Nunavut Hansard — 22 February 2024 (6th Assembly, 2nd Session, Day 66, Official Report, pp. 4154–4189)

2024-02-22, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 66

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 66 Thursday, February 22, 2024 Pages 4154 – 4189 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................4154 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................4154 Money Message ..........................................................................................................................4155 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................4156 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................4161 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................4164 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................4164 Returns to Written Questions .....................................................................................................4185 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................4185 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................4189

A. Daily References Thursday, February 22, 2024......................................................................................................4154 B.

Ministers’ Statements 349 – 6(2): Notice of Budget Address (Kusugak) ......................................................................4156 350 – 6(2): Signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement (Akeeagok, P) .............................................................................................................................................4156 351 – 6(2): Update on Non-Insured Health Benefits Negotiations (Main) ................................4157 352 – 6(2): Public Consultations for the Territorial Parks Act (Qavvik) ...................................4158 353 – 6(2): Expansion of Full-day Kindergarten (Gross) ...........................................................4158 354 – 6(2): Rebekah Uqi Williams Scholarship (Nakashuk) .....................................................4159 355 – 6(2): Therapeutic Justice Program (Akeeagok, D) ...........................................................4160 C.

Members’ Statements 476 – 6(2): Appreciation for Larga Kitikmeot Boarding Home (Quqqiaq) ...............................4161 477 – 6(2): Incidents at Naja Isabelle Home (Sammurtok) ........................................................4161 478 – 6(2): Coral Harbour Hockey Team (Malliki) ...................................................................4162 479 – 6(2): Congratulations to Pond Inlet Constituents Who Received the Nunavut Commissioner’s Awards (Nutarak) .....................................................................................4162 480 – 6(2): Historically Short Winter Sitting (Savikataaq) ........................................................4163 481 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Daughter (Akeeagok, D) ...........................................................4163 D.

Oral Questions 689 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Quassa) ......................................................................4164

690 – 6(2): Supports for Medical Travel Clients (Quqqiaq) ......................................................4166 691 – 6(2): Incidents at Naja Isabelle Home (Sammurtok) ........................................................4167 692 – 6(2): Devolution (Brewster) .............................................................................................4169 693 – 6(2): Fuel Prices (Malliki) ................................................................................................4172 694 – 6(2): Iqaluit Housing (Lightstone) ....................................................................................4173 695 – 6(2): Devolution (Simailak) .............................................................................................4176 696 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Nutarak) .....................................................................4178 697 – 6(2): Health Centre in Arviat (Savikataaq) .......................................................................4179 698 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Anavilok) ...................................................................4181 699 – 6(2): Iqaluit Power Plant (Hickes) ....................................................................................4182 E.

Returns to Written Questions Return to Written Question 006 – 6(2): Modular Units (Clerk) .................................................4185 F.

Tabling of Documents 211 – 6(2): Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement (Akeeagok, P) ...................4185 212 – 6(2): Chief Public Health Officer’s Health Status Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic (Main) ..................................................................................................................................4185 213 – 6(2): Information Sharing Agreement on Tuberculosis Data between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Main).......................................................4185 214 – 6(2): 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (Nakashuk) .............................................................................................................................................4185 215 – 6(2): 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (Nakashuk) ...........................................................................................................................4185 216 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation 2021-2022 Annual Report (Main) ...............................4186

217 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health in Response to Oral Question 624 – 6(2) (Brewster) ............................................................................................................................4186 218 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Human Resources in Response to Oral Question 641 – 6(2) (Brewster) ...........................................................................................................4186 219 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health: Follow-up from the Mid-term Mandate Review (Brewster) ...............................................................................................................4186 220 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Finance: Follow-up from Committee of the Whole’s Consideration of Bills 30, 32, 33, and 34 (Hickes) ...............................................4187 221 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health: Department of Health’s 2024-25 Capital Estimates (Hickes) ...............................................................................................................4187 222 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services: Departmental Capital Estimates 2024-25 (Hickes) ..............................................................4187 223 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services: Follow- up from Mid-term Mandate Review (Hickes) ......................................................................4187 224 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Finance: Tabling of 2022-23 Public Accounts of Nunavut (Hickes) .................................................................................................................4187 225 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Environment: Department of Environment 2024-25 Capital Estimates (Malliki) ....................................................................................4188 226 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in Response to Oral Question 622 – 6(2) (Nutarak) ................................................................4188 227 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Family Services in Response to Oral Question 601 – 6(2) (Sammurtok).......................................................................................................4188 228 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Environment in Response to Oral Question 600 – 6(2) (Savikataaq) ...............................................................................................................4188 229 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Family Services in Response to Oral Question 633 – 6(2) (Savikataaq) ........................................................................................................4188

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4154 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, February 22, 2024 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon. Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day.

Before we begin, Ms. Quassa, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker: Good afternoon and welcome. Speaker’s Statement Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I am pleased to welcome members back to the House for our winter sitting. I also extend a very warm welcome to elders and Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings on radio, television and Internet livestream. Earlier this month, I had the wonderful opportunity to lead the Speaker’s Mace Tour to introduce the working mace to a number of communities that had not previously met the Mace.

