NUNA VUT HANSARD UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 IQALUIT, NUNA VUT Hansard is not a verbatim transcript of the debates of the House . It is a transcript in extenso. In the case of repetition or for a number of other reasons, such as more specific identification, it is acceptable to make changes so that anyone reading Hansard will get the meaning of what was said . Those who edit Hansard have an obligation to make a sentence more readable since there is a difference between the spoken and the written word. Debates, September 20, 1983, p. 27299. Beauchesne’s 6th edition, citation 55 Corrections: PLEASE RETURN ANY CORRECTIONS TO THE CLERK OR DEPUTY CLERK

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

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

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

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

Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Minister of Community Services; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Development Corporation; Minister responsible for Mines; Minister responsible for Trade Hon.

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

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ................................................................................................................................ 1 Ministers’ Statements ...................................................................................................................... 1 Members’ Statements ...................................................................................................................... 8 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................... 12 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................... 13 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................... 29 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................... 30 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................... 56 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................... 57

A. Daily References Monday, June 1, 2026 ...................................................................................................................... 1 B.

Ministers’ Statements 41 – 7(2): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Administration (Main) ...................... 1 42 – 7(2): Runway Projects Planned for 2026 (Hickes) .................................................................. 2 43 – 7(2): Supporting Mental Wellness in the Workplace (Healey Akearok) ................................. 3 44 – 7(2): Artist in Residence Program (Koonoo) ........................................................................... 4 45 – 7(2): NHC Action Plan and Spring 2026 Status Update (Lyall) .............................................. 5 46 – 7(2): Medical Travel in Nunavut (Brewster) ........................................................................... 6 47 – 7(2): Inuit Societal Values Committee (Hickes) ...................................................................... 7 C.

Members’ Statements 50 – 7(2): Activities over the Weekend (Pedersen) ......................................................................... 8 51 – 7(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mike) .......................................................................................... 8 52 – 7(2): Elder Abuse (Tuqtu) ...................................................................................................... 10 53 – 7(2): Congratulate Graduates (Koonoo) ................................................................................ 10 54 – 7(2): Congratulate Maani Uluyuk Graduates (Tattuinee) ...................................................... 10 55 – 7(2): Celebrating Pride Month (Main) ...................................................................................11 56 – 7(2): Resigning as a Member of the Legislative Assembly ....................................................11

D.

Oral Questions 62 – 7(2): Contaminated Sites (Kautuk) ........................................................................................ 13 63 – 7(2): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Attagutaluk) ....................................................... 15 64 – 7(2): Youth Vandalism (Pedersen) ......................................................................................... 16 65 – 7(2): Activities of the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Kuliktana) ........................................ 19 66 – 7(2): Elder Care Facilities (Porter) ........................................................................................ 21 67 – 7(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mike) ........................................................................................ 23 68 – 7(2): The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and Tuttarviit (Angootealuk) ......................... 25 69 – 7(2): Post-Secondary Educational Institutions in Nunavut (Kablutsiak) .............................. 27 E.

Tabling of Documents 23 – 7(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Action Plan: Improving Public Housing Delivery (Lyall) ....................................................................................................................... 29 24 – 7(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Spring 2026 Status Report on the Progress on Improving Public Housing Delivery (Lyall) ....................................................... 29 25 – 7(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2024-2025 Annual Report (Healey Akearok) ................. 30 26 – 7(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture of the Government of Yukon (Angootealuk) ....................................................... 30 F.

Bills Bill 1 – Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027 – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................... 31

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 1 Iqaluit, Nunavut Monday, June 1, 2026 Members Present: Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok, Ms. Hannah Angootealuk, Mr. Edward Attagutaluk, Hon. Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Hon. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Jamie Kablutsiak, Mr. Gordon Kautuk, Hon. Brian Koonoo, Mr. Simon Kuliktana, Hon. Cecile Nelvana Lyall, Hon. John Main, Mr. Johnny Mike, Mr. Fred Pedersen, Mr. David Porter, Mr. Abraham Qammaniq, Mr. Daniel Qavvik, Hon. Craig Simailak, Mr. Steven Taqtu, Hon. Annie Tattuinee. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

David Joanasie) (interpretation): Mr. Attagutaluk, can you open the meeting with prayer. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon Nunavummiut, those listening and watching by TV . Good afternoon. To our Orders of the Day, Item 2, Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Main. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 41 – 7(2): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Administration (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues, and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to highlight an exciting initiative in the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. In 2025, updates to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Policy, Privacy Breach Policy, and Privacy Impact Assessment policy allowed the department’s territorial access to information and protection of privacy office to take on administration of access to information requests, privacy breach investigations, and privacy impact assessment coordination on behalf of other public bodies.

In alignment with the Ikajuqtigiikta mandate’s pillar to simplify operations and enhance partnerships, this work has become a priority for our department. We’ve begun by reaching out to all public bodies without a dedicated access to information and protection of privacy coordinator position first. I’m happy to say that the Department of Finance has

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 2 been one of the first departments to enter into one of these arrangements by way of a signed memorandum of understanding and delegation of authority. The goal of this initiative is to provide a higher level of service to applicants under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act by having this important work done by a dedicated team of professionals with years of experience and practice. Having a dedicated team also improves the level of advice and support for decision makers in public bodies to ensure compliance with the legislation.

Large requests for information can be disruptive when a public body doesn’t have a dedicated resource to administer the request, and having a team of professionals available eases this burden and reduces capacity impacts on public bodies. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, we expect this initiative to make the access-to-information process simpler, more efficient and improve outcomes for all parties involved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Hickes.

Minister’s Statement 42 – 7(2): Runway Projects Planned for 2026 (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that work on a number of runway projects across the territory will take place this summer. Major runway rehabilitation projects in Whale Cove, Pangnirtung, and Kugluktuk will be in full swing for the 2026 construction season. In Whale Cove this summer, the contractor will grade and compact the runway shoulders, apply dust suppressant and produce a maintenance stockpile of gravel.

Resurfacing work on the Kugluktuk and Pangnirtung projects is expected to be completed by the fall. Mr. Speaker and Members, these three projects were funded under Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, with significant contributions of Government of Nunavut capital dollars. Nunavut Airports will be laying the groundwork this year for similar projects in the future. Work will be initiated to develop engineering drawings and cost estimates for airside surface rehabilitation projects at Igloolik and Kugaaruk.

The finished product will support funding applications to the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 3 Mr. Speaker – the Member for Aivilik will be especially interested in this next part – as discussed at our winter sitting in 2025, a feasibility study and cost estimate was produced for the Naujaat runway extension project. At present, Naujaat’s 3,400-foot runway is the shortest in the Kivalliq region which imposes real constraints on air carrier service to the community. In 2026, we will begin work on the design of a 600 foot extension to Naujaat’s runway. Finally, Mr.

Speaker, using capital from the new federal Runway Maintenance and Improvement Fund, Nunavut Airports will also be installing emergency backup generators for airfield lighting systems at Gjoa Haven and Kugaaruk, and initiating work on airfield lighting backup generator systems at Igloolik, Hall Beach, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay and Clyde River. These systems ensure that airports remain operational when they are needed most, during local power outages.

Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut works hard to maintain existing airport assets in safe working order, while exploring improvements to airport infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ Statements. Minister for Qulliq Energy Corporation, Ms. Healey Akearok. Minister’s Statement 43 – 7(2): Supporting Mental Wellness in the Workplace (Healey Akearok) Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, today I would like to talk about mental wellness, and the importance of making it part of how we look after one another in the workplace. As we know, keeping the lights on in Nunavut, with aging infrastructure and other challenges, can be very difficult and stressful. The reality is that this work takes a toll, and it can lead to significant stress for our employees. They care about what they do, and they want to keep the lights on for our families and our communities. In turn, we have a responsibility to invest in their mental well-being.

In 2024, Qulliq Energy Corporation began working with Northern Counselling and Therapeutic Services to ensure our staff and their families could reach a professional counsellor when they need one. The service is confidential, and people can access it in person or over the phone, depending on where they are located.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 4 Since the partnership started, more of our people have been able to get help when they need it. To date, approximately 30 per cent of our staff have accessed the services, making a meaningful difference for staff who are carrying pressures at work, at home, or both, and that has mattered for our workforce as a whole. A big part of why this service has worked is that it is easy to reach. Staff can call and often speak with someone the same day. There is no long wait standing between a person and the support they are looking for. Mr.

Speaker, mental wellness is something every workplace in Nunavut has a role in supporting. We are glad to be doing our part, and we will continue this partnership for as long as it is helping our staff and their families to feel their best. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Culture and Heritage Minister Koonoo. Minister’s Statement 44 – 7(2): Artist in Residence Program (Koonoo) Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today with updates on the Artist in Residence Program.

The third annual Nunavut Artist in Residence Program at the Winnipeg Art Gallery Qaumajuq was recently completed in April. This program gave three Inuk artists the opportunity to produce work, provide advice, and promote the Government of Nunavut’s Inuit Art Collection at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq. Mr. Speaker, the three artists selected for this year’s program were Joshua Qaumariaq from Iqaluit; Leo Qaritaq from Rankin Inlet; and Rebecca Mearns from Pangnirtung.

