Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 69 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Pages 4282 – 4342 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

David Joanasie (South Baffin) Government House Leader; Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Mary Killiktee (Uqqummiut) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon.

John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Solomon Malliki (Aivilik) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) Hon.

Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Minister of Environment; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake)

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................4282 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................4282 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................4283 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................4288 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................4292 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................4320 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................4321 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................4341 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................4341

A. Daily References Tuesday, February 27, 2024 .......................................................................................................4282 B.

Ministers’ Statements 364 – 6(2): Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau (Akeeagok, P) ..............................4283 365 – 6(2): Nunavut Household Allowance Increase (Kusugak) ...............................................4284 366 – 6(2): Conservation Officer Conference 2024 (Qavvik) ....................................................4284 367 – 6(2): Direct Appointment of Ten Positions (Main) ..........................................................4285 368 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut One of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (Nakashuk) ..........4286 369 – 6(2): New Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Appeal (Akeeagok, D)........................4286 370 – 6(2): CGS Support for Nunavut 3000 (Joanasie) .............................................................4287 C.

Members’ Statements 491 – 6(2): New Co-op Store in Igloolik (Quassa) ....................................................................4288 492 – 6(2): Recent Premier’s Visit to Constituency (Quqqiaq) .................................................4288 493 – 6(2): Recent Visit from Nunavut’s Member of Parliament (Nutarak) .............................4289 494 – 6(2): Qikiqtarjuaq Housing Initiative (Killiktee) ..............................................................4289 495 – 6(2): Language Services for Health (Anavilok) ...............................................................4290 496 – 6(2): Recent Passing of Qapik Attagutsiak (Akeeagok, D) ..............................................4291 497 – 6(2): Happy Belated Birthday to Wife and Daughter (Qavvik) .......................................4292 D.

Oral Questions 726 – 6(2): Abuse in Our Schools (Quassa) ...............................................................................4292 727 – 6(2): Specialist Visits to Communities (Quqqiaq) ...........................................................4294

728 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Sammurtok) ...............................................4296 729 – 6(2): Repairs to Coral Harbour Arena and Community Hall (Malliki) ............................4297 730 – 6(2): Alternative Energy Initiatives (Lightstone) .............................................................4299 731 – 6(2): Inclusivity at Baker Lake School (Simailak) ...........................................................4301 732 – 6(2): Public Housing Eviction Policy (Nutarak) ..............................................................4303 733 – 6(2): Conservation Officer Training Courses (Savikataaq) ..............................................4304 734 – 6(2): Electrical Infrastructure (Killiktee) ..........................................................................4306 735 – 6(2): Language Services for Health (Anavilok) ...............................................................4308 736 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Hickes) .......................................................4309 737 – 6(2): Collection of Health Data (Brewster) ......................................................................4311 738 – 6(2): Property Taxes (Sammurtok) ...................................................................................4313 739 – 6(2): Airport Terminals in Amittuq (Kaernerk) ...............................................................4314 740 – 6(2): Arctic College Lease in Coral Harbour (Malliki) ....................................................4315 741 – 6(2): Contracted Positions in the Public Service (Lightstone) .........................................4316 742 – 6(2): Mandatory Training for Conservation Officers (Savikataaq) ..................................4317 743 – 6(2): Vacancies at the Head Office in Baker Lake (Simailak) .........................................4318 744 – 6(2): Inuit Employment Statistics (Lightstone) ................................................................4319 E.

Tabling of Documents 236 – 6(2): 2024-2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Legislative Assembly (Speaker) .....4320 237 – 6(2): 2024-2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker) ...4320 238 – 6(2): 2024-2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Speaker) ..............................................................................................................................4320 239 – 6(2): 2024-2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Languages Commissioner (Speaker) .............................................................................................................................................4320

240 – 6(2): 2024-2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (Speaker) ..............................................................................................................................4320 241 – 6(2): 2022-2023 Pension Administration Report under the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) .....................4320 F. Bills Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Health – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................................................4321

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4282 Iqaluit, Nunavut Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day. Let us pray. >>Prayer Speaker: Welcome back, everyone, even though I said the wrong date yesterday. Welcome. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to make a statement. Speaker’s Statement As the House is aware, the federal Minister of Justice recently announced an appointment to the Nunavut Court of Justice, and we congratulate the newest member of our court. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity today to pay tribute to retired Justice Bonnie Tulloch.

Prior to being elected to this House, I was one of a number of staff at the Legal Services Board’s Gjoa Haven office. Bonnie Tulloch’s commitment to Inuit and our communities was very real, and she accomplished many things during her time in Nunavut. I will take a moment to read into the record her official biography that was published by the Nunavut Court of Justice: “Madam Justice Tulloch received a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1995. She was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1996, the Northwest Territories Bar in 1998 and the Nunavut Bar in 1999.

Madam Justice Tulloch was the Executive Director for the Keewatin Legal Services Centre Society in Rankin Inlet from 1998 to 2000 and Executive Director of the newly-created Nunavut Legal Services Board, located in Gjoa Haven, from 2000 to 2003. She then moved to Iqaluit where she was a sole practitioner before joining the Department of Justice, Canada as a Crown Prosecutor in the Nunavut Regional Office in late 2004. She became Regional Director and Chief Federal Prosecutor in 2005, a position that she continued to hold within the then newly-created Public Prosecution Service of Canada until 2008.

In 2007, she was named Special Advisor on Northern Issues for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4283 She was responsible for policy decisions in all three territories; recruitment and retention of lawyers and sat on a number of committees in Ottawa. She was a member of the Akitsiraq Law School Society Board of Directors for a number of years and was an executive member of the Violence Against Women Working Group that was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Justice for Nunavut from 2005 to 2007. She was Vice- Chairperson of the Nunavut Federal Council in 2006 and 2007 and President of the Nunavut

chapter of the Canadian Bar Association for two years. Madam Justice Tulloch was an active member of the Law Society Membership Committees in both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for a number of years. She held the positions of President and Vice-President of the Law Society in 1998 and 1999. Madam Justice Tulloch was appointed a Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice in early 2012.” As a number of my colleagues may be aware, Bonnie recently retired from the court and has been battling a serious illness. I can say with absolute certainty that Bonnie is no quitter. She is a fighter. An Hon.

Member: Hear, hear! Speaker: Bonnie and her husband, Merv, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this coming Saturday. I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to Madam Justice Bonnie Tulloch for her service to our territory and people. Thank you. >>Applause (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 364 – 6(2): Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, following the historic signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement on January 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and I held a bilateral meeting. We spoke about the importance of devolution signing for Nunavut’s future. The cultural component of the event, which showcased so many incredibly talented performers, brought the strengths of Nunavummiut to the world.

I brought forward again how housing is our number one issue and that we need more investment from our federal partner. Nunavut has done its part to build more homes by partnering with Inuit development corporations. Now it’s time for Ottawa to do their part. I cannot emphasize enough how lack of housing affects every aspect of the lives

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4284 of Nunavummiut, from education to mental and physical health. Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister agreed to continue collaborating with us on strengthening arctic security and sovereignty and to build more homes faster for Nunavut. I expressed our appreciation for investments in elder care. One of the cornerstones of our Katujjiluta mandate is aging with dignity, and that includes keeping our elders here in Nunavut. I was happy with the opportunity to discuss Nunavut’s priorities once again with the Prime Minister here in Nunavut.

I look forward to seeing more investments from the Government of Canada in our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Minister’s Statement 365 – 6(2): Nunavut Household Allowance Increase (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, in line with our Katujjiluta mandate priority to explore ways to make homeownership and private market rentals more affordable for Nunavummiut, I’m happy to announce today that the Department of Finance is making improvements to the Nunavut Household Allowance for government employees in Nunavut. >>Applause The amount of this benefit has not changed from its original $400 monthly payment since 2008. Mr.

Speaker, supporting and encouraging staff to move from subsidized staff housing into homes of their own is a key focus of our government’s mandate and of the Nunavut 3000 strategy to expand the housing continuum. That’s why I am pleased to announce today that effective April 1, the Nunavut Household Allowance for Government of Nunavut employees will be increased to $1,000 per month. >>Applause This increase provides an additional incentive and support for GN employees who own or rent their homes on the private market. Mr.