I wish to recognize and express my gratitude to the people and communities of Taloyoak, Kugaaruk, Naujaat, and Coral Harbour for their warm welcome and hospitality. >>Applause Thank you. I would also like to thank both the Member for Netsilik and the Member for Aivilik for graciously hosting us in their constituencies and for their role in the Mace Tour. We had the unique opportunity to reunite the Mace with two out of the six artists who originally created it: Inuk Charlie in Taloyoak and Paul Malliki in Naujaat… >>Applause …who welcomed us warmly to his home. Mr.

Paul Malliki is the father of our very own colleague, Solomon Malliki. We notice the family resemblance. >>Laughter We thank Inuk Charlie and Paul Malliki for sharing their stories about the creation of the Mace and for highlighting their valuable contributions. As members are aware, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of Nunavut and the first sitting of the Legislative Assembly, which was held on April 1, 1999. By the end of this year, the Mace will have visited schools and other facilities in all 25 communities in Nunavut.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4155 The Mace will be travelling to the communities of Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Kimmirut, which are the final three communities that it has not yet visited. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and express my deepest appreciation to the Commissioner of Nunavut, Her Honour Eva Aariak, for her important role during the tour. Commissioner Aariak visited classrooms, answered students’ questions about her office and presented a number of Commissioner’s Awards to recipients in both Taloyoak and Kugaaruk.

A number of residents were recognized for their important contributions to their communities as volunteers, search and rescue team members, volunteer firefighters, and elders who are recognized knowledge keepers. A number of individuals who demonstrated bravery and survival instincts during times of emergency and need were also recognized. I wish to pay tribute to all of the recipients of the Commissioner’s Awards. Their valuable efforts and dedication have made a positive impact in their communities.

On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, I wish to take this opportunity to convey our support and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to His Majesty the King, who has been open about his recent cancer diagnosis. We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer, and I strongly encourage all Nunavummiut to speak with their health care provider about any cancer concerns. I also wish to take this opportunity to formally announce the appointment of Mr.

Stephen Innuksuk as Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. >>Applause Stephen is no stranger to this House and we congratulate him on his appointment. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from Her Honour the Commissioner of Nunavut. Money Message Mr.

Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the winter 2024 sitting of the Second Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly: • Bill 37, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025; • Bill 38, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2023-2024; • Bill 39, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2023-2024; and • Bill 40, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2024-2025.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4156 Sincerely, Eva Qamaniq Aariak, Commissioner of Nunavut. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 349 – 6(2): Notice of Budget Address (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, my colleagues. It’s great to be meeting here again. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleagues that on Monday, February 26, 2024, I will introduce the proposed 2024-25 budget on behalf of the Government of Nunavut.

This budget will outline our government’s financial priorities for the fiscal year 2024-25. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 350 – 6(2): Signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome my colleagues to the House. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark January 18, 2024 the day the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the federal government signed the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. This date joins July 9, 1993, the signing of the Nunavut Agreement, and April 1, 1999, the date of Nunavut’s establishment.

This signing was made possible through the efforts of our leaders and elders of the past, tireless negotiators through the years, and all Nunavummiut. With great pride for Nunavut and Nunavummiut, I stood alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk. This moment is the vision of our elders made real. In the year of our 25th anniversary that we are in, we brought decision-making about our lands and its many riches back home, where it belongs. This was the vision of our elders.

The devolution agreement signifies the largest land transfer in Canada’s history; two million square kilometres of land will now be in the hands of Nunavummiut, resource development encouraged and controlled in a balanced way, by us. Now begins three years of transition and implementation. The Government of Nunavut has been laying the groundwork to take over decision- making for land management for many years. We have built strong working relationships with our partners throughout the process.

Over the next three years, the parties will use these collaborative relationships and work in the spirit of partnership to complete the transfer of responsibilities. On April 1, 2027 the official transfer will take place. I look forward to celebrating that day with all Nunavummiut.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4157 I will be tabling the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement at the appropriate moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 351 – 6(2): Update on Non-Insured Health Benefits Negotiations (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. It’s great to be meeting once again. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I rise to provide an update on Health’s negotiations with Indigenous Services Canada on the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. While the Department of Health and Indigenous Services Canada have made some progress, we are still without an agreement. We have seen movement towards meeting Health’s requirements. The most recent NIHB financing proposal put forward does not meet our need for 100 percent recovery of medical transportation expenses nor the 10 percent required to cover the departmental administrative expenses. Many Nunavut health services are paid for by the NIHB program.

NIHB funds pay for some costs not covered by the Nunavut Health Care Plan, specifically for Nunavut Inuit. The NIHB program is a critical financial support for the Government of Nunavut as we work to fill gaps in existing health care programs and enhance services for Nunavut Inuit. As all members are aware, the chronic underfunding of this federal program sees Health coming back annually to seek the required funds through a supplemental appropriation of our Government of Nunavut funds. This fiscal year alone will see our government potentially subsidizing the program by an approximate $25 million.