The four-week long program provided the artists daily access to studio space at WAG- Qaumajuq and the gallery’s media arts equipment and facilities. This year marks the third annual Artist in Residence, in collaboration the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The Government of Nunavut’s Inuit art collection is currently housed there, on a five-year loan. Hosting the Artist in Residency program allows the artists to visit the Inuit Art collection housed at Qaumajuq. Mr. Speaker, my department is committed to the conservation, protection, and promotion of our heritage collection.

I look forward to how this program will inspire our successful participants. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 5 >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Housing, Ms. Lyall. Minister’s Statement 45 – 7(2): NHC Action Plan and Spring 2026 Status Update (Lyall) Hon. Cecile Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to update members on the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Audit Action Plan and Spring 2026 Status Report. The Nunavut Housing Corporation released its action plan in August 2025, and later today, I will be tabling the Spring 2026 Status Report: Progress on Improving Public Housing Delivery. Mr.

Speaker, much of this work is still in its early stages, but progress is well underway. The Corporation is building a stronger foundation to improve housing services, support local delivery, and respond more consistently to the needs of Nunavummiut. To support more equitable access to public housing, NHC is working closely with local housing organizations to provide clearer guidance, stronger training, and more standardized tools while respecting the importance of local decision-making. To improve the management of public housing inventory, NHC is strengthening its asset management and maintenance systems.

Asset management systems are now in place in all communities to better track housing conditions, identify issues earlier, and respond to maintenance needs across the territory. The Corporation is also advancing IgluWeb, which will consolidate applications, waitlists, rent calculations, and maintenance tracking into a single online platform. This work will help build accountability and provide a more accurate picture of housing needs across Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, this work also supports Igluliuqatigiingniq, Nunavut 3000.

As new homes are built, we must also strengthen the systems, coordination, and service delivery needed to manage them effectively over the long term. This work reflects Ikajuqatigiikta, our government’s mandate, which means “let’s help each other.” By working together with communities, local housing organizations, and partners, we are focused on strengthening public housing and improving access to adequate, suitable housing for Nunavummiut. Quana, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 6 >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Minister of Health, Minister Brewster. Minister’s Statement 46 – 7(2): Medical Travel in Nunavut (Brewster) Hon. Janet Brewster (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, medical travel remains an essential part of health care delivery in Nunavut. Many Nunavummiut must travel outside their home communities to access appointments, specialized services, and treatment that are not available locally.

The Department of Health recognizes that medical travel can place added pressures on clients, escorts, and families. Delays, changing travel plans, and difficulty accessing information can add frustration to an already demanding process. Our focus is improving how Nunavummiut experience medical travel from departure to return home. This includes clearer communication, better coordination, and more accessible support for travellers when issues arise. Mr. Speaker, In Iqaluit, dedicated telephone lines are now available at the airport for medical travel clients.

These lines provide direct access to assistance when flights are delayed, schedules change, or travellers require support while in transit. Work is underway to expand these dedicated medical travel phone lines to airports across Nunavut. We are strengthening communication with travellers through improved outreach materials, better coordination with frontline staff, and more consistent access to information throughout the medical travel process. Mr. Speaker, the department is advancing a multi-year plan to strengthen medical travel services.

This work includes improving coordination with service providers, strengthening supports for clients and escorts, improving how concerns are addressed, and ensuring services better reflect the realities faced when travelling for care. We remain committed to improving the experience for travellers and supporting Nunavummiut as they access the care they need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ Statements. Mr. Hickes, Minister of Justice.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 7 Minister’s Statement 47 – 7(2): Inuit Societal Values Committee (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share that the Department of Justice is moving forward with establishing the Inuit Societal Values Committee, which has an important function in administering our territory’s correctional system.

The Inuit Societal Values Committee will play a critically important role in ensuring correctional programs, disciplinary processes, and decision‑making in our correctional system are guided by Inuit societal values and informed by Inuit experiences. Mr. Speaker and Members, the committee provides independent oversight and provides input on how Inuit perspectives, societal values, and traditional knowledge can be incorporated into the corrections system.

The Committee will offer guidance on improvements, and recommend new or revised policies, practices, and programs to strengthen the inclusion of Inuit values throughout Nunavut’s correctional and justice system. Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage Inuit who are interested in contributing to this meaningful work to consider putting their names forward. Four members of the Inuit Societal Values Committee are nominated by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and by each of the regional Inuit associations.

If you are interested in improving corrections in Nunavut and ensuring Inuit voices guide the direction of our system, I encourage you to reach out to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated or your regional Inuit association to request that your name be put forward for appointment to the committee. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice will also be issuing a call in June 2026 for up to four additional members, two elders and two residents of Nunavut, which are appointed by the Minister of Justice.

Through partnership and engagement with Inuit, we can continue building a corrections system that reflects our values and culture. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Going to the Orders of the Day, Item 3, Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Pedersen.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 8 Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 50 – 7(2): Activities over the Weekend (Pedersen) Mr. Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to you all and to residents in Cambridge Bay. I understand you had a wet and windy weekend that included some power outages, and I would like to thank the Qulliq Energy staff for identifying and getting the repairs completed, and I hope you are all safe and warm, whether you are in town or out on the land.

I would also like to thank the premier and his family members for organizing a barbecue this weekend for MLAs, ministers, interpreters and family members that aren’t from Iqaluit. We got to experience the Sylvia Grinnell Park, see the beautiful scenery, and enjoy good food and company. And thankfully, here the weather was decent and sunny. It gave us something to do over the weekend, and to experience that family feeling while we are being away from home. Mr. Speaker, in today’s digital age and the prevalence of social media, we can see and hear in real time the events happening in our communities.

Sometimes it’s the posts and comments we read; sometimes it’s the pictures and videos we see, and sometimes it’s even the live feeds we watch. Today we’re viewing events in real time that are happening in our community, our territory, our country and from around the world, and recently even from outer space. Some of what we see depicts the life of residents in our communities, and a lot of it is negative. We see that people are affected by fast-changing lifestyles. We see and feel the changes to nature. We see that more education in all forms is needed.

We see that there are issues with the justice and legal systems, and we see a need for balancing development while ensuring a healthy environment. We see a need for better health outcomes, and we see that we are moving away from culturally rooted practices. Because of these changes, a large portion of our population is being negatively affected. Mr. Speaker, my questions today will be directed to the Minister of Family Services, and will be regarding child and youth protection. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Statements. Member for Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike.

Member’s Statement 51 – 7(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mike)

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 9 Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a brief comment to make regarding the Nunavut airports that are much needed at the community level and to have them reviewed from 2020 to 2024. First of all, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) No. 2, 2019-2020, Pangnirtung, relocate airport 512,000 (interpretation) that have been deferred and again in the Nunavut Airports, and the reviews that were done from 2014 to 2017 in Pangnirtung, MM Group Limited were the ones who did the review and completed it.

The recommendation was to move the airport (interpretation ends) airport relocation conceptual design, helicopter route, reconnaissance, photogrammetry data collection, lower valley access road, realignment, airport power supply, strategy road safety study, storm water management report, geotechnical design report on airport and access road, Nunavut Impact Review Board application, detailed design of access road. (interpretation) In regards to the present airport, we have had several safety issues. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statements.

Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statements. Are there any nays? I don’t hear any. Mr. Mike, please proceed. Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. As I indicated earlier, (interpretation ends) for weather, high wind speed, and low cloud ceilings and limited horizontal visibility, mountains with elevation up to 3,200 feet, adjacent to two-kilometres-wide fiord. Mechanical turbulence such as the pilots will not approach if crosswinds exceed 5 knots. Limited navigation. And communication aids due to surrounding mountains.

Limited weather observation at the fiord level. Limited natural light, as Pangnirtung is located adjacent to the Arctic Circle. The limited reliability due to rapidly changing climate-change weather conditions. Back then it was considered the new airport design meets all these standards contained within TP312, 5th edition. Relocated airport would be served by visual and electronic navigation age, including a non-precision GPS approach down to an altitude as low as 250 feet, with visibility of one statute mile.

Another one is the new airport design meets all physical zoning and safety requirements, and considers applicable weather conditions, avoids permanent permafrost areas and achieve many economic construction cost.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 10 Construction at the elevation of approximately 2,100 feet above the community requires major rock excavation and gravel fill to achieve level of service at obstacle-free environment for safe and certifiable airport operations. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) the construction of an access road to the new airport site is supportable with the modification of traditional roadway drainage design. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): And thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Taqtu.

Member’s Statement 52 – 7(2): Elder Abuse (Tuqtu) Mr. Taqtu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s a lot of people from Nunavut, or elders especially, there is abuse on elders verbally, physically, and also taking their money. I think we’re not listening to their advice as much as we should today. And at the appropriate time I will be asking questions to the appropriate minister, because of course I feel for the elders who we abuse. And we keep saying that we want to help the elders, but we are not taking their advice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements.