Speaker, I encourage all Government of Nunavut employees who receive this benefit to contact their pay and benefits officers to ensure their contact information and addresses on file are up to date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 366 – 6(2): Conservation Officer Conference 2024 (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, my department has wrapped up their annual Conservation Officer and Wildlife Guardian Conference here in Iqaluit from February 5 to February 13.

All conservation officers and wildlife guardians from the territory came together for these sessions. This in- person training opportunity fosters

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4285 relationships with colleagues, as well as provides a forum in which to learn together and share experiences, best practices, and expertise with one another. Mr. Speaker, the training included interdepartmental and interagency discussions on topics of mutual interest. There was delivery of educational materials on legislation and regulations that impact the daily work of conservation officers. There was also training on personal defensive tactics as well as an informative session on Nunavut History and Governance specific to the Nunavut Agreement

Article 5, Wildlife. We continue to be committed to training our staff and enhancing their skill sets to assist them in their duties and responsibilities, while strengthening their relationships with hunters and trappers organizations and communities. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the conservation officers for their service and dedication. I encourage others to consider such a career path. As a former conservation officer myself, I can attest to how enjoyable and rewarding being a conservation officer truly is.

You work directly with the communities and hunters, while surrounding yourself in the beauty of the land while being mindful of conservation for the sustainability of future generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 367 – 6(2): Direct Appointment of Ten Positions (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the direct appointment of ten Inuit to positions at the Qulliq Energy Corporation.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation is committed to implementing our Inuit Employment Plan by recognizing and rewarding the efforts of our hardworking employees who contribute to providing safe and reliable energy to communities across Nunavut. (interpretation ends) In December 2023 the QEC received Executive Council approval to award these appointments to qualified Inuit staff who have been serving the corporation for several years. Eight employees are residents of Baker Lake, one is a resident of Cambridge Bay, and one is a resident of Iqaluit.

As the territory’s sole energy provider, it is imperative to reinforce the QEC’s dedication to building a workforce which reflects the population it serves. This includes providing opportunities for Inuit to succeed at all levels of our operations. I am proud to share with the Assembly that after thorough consultation and in alignment with the Nunavut Agreement, we have made the direct appointments in the following positions: Regional Customer Service Administrator, Maintenance Supervisor, Billing Clerk, Senior Billings Clerk,

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4286 Procurement Coordinator, Billings Supervisor, Attendance Coordinator, Recruitment Coordinator, Training and Development Specialist, and Purchasing Clerk. These individuals possess the necessary expertise and skills for these positions, along with an understanding of the unique conditions and challenges of Nunavut communities. Uqaqtitsijii, by actively building and supporting our Inuit workforce, the QEC is in a better position to serve the needs of Nunavut’s growing population. The QEC plans to continue reinforcing its commitment to Inuit employment in the future.

The direct appointment of these ten invaluable employees to indeterminate positions at the corporation is a small but significant step toward the goal of an equitable and inclusive workforce at the Qulliq Energy Corporation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 368 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut One of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise today to announce that for the seventh year in a row, the Government of Nunavut was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for Young People and Recent Graduates, and for the third year in a row, the government was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. These awards are a testament to the exceptional work and commitment the Government of Nunavut has made to Tunnganarniq, creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment for employees.

This recognition would not be possible without the efforts of public servants who work hard to contribute to creating and fostering a workplace that offers support, training, and employment and development opportunities to students and youth. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 369 – 6(2): New Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Appeal (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I think our theme today, Mr. Speaker, you and I, is about judges, so I really appreciated the comments that you just made for a recently retired judge. Mr. Speaker, on February 12, 2024 I had the honour of attending the Nunavut Court of Justice for the swearing-in for the new Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Appeal Ritu Khullar. The Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Appeal also served as Chief Justice of both the

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4287 Nunavut and Northwest Territories Courts of Appeal. The ceremony held on February 12 marks the first time a new Alberta Chief of Justice has also been formally sworn- in in Nunavut. The Court of Appeal holds a crucial position in upholding justice in Nunavut, serving the role of reviewing and deliberating decisions made by our Nunavut Court of Justice.

Chief Justice Khullar has over two decades of experience as a lawyer and judge and has a record of exemplary service on both the Alberta and Nunavut Courts of Appeal and I am confident that she will excel in her role as our Chief Justice. Despite being based in Alberta, Chief Justice Khullar has visited Nunavut multiple times already, and upon her appointment, she has demonstrated a commitment to immerse herself in our territory’s culture and legal traditions. On behalf of all Nunavummiut, I want to express congratulations to our new Chief Justice of our Court of Appeal Ritu Khullar. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 370 – 6(2): CGS Support for Nunavut 3000 (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) as well as my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my department is pleased to be partnering with the Nunavut Housing Corporation in the Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3000 initiative. The ambitious aim of this initiative is to provide 3,000 new housing units by 2030.

Before the Nunavut Housing Corporation can finance and build these housing units, suitable land needs to be located and secured first. Community and Government Services is strategically positioned to collaborate with the Nunavut Housing Corporation as my department is responsible for overseeing community planning and land administration in Nunavut communities. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, my department is providing a variety of services in this effort, including the sharing of newly developed mapping.

My department’s Planning and Lands Division is using state-of-the-art mapping technology, including community base mapping, satellite and drone-based community imaging, digital elevation models for topography, geotechnical evaluations, drainage plans, gravel studies, and community plans. Mr. Speaker, the Planning and Lands Division is designing and surveying new residential subdivisions on municipal lands in communities and is coordinating the raising of title to the newly created lots so that municipalities may lease them to the Nunavut Housing Corporation.

My department is also involved in addressing the critical granular shortage by conducting gravel studies to search for new sources and facilitating purchases of granular screeners and crushers. (interpretation ends) Finally, Mr. Speaker, my department is participating in the Land for Homes housing

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4288 development readiness assessment program and the Housing Accelerator Fund. To contribute to Land for Homes, my department is providing consultation support on how and where housing units can be located and is helping to coordinate provision of housing land to meet the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s building schedule.

For the Housing Accelerator Fund, my department helped develop initiatives that were forwarded to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for funding consideration and is now assisting the Nunavut Housing Corporation and municipalities with project management now that funding has been approved in 22 communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 491 – 6(2): New Co-op Store in Igloolik (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I say “good day” to my colleagues, fellow residents of my community, and Nunavummiut. As you may recall, I would like to congratulate the people of Igloolik. On January 20, 2021 the local Co-op in Igloolik burned down and from then on, they have been raising funds to build a house, but in the meantime, they were using a convenience store where you can purchase meats and groceries and it’s still in use. The convenience store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I believe that it’s the only convenience store that’s open 24/7.

With hard work, they erected a new Co- op which is now being used since December 12, 2023. We can now go to the local Co-op. We have yet to put a date on the official opening, but I would like to congratulate the people who worked at the 24/7 convenience store. To date, I believe we want to keep it open because it’s very convenient for the people of Igloolik. We are very proud of the Co-op opening another store in Igloolik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 492 – 6(2): Recent Premier’s Visit to Constituency (Quqqiaq) Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today that on the dates of February 3 to 5, 2024, to express my gratitude and a big thank you to our Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Akeeagok, for visiting my constituency community of Taloyoak. Mr. Speaker, it was very impactful and beneficial to my constituents and a step forward of how we are going to move into the future. On a positive note, Mr. Speaker, we had meetings with the hamlet councillors and mayor. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mayor Lenny Panigayak for showing our Premier the infrastructure in Taloyoak and touring the community. Mr.

Speaker, we did a radio call-in show for a few questions and the purpose of the visit and information to the

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4289 community. Afterwards we visited the eldest elder in Taloyoak and we gained great knowledge from Mary Ittunga and I thank her greatly. Mr. Speaker, we had a feast with the community and live music to enjoy, as well as constituents had time to ask questions and take pictures with our Premier. On the last day we started off with the breakfast program at Netsilik School and did a tour of the school, and we talked with high school students about education and opportunities and our roles as MLAs.

Afterwards we had a meeting with the Taloyoak association board of directors, and I thank them all greatly. Mr. Speaker, I represent Taloyoak and Kugaaruk in this House, so therefore I’m inviting our Premier to visit my constituency community of Kugaaruk. Mr. Speaker, I had the first week of August in mind for the visit, when the time is great for hunting and the beauty of Nunavut is at its finest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 493 – 6(2): Recent Visit from Nunavut’s Member of Parliament (Nutarak) Ms.

Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my regards to the people of Pond Inlet and my family members. I would like to say “thank you” to our Member of Parliament, Lori Idlout, who was in Pond Inlet from February 19 to 22. While in Pond Inlet, she had meetings with the district education authority, the hunters and trappers association, the Co-op, and other entities. She also visited the high school and talked to the students about her roles and responsibilities as the Member of Parliament for Nunavut. I would also like to thank Mayor Joshua Arreak and the councillors of Pond Inlet.

We are very rapidly developing in Pond Inlet, so I very much thank our councillors and mayor. I also thank our constituents for welcoming everyone with open arms. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Member’s Statement 494 – 6(2): Qikiqtarjuaq Housing Initiative (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you. Good day to the people of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about an exciting initiative that is taking place in my constituency of Uqqummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I am very proud of the hard work that the Qikiqtarjuaq Housing Association as well as the Inuksuit School have put into developing the “Qik Start Cooperative Education Work Experience Initiative.” Mr. Speaker, this pilot project will provide opportunities for grade 11 and 12 students to earn school credits and gain valuable training experience at the housing association.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4290 Mr. Speaker, we know that Nunavummiut and Canada are experiencing a shortage of skilled and certified tradesmen and tradeswomen. This initiative is intended to provide students with a lead start in pursuing rewarding careers in the trades. We desperately need more certified Inuit plumbers, more certified Inuit electricians, more certified Inuit carpenters, and more certified Inuit equipment operators. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Ms.

Killiktee (interpretation): Yes, indeed. (interpretation ends) The “Qik Start” project is an excellent step in the right direction, and I ask all members to join me in expressing our appreciation to my constituents who are working hard to make the initiative a success. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Member’s Statement 495 – 6(2): Language Services for Health (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Kugluktuk and Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to address a concern raised in the community of Kugluktuk but which is probably a concern in many communities in the other regions across Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I draw this to the attention of the Minister of Health and to the Government of Nunavut as a whole. The primary concern is with respect to the medication that the nurses hand out to elderly patients who are often not fluent in the English language. Elders are concerned that they are being given the wrong medication for their illnesses. This concern is serious because some prescriptions are for types of medicine which are very strong.

When information about their medication is not available in a language that patients understand, this can lead to confusion and fear and a reluctance to take the medication. Mr. Speaker, communication is very important and even more so when our health is at stake. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the government to consider establishing new full-time interpreter positions in our health centres. I further encourage the government to partner with our Inuit organizations to ensure that every community has someone at the health centre who is able to communicate in the local dialect.

I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement as my time has run out. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4291 When we are talking about our health, it is a very personal topic and we should be able to discuss, communicate, and understand in our own language. At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this issue. Thank you. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 496 – 6(2): Recent Passing of Qapik Attagutsiak (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, Nunavummiut, and especially the people of Arctic Bay, please join me in remembering Qapik Attagutsiak, who passed away on December 14, 2023, when she was 103 years old. Qapik and her husband, Isaiah Attagutsiak, had nine daughters and five sons, and even more children that they had adopted who were orphaned and they took care of children of parents who were away for a long time. They had adopted numerous children as well.

During our grieving, the Nunavut government was very comforting at the time when they lowered the flag to remember this individual. Her children were very respectful and appreciative of the fact that the Nunavut government had acknowledged her life. We buried her on December 23 and the majority of her children reached to her great, great, great children. Our Commissioner, Eva Aariak, and our Premier, P.J. Akeeagok, attended the funeral along with the entire community.

We had three ministers, Leah May, Sam Willie, and Aigah Attagutsiak, who is the daughter of the elder, who delivered the eulogy and they made a strong speech about her life, how we should be caring for each other, and that we have to live a healthier life. Many people spoke well of the woman and we could speak forever about her. I know that many people and relatives wanted to attend the funeral service, but due to flight scheduling issues and the busy Christmas season, they were not able to attend. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While she was still alive, she would say that we can smile at each other while we are alive. Please smile at each other and greet each other. She was very humble every time she was recognized. She urged everyone to be humble and to lead a good life, and she continually spoke about leading a good life.

Her relatives and family wanted to bury her as soon as possible and they were able to do so in a rapid way in the month of December, when it was the Christmas season. Everyone was working so well; even laypersons and the ministers were calling. We thank you for your phone calls and sympathies.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4292 When Qapik was buried, we asked her to rest in peace, and let’s be proud of her life and not be saddened. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik. Member’s Statement 497 – 6(2): Happy Belated Birthday to Wife and Daughter (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to send my condolences to the family of Iqaluk in Sanikiluaq. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I totally forgot to make a member’s statement. Over the weekend, two of my family members, my household members, had their birthdays.

My wife, Margaret, had her birthday on February 25, and yesterday our third daughter had her 14th birthday, and I would like to publicly say “happy belated birthday.” It would have been extra special if she hadn’t come out of this world on the 25th, but it still is very special to us and I just would like to say “happy belated birthday” to my family. I’m not very good watching giving birth.

I actually fainted... >>Laughter ...during the child’s birth, and I really hope that I won’t have to experience that again, but you know, I have children too that one day are going to be parents as well. (interpretation) Thank you very much. I just wanted to make that statement. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Visitors in the gallery, please enjoy your visit. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 726 – 6(2): Abuse in Our Schools (Quassa) Ms.

Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I recently heard from a constituent that a teacher in one of the schools is being abusive to students. The concern was raised through the appropriate channels, but it is unclear how these reports are handled and addressed. Can the minister clarify whether her department’s violent incident database records and tracks these kinds of incidents? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question. I know that reporting incidents is one of the first ways that we can address the situation within the Department of Education to not only

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4293 track incidents but to work with the appropriate designates, such as our school leaders, to address what’s happening and to go down through the appropriate channels. However, our school leaders are also responsible to inform our deputy minister or associate deputy minister of incidents that do occur in our schools and we do take them very seriously.

When we do receive incident reports that are in the nature where we have to get others involved, we’re very much working with the appropriate channels to ensure that the safety of our students and staff is at utmost priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you, minister, for that statement. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in the situation I am referring to, the parents complained to the district education authority about the teacher’s behaviour.

They were told that the teacher cannot be fired because there is a shortage of staff at the school. Can the minister describe what policies the Department of Education has in place to prevent teachers from abusing students and what actions should be taken when an abusive incident is reported? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question.

We don’t have a policy per se in terms of protecting teachers, but we do have a policy to ensure that our children are protected and we have an agreement with many different agencies to ensure that if there are any incidents that we need to report, we use our code of ethics and follow that to ensure that they are well protected. Sorry, Mr. Speaker, but in terms of the last question, the violent incidents are reported on our violent incident reporting tracking system but without any names. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. I also thank the minister. When things are discovered and the need comes that something has to be done about them, there should be policies that do that. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Department of Education has begun to monitor and track incidents of violence and abuse in our schools. I appreciate that it is important to collect and analyze information in order to develop effective campaigns to prevent such things from happening.

However, certain behaviours, especially by people in positions of authority, must be addressed right away, with immediate consequences to prevent such abuses from happening again. Will the minister commit to looking into the rate of teacher abuse against students and come back to this House with a clear and firm directive on how these kinds of

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4294 situations should be handled? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question. Yes, we can look into ways that we can help our students or the teachers if there are any instances. We do have, once again, a code of ethics that we do follow and we have an existing Human Resources Manual that we use to guide those ways of being in our schools and have zero tolerance.

We also have investigative processes which we go and use if there is any instance where something might have occurred in our schools. We do lead those with investigation and there is a process that we go for. This is the same policy that is with all GN employees. It is not just for teachers that we have that policy. It goes for every GN employee and we follow and go through the human resources policy for any type of investigation that might be pertaining to somebody who is working within our schools. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Question 727 – 6(2): Specialist Visits to Communities (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker as our communities are growing, the need for such specialist services as dental teams, eye teams, and ear, nose and throat teams are growing. However, it seems that the visits by the specialist teams have not increased in number or duration and not everyone gets to be seen. Mr.

