed of all regular MLAs. The standing committee has the mandate to consider all bills that are referred to the committee after receiving second reading in the House, with the exception of Appropriation Acts and House Bills, which are automatically referred to the Committee of the Whole, pursuant to Rules 67(3) and (4) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

The Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts will have oversight responsibility for the government’s three main central agencies, in addition to a number of public agencies, territorial corporations, and other entities. Mr. Speaker and members, this standing committee will review the government’s public accounts and hold televised hearings on the reports of the Auditor General and other independent officers of the Legislative Assembly. All regular members will serve on this standing committee.

The Standing Committee on Social Wellness will have oversight responsibility for the Department of Culture and Heritage, the Department of Education, the Department of Family Services, the Department of Health, and the Department of Justice. As members will note, its focus is on those departments with responsibility for programs and services that focus directly on people. Mr.

Speaker and members, the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development will have oversight responsibility for the Department of Community and Government Services, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, the Department of Environment, the Nunavut Housing Corporation, and Nunavut Arctic College. As members will note, its focus is on those departments and public agencies with responsibility for such matters as infrastructure and resource management.

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges will consider the operation of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and any other matter referred to it by the House. This standing committee will include a ministerial representative. Members have agreed to defer appointments to this committee until later this year, after newly elected members have had the opportunity to experience a number of sittings of the House. Mr. Speaker, this concludes the report of the Striking Committee.

Consequently, I move that it be received and adopted by the House, and that the Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the 6th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, which are attached to this report as an appendix, be entered into the record as read. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you to the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk. Do members agree that the report of the Striking Committee be received and adopted by the House and that the Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the 6th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut be entered into the record as read? Some Members: Agreed. Speaker: Thank you.

There is an agreement.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 68 Item 13. Tabling of Documents. I have one. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 007 – 6(1): Proclamation for the Reconvening of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly (Speaker) I wish to table copies of the proclamation signed by Her Honour, the Commissioner of Nunavut, on February 14, 2022 concerning the reconvening of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly. Thank you. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Ms. Quassa. Tabled Document 008 – 6(1): 2020-21 Annual Report of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Quassa) Hon.

Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the 2020-21 Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Item 14: Notices of Motions Motion 008 – 6(1): Legislative Assembly Appointments – Notice (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, I will move the following motion:

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Baker Lake, that members be appointed to the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you. Speaker: Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Minister of Finance, Mr. Lightstone.

Item 15: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills Bill 01 – Interim Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2022-2023 – Notice Bill 02 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2022-2023 – Notice Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2021- 2022 – Notice Bill 04 – Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2020-2021 – Notice Hon. Adam Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I give notice that on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, that the following bills be read for the first time: • Bill 1, Interim Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2022-2023; • Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2022-2023; • Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2021-2022; and

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 69 • Bill 4, Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2020-2021. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Item 16. Motions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Item 16: Motions Mr. Hickes: Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Hickes. Motion 008 – 6(1): Legislative Assembly Appointments (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.

WHEREAS

section 17 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly may establish such committees to aid and advise it as it considers necessary; AND

WHEREAS

section 38 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides for the appointment of the members of the Management and Services Board; AND

WHEREAS the Striking Committee has reported to the House; AND

WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make appointments;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon.

Member for Baker Lake, that members be appointed to the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Legislation: • Bobby Anavilok, Member for Kugluktuk; • Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa; • George Hickes, Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk; • Joelie Kaernerk, Member for Amittuq; • Mary Killiktee, Member for Uqqummiut; • Solomon Malliki, Member for Aivilik; • Karen Nutarak, Member for Tununiq; • Daniel Qavvik, Member for Hudson Bay; • Joseph Quqqiaq, Member for Netsilik; • Alexander Sammurtok, Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet; • Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South; and • Craig Simailak, Member for Baker Lake; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts: • Bobby Anavilok, Member for Kugluktuk; • Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa;

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 70 • George Hickes, Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk; • Joelie Kaernerk, Member for Amittuq; • Mary Killiktee, Member for Uqqummiut; • Solomon Malliki, Member for Aivilik; • Karen Nutarak, Member for Tununiq; • Daniel Qavvik, Member for Hudson Bay; • Joseph Quqqiaq, Member for Netsilik; • Alexander Sammurtok, Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet; • Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South; and • Craig Simailak, Member for Baker Lake; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development: • Bobby Anavilok, Member for Kugluktuk; • Joelie Kaernerk, Member for Amittuq; • Mary Killiktee, Member for Uqqummiut; • Daniel Qavvik, Member for Hudson Bay; • Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South; and • Craig Simailak, Member for Baker Lake; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed as alternate members of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development: • Solomon Malliki, Member for Aivilik; • Karen Nutarak, Member for Tununiq; and • Joseph Quqqiaq, Member for Netsilik; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Social Wellness: • Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa; • George Hickes, Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk; • Karen Nutarak, Member for Tununiq; • Solomon Malliki, Member for Aivilik; • Joseph Quqqiaq, Member for Netsilik; and • Alex Sammurtok, Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the following members be appointed as alternate members of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness: • Mary Killiktee, Member for Uqqummiut; • Daniel Qavvik, Member for Hudson Bay; and • Craig Simailak, Member for Baker Lake; AND FURTHER I MOVE that the Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk, Member for Pangnirtung, be appointed an alternate ministerial member of the Management and Services Board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, March 7, 2022 Nunavut Hansard 71 Speaker: Thank you. 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. There are no items in the committee. Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole. There is no report. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. Item 22: Orders of the Day Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Just a reminder that the Regular Members’ Caucus meets tomorrow at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom. Orders of the Day for March 8: 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 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 Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17.