This is an unacceptable arrangement which sees a dollar-by-dollar reduction in capacity for the Department of Health. Mr. Speaker, the funds used to subsidize this federal program could be better used to develop, enhance, and deliver territorial health care services for Nunavummiut. In the months to come, we will continue to push Indigenous Services Canada to fully support its NIHB program. If we cannot secure full and predictable funding allocations, I will be left with no choice but to recommend to my cabinet colleagues that we turn their program back to our federal partners to administer directly. An Hon.

Member: Hear, hear! Hon. John Main (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, despite the challenges, our work on this key program area will continue. Health will continue negotiating and calling on our federal partners at Indigenous Services Canada to properly fund this program. At the same time, Health is preparing for future action should full funding not be made available. Reaching a fair and lasting deal on NIHB isn’t about dollars and cents; it’s about seeing better health outcomes and better health services right across Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4158 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 352 – 6(2): Public Consultations for the Territorial Parks Act (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, Nunavummiut, (interpretation) and my constituents in Hudson Bay. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform this Assembly and Nunavummiut that my department held public consultations this past November and December for the modernization of the Territorial Parks Act.

A modernized Territorial Parks Act will conform with the provisions of the Nunavut Agreement and with the Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Territorial Parks, as well as incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The modernization of the Act will also allow the government to formally establish newly created and future territorial parks; and enhance the Department of Environment’s role in exercising its management and enforcement obligations. Mr. Speaker, the most important part of this modernization process is to hear from Nunavummiut and all interested Nunavut stakeholders.

As mentioned, my department organized public consultations so that everyone who had concerns, opinions, compliments, and ideas could share them with park officials. Mr. Speaker, for the Nunavummiut and stakeholders who could not attend a public consultation, a dedicated webpage was created with all the information and tools needed to share their thoughts about the proposed Parks Act. This web page can be found on the new Nunavut Parks website under nunavutparks.ca/consultations. Mr. Speaker, a public consultation report is now being prepared.

It will integrate the feedback and concerns that were received during this consultation process. This report, combined with previous input from the parks program public consultations held in 2018 and 2019, will provide essential elements for the drafting of the new Territorial Parks Act. Our parks are unique landscapes that have been our home for generations and truly are some of our favourite places to go fishing, camping, berry picking, walking, relaxing, or healing.

Therefore, hearing from Nunavummiut is an essential part of the process in modernizing our Territorial Parks Act and for preserving our beautiful land so that many can use and enjoy for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 353 – 6(2): Expansion of Full-day Kindergarten (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to our colleagues, Nunavummiut, and those in the House with us today.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4159 Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleagues that the Department of Education is preparing to expand full- day kindergarten into seven more communities. >>Applause These communities are Gjoa Haven, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Resolute Bay, Sanikiluaq, and Taloyoak. Expanding full-day kindergarten will help more students build foundational knowledge and skills in important areas, such as Inuit culture and language, literacy, numeracy, as well as physical and social-emotional wellness. Mr.

Speaker, the Full-day Kindergarten Pilot Program was launched in five schools during the 2023-24 school year as the first step to help guide a system- wide rollout. The next phase will continue next year with these seven additional schools, which I am proud to say have all received motions of approval from their local DEAs. In collaboration with our partners, we are developing a long-term plan for the sustainable implementation of full-day kindergarten that will address the additional infrastructure and human resource needs for additional Nunavut schools.

Due to the anticipated high cost of renovations for some schools, further rollouts will be more gradual. Mr. Speaker, we know the benefits that full-day kindergarten brings to students, families, and communities. That’s why I look forward to continuing our work and collaboration with schools, teachers, and district education authorities to bring full-day kindergarten to all of our communities. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 354 – 6(2): Rebekah Uqi Williams Scholarship (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut. I am honoured to stand before you today to provide an update on the Rebekah Uqi Williams Scholarship. My colleagues will recall that the scholarship aims to honour the legacy of Ms. Williams by supporting the educational endeavours of upcoming social workers. Shortly after launching the scholarship last October, the Department of Family Services accepted 29 applications from Nunavummiut aspiring to pursue careers in the fields of social work, counselling, or psychology.

Five students were selected to receive up to $10,000 to help pay for educational costs. The recipients are Sheena Kayasark from Taloyoak enrolled in the Social Service Worker Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Cambridge Bay; Carmen Rowsell from Iqaluit enrolled in the Social Service Worker Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit; Sylvia Kablutsiak from Arviat enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Laurentian University; Katherine Lyall from Taloyoak enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4160 Carleton University; and Pauline Pauloosie from Cambridge Bay/Taloyoak enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Cambridge Bay. The Department of Family Services wishes all students good luck in their studies, and we hope to see you join the team in the future. Through this scholarship and the ambitions of these students, the legacy of Ms. Williams lives on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 355 – 6(2): Therapeutic Justice Program (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to see everyone back here. I look forward to a productive session. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the continued successes of the Therapeutic Justice Program, which currently operates in Cambridge Bay and Arviat. The Therapeutic Justice Program provides a community-focused, Inuit-led alternative to the criminal justice system based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit knowledge, principles, and values.