Member for Tununiq, Mr. Koonoo. Member’s Statement 53 – 7(2): Congratulate Graduates (Koonoo) Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my regards to the people of Pond Inlet. I would like to congratulate the graduates of this year. There will be 18 graduates in 2026. Their names are Tanya, Cindy, Dominic, Sharon Pitsiulaq, Savanna Quloapik, [] Angela Ootoovak. Josephina Koonoo, Lisa Kunuk Sheba Ootook, Jolene Ootook. I congratulate these graduates for 2026. My daughter is also graduating, and I hope they do pursue higher education. And I will see you shortly and celebrate your graduation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Members’ Statements. Rankin Inlet North, Ms. Tattuinee. Member’s Statement 54 – 7(2): Congratulate Maani Uluyuk Graduates (Tattuinee) Hon. Annie Tattuinee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 11 Mr. Speaker, I send my regards to people of Rankin Inlet and also congratulate the Maani Uluyuk graduates. And I’m very pleased, and also the parents who are the ones who push their kids. There’s 21 graduates and I’ll be saying their names: Tapaungai Alariaq, Braelynn Aliyak, Kylie Angalik, Darren Nanook Ikakhik Jr., Wenda Irksak, Makayla Maludjak. I see the blinking red, sorry.

Erin Kubluitok, Kaeden Dunderman, Theresa Kusugak, Tina Lindell, Dennise Martin, Kortni McKay, Tyson McKay, Tina Misheralak, Luke Naukatsik, Joseph Panika, Tyrone Rdgers, Stevie (Siusarnaa) Siksik, Ancilla Suwaksiork. I’m very happy that they have graduated and they can pursue careers or further education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: We congratulate the graduates. Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 55 – 7(2): Celebrating Pride Month (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Looking at June 1, it is something, it’s Pride Month, which is celebrated throughout the month, and I give them my support and feel compassion for them. Young people should not be ashamed of who they are, be it, and I want you to know that you are loved whoever you are. And things will pass, if you’re going through a hard time, for the better. And even though you’re going through hard times, please, it’s okay to be who you are. You are loved, and please talk with somebody who supports you. There’s people out there. And there’s going to be improvement in the future. Please remember that.

I have been hearing from my constituents; they’re going through great hardship. Even though we can’t see them all, we know they have to go through great difficulty. And some of them hide their names. I want to make sure that they are told that somebody loves them, and there are people available that you can talk to. I’m glad that we’re going to be celebrating this month and the pride flag will be hanging outside the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik.

Member’s Statement 56 – 7(2): Resigning as a Member of the Legislative Assembly Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an announcement to make that I cannot get away from.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 12 Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform the House, to my colleagues of the Legislative Assembly, to my friends and family across Nunavut, especially to my constituents of Hudson Bay, and most importantly to my immediate family members. Mr. Speaker, it has been a privilege, an honour to serve as a member of the Legislative Assembly. I have made good memories during my term in office, and also at the same time I have gone through hardship. Mr. Speaker, I have decided to care for my spirituality, my emotional traumas and for my mental health situations.

Without further ado, effective immediately today, I’m resigning as a member of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I am happy for my decision. I have absolutely no regrets, and I’m going to wish everyone a joyful life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): I want to thank you, Member Qavvik. We feel what you said. (interpretation ends) As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, it is my duty to inform the House that, pursuant to

section 13 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the member’s seat is hereby declared vacant. The date of a by-election to fill the seat will be announced in due course. (interpretation) As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, it is my duty to inform the House that, pursuant to

section 13 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the member’s seat is hereby declared vacant. The date of a by-election to fill the seat for Hudson Bay will be announced in due course. Orders of the Day, Item 4, Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Arviat North and Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome the president-elect of Nunavut Tunngavik, Gloria Uluqsi. Mr.

Speaker, we hold the responsibility to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a government, and our mandate states that we have to help each other, and we will be doing just that, working together and helping each other. The new president has a lot of experience in different matters and also within the government and outside the government, so working together is what we’re going to be doing. And it was great that she came for coffee earlier, well, in the office.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 13 And the vice-president, Paul Irngaut, let’s welcome him as well. Let’s welcome both of them, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Please feel welcome in the Assembly. Recognition of the visitors in the Gallery. Member for the High Arctic, Mr. Taqtu. Mr. Taqtu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like you all to welcome my family, my wife April Taqtu, and the baby sleeping in the back right now, Tuukka Piujugtaqtu, our youngest.

And right next to them is my son, Lance; and next to him is our oldest, Judah-Neil Taqtu; and next to him is my sister, Valerie Taqtu Qvanaq; and her husband, our brother-in-law, Michael Qaunaq; and my oldest brother, Andrew Taqtu. Please feel welcome in the Assembly. Speaker (interpretation): Before we go to Item 6 and Oral Questions, we will take a 20 minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 14:10 and resumed at 14:35 Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the Day, Item 6, Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Kautuk. Item 6: Oral Questions Oral Question 62 – 7(2): Contaminated Sites (Kautuk) Mr.

Kautuk: Mr. Speaker, My questions today are for the Minister of Environment, and they concern the issue of contaminated sites. As the minister is aware, the Old Town site near Patricia Bay in the vicinity of Clyde River has been in need of remediation and clean-up for decades. In the year 2003, the government issued a request for proposals for a site assessment. Back In year 2012, the government submitted a detailed remediation plan to the Nunavut Impact Review Board, but it is unclear if that plan was ever implemented.

During last year’s spring sitting, the minister’s predecessor informed my predecessor that “for that particular site, results from the field work has been conducted by Environment in the summer of 2024 recommends remedial action.” Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the member for the question.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 14 The 2024 recommendation for remedial action was done (interpretation ends) and Environment will provide support to Transportation and Infrastructure to carry out the management strategy of the sites. So we’re in the process of talking with Transportation and Infrastructure to manage the site, and we’ll find out what more needs to be done for this site. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): First supplementary question, Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister is aware, his department is responsible for administering the government’s Contaminated Sites Policy and the activities of the Contaminated Sites Liability Working Group. Information published by the government indicates that the working group has been undertaking a number of projects related to the contaminated site near Clyde River. Can the minister indicate how often the Contaminated Sites Liability Working Group provides update to municipal council of Clyde River on this progress? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of the Environment, Mr. Koonoo. Hon.

Brian Koonoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleague for the question. The planning has been done since the 2011 and in 2016, they had some problems when it was the Department of CGS; they didn’t investigate the site properly. And because it wasn’t investigated properly, so in 2024 they started to do a remediation plan. Right now I haven’t heard much as to what’s been planned for that right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final supplementary question, Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) Can the Minister provide a current estimate for how much will cost to undertake a comprehensive remediation and clean up of the contaminated site near Clyde River? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of the Environment, Mr. Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleague. In 2024 (interpretation ends) the estimated cost to remediate the site is approximately $8.5 million over three years, and there is accrued liability of 3.9 million in the public accounts from previous remediation attempts.

An additional 4.6 million is needed to clear out the remediation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 15 Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Mr. Attagutaluk. Oral Question 63 – 7(2): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Attagutaluk) Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Environment and they concern the issue of caribou management. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by paying tribute to the board of directors and members of the Igloolik Hunters and Trappers Organization. As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board will be meeting later this month in the community of Kinngait.

One of the board’s agenda items is a proposal from the Department of Environment to increase the total allowable harvest of Baffin Island caribou. Can the minister confirm what changes to the total allowable harvest are being proposed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of the Environment, Minister Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleague. In February they had a meeting with the HTOs in the Baffin region and they made some recommended changes. The NWMB, as you stated, they will be meeting soon. They are.

However, they are going to be following the Baffin HTOs and Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board’s recommendations, and they will be reviewing the recommendations. And after they review the recommendations, they will present their plan to the Nunavut government. So the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board will have to approve the requests, if they want to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: (interpretation) First supplementary question, Mr. Attagutaluk. Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister will recall, he participated in a meeting that was held in February of this year to discuss management recommendations concerning Baffin Island caribou. I thank the members of Igloolik’s Hunters and Trappers Organization who attended the meeting. As the minister is aware, the current regulations under the territorial Wildlife Act regarding the total allowable harvest and non-quota limitations for Baffin Island caribou provide that the numbers for the 2026-2027 harvest year are 550 caribou, including up to 110 female without calves.

Can the minister clarify what changes his department is recommending regarding the harvesting of female caribou? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of the Environment, Mr. Koonoo.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 16 Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to my colleague for the question. The matter was given over to that organization as to what the HTO is requesting, and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board will make recommendations. Under the Nunavut Agreement, they have the authority to do that and the Nunavut government will have to agree with the recommendation.