First Reading of Bills • Bill 1 • Bill 2 • Bill 3 • Bill 4 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 22. Orders of the Day Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 15:49

Appendix – March 7, 2022

1 Terms of Reference for the Standing Committees of the 6th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

2 Standing Committee on Legislation The mandate of the Standing Committee on Legislation is to: • Consider legislative proposals; • Consider bills referred by the House after second reading, pursuant to the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut; • Consider regulations and other statutory instruments; • Consider any other matter referred by the House.

3 Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts The mandate of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts is to: • Consider main estimates, capital estimates, departmental business plans and corporate business plans; and • Consider any other matter referred by the House.

The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following Government of Nunavut departments, public agencies, territorial corporations and other entities: • Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; • Department of Finance; • Department of Human Resources; • Nunavut Business Credit Corporation; • Nunavut Development Corporation; • Qulliq Energy Corporation; • Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission; • Human Rights Tribunal; • Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit; • Legal Services Board; • Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Board; • Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council; • Utility Rates Review Council; • Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit; and • Unless otherwise specified in the terms of reference for any other Standing Committee, all other boards and agencies of the Government of Nunavut.

The Standing Committee has additional responsibility for: • Considering the Public Accounts of Nunavut and the reports of the Auditor General of Canada; • Considering the reports of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut; • Considering the reports of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut; • Considering the reports of the Representative for Children and Youth; and • Considering matters related to the Government of Nunavut's obligations under the Nunavut Agreement.

4 Standing Committee on Social Wellness The mandate of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness is to: • Consider main estimates, capital estimates, departmental business plans and corporate business plans; and • Consider any other matter referred by the House. The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following Government of Nunavut departments: • Department of Culture and Heritage; • Department of Education; • Department of Family Services; • Department of Health; and • Department of Justice.

5 Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development The mandate of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development is to: • Consider main estimates, capital estimates, departmental business plans and corporate business plans; and • Consider any other matter referred by the House. The Standing Committee has oversight responsibility for the following Government of Nunavut departments, public agencies and territorial corporations: • Department of Community and Government Services; • Department of Economic Development and Transportation; • Department of Environment; • Nunavut Housing Corporation; and • Nunavut Arctic College.

6 Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges The mandate of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges is to: • Consider the operation of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut; and • Consider any other matter referred by the House with respect to the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

7 Standing Committee Structure Legislative Assembly Striking Committee ➢ Recommends appointments to Standing Committees Rules, Procedures and Privileges ➢ Considers the operation of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Social Wellness ➢ Considers the Main Estimates, Capital Estimates and Business Plans of the: ✓ Department of Culture and Heritage ✓ Department of Education ✓ Department of Family Services ✓ Department of Health ✓ Department of Justice Legislation ➢ Considers all Bills except for Appropriation Acts and House Bills, which are referred to the Committee of the Whole after 2nd Reading ➢ Considers, from time to time, regulations and other statutory instruments Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts ➢ Considers the Main Estimates, Capital Estimates and Business Plans of the: ✓ Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs ✓ Department of Finance ✓ Department of Human Resources ➢ Considers the Public Accounts and the reports of the Auditor General, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Languages Commissioner and the Representative for Children and Youth ➢ Has oversight responsibility for public agencies, territorial corporations and other entities, including the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, the Nunavut Development Corporation, the Qulliq Energy Corporation, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, the Human Rights Tribunal, the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, the Legal Services Board, the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Board, the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, the Utility Rates Review Council and the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit ➢ Considers matters related to the Nunavut Agreement Management and Services Board ➢ Overall management of the Office of the Legislative Assembly and approval of the Legislative Assembly’s Main Estimates, Capital Estimates, Business Plans and House Bills ➢ Recruitment of Independent Officers of the Legislative Assembly Community and Economic Development ➢ Considers the Main Estimates, Capital Estimates and Business Plans of the: ✓ Department of Community and Government Services ✓ Department of Economic Development and Transportation ✓ Department of Environment ✓ Nunavut Housing Corporation ✓ Nunavut Arctic College

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2022-03-07, 6th Assembly 1st Session, Day 2
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20220307 Hansard
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	3f345875fcd94772bd2e2a6478983a1d1a7e94a6

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