The program integrates cultural and mental health services to focus on addressing the root causes of an accused person’s criminal behaviour. Services are tailored to the individual client’s needs and may include traditional Inuit counselling and cultural skills development, such as toolmaking, on-the-land hunting trips, and sewing traditional clothing, as well as clinical mental health support. The program is run by the manager and two case specialists. They are the key links between the clients, the justice partners that refer clients to the program, and community and mental health resources.

Due to the hard work and dedication of program staff, partners, community members, and the clients, referrals to the program continue to grow year after year. At the end of 2023, the program had received 45 clients, 22 in Cambridge Bay and 23 in Arviat, the most since its creation in 2019. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Canada for their continued funding to support the program.

The Therapeutic Justice Program is a successful example of how the justice system in Nunavut can evolve and grow to better represent Inuit culture and values through community-centred and supported healing. It is our hope that the continued success of this and similar community-based justice programs will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of all Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4161 Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 476 – 6(2): Appreciation for Larga Kitikmeot Boarding Home (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express my gratitude to Minister Main for the invitation to visit the Larga medical boarding homes in Yellowknife and Edmonton, along with my colleagues, Minister Gross, as well as you, Mr. Speaker, and MLA Anavilok. Mr. Speaker, we had a very productive tour of the facilities and excellent meetings to discuss boarding home issues. Mr.

Speaker, the new Larga Kitikmeot Boarding Home in Edmonton is a very nice facility. I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw how nice and comfortable the new boarding home was. It is my understanding that plans are also in the works for a new medical boarding home in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Casey Adlem, the Manager of the Larga Kitikmeot. Ms. Adlem goes above and beyond to help Inuit with accommodations and patient care, and it is greatly due to her efforts that Nunavut and NWT patients are so well taken care of.

It was very good to hear such positive reports of patients and staff at these facilities. Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate the good work being done by Larga Kitikmeot and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health in collaborating together in such a positive manner and moving forward to address the needs of medical clients. Mr. Speaker, it can be very important for medical clients to have an escort with them as they face their treatment and recovery. Mr.

Speaker, I applaud the Government of Nunavut in its efforts to apply for and utilize the Non-Insured Health Benefits to ensure that Inuit medical clients can have an escort so they are well cared for while away from home. Mr. Speaker, I fully support the minister and his officials in working to ensure that the federal government will live up to its financial obligations with respect to the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.

Member’s Statement 477 – 6(2): Incidents at Naja Isabelle Home (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) On February 16, 2024 the Minister of Family Services made a statement regarding incidents at the Naja Isabelle Home in Chesterfield Inlet. I would also like to thank the minister for communicating with me directly as the Member of the Legislative Assembly representing this community regarding the statement being issued. Mr.

Speaker, this is a very distressing situation for many individuals and organizations, including the families, health care workers and staff at the Naja Isabelle Home, and the community as a whole.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4162 Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate when the lack of clear and direct information leads to speculation and rumour. I appreciate that we must respect issues of privacy and confidentiality, as well as the rights of families and the workers who provide care to vulnerable individuals. However, it is also important that all those involved are treated fairly and without prejudice until the facts are known. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage the Government of Nunavut to be clear and forthcoming when addressing this issue. Lives have been lost.

It is important that other lives are not ruined by the kinds of gossip, rumour, and speculation that can too easily fill the vacuum created by a lack of information. I look forward to further clarification from the minister and her officials on this issue in the coming weeks. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 478 – 6(2): Coral Harbour Hockey Team (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my constituents and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my pride.

We didn’t have a hockey rink all winter in Coral Harbour and the younger hockey teams managed to make it to the final games. It was with the peewee and bantam hockey teams. They didn’t have any place to practise and they had to practise outside during the winter when it wasn’t so cold and they managed to make it to the final games. I was able to watch the older kids play in Rankin Inlet. Any team could have won the tournament because these children are so good at playing hockey. I would like to ask my fellow MLAs to join me in congratulating these young athletes. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 479 – 6(2): Congratulations to Pond Inlet Constituents Who Received the Nunavut Commissioner’s Awards (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate a number of my constituents in Pond Inlet who received the Nunavut Commissioner’s Awards on November 23, 2023. The recipients of these awards included community member volunteers, the search and rescue team, volunteer firefighters, and elders who are recognized as knowledge keepers.

A number of individuals who demonstrated bravery and survival instincts during times of need were also recognized. Mr. Speaker, several dozen of my constituents were honoured, and time does not permit me to recognize all by name. However, I do appreciate every one of the recipients whose efforts have made a positive impact in Pond Inlet.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4163 Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Eva Aariak for travelling to Pond Inlet to recognize our dedicated community members. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the recipients of the Commissioner’s Awards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Member’s Statement 480 – 6(2): Historically Short Winter Sitting (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat.

Our proceedings are being televised until March 7. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to just say a little something about this historic sitting for the winter sitting, and the reason that it’s historical is this is going to be the shortest winter sitting in Nunavut’s history. Mr. Speaker, the length of any sitting is dictated by the amount of work that we as MLAs have to do, working with the government, and the amount of work presented to us is given to the MLAs from the government. Mr. Speaker, currently right now for this sitting, we are going to deal with four budget money bills and that is all.