Right now I can’t say what number they’re looking at, but after the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board meets and indicates what numbers they want, then the Nunavut government can look into the matter and make decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final supplementary question, Member Attagutaluk. Mr. Attagutaluk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the Minister is aware, his department’s current business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “develop a Baffin Island caribou monitoring strategy that incorporates Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and science to monitor the recovery of the herd.” Can the minister clarify how hunters and trappers organizations from Igloolik and other communities will be involved in the development of the strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of the Environment, Mr. Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, and thank you to my colleague for the question. The hunters and trappers organizations are always involved when decisions are being made or studies are being done and they support, and the local HTOs recently met in April, and the local HTOs and hunters monitor caribou when they’re out hunting, and they see how many caribou there are now and they report back to the community or the HTOs. That information is very useful for the Department of the Environment, so the Nunavut government and the Nunavut Impact Review Board. They record the caribou that they see and they bring their caribou expertise.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Cambridge Bay, Mr. Pedersen. Oral Question 64 – 7(2): Youth Vandalism (Pedersen)

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 17 Mr. Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Family Services and are regarding the issue of youth vandalism and bullying. You are likely aware of issues we had about a year ago with a group home in the community of Cambridge Bay. There didn’t appear to be adequate supervision, as youth clients were causing problems throughout the community. It eventually was shut down, but the problems from then are still happening today. Mr. Speaker, it seems as there are a number of youth and many of the same ones that are causing issues for residents.

These youth keep doing things, as nothing is being done to educate them and/or to correct the behaviour. Their parents don’t appear to be doing anything. It appears that the RCMP can’t do anything because of their ages and the law, and Family Services doesn’t appear to be doing anything, either, as residents don’t see noticeable changes over time. One worries as to how these children are treated and cared for at home. Why is it that they are acting out this way? Why are they not attended school each day? And who is responsible for their actions in terms of protecting and educating them?

Right now it appears no one is. Mr. Speaker, my first question is, in general terms, what is Family Services’ role in addressing the needs of these types of situations? And how does the department measure their actions in terms of meeting any regulations of the Child and Family Services Act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Family Services, Minister Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the questions. I think there were two questions there. Family Services takes referrals.

When someone has identified that a child needs more support, a referral is made to the Department of Family Services. For example, I can share with the member that between April 1, 2025 and March 30, 2026, there were 1,937 referrals to the Department of Family Services. That is the moment that a process becomes activated in the department, in terms of examining what supports or needs need to be met through the department. And then the second part was about measures.

And so there is our Ilagiitsiarniq Strategic Action Plan identifies a number of actions that the department has implemented in response to the Office of the Auditor General audits, and within that action plan are a number of measures that are being used to evaluate progress on those action items. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Mr. Pedersen.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 18 Mr. Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the reply. The Representative for Children and Youth will have staff in Cambridge Bay this week to work on files, and unfortunately this confirms that there are these issues with children and youth in the community, otherwise they wouldn’t necessarily have to be there right now.

Can the minister say if Family Services’ staff correspond with the staff from that independent office to share information on children and youth who may be involved in negative behavioural actions, as a way of how the department and the independent office can cooperatively deal with potential remedies? And if so, in her reply could she provide an example? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Family Services, Minister Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the follow-up question.

The Department of Family Services does communicate regularly with the representative. As an independent officer of the Assembly, they ask questions and seek information into specific files to advocate on behalf of children and families, and so that communication is ongoing. We have multiple departments that work together with the representative. The Departments of Health, Education, Justice and Family Services are all working together to meet the needs of children and youth.

As the member highlighted in the first question, there are a diversity of needs for children and young people across Nunavut that can’t be addressed alone. And we need to all be working in partnership, across agencies, across organizations with our partners at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the regional Inuit associations. We all can be building on our strengths to address the needs of our youth. The demand for services continues to increase, and we look for all opportunities to work together to meet those needs. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Final and supplementary question, Mr. Pedersen. Mr. Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the programs that many Inuit have graduated from is Nunavut Arctic College’s Social Services Worker Program. However, when one looks at the staff that deal with child and youth protection, at least in the Cambridge Bay office, there doesn’t appear to be many Inuit working there. It appears that the staff are generally not Inuit, and in many cases are from different cultures.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 19 We understand that it is important in such a field that if staff can relate to the culture and customs of the ones that they are there to help, that this knowledge will assist in more favourable or positive outcomes. Can the minister inform us of how many staff Family Services has in Cambridge Bay in the Children and Families Division, and how many of those staff are Inuit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Family Services, Minister Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the follow-up question, and I’m delighted that the member highlighted the Nunavut Arctic College Social Work Program. I had the great opportunity on Friday to speak with all of the students in the program currently, and look forward to seeing them join our ranks, if that’s the career path they choose to follow. Specifically with regard to the numbers, the Inuit employment numbers for Cambridge Bay, I don’t have that level of detail in front of me but, I can commit to getting those numbers for the member. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Kuliktana. Oral Question 65 – 7(2): Activities of the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Kuliktana) Mr. Kuliktana: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today is for the Minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corporation. As the minister is aware, information published by the Nunavut Housing Corporation in July 2025 provided an update on the status of housing construction in Kugluktuk. The update indicated that materials for 12 new units arrived in the community during the fall 2024.

The updates also indicated that framing was scheduled to begin during the fall 2025 and that the estimated completion date for the new units in late 2026 to mid 2027. Can the minister confirm if there have been any substantive changes to these timelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Housing Corporation, Minister Lyall. Hon. Cecile Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for the question.

Currently right now because of issues with the foundation, we’re hoping to complete the civil site work and the installation of the foundation this fall for an anticipated completion date of August 2027. I will continue to provide all the members with updates

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 20 on their community construction plans and any anticipated delays within that delivery once the information is provided to me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Mr. Kuliktana. Mr. Kuliktana: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister for her response. As the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly approved the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2026-2027 capital estimates during its recent winter sitting.

At that time, the minister indicated that the Nunavut Housing Corporation “plans to execute construction contracts for approximately 180 new public housing and staff housing units in 2026.” Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have been asking the Minister to publicly confirm the community allocations for the upcoming public and staff housing builds. Will she commit to tabling this information in the Legislative Assembly before the end of our current spring sitting, so that all members are aware of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s construction plans? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Housing Corporation, Minister Lyall. Hon. Cecile Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for that question. Currently right now we are still working on a number of the contracts for communities across Nunavut. I can’t guarantee that all of those contracts will be finalized before the end of this sitting. I can come back to the members with that information once the contracts are finalized, but I can come in and provide the information for what we do have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final question, Mr. Kuliktana. Mr.

Kuliktana: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for your answer. During last Monday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the minister informed the House that a number of the planned new units will be modular homes. Can the minister confirm how many new modular units are planned to be allocated to Kugluktuk, and can she indicate if the Nunavut Housing Corporation has made any changes to its procurement and tendering processes in relation to the acquisition of modular units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Lyall.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 21 Hon. Cecile Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for that question. Currently right now we’re anticipating ten new public housing units for Kugluktuk on sealift 2026. All of these units would be modular housing. We have gone out for a public call for modular units across Nunavut, and once we’re able to finalize all of the contracts for these modular units, we can come back and share those. As well, all of our contracting for each fiscal is included within our annual contracting procurement activity report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Porter. Oral Question 66 – 7(2): Elder Care Facilities (Porter) Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Health regarding elders care facility. First, I would like to begin by paying tribute to the hard-working staff at Gjoa Haven Continuing Care. They are a very important service for our elders.

As the minister will recall, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated announced in February 2025 that it would “contribute $500,000 for the purpose of conducting building condition assessments of the more recent continuing care centres in Gjoa Haven and Igloolik, taking a proactive approach to identify items that need replacement. The funding will also be used to conduct a feasibility study on potential expansions for these facilities.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut will oversee these analyses together, and then jointly create a spending plan for the remaining $9.5 million.” Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health, Minister Brewster. Hon. Janet Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Department of Health does remain committed to meeting long-term care needs of Nunavummiut, and through that work the information that we have gathered is that the permanent beds at the continuing care centres in Gjoa Haven, Igloolik and Cambridge Bay are full and have a wait list. Each facility does have one respite bed, which may be unoccupied for a few weeks, and there’s regularly an individual in the process of being admitted. I’m just looking for more information on that, as it’s contained in a separate briefing note, so I’ll pull that up while we listen to the next question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 22 Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Gjoa Haven’s current infrastructure plan identifies the need to expand a continuing care facility. Can the minister indicate when the expansion feasibility study will be finalized and shared with the municipal council in Gjoa Haven? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health, Ms. Brewster. Hon. Janet Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m looking for that information now, and I can’t seem to find it.

I’ll also have to look for that update as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final supplementary, Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that the new Kitikmeot long-term care facility in Cambridge Bay is still in the planning stages.

Gjoa Haven’s current Infrastructure Plan indicates that “insufficient local long-term care forces many elders to relocate far from home, triggering significant hardship and pain, severing social and family support systems and leading to isolation and increased vulnerability.” Can the Minister indicate approximately how many elders are currently on the waiting list for the Gjoa Haven continuing care facility, and can she clarify how the department will prioritize admission to the new Kitikmeot Long-Term Care Facility in Cambridge Bay? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health, Minister Brewster. Hon. Janet Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last numbers that I had for the waiting list were overall waiting lists, and there were at about 19 individuals who were awaiting placement in each of the continuing care centres, and that was from last month. When our team is making decisions about how to place elders and where to place them, they take into account what level of care that they need, and that decision is made along with and in consultation with family members as well.