Speaker, can the minster provide an update on how specialist visits are determined for different regions and communities and what process is followed to make sure that every individual who has been identified as needing an appointment actually gets in to see the specialist? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. The patients are looked at following their need by different specialist doctors or some by nurses. We have different services available. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, in terms of specialist care, there are different ways that Nunavummiut can access it; one way is by travelling through to one of our receiving destinations. In this case, it would be travelling to either Yellowknife or Edmonton. Mr. Speaker, we also strive to offer services in community where possible. In this case, Taloyoak, for example, has a newer health centre. It has the ability to host more specialist clinics because the infrastructure is adequate for the size of the community. However, if we look at Kugaaruk, we run into real difficulties in trying to provide more specialist care

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4295 in community in Kugaaruk because the infrastructure there is lacking in terms of the health centre. We offer a range of specialist positions and specialist services, including gynecology, orthopedics, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, ear, nose and throat specialists, respirology, and dermatology, Mr. Speaker, and I apologize to the interpreters if I was talking too fast. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The lack of visits by the specialists is especially concerning when it comes to our children. Mr. Speaker, I have heard concerns from staff in our school system that some children would greatly benefit from having their eyes checked in case they need glasses or to have their ears checked when they seem to have problems with their hearing. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify what kind of communication takes place between health personnel and education staff to identify children and youth who may need to be seen by a specialist when they come to the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In most communities, there is a good working relationship between staff at the local school and the health centre. In terms of the link with regard to specific health needs, my understanding is that would normally flow through the parent or guardian, where if the teacher identifies an issue, let’s say, the student is having difficulty seeing things from a distance, they would communicate that to the parent or guardian, who in turn contact the health centre.

That’s due to issues around consent as well as health privacy in general that are the driving factors in terms of why parents and guardians need to be involved. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It might be the case that sometimes parents or family members are not aware that a child has limitations with their sight or hearing, something that becomes clear to an educator when the child is in the classroom. Mr.

Speaker, will the minister commit to addressing the length and frequency of specialist visits to our communities and add some extra time so that everyone who needs to be seen can be seen and especially the children who may be struggling at school due to undiagnosed health issues? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I again thank the member for raising this.

In terms of vision care and dental care through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, we have seen increases to the days allotted under each program and so that’s something that has been approved through Indigenous Services Canada and

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4296 those are now being implemented under dental care and eye care. What does that mean, Mr. Speaker? It’s going to mean more days in community for the residents of Taloyoak and Kugaaruk as well as other communities and more opportunities to get eyes checked and have needs addressed. I can commit to looking further into this issue specific to the member’s constituency to see if there are any backlogs that need to be addressed there and circling back with the member once I have been briefed. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 728 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, the long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet is close to completion after some delays. Can the minister provide an update on when the Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility will be fully completed and ready to open its doors to clients? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. The long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet is indeed close to completion. There have been a number of delays that we have been working through and I must express my gratitude to the Department of Community and Government Services for their strong project management services and support on this project; it’s a major one. In terms of the member’s question, the project will be completed before it’s ready to open its doors and welcome elders.

The reason why there’s a difference there is that the project being completed and construction being completed and the keys turned over to the government allows the government to begin filling the space in terms of furnishings and specialized medical equipment. That’s not necessarily included as part of the building construction itself. That will take a number of months. The current target date for the building’s completion is in April. In terms of the first residents moving into the facility, we’re anticipating it to happen in the summer of 2024. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last summer, the government issued a request for proposals for an operator for the facility. The deadline was extended a couple of times, but it is my understanding that it closed in the fall. Can the minister inform this House of which entity will be operating the Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility and, if no entity has been selected, will the government be operating the facility itself? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4297 Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. Yes, when we issued a request for proposals during the second round, there was a successful proponent that owns a business. I’m unable to say who they are at this time, but it’s obvious that a business will now be operating the long-term care facility. We are currently working with them and once we have signed an agreement regarding this project, we will make an announcement as to who the business owners are and what their company is called.

I regret that I am unable to speak to it at the moment as it has not been announced publicly to Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Elders who are currently in Embassy West as well as those who are on the waiting list for a residential placement are very much looking forward to this facility opening its doors so that they can be cared for at home.

Can the minister tell us when the Kivalliq elders who are currently in the Embassy West long-term care facility will be brought back to Nunavut to stay in the Rankin Inlet facility? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question again. In terms of the admissions criteria for the Rankin Inlet facility, we’re very aware that there is limited capacity at that facility and at the same time there’s a high need for these beds.

In terms of the admissions criteria, there are a number of different factors that are being looked at in terms of which elders will be given opportunity to move into Rankin Inlet. This was developed by health staff with support of the director of ethics at the Ottawa Hospital. The factors that are being looked at are age, home region, health status, and year of placement. Mr. Speaker, with regard to year of placement, it means how many years has the resident been out of territory at Embassy West.

It’s not a simple matter in terms of determining who will get the opportunity to move into that new facility and take residence, but it’s a matter that Health is taking great steps to make sure it is done properly in consultation with the elders and their families and look forward to opening of that facility this coming summer. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 729 – 6(2): Repairs to Coral Harbour Arena and Community Hall (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to my constituents in Naujaat and Coral Harbour. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services. I want to revisit the issue of community infrastructure. As the minister will recall, I asked him a number of questions during the recent

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4298 fall sitting concerning the urgent need to address electrical and safety deficiencies at the Coral Harbour arena and hall. The minister has previously informed me through written correspondence that $40,000 has been approved for this work. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this funding? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question and I appreciate it.

I recall he made a statement about the Salliq hockey, the young group there that doesn’t have access to the arena. We do recognize these recreational spaces are an important component of community life. With that, we are trying to work and continue to work with municipalities on getting access to technical support around addressing mechanical issues, electrical, and that kind of thing. Mr. Speaker, the last I recall on our exchange between the member and my officials, we had provided information to support the municipality in addressing those issues.

I do hope that the work will be done so that the arena can be opened at the earliest opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for indicating that this issue is being addressed. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as you know, I recently had an opportunity to spend time in Coral Harbour on the occasion of the mace tour. I heard a number of concerns from the constituency that the community hall and arena remain closed.

Can the minister provide a timeline for the reopening of this facility? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My department has been diligently working with the municipality around addressing the building deficiencies at the Salliq community hall and arena. Mr. Speaker, I believe there was detailed information on the building condition assessment done in order to set the next steps on what the scope of work will be required.

In terms of timeline, again, I don’t have that detail, but again, I do hope that it will be done at the earliest opportunity, provided that personnel to support or assist the hamlet with that will be made available in short order. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recreational facilities are closed due to fire and safety issues. Perhaps before these facilities are closed, the Department of Community and Government Services can set aside funding for maintenance costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4299 Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand the question raised by my fellow MLA. The recreational facilities are buildings you don’t want to have closed. These facilities are inspected by employees for safety issues and my department provides funding for various inspections to be conducted.

However, aside from that, we are trying to plan what type of capital assets, especially arenas, we will need to move forward with and if renovations or repairs are needed to ensure these buildings are functioning properly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 730 – 6(2): Alternative Energy Initiatives (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr.

Speaker, as you and all other members are very much aware by now, I am a committed advocate for alternative energy initiatives to reduce our territory’s dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the global fight against climate change. Mr. Speaker, as you and my colleague from Iqaluit-Tasiluk will recall, a minister’s statement was made in this House at its sitting of March 15, 2016 concerning the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s installation of 11 test solar panels at the Iqaluit power plant. I would like to ask the minister if he can provide an update today on this initiative.

I’m very curious to find out if this project had met its expectations and whether or not the Qulliq Energy Corporation considers this pilot project a success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for raising this issue regarding the test solar panels. (interpretation ends) In terms of that project, it was intended as a technical experiment most of all.

In terms of the financial impact of it and whether it was a success or not, there has never been a formal evaluation of the project to my knowledge. However, that being said, the panels are functional. They’re not feeding electricity into the grid, but the power that they do generate is consumed at the power plant up the hill. The project is operational and it has been generating or producing power that’s used at the plant without any issues at this point in time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank the minister for his response because my understanding is that the solar panels were integrated into the power grid, but I guess I was mistaken. Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Kugluktuk has asked numerous questions in this House about the status of his community’s new power plant,

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4300 which was originally planned to incorporate a hybrid solar-diesel design.