It’s a lot because all budgets are presented to the House here for scrutinizing by the MLAs, but these bills are to help Nunavummiut and for the betterment of Nunavummiut and Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, this session, we have no bills coming forward from the government for us to look at and to work with the government for the betterment of Nunavut and Nunavummiut, and that is why this sitting is going to be shorter than normal. When we were here in January, it was expected that we were going to sit here for the normal duration, but as it works out, we will not be. We will be sitting a lot shorter than normal.

So that Nunavummiut will know why it is shorter, because I have been asked questions of why the sitting is shorter than normal this go-around, so that’s so Nunavummiut will know, and Mr. Speaker, coincidentally the Arctic Winter Games will be starting just shortly after the sitting is done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 481 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Daughter (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Eight years ago, Carol and I were gifted a very beautiful daughter. It is her birthday today. My birthday girl, Hope, just turned eight and we’re all excited and I just wanted to wish her a very happy birthday for her. As both of us are February babies, we do our countdown starting today of how many days before our next birthday is. Having just had my birthday four days

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4164 ago, it’s now going to be a longer count because it’s a leap year this year. We’re going to both celebrate her eighth and my 55th birthday for a long time, and I’m looking so forward to Christmas games, where I can be in the 55 and up elders’ games. >>Laughter Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to recognize some visitors in the gallery. (interpretation ends) First, I would like to recognize some visitors in the gallery; the newly appointed territorial Ethics Officer, Mr. Joseph Paul Murdoch-Flowers. >>Applause Mr. Murdoch-Flowers’ broad legal experience in Nunavut is matched by his work in restorative justice, an essential ingredient for the ethics officer. Mr. Murdoch-Flowers is a Faculty of Law graduate of McGill University and a practising lawyer. Most recently, Mr. Murdoch-Flowers worked in the National Litigation Division for the Department of Justice, Government of Canada.

Prior to that, he worked in civil litigation with the Legal Services Board of Nunavut and as an acting senior Justice of the Peace for the Nunavut Court of Justice. Mr. Speaker, the ethics officer ensures public confidence in the administration of government departments, public bodies and offices. I look forward to working with Mr. Murdoch-Flowers in his new role and I would also like to recognize his wife, Jayne Murdoch- Flowers… >>Applause …their friend, Joanie Seligman and also Alma Power, Assistant Deputy Minister for Human Resources. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 689 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my colleagues, my constituents, and fellow residents of my community. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. We have a lot of targets for Nunavut 3000. As the minister is aware, Igloolik is in serious need of new housing, which

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4165 is why I strongly support investments in this area. The Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that Igloolik has been identified to receive a total of 160 new units over the life of the plan. (interpretation ends) These include 80 new public housing units, 60 new affordable housing units, and 20 new market housing units. In January of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced that 20 new units will begin construction in Igloolik during the fall of 2024.

Can the minister clarify if these 20 units will be constructed as a single multiplex building or if they will be built as two ten-plex buildings? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I also thank you for asking that question. The proposed builds will be attached and some of them will consist of six-plexes or eight-plexes, and maybe one of them will be a 12- plex. We are working on those details right now, but there will be 20 units being built in Igloolik.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for that clarification. The Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that Igloolik’s community wait-list for public housing stood at 162 as of March 31, 2022. That figure is almost two years old. Can the minister confirm when the Nunavut 3000 Plan will be updated to reflect more current wait-list numbers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The number of people in Igloolik on the waiting list for new homes on October 20, 2023 was 223. These are people on the waiting list for homes and up to now since last fall, we don’t have an updated waiting list. That is the newest list that we have from October, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. I think it would be better if those numbers were updated to reflect the rapidly increasing number of people going on the waiting list.

However, (interpretation ends) the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s announcement of January indicated that it had signed the 2024 Annual Allocation and Purchase Agreement with NCC Development. Can the minister confirm the extent to which the new agreement includes requirements for NCC Development to purchase goods and services from local Nunavut businesses during the construction phase? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4166 Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut Construction Corporation operates its own business and who will support them and what they will do in terms of purchasing products locally, but what I can say is that they will be seeking to purchase goods and services from local businesses. The corporation is owned by Inuit and I know that as such, they will be buying local if the products are available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Question 690 – 6(2): Supports for Medical Travel Clients (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention that some patients are still finding it very difficult to get in touch with the medical travel office and get information about their appointments and travel. Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide an update on what steps are being taken, other than the ongoing review of medical travel, to address gaps in medical travel support for Nunavummiut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question. I was pleased that he visited the boarding homes in Yellowknife and Edmonton. I thank him for that. To the question, Mr. Speaker, we are constantly seeking solutions concerning medical travel and when we do find a solution, we work on it immediately. In the Baffin, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions, they’re constantly working during the day and late hours. They are available all the time and when there are problems, they are the ones attending to them.

Our Office of Patient Relations is also a vehicle to seek solutions to problems and they constantly refer these to us. When we need to rectify things, we do act upon them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the biggest issues that my constituents face is the extremely short notice of travel to an appointment. It is really unacceptable that people are expected to travel at a moment’s notice. Mr.