And priority is given to elders that fit the care program in each of the facilities. That is how those decisions are made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Pangnirtung MLA, Mr. Mike.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 23 Oral Question 67 – 7(2): Airport Infrastructure (Mike) Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I want to revisit the issue of Pangnirtung’s airport. As the minister will recall, during 2017 the Government of Nunavut made a submission to the federal Department of Transport under the National Trade Corridors Fund for funding to relocate the Pangnirtung and Kimmirut airports to new locations.

Although those applications were not approved, the relocation of Pangnirtung’s airport remains a priority for the community. (interpretation ends) Can the minister assure me today that the Government of Nunavut remains committed to the goal of relocating the airport? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker, we go through a fairly rigorous capital planning process to identify projects that we can move forward with, whether it be with partners or with capital dollars appropriated through this House under Nunavut’s allocation of funds. Mr. Speaker, obviously airports across the territory are our lifeline. They are our highways, as I’ve used that term many times at different conferences and meetings with my counterparts across the country. Airport safety is obviously a paramount concern, and I do acknowledge some of the concerns that were raised by the member from Pangnirtung, and I share them.

Any time we can improve airport safety, we have to do everything we can to do so. Right now our short-term plan, Mr. Speaker, is to resurface the runway in Pangnirtung, which we are starting our process this summer. So I do look forward to that project being completed, and I do look forward to opportunities to include an airport relocation into some future capital planning process. Mr. Speaker, as the member stated, in 2017 it was applied for through the trades corridor funding and subsequently was denied. Unfortunately, Mr.

Speaker, we just don’t have the resources as a territorial government to take on such a task as to actually fully relocate an airport on our own dime, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): First supplementary, Mr. Mike.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 24 Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Minister, for clarifying that. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, the Nunavut Airports 20-Year Capital Needs Assessment Update was tabled in the Legislative Assembly in March 2023. The report indicates that “future economic development in Nunavut will be reliant on a safe, effective, and reliable air transportation system… from 2014 to 2017, MMM Group Limited completed several projects in support of development of a new airport in Pangnirtung.

The airport would include a maintenance garage and provisions for an air cargo building for food imports and fish exports.” (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Pangnirtung is at the heart of Nunavut’s Blue Economy, and our sustainable fishery is key to economic development, and export opportunities. Getting fresh product to the market in a timely manner is critical. Will the Minister of Transportation commit to working with the minister responsible for fisheries to identify ways of enhancing our existing airport infrastructure in this area? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for raising that other aspect of Pangnirtung’s ability to be able to diversify its economic opportunities through the Fisheries industry. I think it’s something worth celebrating. I think it is something that we’re going to attempt, we are going to do everything that we can to help support any economic development opportunities across the territory.

I can commit to my officials meeting with Fisheries officials to see if there are some componements that could be modified or mitigated to help improve bring in the product to market. I’ll have my officials talk to his officials, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final supplementatry, Mr. Mike. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you Minister. Minister will recall here at the Assembly $512,000 of Capital carryover funding was approved, during its’ 2019 sitting for planning to relocate of the Pangnirtung airport.

The Nunavut Airports 20 year Capital Needs Assessment update indicates that an early estimate for relocating of the airport was approximately arly estimate for relocating of the airport was approximately $189 million. I fully recognize and further want to understand more up to date estimates, if they will be included with the Department of Transportation can proceed with the design and construction of the new airport in the new location.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 25 Will the minister can commit to preparing updated cost estimates for this project? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the member knows when we go through our pre-planning and planning and the design phases of Capital Projects, each phase has cost more to it, as the member stated back in 2019, there’s a carryover of half of million dollars. I’d have to check into what the end result of that funds were.

I’m going to make an assumption, which I don’t usually like to do, but at some point that project would’ve fallen off the capital plan due to not being supported through the Transport Canada’s funding stream at that time. Mr. Speaker, when we look at introducing new projects through the capital plan, which would, even though it has existed in the past, it would be a new project. We would have to go through the formal process to look at the planning funds first before we go into the design. Mr. Speaker, with the projects that we have on the books right now with limited capacity I have at the Department.

I don’t anticipate bringing this forward in the short term, but I do encourage the member to continue approaching me identify opportunities to introduce this project in. Like, I stated earlier, it would have to be in conjunction with Partnerships, the cost is just simply something that Government of Nunavut would really struggle to bear the cost of this individual project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Ms. Angootealuk. Oral Question 68 – 7(2): The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and Tuttarviit (Angootealuk) Ms. Angootealuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Minister of Culture and Heritage, and they concern the activities of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and Tuttarviit. Mr. Speaker, the department’s approved 2025-2026 business plan indicated that one of the department’s priorities for 2025 was to “host an Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Conference in the Kivalliq region.” Can the minister confirm which Kivalliq community this conference took place? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The conference on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the planned meeting was in June 2026 in Rankin Inlet. However, due

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 26 to problems related to booking hotels for delegates at this time, we have delayed the conference to a time when it will be able to go ahead. Perhaps in 2027 the meeting, or the conference will go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): First supplementary. Ms. Angootealuk. Ms. Angootealuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The information published by the department indicates that “Tuttarviit is an interdepartmental group consisting of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit coordinators who work for each Government of Nunavut departments.” Information published by the department also indicates that several departments’ seats are currently vacant. Can the minister indicate the expected timeline to fill the vacancies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Culture and Heritage, Minister Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the question.

The Tuttarviit group that are delegated or appointed by each government department, the department on their own time decide when appointments will be made. At the moment there are eight vacancies that need to be filled, and the appointments have to be made by those departments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Second and final supplementary, Ms. Angootealuk. Ms. Angootealuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, the department’s approved 2025-2026 business plan indicated that one of its priorities for the 2025 was to “continue to lead and coordinate the engagement of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and Tuttarviit in the Government of Nunavut’s policy and legislative development process.” Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn’t quite understand your question. Could you paraphrase that, please? Thank you.

Speaker (interpretation): Ms. Angootealuk, please rephrase your question.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 27 Ms. Angootealuk: The department’s approved 2025-2026 Business Plan indicates that one of its priorities for 2025 was to “continue to lead and coordinate the engagement of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and Tuttarviit in the Government of Nunavut’s policy and legislative development process. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of the work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister Koonoo. Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I can’t respond to your question, but I’ll get the information and come back to you on another day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister Koonoo, is that taken as notice? Hon. Brian Koonoo (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Going on to another member, Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Kablutsiak. Oral Question 69 – 7(2): Post-Secondary Educational Institutions in Nunavut (Kablutsiak) Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Acting Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. Mr. Speaker, I want to revisit the subject of post-secondary education institutions in Nunavut. As the minister will recall, I asked her a number of questions on this subject earlier this year during the winter sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

As the minister will also recall, the government’s officials statement regarding the decision to locate the headquarters of the new Inuit Nunangat University in Arviat indicated that the government is “committed to ensuring that the complementary efforts” of both Nunavut Arctic College and the new Inuit Nunangat University “meet the needs of Nunavut.” Can the minister provide an update today on Nunavut Arctic College’s discussions with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami concerning the working relationship between the two institutions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 28 Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Ms. Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the question. We recognize the value, of course, of post-secondary education for Nunavummiut, for individuals, for families of communities across the territory. We know post-secondary education is essential, and we need more. We welcome all opportunities for training and education across the territory.

And we recognize at the college that no one single institution can meet all the diverse training needs and opportunities in our territory. At this time I don’t have new or additional information to provide the member. We continue to remain eager to discuss the plans for Inuit Nunangat University, and we await the opportunity to do so. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Your first supplementary question, Mr. Kablutsiak. Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister will be aware, information published by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami indicates that the Inuit Nunangat University plans to establish six faculties that will offer degree programs in a wide variety of subjects, including education, social work, nursing and Inuktut

interpretation and translation. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College’s offering include such long-standing programs as the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. Can the minister describe how Nunavut Arctic College envisions coordinating its programs with those that will be offered by the Inuit Nunangat University? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Education, Ms. Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the follow-up question.

I’m very delighted that the member acknowledged the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, which of course is a program we are extremely proud of at the college. The first step in the vision is to undertake a memorandum of understanding that our government is currently working on. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Your second and final supplementary question, Mr. Kablutsiak.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 29 Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will recall, I raised concerns during our recent Winter Sitting regarding the high number of vacancies in Nunavut Arctic College’s Arviat office. Information provided by the minister indicates that there are nine vacant core positions. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of filling these positions, and can she describe what specific challenges the college is facing with respect to recruitment for its positions in the community? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker (interpretation): Nunavut Arctic College, Ms. Healey Akearok. Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation ends) and I thank the member for the follow-up question. At Nunavut Arctic College we’ve been going through some transitions in our human resources department, and just happy to report that those transitions are moving ahead, and there’s been a bit of a backlog of material to go through, that that backlog is being addressed to advance the hiring process in a number of positions.