As the minister will recall, the letter of expectation addressed to the chair of the board of the Qulliq Energy Corporation for the current fiscal year urged the corporation to “continue its efforts in securing funding for solar energy projects through the Government of Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities and the Alternative Energy Fund.” I would like to ask: can the minister provide an update today on the status of these funding applications, how many applications have been submitted and for which communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for raising the issues around the Kugluktuk power plant construction project. We had an exchange on the project here in the House recently and it really was a shame that the renewable component of that project was removed. However, I think the Qulliq Energy Corporation had to look for ways to cut costs in response to drastic inflation. We’ve had to do more than just remove the renewable power components in Kugluktuk.

We had to remove the power plant construction projects in Kugaaruk and Chesterfield Inlet from the list to be included under the Arctic Energy Fund. I think that just illustrates how tight the budgets are around these capital projects. In terms of funding applications that we do have out currently, I don’t have that information in front of me, but I can commit to collecting it or looking for it and following up with the member. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate the minister’s responses. Mr.

Speaker, I had submitted written questions in the previous Assembly about the specific cost related to this pilot project at the Iqaluit power plant and I believe that 11 solar panels have a combined power generation of somewhere in the 3-kilowatt range, very small, but the costs associated with the purchase of this technology was $17,000 and the shipping was $3,000. This very small project had a very minimal cost of $20,000 and would likely have paid itself off within a very short period of time, shorter than the life expectancy of the asset itself. Mr.

Speaker, for my final question, for the submission that Qulliq Energy had submitted for such hybrid installations on our power plant, what sort of financial considerations and solar power generation capacity were they considering on requesting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) There was a pot of renewable energy related funding that was tied to the Kugluktuk power plant project at one point. However, due to issues around

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4301 timelines, I believe that most of the funding could not be utilized, unfortunately. In terms of the member’s question, I believe the member is interested in learning whether renewable components could pay for themselves if they were added onto power plants or the economics of renewable components to power plants. I have to admit that I am not an expert when it comes to these matters. I can again commit to looking into it further.

One of the exciting things about renewable energy in general is that the cost per kilowatt-hour in terms of capital cost continues to get lower and lower over the years. As technology improves, production ramps up worldwide. Solar panels, for example, are cheaper now than they have ever been in terms of the price per kilowatt-hour generation capacity. It’s an area that the Qulliq Energy Corporation looks forward to supporting in Nunavut in the future. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Question 731 – 6(2): Inclusivity at Baker Lake School (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Baker Lake. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, a project has been underway for quite some time to create a special needs washroom at the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker Lake. After a couple of false starts, a contractor was hired and materials were chartered into Baker Lake.

In order to meet the needs of students, an existing washroom must be expanded by approximately 12 feet in order to accommodate individuals that are using a wheelchair, a lift, and space required for support staff as well as a toilet, sink, and table. Instead, the washroom was expanded by a mere 30 inches, not nearly enough room to help a student out of their wheelchair to use the facilities. Can the minister clearly explain what standards her department should be following to ensure that students who need school spaces adapted for their use can be fully and properly accommodated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question and thank you for his advocacy for the work that was requested for the school in Baker Lake to get the standard washroom integrated into the department. I can say that we did transfer funds from our ongoing lifecycle last year to work on the project and we do have a new school planning and design standard which follows the Canada national standards for design in our schools and all of our new school builds.

The rebuild or reconstruction of our schools, if they are getting renovated, does follow these new designs and we do work to

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4302 incorporate them. If any school does require those types of designs that are for accessibility, we do follow those guidelines for that purpose. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. Mr. Speaker, I have corresponded with the minister on this issue a number of times.

When I learned that the deputy ministers were travelling to Baker Lake, I reached out to the Deputy Minister of Community and Government Services and also the Deputy Minister of Education, asking to meet with them at the high school there to show them first- hand what area needs to be fixed or expanded and worked on. I made sure I copied both ministers on my invitation. Unfortunately the Deputy Minister of Community and Government Services was the only one to reply as he was unable to visit.

Can the minister clearly explain how her department is working to meet its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in our schools? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question. Yes, we do work closely with our counter department, the Department of Community and Government Services, who does all of the maintenance work for our government assets, including our schools, so we work hand in hand with them. As I mentioned in the last answer, we transferred money from our ongoing lifecycle to get the work done.

That money that was transferred from our budget for ongoing lifecycle was transferred to the Department of Community and Government Services to work on that project. Mr. Speaker, I know that if there is time and we’re able to visit the community, I always see that as an open invitation. I hope that we will be able to go into our colleague’s community. If time was permitting, I know that the department would have been very happy to go into our school, as we always are. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Nunavut’s Education Act affirms that “all children can learn” and that “diverse learning needs and abilities should be supported in an inclusive education system.” I believe that inclusivity means giving students the respect and dignity to thrive in our education system by taking their needs into account, not wants, needs. Mr. Speaker, the minister has said twice now that they have transferred money from their department to Community and Government Services to work on this special needs washroom, but it’s not enough. The original plan was about 12 feet, its 12-foot expansion, to accommodate all of their needs.

It was a mere 30 inches.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4303 The District Education Authority of Baker Lake was advised recently that the project file is closed, the project is done, and they were basically told, “This is what you’re stuck with.” Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to working with her officials and colleagues at Community and Government Services to revisit this issue and ensure that a special needs washroom of the appropriate size is created at the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the member for the question and for raising this. I can say that we will personally look into the matter and ensure that what the member is bringing up is looked into further. I know that we’ve had correspondence around the issue and specifically to the size, but I can say that we do have an accessible washroom in the school and we will look into the matter further. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 732 – 6(2): Public Housing Eviction Policy (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. As the minister is aware, the Pond Inlet Local Housing Association is responsible for the delivery of public housing programs in the community and the administration of policies in this area. Concerns have recently been brought to my attention in respect to what policies are in place when it comes to evicting public housing tenants for rental arrears or other reasons.

Can the minister confirm if all local housing organizations in Nunavut are required to follow the same policy or do they have the authority to develop their own policies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that the local housing authorities have to follow certain guidelines in terms of their eviction policies; some very basic ones like you can’t evict people when they’re in extreme cold temperatures during the winter and things like that.

There are some criteria that they have to follow, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. We do get letters from public housing tenants seeking assistance. Mr. Speaker, we are currently in the middle of winter. When it comes to cutting off power to people in the middle of winter, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s terms and condition of service provide for the corporation to

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4304 install a load limiter rather than turning off the power entirely. Can the minister confirm whether or not the housing corporation has a policy in place to prevent evictions from occurring in the middle of winter? Does the local housing organization senior management know about this policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, we have to be aware of who is getting evicted and I am very pleased that we’ve had correspondence going back and forth on this situation. The staff should know that there should be no evictions in the middle of winter or in the extreme cold. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. We have to make sure that everyone is aware of these policies and even the tenants aren’t aware of those policies. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I fully understand that local housing organizations need tools to deal with problematic tenants and I fully understand that they need tools to collect rental arrears. However, eviction should be the last resort in dealing with tenants. Can the minister clearly explain how a public housing tenant can appeal an eviction order? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They don’t just evict the tenants unless they have a very good reason.

We have to properly take care of the public housing that is being rented and it takes quite a lot of money to repair and renovate a housing unit. We also have to pay for the electricity and home heating fuel. If tenants are behind on payments, they usually have a meeting with the local housing organization to set up a payment plan. I don’t know of anyone who is on the eviction list, but if a tenant is going to be evicted, they can have a discussion with the local housing authority and appeal the case. There are housing boards of directors and they can also get further information, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 733 – 6(2): Conservation Officer Training Courses (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to question the Minister of Environment on the minister’s statement.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4305 Mr. Speaker, I’ll start off with one of the lines there that says, “As a former conservation officer myself, I can attest to how enjoyable and rewarding being a conservation officer truly is.” Mr. Speaker, the member must have found something more enjoyable. >>Laughter There are two of us in here that used to be conservation officers but now work in this House. Mr. Speaker, on the second page it says, “There was also training on personal defensive tactics as well” as part of the courses.

The courses are here and I imagine there might be a first aid course, there might be a firearm proficiency course, but the training that is done for conservation officers when they get here, are any of the courses put on mandatory? Is there a requirement that these officers absolutely have to take that course or can they opt out? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his questions.