Speaker, if a person misses a flight because they have just been told about it that morning, then their appointment is cancelled or moved to a much later date, when the same thing may happen again. Mr. Speaker, this also happens when planes are scheduled to arrive but do not arrive in the community due to weather or a mechanical issue. Mr. Speaker, my constituents who need medical attention are not getting to their appointments to see health professionals. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clearly explain why the medical travel system does not

schedule enough time for people to make it to their appointments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4167 Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question. Yes, I have heard of this and I have seen it myself and I had my own discussions with those affected by this issue. When their notice is very short and they have to travel the same day or the following day, this is a problem that people have and I understand that. We are updating parts of the Medical Travel Policy.

This is being worked on, but we can envision now that once the new policy is established, for example, these patients should be notified five days prior to travel. I will use that to see what improvements are necessary and come up with possible solutions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents have asked me to raise these issues with the Department of Health. Mr. Speaker, it is important that they hear from the minister as to why such problems keep occurring.

It is not only getting out to their appointments but the arrangements to come home again are also a problem. Mr. Speaker, after seeing how well the Larga Kitikmeot Boarding Homes operate, I believe consideration should be given to having a medical travel contact at each boarding home to provide face-to-face information and assistance to patients and escorts, especially after their appointments are over, to help them with their arrangements to get home again. Mr. Speaker, will the minister look into improving medical travel supports for my constituents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr.

Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can certainly commit to looking for improvements with regard to medical travel in the Kitikmeot region. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, it’s a continual process of looking for ways to improve things for Nunavummiut. An example is in June 2023 we launched the Nomadis computer travel logistics system in the Kitikmeot and working with our partners at Canadian North as well as at the boarding homes, we have heard a lot of improvements that have come through the system.

It used to be paper-based where we would tell the boarding home, “Here’s how many travellers are going to arrive.” Now it’s all automated. We have one centralized or coordinated computer system. That is an example of a recent improvement, but I thank the member for raising the ongoing issues and I can commit to looking into them further. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 691 – 6(2): Incidents at Naja Isabelle Home (Sammurtok) Mr.

Sammurtok (interpretation): Good day to the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4168 questions to the Minister of Family Services. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my member’s statement, it is important that the facts and information are made available in order to dispel rumour and speculation over the incidents at the Naja Isabelle Home in Chesterfield Inlet. Can the minister provide an overview of which entities, including the coroner and the RCMP, were informed of these incidents and when they were informed? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. To date, we have heard many situations in the review of the Naja Isabelle Home in Chesterfield Inlet for the disabled. The first investigation was done by the Knowledge Council and there were other investigations done after that. The Department of Family Services did their investigation and the Knowledge Council did their investigation, and then they went there to do an investigation with a registered nurse on the level of care being provided at the Naja Isabelle Home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will be aware, the Naja Isabelle Home is operated under contract by the Pimakslirvik Corporation. This organization has always had a good reputation for providing health care services at this and other facilities in Nunavut. As you can imagine, the incidents at the Naja Isabelle Home must have had a heavy impact on the organization and its staff. Can the minister clearly describe how she and her officials have worked with the management of the Pimakslirvik Corporation to address this issue? Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. If there are questions, Family Services has to conduct reviews. In this case, another organization had to do the review. We are corresponding by letter with the Pimakslirvik Corporation and responding through letter as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You mentioned responses.

I can’t really comment on that specifically and any copies of the email, (interpretation ends) the recent email that was sent. Mr. Speaker, the minister’s public statement of February 16 indicated that her department is “actively exploring alternative placements for clients who currently remain at the facility.” In addition to the professional health care staff at the Naja Isabelle Home, a significant number of local residents are also employed to work there. These

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4169 residents are trained and skilled in providing care and support. Will the minister also commit to exploring employment options for those Chesterfield Inlet residents who are experienced in providing care for vulnerable clients if services at Naja Isabelle are suspended? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question.

We are grateful that we can find a place in Nunavut for the clients as we want to see them in Nunavut and that they are in safe place. We want the staff and those who are trained to succeed, but it’s unfortunate that they don’t work for the government; they work for the corporation. We can find ways to provide support, but since they are corporation employees, it’s a barrier for the government. We have to have consideration for their clients if they’re in a safe place and a place where you won’t have to worry. That’s all I can respond with on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 692 – 6(2): Devolution (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I’m always really nervous at the beginning of session. I just want to start by acknowledging my two granddaughters and Nunavummiut, and welcome back to Iqaluit, everyone. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier and they concern the recently signed Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. Mr.

Speaker, as the Premier is aware, the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement makes reference to over a dozen appendices, including a “Protocol for Review of Devolution Legislation and Nunavut Agreement Amendment.” Information published by the government indicates that “The legislation and transition mechanisms are implemented through a series of legislative changes which are approved through Parliament and mirrored in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.” Mr.

Speaker, as one of the 22 Members of this Legislative Assembly who will ultimately be called upon to consider the proposed legislation, I would like to first ask the Premier to clarify today when the appendices to the devolution agreement will be finalized, shared with Members of this House, and ultimately be made public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for that question and to have been a witness to the very historic moment of the signing agreement.