And with respect to the numbers for Arviat in particular, I will get back to the member with more detail specifically for the community. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Oral Questions. I have no more names on my list. 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. Minister of Housing Corporation, Ms. Lyall.

Item 14: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 23 – 7(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Action Plan: Improving Public Housing Delivery (Lyall) Tabled Document 24 – 7(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Spring 2026 Status Report on the Progress on Improving Public Housing Delivery (Lyall) Hon. Cecile Lyall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to table two reports, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Action Plan: Improving Public Housing Delivery, and the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Spring 2026 Status Report on the Progress on Improving Public Housing Delivery. Quana, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 30 Speaker (interpretation): Tabling of Documents. Minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation, Ms. Healey Akearok. Tabled Document 25 – 7(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2024-2025 Annual Report (Healey Akearok) Hon. Gwen Healey Akearok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2024-2025 Annual Report. Mr. Speaker, once the Inuktitut translations are completed, I will provide it with the clerk. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Tabling of Documents.

Member for Aivilik, Ms. Angootealuk. Tabled Document 26 – 7(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture of the Government of Yukon (Angootealuk) Ms. Angootealuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, on May 28, 2026, I raised the issue of the Etsy company’s recent decision to ban the sales of the fur products to the Minister of Community Services. Mr.

Speaker, I wish to table a copy of correspondence from the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture of the Government of Yukon urging the Etsy company to reconsider its decision. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Orders of the Day. Item 15, Notices of Motions. Item 16, Notices of Motions 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.

And before we proceed, we’ll take a ten-minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 15:33 and Committee commenced at 15:53 Item 20: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Fred Pedersen): In Committee of the Whole we have the following matters to deal with: Bills 1 and 2. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Taqtu.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 31 Mr. Taqtu: Thank you, Mr. Chair. We wish to continue with the consideration of Bill 1, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027, and the proposed 2026- 2027 Main Estimates of the Department of Community Services. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairman: Thank you Mr. Taqtu. Are we in agreement we first deal with Bill 1? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 1 – Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027 – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you.

I would like to ask Minister Simailak: Do you have officials you would like to have appear before the committee? Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort them in. For the record, Minister Simailak, please introduce your officials and proceed with your opening comments. Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, committee.

To my left is Deputy Minister Kristie Cronin, and to my right Acting Assistant Deputy Minister Adam Fisher. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to be here to present the 2026-2027 Operations and Maintenance budget, and the 2026-2030 Business Plan for the Department of Community Services. Mr. Chairman, 2025-2026 was a year of transition, as the Department of Community Services was established. During this year, the department focused on stabilizing operations, building internal capacity, and continued to deliver programs and services to Nunavummiut.

As we move into 2026-2027 our focus is on strengthening service delivery and ensuring that communities across Nunavut continue to receive the support they rely on. Our work is guided by the priorities of the Ikajuqtigiikta mandate and Inuit Societal Values, with a continued focus on improving access to services, supporting communities, and promoting economic opportunity.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 32 Our role is to support Nunavut communities in leading their own development by strengthening local governance, enabling sustainable economic growth, and delivering government programs and services that are accessible, responsive, and grounded in Inuit values. Mr.

Chairman, the department delivers its work across four core areas: Corporate Management provides the leadership, financial management, policy support, and oversight needed to ensure the department operates effectively and remains aligned with government priorities, including implementation of the Inuit Employment Plan and the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Act. Service Nunavut is being developed as a more coordinated point of access for government programs and services.

This includes government liaison officers, motor vehicles, consumer affairs, and safety services, helping to ensure services are accessible and responsive in communities across the territory. Supporting Communities plays a central role in the department’s mandate. Through community development, planning and lands, emergency management, and sport and recreation, we are strengthening municipal capacity and supporting the delivery of essential services, including recreation and wellness programming in communities. Finally, Supporting Economies works to maximize and diversify economic opportunities for Nunavummiut.

This includes business development, tourism and cultural industries, fisheries and sealing, and resource development. The department also provides funding to partners such as the Nunavut Development Corporation and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, which operate at arm’s length and deliver their own programs in support of economic development across Nunavut. Mr. Chairman, I will now turn to the proposed budget.

For 2026-2027, the Department of Community Services is proposing a total operations and maintenance budget of $165.9 million, representing an increase of $3.5 million or 2.15 per cent over the previous year. The majority of this funding would flow directly to communities. • $111.4 million would be allocated to grants and contributions that support municipalities, community organizations, and economic development programs; • $40.0 million would be allocated to compensation and benefits, ensuring we have staff in place to deliver programs and services across Nunavut; and

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 33 • $14.5 million would support travel, service contracts, and the operational requirements necessary to deliver services across our communities. These investments reflect the department’s structure and the practical work required to support communities across the territory. Mr. Chairman, Corporate Management’s proposed budget is $9.3 million, ensuring the department has the capacity to provide efficient oversight, policy direction and administrative support.

Service Nunavut would receive $13.2 million supporting front-line service delivery and continued improvements in public access to government services. The proposed budget for the Supporting Communities branch is approximately $104.7 million, or about 63 per cent of the department’s budget. This funding supports municipal operations, local government capacity, sport and recreation programming, and emergency management services across Nunavut.

Within this branch, $88.4 million would be delivered through grants and contributions to municipalities and community organizations, including core municipal funding, water and sewer subsidies, and programs that support community capacity and public safety. The proposed budget for the Supporting Economies branch is $38.7 million, supporting economic development across Nunavut. This includes $22.9 million in grants and contributions to support community capacity building, business development, and sector- specific initiatives such as mineral exploration, country food distribution, and cultural industries. Mr.

Chairman, this budget continues to prioritize direct support to communities. The majority of our funding flows through grants and contributions that enable municipalities and organizations to deliver programs, maintain services, and respond to local needs. We also recognize the unique challenges of delivering services across Nunavut. Our approach continues to focus on building local capacity, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that programs are responsive to the realities of communities across the territory.

Above all, this budget is about practical support: helping communities deliver essential services, strengthening local capacity, and ensuring Nunavummiut can access programs and services in ways that reflect their needs and realities. This concludes my opening comments. I would be pleased to answer any questions from Members.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 34 Ma’na, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Does the chair of the standing committee have opening comments? Please proceed, Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Minister and your officials, and everybody in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development, I will be making opening remarks on the during the Committee of the Whole consideration of the 2026-2027 main estimates and 2026-2030 Business Plan of the Department of Community Services.

The department is requesting for 2026-2027 operations and maintenance budget totalling $165,877,000. This represents a (interpretation ends) 2.1 per cent increase from the 2025- 2026 fiscal year. The number of positions in the department is increasing from 262 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to 271 in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Members raised a number of issues and concerns during the Minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee. (interpretation) The proposed 2026-2027 main estimates of the new department include over $83.9 million in funding for municipal operations.

The department’s 2026-2030 business plan indicates that two of its priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are to (interpretation ends) “complete a comprehensive review of the Municipal Water and Sewage Subsidy Program, including engagement with municipalities to identify options to improve service delivery and municipal fiscal sustainability” and to “conduct a review of the Municipal Funding Program to strengthen the equitable allocation of funding to municipalities.” Members encourage the department to work closely with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities on this initiative and look forward to ongoing updates on its status. (interpretation) During its recent winter sitting, the Legislative Assembly approved $10 million in supplementary funding for the NAMIX program.

NAMIX provides insurance to municipalities. (interpretation ends) The department’s proposed 2026-2027 main estimates include $1.25 million for the program.

The department’s 2026-2030 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “complete an actuarial, governance, and compliance review of the Nunavut Community Insurance Program to establish a baseline for financial sustainability, risk management, and overall program structure.” (interpretation) In December 2025, the department issued a request for proposals to conduct this review. (interpretation ends) The Department of Community and Government Services’ 2023- 2024 annual report on grants and contributions spending was tabled in the Legislative

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 35 Assembly on June 2, 2025. (interpretation) The standing committee encourages the new department to continue the practice of tabling these reports. The department’s organizational structure includes the Service Nunavut Branch, which includes the Safety Services Division. The standing committee encourages the minister to begin the practice of tabling an annual report on the activities of this division. Information in the report would complement that which is currently contained in the annual reports of the Office of the Fire Marshal and Nunavut Emergency Management.

The Department of Economic Development and Transportation (interpretation ends) issued policies which are now under the responsibility of the Department of Community Services. The standing committee notes that a number of the policies, including the Strategic Investments Program Policy and the Country Food Distribution Policy, have sunsetted.

Members note the importance of ensuring that all government policies clearly indicate whether or not they remain in effect past their sunset date. (interpretation) The department’s 2026-2030 business plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to (interpretation ends) “conduct a targeted review of the department’s sunsetted policies and prioritize renewal of the policies based on available resources.” On June 8, 2016, the Government of Nunavut’s Report on the Review and Reform of Income Assistance and Economic Development was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

The report indicated that the government would “place a greater focus on job creation when reviewing departmental programs.” (interpretation) The Department of Community Services’ proposed 2026-2027 main estimates include a total of approximately (interpretation ends) $22.9 million in grants and contributions expenditures related to economic development. The extent to which the department has been able to measure the number of jobs created or maintained by this spending is unclear.