He truly has the same exact background as me of former conservation officer, former Minister of Environment before me, so I really have my respect for the member. Mr. Speaker, in terms of the personal defensive tactics, we do advise our conservation officers to use their duty belts when they conduct an investigation and inspections within communities. Those are the recommendations we advise our conservation officers, but in terms of an office environment, those personal defensive tactics can be removed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. The minister didn’t answer my question. My question was: are these courses, for example, personal defensive tactical, is it a mandatory course? Do conservation officers have to take the mandatory course? Is it a mandatory course? For example, if a person has a class 3 licence, it’s mandatory that they have to have a medical. Otherwise, they lose their class 3 licence. For this course, defensive tactics, is it a mandatory course? If a conservation officer does not take it and does not pass it, are they not allowed to wear their duty belt anymore?

Can the minister clarify whether the personal defensive tactics course is a mandatory course? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the questions. For the conservation officers that are indeterminate, that are employed by the Department of Environment, those personal defensive tactics and duty belts are mandatory. In terms of the wildlife guardians that we have, they have a limit of what duties they can be required to undertake as a wildlife guardian within the department.

In terms of the member’s questions, yes, those are mandatory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4306 Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the minister said that the personal defensive tactics course is mandatory, but he was not clear whether it’s a mandatory course or not. An example I used is a class 3 licence. It’s mandatory they get a medical. If they don’t get a medical, they lose their class 3 licence. I would like to know if this police defensive tactics course is mandatory. If a conservation officer does not take the course, are they not allowed to wear their duty belts anymore?

Can the minister please clarify if a personal defensive tactics course is mandatory and, if it is not taken, would it affect the conservation officer’s ability to do their duties as outlined in their job description? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, member, for the question. The personal defensive tactics are mandatory for every conservation officer.

The annual conference that is held each year here in Iqaluit provides our conservation officers to prepare for possible defensive tactics within our territory, but in all honesty, we do not want to see that happening. We have to make our conversation officers to be prepared for personal defensive tactics. It is mandatory to have the defensive tactics for our enforcement officers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 734 – 6(2): Electrical Infrastructure (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As a joke, my eye has been twitching since this morning, so perhaps the minister I would like to ask has a magic wand to make our community look clean and good. My question is for the new Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. As the minister will appreciate, it is very important that the power plants and related infrastructure in our communities be in good condition. I’m talking about the power poles. A number of concerns have been brought to my attention regarding the condition of a number of power poles in my constituency.

They appear to no longer be in good condition and need to be relevelled. With that, can the minister indicate how often the Qulliq Energy Corporation conducts inspections of power poles in Nunavut communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question in regard to power poles. We’re aware that we would like to have renewable electrical energy available to all communities, which includes all the wires and power poles.

Whether it is in Clyde River or Qikiqtarjuaq, we like the power poles to be in good condition.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4307 The workers go to the communities and we send linespersons to the communities once we find out that there are deficiencies that need to be corrected or repairs done. It is very difficult to work on the poles during the wintertime, so they mostly work on the poles during the summertime. The superintendent usually identifies which communities require work on the power poles and that’s the process we use with the energy corporation when they work on the power poles, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms.

Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for that clarification. However, I’m talking about the safety of the wires that are connected in both of my constituency communities. I know that the snow gets really deep in Clyde River and sometimes the snow reaches the roof of houses. It is evident that it has an effect on the power poles. With that, I would like to urge the minister to conduct an inspection of power poles in both Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.

Can the minister indicate what budget is available for the repair and/or replacement of power poles, and will he commit to having the Qulliq Energy Corporation conduct an inspection of power poles in both communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will check with the corporation staff to find out when they plan to go to the communities and if they didn’t go inspect the communities for quite some time, I’ll find out whether they have any plans to go the communities.

When we are informed about concerns from mayors and councillors or Members of the Legislative Assembly, we do follow up on them later on. I appreciate the concerns that are provided to us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for committing to look into it.

The municipal councils are quite busy as the communities are growing. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s current business plan indicates that a generator set replacement project has been underway in Clyde River. Can the minister provide an update on the status of this work and can he clarify if the project will have any impact on the power rates that customers in Clyde River may pay for their electricity? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) With regard to the status of that specific project in Clyde River, I don’t have that detailed information here in front of me, but I can follow up with the member regarding it. In terms of impacts on the rate structure, if there was an impact, it would be

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4308 spread across the entire territory because we’re all under a unified power rate now. Any impact, if it is felt to ratepayers, would be spread amongst customers all across Nunavut. It would also have to be as part of the regulated nature of power prices in Nunavut through the Utility Rates Review Council. Mr. Speaker, I hope that answers the question. (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 735 – 6(2): Language Services for Health (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. In my member’s statement, I spoke about the need for more full-time interpreters in our health centres. Can the minister provide an update on whether all community health centres currently have full-time interpreters and what steps are taken to ensure that these interpreters speak the local dialect? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his question on this issue. Language services play a large

part in health care delivery. The Department of Health fully supports Nunavummiut to use their own language, whether they are from Kugluktuk, Arviat, Grise Fiord, or elsewhere. Mr. Speaker, the interpreters that work are called clerk interpreters. There are ten clerk interpreters in the Kitikmeot. (interpretation ends) I’ll switch to English for clarity; my apologies. We currently have ten full-time clerk interpreters in the Kitikmeot region and four who are working on a casual basis.

Specifically to Kugluktuk, we have one full-time clerk interpreter and it is a requirement to speak in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun for the position. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The reason why I brought this up was one of the elders had concerns about it. I’m not sure if the interpreter was there, but there was concern from elders that they weren’t communicating too well with the nurses about the medication. Mr.

Speaker, one of the biggest areas of concern regarding language services at our health centres is about prescriptions and the lack of explanation or information about the medication in a language that patients can understand. Patients need to know what their prescriptions are for, when to take them, and what side effects and other considerations they should be aware of.

Can the minister describe what steps are currently being taken to ensure that prescriptions with descriptions of medications, instructions on how often they should be taken, and any other important information are made available in the language spoken and understood by patients? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4309 Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. In terms of our current practice, we rely heavily on clerk interpreters when written information is not available in the client’s language of choice. Those clerk interpreters do work from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, but they may be called in to interpret off- hours as needed. That is something that is put into practice.

We fully support the desire of Nunavummiut to have more pharmaceutical information in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun. We have initiated a common translations of medication project and we are working with retail pharmacies on this to ensure that Nunavummiut have access to information about their medications in their language of choice. It’s currently being worked on, it’s not completed yet, but it’s an important project for the department. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) If I may, through correspondence, get the name of the clerk interpreter for the Kugluktuk nursing station. Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate that the Department of Health has worked with such entities as the Inuit Language Authority and Nunavut Arctic College to develop Inuit language medical modules so that interpreters and translators have standardized terminology to refer to when discussing health and medical issues. However, it does not seem that dialect differences or spelling conventions are taken into account.

Will the minister commit to instructing his staff to work with these other entities to develop dialect-specific terminology, especially with respect to prescriptions, that can be used in community health centres to ensure that patients have and understand the correct information when it comes to their medications? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the specific request for commitment, I don’t want to commit to something that might already be committed to or is already being worked on. However, I can certainly look into the issue specifically to the member’s questions around Inuinnaqtun in particular and see what considerations have been given in the ongoing translation of medications project. I can also commit to looking into what resources are available specifically around pharmaceutical terminology for that subject matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 736 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Community and Government Services and I would like to follow up with the Rankin Inlet Elders’ Centre.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4310 As it was stated, it was originally scheduled for an October 2023 opening and in October 2023 it was stated that it was at 90 percent completion. As the minister stated today in an earlier response, the spring of ‘24 or in the next couple of months, the facility is expected to be completed and opening this summer. I would like to get a little bit further detail on the reasons for the construction delay of the Rankin Inlet Elders’ Centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I understand it, the current status of that project sits at about 90 percent complete and substantial completion, there were some delays on this. In terms of the reasoning behind this, I can’t say specifically, but I think there are some challenges with the contractor in terms of meeting some of its targets. However, we are working with the Department of Health on making sure that it does get completed and that it’s put to good use once it’s finally finished. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I hope it’s further than 90 percent complete now as that was October information. Mr. Speaker, as stated in some supporting documents for our upcoming bill on capital carryovers, some of the delays were caused by delayed payment to subcontractors by the main contractor, resulting in the slowed down or stopped work, as well as site

schedule coordination between the main contractor and subcontractor. Can the minister update us today on the current status of the contractors and subcontractors and what recourse does Community and Government Services have in its arsenal to address delays caused by contractors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On major projects such as this, my department does try to make sure that we meet our targeted timelines.