As I have indicated, I intend to be continuing to be transparent and later on today I look forward to tabling the actual document that is being referenced with the appendices that are outlined in the devolution agreement.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4170 Mr. Speaker, the signing just happened on January 18. Since then, there has been a lot of work happening between the tripartite agreement with our partners with the federal government and NTI. At this moment, they are identifying exactly what the legislations will be. I will continue to be open and continue to share as much information as I can. There are many [pieces of] legislation that will have to be repealed, the member is correct, and that we would have to introduce the mirroring legislation here.

At this moment, I do not have that list, but at the appropriate time at the earliest convenience, I would love to share that with my members and all the members that are here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to be at that signing event and so very happy that my mother, Betty Novalinga Brewster, was invited and did attend, although we weren’t allowed to sit together.

Taking into account the response to my last question, I would just also like to say that as the Premier is well aware, the dissolution of our current Legislative Assembly will take place in September of next year. That’s less than 20 months from now. The next federal general election is also scheduled to take place next year, and it is by no means certain that the current federal government will remain in office.

Can the Premier provide a clear timeline today for when the “mirror legislation” will be introduced in our House and can he provide a clear indication today as to the volume of legislation that will need to be passed, especially taking into account that we have no bills coming forward in this session? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks again for that question. The member is correct; there will be a huge volume of work that it is going to entail.

All along during the negotiations, we understood that it will require the repeal and then the enactment here in this House. Mr. Speaker, we were very fortunate in the negotiations to include a three-year window to be able to address the very important work of what we are just debating here. As we were in negotiations, the target at that moment was moving. Until there was an actual signing ceremony, that three-year window was a target at that time.

Early last year, when there was an indication that we may be able to conclude the negotiations that had been ongoing for many years, the work, advice, and engagement that I’ve had with the many departments that will be impacted started immediately. If the agreement had been signed last year, it would have really changed the dynamic, but with the three-year window, as outlined in the agreement, as I noted in my minister’s statement, we’re now looking at April 1, 2027 being the end target for all the legislation to be passed through then.

Within that three- year window, work will start immediately now to start looking at what

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4171 legislation will come. I have already committed to sharing that once I do have that comprehensive list with my member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier stated that there is a huge volume of legislation that needs to be worked on and passed. I for one would like a clearer response to that question. As a fisherwoman, I know that sometimes my idea of a huge fish is quite different from my fellow fisher people. I would just like some clarity on that, please, Mr.

Speaker. Information published by the government also indicates that: “The Crown’s duty to consult stems from

section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, providing constitutional recognition and affirmation of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada. During the devolution process, the Government of Canada consulted with Indigenous groups with asserted or established treaty rights or interests in Nunavut.

Section 35 consultations will continue to be undertaken during the implementation phase of devolution until the transfer date.” I apologize for that long quote, but it’s really important. Can the Premier provide a clear explanation today as to what specific

section 35 consultations are still ongoing and can he provide a clear indication as to the extent to which the parties involved have the ability to delay the implementation of the devolution agreement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the member for asking that question. As I indicated, the clear timeline or the target we are looking at is April 1, 2027 being the final. The priority is currently looking at the key legislation that we will have to look into. As I mentioned, I will be forthcoming immediately as soon as I have that information as we are mirroring those legislations.

Section 35 is a very important component that consultations happen with indigenous groups. As such, I am pleased that during the course of the negotiations, there was an opportunity for the Government of Canada to have

section 35 consultations taking place and the requirement through that process. When the final agreement of the devolution came into place,

section 35 consultations were completed in November 2023, but the continuous engagements we must have with indigenous groups that are impacted will be ongoing, and those groups are aware of the key areas. I can’t specify clarify clearly exactly what part of the agreement and which indigenous groups are going to continue to be consulted, but I can assure the member as well as indigenous groups that we take consultations very seriously and we take the issues that are being brought forward very seriously. I look forward to working and paving new relationships with indigenous groups as we take over the responsibility of

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4172 managing our own resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 693 – 6(2): Fuel Prices (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services, who is responsible for the government’s Petroleum Products Division. (interpretation ends) In January of this year, the government announced a 15- cents-per-litre price increase on all diesel products, gasoline products, jet fuel, and naphtha. Mr.

Speaker, the government’s announcement did not clearly explain the reason for the price increase. Can the minister clearly explain why the price of fuel was increased earlier this year? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, Nunavummiut. Thank you to the member on that question. Mr. Speaker, basically to the response, the Petroleum Products Division has to recover the cost of bringing fuel to Nunavut and fuel prices have increased over the years.

In short, the higher cost of bringing fuel as well as the product itself to Nunavut reflects that increase as of January 4 earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, we did initiate an earlier price increase in October, anticipating that there will be this additional cost, but a 5-cents-per-litre increase wasn’t enough to cover, so we had to institute another 15 cents per litre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. Before the fuel price increases, we weren’t even given a week’s notice of the increase.