The standing committee supports the department placing emphasis on job creation in communities, especially in relation to funding that is provided to for-profit businesses. A number of policies administered by the department contain annual reporting and tabling requirements regarding the administration of its programs. However, these reporting and tabling requirements are not currently being met in all cases. These include annual reports under its Strategic Investments Program Policy and Country Food Distribution Program Policy.

The department’s proposed 2026-2027 main estimates include $3.358 million in core funding for the Nunavut Development Corporation, and $900,000 in core funding for the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation. In January 2025, the Government of Nunavut discontinued the practice of issuing letters of expectation to the boards of directors of the territory’s five major public agencies. The Department of Finance’s 2026-2030 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “support the establishment of formal agreements with five territorial corporations regarding their

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 36 fiscal and governance responsibilities, relationship with the Government of Nunavut and annual reporting requirements.” The standing committee encourages the government to ensure that these new governance tools include strategic direction to the relevant public agencies and that they be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. That concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2026-2027 main estimates and 2026-2030 Business Plan of the Department of Community Services. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mike.

Do members have any general questions before we proceed to detailed questions? Seeing none, we will now proceed to a page-by-page review of the 2026-2027 Main Estimates starting on page K-4. And we’ll now review the Department of Community Services Corporate Management Branch. Total operations and maintenance, $9,264,000. Do members have any questions? Mr. Kablutsiak. Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Chair.

In your business plan under “Country Food Distribution Program,” it indicates: “This contribution program supports harvesting sector through investments and operations funding for modern, energy-efficient community freezers, retrofitting existing harvesting infrastructure, and by supporting locally identified harvesting and training initiatives that benefit the harvesting economy in every community of Nunavut.” A number of your department’s policies, including the Grants and Contributions Policy and the Country Food Distribution Policy, have sunsetted.

Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “conduct a targeted review of the department’s sunsetted policies and prioritize renewal of the policies based on available resources.” Which policies will be prioritized? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kablutsiak. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the question. The department is conducting a targeted review of policies with sunsetted clauses to ensure they remain current, effective and aligned with departmental priorities.

Priority is being given to policies that have the greatest impact for service delivery in program effectiveness. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kablutsiak, go ahead. Mr. Kablutsiak: The Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Implementation Act Economic Implementation Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly in 2017. The

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 37 department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “continue collaborative engagement with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to identify shared priorities and objectives that will inform amendments to the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Regulations. What specific amendments are being considered? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kablutsiak. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Regarding the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Regulations, the regulations are a key mechanism supporting implementation of

article 24 of the Nunavut Agreement. The department is working collaboratively with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to identify shared priorities and opportunities to strengthen effectiveness of the regulations. The department is reviewing all of the regulations on working practice, identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities for improvement, and working with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to identify shared priorities that may inform future amendments. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is a key partner.

They are the ones that are helping us to understand what the needs are right across the territory, and we really value their assistance in helping us with these regulations. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Any other questions from members on Corporate Management Branch? I don’t have any more names on my list. Do members agree with the Department of Community Services Corporate Management Branch total operations and maintenance of $9,264,000? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Please go to page K-6.

We’ll now review the Department of Community Services Service Nunavut Branch. Total operations and maintenance, $13,262,000. Do members have any questions? Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Chair, and welcome. Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “complete a government-wide review and inventory of all external community-facing services, to identify duplication, gaps, and delivery models in consultation with all Government of Nunavut departments and territorial cooperation with public services.

What does your department define as a community-facing service? Thank you, Chair.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 38 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kautuk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the question. Community-facing services are services delivered directly to Nunavummiut communities and businesses. Examples include licensing, permits, registrations, inspections, applications, and access to government programs and services. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. Kautuk, go ahead. Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Chair, and thank you for the response.

Is your department considering taking on responsibility for administering services that are currently being delivered by other departments? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kautuk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you. Not in the immediate term. The current work is focused on understanding how services are delivered across government and identifying opportunities to improve coordination and access.

Any future transfer of functions will be evidence-based, undertaken in partnership with departments, and focused on improving service delivery rather than changing policy responsibilities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kautuk, done? Any other members? Go to Mr. Kablutsiak, or sorry, Mr. Taqtu. Mr. Taqtu: Thank you, Chair.

Your department’s 2025-2026 Business Plan indicates that “government liaison officers from all three regions recently participated in training sessions held in Iqaluit, focussing on expanding the range of services government liaison officers can provide in communities, such as issuing marriage certificates, effort that are ongoing, strengthening the programs’ effectiveness and reach across Nunavut.” What specific actions are being undertaken to accomplish this goal? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Taqtu. Mr. Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman, (interpretation ends) and thank you for the question. Service Nunavut continues to provide coordinated access to government services through government liaison officers, motor vehicles, consumer affairs, and safety services.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 39 This year the focus is strengthening service delivery, improving consistency across communities, and enhancing access to government programs and services. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. Taqtu, go ahead. Mr. Taqtu: Thank you, Chair. As of today, which communities do not have a government liaison officer in place? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Taqtu. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the question. All government liaison positions are currently filled.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Next on my list I have Mr. Mike. No? Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s 2024-2026 Business Plan indicated that one of its priorities for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was to establish the new divisional headquarters in Rankin Inlet, as per approved reorganizational plan.

Your department’s 2025-2026 Business Plan indicate that efforts are underway to finalize and implement the approval of organizational structure for the Motor Vehicles Division. How many of the division’s 17 positions are currently vacant? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Porter. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for that question. Currently there are 10. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Go ahead, Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) How many of the division’s positions will be located in Rankin? How many will be located in Iqaluit? How many will be located in Cambridge Bay? And how many will be located in Gjoa Haven? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Porter. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for the question. For Gjoa Haven there’s four; Iqaluit, seven; Rankin Inlet, six; and Cambridge Bay, zero. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 40 Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Porter, any more questions? Go ahead. Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Economic Development and Transportation 2024-2026 Business Plan indicated that one of its priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was to conduct a review of the school-bus regulations and driver’s- licence regulations. The department’s 2025-2026 Business Plan indicated that the review of the school-bus regulations and driver’s-licence regulations is actively underway and remains contract for a completion as planned.

What specific changes are being actively considered, and what is the timeline for the publishing of new regulations? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Porter. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the member for the question. We will be reviewing that and tabling that in the fall time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Any other questions, Mr. Porter? Go ahead. Mr. Porter: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Your department’s draft 2026-2027 main estimates include 4.516 million in funding for Safety Services Division.

How many of the division’s 23 positions are currently vacant? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Porter. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for the question. Currently there are 15 vacant positions in Safety Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Next on my list I have Mr. Kuliktana. Mr. Kuliktana: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Your department’s 2025-2026 Business Plan indicated that “the government’s liaison officers from all three regions recently participated in the training session held in Iqaluit, focussing on expanding the range of services GLOs can provide in communities, such as issuing marriage certificates. Efforts are ongoing to expand the program’s effectiveness and reach across Nunavut.” What specific actions are also being undertaken to accomplish this goal? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 41 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kuliktana. I believe that question was already asked by another member. Do you have any others? No? Any other questions under the Service Nunavut Branch? Mr. Kablutsiak. Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Chair. Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to complete a jurisdictional scan and internal consultations on the Consumer Protection Act. What specific amendments to the legislation are being considered? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kablutsiak. Minister Simailak.

Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. Regarding the proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, the department’s focus in 2026-2027 is on completing a jurisdictional review and internal consultations to better understand current consumer protection issues, emerging trends, and how Nunavut’s legislation compare with other jurisdictions. The findings of that work will help determine whether legislative amendments are required, and if so, the scope of any potential changes.

It would be premature to establish a timeline for legislative amendments before that review is complete. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kablutsiak, any more? Go ahead. Mr. Kablutsiak: Thank you, Chair. Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to complete a jurisdictional scan and internal consultations on the Lotteries Act. What specific amendments to the legislation are being considered? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kablutsiak. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. Thank you, Member, for the question. During 2026-2027, the departments will undertake a jurisdictional review and internal consultations to assess whether the current legislative framework continues to meet Nunavut’s needs. The review will examine how lotteries are regulated and administered in other jurisdictions, identify potential legislative gaps or administrative challenges, and explore opportunities to improve clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness within Nunavut’s lottery system. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 42 Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Any other questions from members on the Service Nunavut Branch? Seeing none, do members agree with the Department of Community Services Service Nunavut Branch total operations and maintenance of $13,262,000? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Please go to page K-7, and we will now review the Department of Community Services Supporting Communities Branch. Total operations and maintenance $104,669,000. Do members have any questions? Mr. Qammaniq. Mr. Qammaniq: (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) Your 2026-2027 main estimates indicate that the budgets for the municipal funding program and the water and sewer subsidy program are not changing from the 2025-2026 fiscal year. How did your department determine that no increases or decreases are required? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qammaniq. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question.