Also, if contractors experience issues around meeting their timelines as well, we try to work it out. Mr. Speaker, there were some financial issues on either missed payments or delayed payments that we are trying to address. My office did receive some correspondence that was relating to late payments. We also consult with other departments as necessary, whether it’s legally and/or finance-wise, what we can go forward with on our next steps.

I do continue to work with my officials on these major infrastructure projects and when there are issues around missed payments, we try to bring it forward to the appropriate authorities to ensure that it’s addressed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was hoping to get a little bit more

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4311 information on what type of opportunities the department has in dealing with contractor-led delays in some very important pieces of infrastructure that we’re trying to develop in the territory. Mr.

Speaker, there was some recent coverage around the same period of October, it might even have been January, that it was stated that the Government of Nunavut’s dollars that had already been allocated to the long- term care home can be spent on other projects, as the federal government announced just last month the $25 million investment into elder care, and I believe the Premier mentioned that in his minister’s statement today. Can the minister clearly explain how this extra money can be spent on other projects? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I along with my colleagues continue to try to bring new money or a net increase in our budgets, whether it’s capital or otherwise, and this announcement regarding the Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility was through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program that we worked with the Department of Health and we were able to secure $25 million towards this project.

In doing so, the monies that the Department of Health had come forward with, we can redirect those funds to other potential capital projects that are in our plans or that we’re trying to advance into construction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 737 – 6(2): Collection of Health Data (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Health and I would just like to reassure him that it’s a different question than the one he took as notice earlier this week. Mr.

Speaker, the minister recently provided information indicating that Health is currently working to establish vaccine and immunization registries which will collect information on how many Nunavummiut have received certain vaccines. Can the minister tell this House how many registries for specific health indicators the department is currently working on and how many are already established? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking a question on this issue. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, with regard to developing an immunization registry, one of the lessons learned from COVID-19 has been that an immunization registry must have the capability to integrate vaccination data from multiple sources, both inside and outside of Nunavut, as well as the capacity to share vaccination data with other jurisdictions. We’re currently proceeding on work to develop vaccine and immunization registries and the registry will be

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4312 developed separately from MEDITECH, with MEDITECH data being a primary input into the new registry, and both sets of data will need to be validated for completeness and accuracy. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The collection and analysis of health data can greatly guide the delivery of health programming initiatives that have a positive impact on the health and well- being of Nunavut residents.

I am sure that many of my colleagues share my concern with respect to the growing impact of hard drugs in our communities. In January of this year, it was announced that wastewater testing would be conducted in the community of Iqaluit to study the prevalence of tuberculosis in the community. As I have noted previously, this methodology could also be used to measure the prevalence of illicit drugs in this community. Collecting such health data could help inform programs that address substance abuse issues.

Can the minister provide an update on what consideration has been given to piggy-backing on current wastewater testing initiatives to address the presence of illicit drugs in Iqaluit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m trying to find the connection between wastewater testing and immunization registry, but I’ll go to the wastewater testing.

That project is a research project that’s being led by the Taima TB group in partnership with the City of Iqaluit and also the chief public health officer’s office also in a supporting role. It’s unproven at this point. It’s a research project on whether it’s actually going to work in terms of the intended outcome of identifying tuberculosis trends through wastewater. It’s yet to be proven whether it works or not. In terms of testing wastewater for hard drugs, that is definitely a matter that could be taken into consideration for future work.

However, I’m not sure if Taima TB would be the ones to lead that or if it would be a different organization. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They’re tied together or related to collecting data on population health. Mr. Speaker, having up-to-date information on a population’s health status can be incredibly important when planning campaigns for health promotion and raising awareness of health risks.

However, I fully recognize that the collection and storage of health- specific information is based on a relationship of trust where people can expect that their personal health data, whether in registries or individual files, will be kept private and secure. I note that the commitment to develop health- specific privacy legislation has been in the Department of Health’s business plans for nearly a decade.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4313 Can the minister inform this House of how far his department has progressed in developing health-specific privacy legislation and when a bill might be introduced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the question was raised, what we are working on is doing an information campaign with consultations with different organizations that we will consult with along with Nunavummiut, what their thoughts are on this. After consultation, we will start focusing on the bill.

Perhaps by fall, a legislative proposal would be put forth and eventually a bill. As a government, we want this completed as a bill realized regarding privacy issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to extend question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There are none. Question period is extended another 30 minutes. Oral Questions.

Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 738 – 6(2): Property Taxes (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Finance. As the minister will recall, he recently approved the 2023 Mill Rate Establishment Order under the Property Assessment and Taxation Act. This order was recently published in the July edition of the Nunavut Gazette. Mr.

Speaker, if my math is correct, the 2023 property tax rate for residential properties in Nunavut communities outside of Iqaluit increased by a little over 10 percent from the 2022 rate. The rate has increased by just over 60 percent over the last five years. Can the minister clearly explain how the amount of the most recent increase was determined and can he clearly indicate approximately how much additional tax revenue is expected to be generated by this increase? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don’t have that kind of detail in front of me, so I would be more than happy to share it with my colleague once it’s available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The most recent Mill Rate Establishment Order indicates that the property tax rate for mining properties also increased by a little over 10 percent. The rate has increased by just over 20 percent over the last five years.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4314 Can the minister clearly explain how the amount of the most recent increase was determined and can he clearly indicate approximately how much additional tax revenue is expected to be generated by this increase? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: In that case, Mr. Speaker, I’ll take the question as notice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Question taken as notice. Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Question 739 – 6(2): Airport Terminals in Amittuq (Kaernerk) Mr.

Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation regarding the terminal in Sanirajak. Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Airports 20- Year Capital Needs Assessment Update indicates on page 10 that for North Baffin, the Sanirajak terminal was built in 1982, this facility is in poor condition, and it is considered a medium priority. Perhaps the minister can indicate if there have been any changes to that or if it is still in accordance with the plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just presented this document in the House and nothing has changed. It is part of our plan on what we need to work on, timelines, and seeking funding. The present plan has not changed, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister knows that there are no ramps as of yet for disabled people in Sanirajak and Igloolik.

Can’t this be a priority issue by the transportation department with the two communities of Sanirajak and Igloolik that are supposed to be worked on? We know we have a ramp at the entrance, but when you arrive to the community or are leaving by airplane, there is no ramp. As the minister knows, the steps at the Igloolik terminal are a little steep. Can the minister explain a little more on what the status is on this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

You approved the funds for the capital and we appreciate it when the projects go ahead. The older facilities didn’t have that in place and so we worked through this and this will continue as is. For Sanirajak, we don’t have a scheduled date. However, for Igloolik in the 2024-25 fiscal year, plans are to go ahead with the renovation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4315 Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for clarifying that to the House. It’s unfortunate that Sanirajak’s terminal, which is one of the oldest facilities, is not being worked on. The minister mentioned, let’s say, “We will give you money if you agree with me.” Mr. Speaker, can a further review be made to prioritize the terminal? After $10 million was used for the airstrip, you would think that the terminal would be included by the Nunavut government. You didn’t have a

schedule for the terminal in Sanirajak. How can you initiate further analysis as the building is old? Is it just a rushed job or can it be a priority? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I visit the communities and some terminals are really unfit to be in. For example, I was in Kimmirut this fall. It’s great that a terminal is going to be built, including the one in Naujaat, which is an even older building.

In Sanirajak, yes, it is old, but it is well maintained by the community residents and renovations are made. It may be old, but it’s a very good building compared to many other communities. These buildings are reviewed on an annual basis and we visit eight communities to see what needs to be addressed and fixed and when they do need fixing, we come up with funding. I just can’t say what will be renovated and our staff does their due diligence in carrying out what renovations are needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki.

Question 740 – 6(2): Arctic College Lease in Coral Harbour (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me again. I have a question for the Minister responsible for Arctic College. Last year, the former minister had put in place the NTEP students to be booked in another building and they have been notified that they have to move out or vacate by the end of the month. I was trying to find out what the rationale is behind that. The department stated that they don’t want to extend the lease of the building. Can the minister clarify that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for raising his concerns with me on behalf of his constituents. Mr. Speaker, the college decided not to extend the lease as the students are beginning their internships in January and will continue until May. This is the fifth year cohort and classes are done in June, with a graduation ceremony to follow. As the environmental assessment received by the college stated, there was no mould in the classrooms and they will only be used for a matter of weeks after their practicums.

The college made the operational decision not to renew the outside lease. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4316 Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The previous minister was not allowed to enter the building due to the odour emanating from the community learning centre. I would like to invite the current minister through a (interpretation ends) formal invitation through this House to visit Arctic College. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my apologies.

The translation serviced cut off and I would like to get a confirmation or I would like to ask the member to repeat the question, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Can you repeat your question, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I asked the minister if he would accept an invitation to visit the community of Coral Harbour to see the community learning centre in person. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the translation came.

I thank the member for inviting me to his constituency and I can commit to speaking directly with the member outside of this House and confirm dates, whether to go to Coral Harbour or even Naujaat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 741 – 6(2): Contracted Positions in the Public Service (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Human Resources. I would like to follow up on the topic that I raised yesterday regarding contract employees. Mr.

Speaker, I find it very unusual that there are instances where non-GN employees such as contractors can be placed into supervisory roles such as superintendents of schools or human resource managers. The first question that I would like to ask to the minister: does the Public Service Act allow non-GN employees to supervise Government of Nunavut employees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. (interpretation ends) I’m not sure where you’re going in terms of this question.

I will have to take this question as notice. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The question has been taken as notice. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4317 Question 742 – 6(2): Mandatory Training for Conservation Officers (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank everyone for giving us a second chance. I would like to continue where I left off with the Minister of Environment. Mr. Speaker, I try to make my questions as simple and straightforward, and I’m not getting straightforward answers from the minister about the police defensive tactics course, whether it’s mandatory. It was a simple yes or no question.

Is the police defensive tactics course mandatory for conservation officers, yes or no? Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. There can be exceptions to the mandatory part where a doctor might have a note for a conservation officer not to perform personal defensive tactics training. To answer the member’s question, yes, the personal defensive tactics are mandatory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks for the clear answer that it is mandatory, but it really isn’t because if you have a doctor’s note, you don’t have to take it. Mandatory means that you have to take it. For the ones that get a doctor’s note in that situation and they don’t take the police defensive tactics and the minister has stated that when they go on investigations, they have to wear their duty belt and in order to wear their duty belt, they need their police defensive tactics course uptake, so it will affect their job duties under their job description.

If a conservation officer does not have their police defensive course, can they still wear a duty belt and fulfill their duties as mandated by the job description? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Mr.

Speaker, as I stated, there are exceptions to performance to the enforcement officers, but within our department, it is, however, the defensive tactics are mandatory during our consideration officers’ annual conference meeting and we do provide an opportunity for every enforcement officer to be able to perform training within our department. In terms of the member’s question, the duty belt in regard to personal defensive tactics, a person working needs to be in a good state of health.

Let’s say if they have a broken leg or a broken arm, we certainly want them to have a leave of absence from their employment for the time being. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess if a conservation officer breaks an arm and a leg while they are

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4318 taking the police defensive tactics course, yes, they would have to leave; they would not be able to finish it. This is not going anywhere, so I’ll just leave it there for now. Are there any firearm proficiency courses that are mandatory too? All the conservation officers handle firearms for deterring wildlife or for protecting people and property generally from polar bears but any wildlife. Are there any mandatory firearm proficiency courses that conservation officers have to be able to pass?

The department does issue conservation officers firearms and the department should be concerned if someone cannot handle a firearm correctly. Are there any mandatory firearm proficiency courses? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, the firearms training is required for the Department of Environment, but during the cold weather seasons in February, that annual conference that is held, we do have regional meetings that have been held in the past and those are focused on firearms training and there’s a pass requirement for a conservation officer to be able to use firearms for wildlife deterrence in our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. I have no more names. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 743 – 6(2): Vacancies at the Head Office in Baker Lake (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, for recognizing me again. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr. Speaker, since last summer, there has been quite a few senior officials leaving the corporation. The president and chief executive officer resigned last summer. The chief financial officer left rather abruptly about a month ago on his own, I believe. The comptroller position has been empty for quite some time. To my knowledge, there are no accountants as well. The director of human resources resigned at the end of the calendar year 2023 and left early in January.

Currently for the Baker Lake head office, what is the vacancy rate of the positions in the Baker Lake head office? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. The Qulliq Energy Corporation office in Baker Lake is an important part of the corporation’s overall footprint in Nunavut and I think it’s an office that speaks to the success of decentralizing positions, looking at the Inuit employment rate there.

In terms of the capacity, I don’t have the Baker Lake office parcelled out in terms of vacancies, but we do have 27 vacancies that we are looking to fill

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4319 currently through our human resource department. In terms of the Baker Lake office specifically, the top ranking positions in that office are the vice- president of finance, which is currently vacant, as well as the director of human resources is currently filled on a temporary basis and our plans are to advertise the human resource director position in March or April. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for your response.

I’m glad that steps are being taken to fill these important positions because it is a very important office. They have been there since the year 2000 pretty much and they provide a very important role to Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, there was another position that used to be in the Baker Lake head office, it used to be the director of information and technology, another senior position, but I believe that position was removed when Community and Government Services took over helping out with that.

I’m wondering: is the corporation going to be replacing that position with another position in Baker Lake so that Baker Lake does not lose a civil servant position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My understanding is that there were some plans put in place in terms of replacing that position.

I’m just not able to speak to the details at this time, but my understanding is yes, there was an intention to replace the position that was taken out of the org. chart. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. My last question is very simple: will the minister commit to getting back to me with that information? I just asked about the position that is going to be replaced with another in Baker Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main.

Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can commit to getting back to the member as soon as I am able. There may be layers of approvals that need to be approved... >>Laughter ...layers of approval that need to happen before we can announce anything formally, but as soon as I am able to, I can follow up with the member. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 744 – 6(2): Inuit Employment Statistics (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are for the Minister of Human Resources and are

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4320 not related to my previous question that was taken as notice. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources is responsible for publishing the Inuit employment statistics, the Towards a Representative Public Service Report, quarterly. Mr. Speaker, the last Inuit employment statistics report was published as of June 2023, which is eight months ago. I would like to ask the minister when the Department of Human Resources will be publishing the September 2023 and the December 2023 Inuit employment reports. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. In regard to your question, perhaps we were going to table the information this coming spring sitting. As to exactly when we will be able to table them, I’ll get back to the member with that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. I have no more names. Next item, Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Replies to Budget Address. Item 11. Petitions. Item 12. Responses to Petitions. Item 13.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 14. Tabling of Documents. Thank you. I have six documents do table today.

Item 14: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 236 – 6(2): 2024- 2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Legislative Assembly (Speaker) Tabled Document 237 – 6(2): 2024- 2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Speaker) Tabled Document 238 – 6(2): 2024- 2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Speaker) Tabled Document 239 – 6(2): 2024- 2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Languages Commissioner (Speaker) Tabled Document 240 – 6(2): 2024- 2027 Business Plan of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (Speaker) Tabled Document 241 – 6(2): 2022- 2023 Pension Administration Report under the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) The first document is the 2024-27 Business Plan of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.

The second document is the 2024-27 Business Plan of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer. The third document is the 2024-27 Business Plan of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The fourth document is the 2024-27 Business Plan of the Office of the Languages Commissioner.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4321 The fifth document is the 2024-27 Business Plan of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. The sixth document is the 2022-23 Pension Administration Report under the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retirement Allowances Act. Item 16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills. Item 17. Motions. Item 18. First Reading of Bills. Item 19. Second Reading of Bills. Item 20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40 with Mr. Hickes in the Chair.

Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 16:04 and Committee resumed at 16:29 Item 20: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Thank you. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) We wish to continue with the review of the 2024-25 operations and maintenance main estimates of the Department of Health. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree that we continue with Bill 37? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Health – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main, do you have any officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Yes, (interpretation ends) and I also have some follow-up information, if you will allow, Mr. Chairman, once we get going. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree to allow the witnesses to appear before the committee? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- Arms, please escort the witnesses in. Thank you. Just for the record, Minister Main, if you could introduce your officials and then you c