For 2026-2027 the department is conducting a comprehensive review of the Municipal Water and Sewage Subsidy Program to determine whether it continues to meet municipal needs in support of long-term sustainability. With all the construction happening in the last few years and for the next foreseeable future, we want to ensure that the municipal program is meeting the needs of the communities, and we all know each community is different, so that’s why this review is so important. We have to make sure that we have the correct numbers and up-to-date numbers for each community. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Qammaniq, go ahead. Mr. Qammaniq: Thank you, Chair. Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that two of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are to conduct reviews of the Municipal Funding Program and the Municipal Water and Sewer Subsidy Program. Will these reviews be conducted by departmental employees or external consultants? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qammaniq. Minister Simailak.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 43 Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The plan is internal employees in consultation with Nunavut Association of Municipalities work very closely together to look after the needs of each hamlet across the territory and all tax-based communities. Hold on, please. And there will also be some external support as well to ensure that we’re meeting the review so that we can try to finish it as quickly as possible and get things forwarded. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Qammaniq, go ahead. Mr. Qammaniq: Thank you, Chair.

Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that two of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are to begin consultations on the Ambulance Act and the Cities, Towns and Villages Act. What specific amendments to these statutes are being considered? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Qammaniq. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. The department is planning to begin preliminary work on the review this fall 2026.

The initial phase will focus on reviewing municipal legislation in other jurisdictions, and engaging with municipalities and stakeholders to identify opportunities to strengthen Nunavut’s legislative framework for municipal governments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. Qammaniq, any more questions? No more, okay. Thank you. Next on my list, Mr. Attagutaluk. Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Chair.

Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to complete an actuarial governance and compliance review of the Nunavut Community Insurance Program, to establish a baseline for financial sustainability, and risk management, and overall program structure. In December 2025 your department issued a request for proposals to conduct this review. As of today, what is the status of this work? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Attagutaluk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question.

The department expects to receive the final report by summer 2026. Once the review is complete, the department will assess their findings and determine whether any changes, what additional actions are required to support the long-term sustainability of the program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. Attagutaluk, go ahead.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 44 Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Chair. During its recent winter sitting, the Legislative Assembly approved $10 million in supplementary funding for the NAMIX program. Your department’s draft 2026-2027 main estimates includes $1.25 million for the program. Does your program anticipate requiring additional supplementary funding for the program during the 2026-2027 fiscal year? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Attagutaluk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. At this time it’s a no.

The department will review the recommendations and work with stakeholders, including municipalities and the Nunavut Association of Municipalities Insurance Exchange to determine next steps. Any future changes will be informed by the findings of the review and the needs of participating communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Attagutaluk, go ahead. Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Chairman. How will the Nunavut Association of Municipalities be involved in this review? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Attagutaluk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. I thank the member for his question. Nunavut Association of Municipalities is a key stakeholder. Our department is continually working with them on a weekly basis to try to understand the needs of each hamlet, and that will be one of the things that we’ll be helping out with. They are key stakeholders, so they are involved quite heavily. Thank you, Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Back to my list, I have Mr. Kuliktana. Mr. Kuliktana: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The former Department of Community Government Services’ 2023-2024 annual report of grants and contributions and spending was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 2, 2025. Will your new department be producing a similar annual report for future fiscal years? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kuliktana. Minister Simailak.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 45 Hon. Craig Simailak: Just give me a second there, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for your patience, Mr. Chairman. I recognize that the members of the standing committee will be receiving this report and information it provides. At this time I can say yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Any other questions from members on the Supporting Communities Branch? Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you.

I have a question regarding the Business Plan for 2026-2030, which indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to complete consultations on the Sport and Recreation Division’s Grants and Contributions Policy. What specific changes to the policy are being considered? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mike. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. The review will assess whether current funding programs remain accessible, effective, and responsive to community needs.

Consultations will help identify strengths, gaps and opportunities to improve support for sport and recreation activities across Nunavut. We all know how expensive it is across the territory, so we want to ensure that we can help continue to support sport and recreation, as that deeply impacts the youth of our Nunavummiut. It helps them, keeps them busy, keeps them active and happier, and provides for new opportunities to travel outside their home communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Any other members with questions for Sport and Communities Branch? Mr. Kautuk, go ahead.

Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Chair. Nunavut’s Emergency Measures Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly in 2007. Sections 5 to 9 of the legislation provides for the preparation of “emergency management program” on the part of the government institution and municipal council. However, these sections of the legislation have not yet been brought into force. What is the government’s current timetable for bringing these act sections of the Emergency Measures Act into force? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kautuk. Minister Simailak.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 46 Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question regarding the Nunavut Emergency Measures Act. The department is taking a phased approach to implementing these provisions, before bringing sections 5 to 9 into force. The department wants to ensure that government departments and municipalities have the plans, processes and supports necessary to meet the requirements of the act.

Significant progress has been made, including the completion of the business continuity plans for all Government of Nunavut departments, and ongoing work to strengthen community emergency response plans across Nunavut. The department will continue working with partners to ensure these requirements can be implemented successfully. Some of these partners are such as other Government of Nunavut departments: Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut, Qulliq Energy Corporation, hamlets, search and rescue across the territory. So there’s multiple partners, just to name a few. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kautuk. Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Minister, for your response. As of today, which municipalities have not finalized and submitted their emergency management program? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kautuk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Just give us a second here, Mr. Chairman. The community emergency response plans in communities. Currently the department is making progress on updating community emergency response plans across Nunavut.

Nunavut Emergency Management is currently completing hazard and risk impact assessment in all communities to ensure plans reflect local risks and priorities. The new planning template is being piloted with the hamlet of Arctic Bay, and will be rolled out to other communities following the pilot. The department will continue working with municipalities throughout the fiscal year to update and strengthen community emergency response plans across Nunavut. This work is very important, because we’ve seen so many changes happening across the territory.

We want to ensure that these new emergency plans are up to date and working with all the partners. That’s what we’re going to accomplish, with the help of the hamlet of Arctic Bay as our pilot, assistance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kautuk, go ahead.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 47 Mr. Kautuk: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Minister, for your response. Your department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is to “deliver emergency management training session in four communities.” In which communities will the training occur? Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you Mr. Kautuk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. Those four communities have not been identified yet.

We are taking a scan on the communities and seeing who’s got what, or who is ready, maybe, but those four communities have not been identified at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Mr. Kautuk? No, no more? Any other members on Supporting Communities Branch? Seeing none, do members agree with the Department of Community Services Supporting Communities Branch total operations and maintenance of $104,669,000? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Please go to page K-8.

We will now review the Department of Community Services Supporting Economies Branch, total operations and maintenance $38,682,000. Do members have any questions? Mr. Attagutaluk. Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Chair. Your department’s draft 2026-2027 main estimates includes $1.796 million in funding for the funding for the Strategic Investment Program. The 2015-2019 consolidated annual report on the Strategic Investment Program which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 17, 2021. When will the annual report for the subsequent physical years be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly?

Thank you, Chair. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Attagutaluk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. The department has been working to finalize the information required for the report, and ensure it is complete and accurate. I have directed officials to complete this work as a priority, and we’re targeting this fall 2026. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Go ahead, Mr. Attagutaluk. Mr. Attagutaluk: Thank you, Chair.

Approximately how many jobs had the Strategic Investment Program created in Nunavut communities over the past five years? Thank you, Chair.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 48 Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Attagutaluk. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding how many jobs, we don’t have that figure, but the department is developing performance indicators for mining, fisheries, tourism and small business development programs. These indicators will provide consistent measures to track results, support accountability, and inform future program and investment decisions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Any other questions on Supporting Economies Branch from members? Mr. Mike, go ahead. Mr.

Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The 2020- 2021 and 2021-2022 combined annual report of the administration of your department’s Country Food Distribution Program was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on February 23, 2024. When will the 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 annual reports be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mike. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question.

Again, same answer as previous one; the department has been working to finalize the information required for the report and ensure that it is complete and accurate. I have directed officials to complete this work as a priority. We are working hard to catch up on all of our tabling requirements, and we are targeting this fall 2026. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Simailak. Go ahead, Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Minister.

The department’s 2026-2030 Business Plan indicates that one of its planned actions for 2027-2028 fiscal year (interpretation ends) is to update the Country Food Contribution Program policy to enhance how it supports programming. What specific changes to the program are being considered? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Mike. Minister Simailak. Hon. Craig Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Currently we are doing a review.

The department continues to support harvesters through existing fisheries and sealing programs, while undertaking the review of supports available for the harvesting sector.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Nunavut Hansard 49 The review will help identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. This work is very important so that we can try to diversify our economy. There’s so much more across our territory outside of mining, outside of government, outside of hamlets. We want to support the harvesters as well, because we know there’s a lot of hunters and fishers out there that would like to make this a part of their daily lives. Thank you, Mr. Chairm