It would be better if Nunavummiut were notified of fuel price increases sooner. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, the government previously announced an increase in the price of fuel in October 2023, only three months before the most recent increase. Nunavummiut are accustomed to the price of fuel changing on an annual basis after the sealift resupply. Can the minister indicate how many more fuel price increases may occur before the 2024 fuel resupply is completed? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the member for these questions around fuel because our constituents are using fuel every day. Mr. Speaker, the price of fuel is something that we continue to monitor and assess and how much we’re using as a territory is a big factor as well. Mr. Speaker, I think that with the increase in the Revolving Fund to $350 million, the

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4173 Petroleum Product Division now has that additional tool to help purchase a greater volume, and hopefully that will alleviate any future price increases in the long term. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for his response.

I hope that there are no more fuel price increases as it is already very expensive right now. (interpretation ends) In November 2023 the price of home heating fuel decreased as a result of the temporary federal carbon tax exemption. The government has also assisted homeowners with fuel rebates. Can the minister indicate what other measures are being considered to help homeowners and hunters of Nunavut with the cost of fuel? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, the federal carbon tax adjustments have resulted in price impacts around diesel in particular and gasoline. Mr. Speaker, we’re quite thankful that the Department of Finance has come forward with some measures to help homeowners in these situations. Mr. Speaker, the Petroleum Products Division also has to keep in mind that there is the Petroleum Products Stabilization Fund in which, if the division is not making enough money to cover the cost of the fuel, it means they’re losing that money.

The $20 million limit plus or minus the stabilization fund that we have to keep within is another factor that we have to keep in mind. Mr. Speaker, our government is open and we want to work with our fellow colleagues across the floor on what are the best appropriate measures that we can provide to Nunavummiut in this circumstance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 694 – 6(2): Iqaluit Housing (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr.

Speaker, in January of this year the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced the signing of the new 2024 allocation and purchase agreements with NCC Development to begin the construction of 166 new units in 17 communities. I would like to ask: can the minister confirm how the specific community allocations were determined and can he clarify why Iqaluit was not included in the 2024 allocation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s interesting that my colleague didn’t ask why Iqaluit was included in the 2023 buildings of the

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4174 houses, but it was decided that we want to hit, at least the first two years of the Nunavut 3000, every community in Nunavut should have housing built in their community. Some of them haven’t seen any public housing units in ten years. Mr. Speaker, last year in 2022-23, Iqaluit had 18 units built and in 2023 had another 18 units built. This year, other communities that were not in the 2023 build are getting those units built in their communities. I anticipate that in 2025 there will be at least 48 public housing builds in Iqaluit.

This year, they skipped those that had houses last year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, public housing waitlists are one of the factors used to determine community housing needs. It has been my understanding that this information is used by the Nunavut Housing Corporation to help determine community construction allocations. Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that the public housing waitlist for Iqaluit stood at 563 individuals on March 31, 2022.

However, subsequent information provided by the minister in his letter to the Members of the Legislative Assembly dated January 24, 2023 indicated that the waitlist dropped to 197 individuals. This represents a decrease of 65 percent over a window of eight months. Mr. Speaker, I have no evidence to support the idea that housing need in our community has dropped this dramatically and so suddenly. If anything, the actual number of people in need in Iqaluit has increased. The population is growing faster than the city can build and we’re bursting at the seams. Mr.

Speaker, we’re short in staff housing, we’re short in public housing, and we’re short in the private rental market. Mr. Speaker, this is the fourth year in a row that we’ve had zero percent vacancy on the private rental market. I would like to ask: can the minister explain the rationale for such a significant drop over a short period of just eight months? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I agree totally with my colleague and in fact, every member in this House could stand up and say the same thing about the housing shortage in their communities, Mr. Speaker. As for why there’s such a change from the earlier stats to new, I cannot speak to that. I could only assume that the public housing waitlists probably were from older documents. There has been an adjustment from that sheet to the latest one as of October 2023.

I’ll try to find out exactly why there is such a discrepancy and it’s something like that throughout the other areas, but moving forward, we will continue to build as many houses as we can. Mr. Speaker, since 2012, some communities have had a lot of houses built and some not so much, but Iqaluit

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4175 has received 97 new units since 2012 and some communities have received none and 15. I understand that this is a very large community with a very large homeless base, but when you base it on per capita, we have Nunavummiut in every community looking for a home. Some of them have been waiting forever. The housing corporation is trying to find better ways through this Nunavut 3000 to make sure that we decrease the homelessness across Nunavut at an even keel. This is something that we will continue to do and try to do better at going forward, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s commitment to look into the matter and commit to work on this and seek improvements. Mr. Speaker, I have been watching the housing waitlist in Iqaluit grow steadily since the beginning of the Fifth Assembly. If I recall correctly, in 2017, the public housing waitlist at the time was 400 and it did not fluctuate much, but it steadily grew to nearly 600 towards the end of the Fifth Assembly, so I’m quite shocked to see such a significant drop. Mr.

Speaker, I am very concerned that hundreds of Iqaluit residents have been removed from the waitlist simply because they did not have the time or the means to ensure that they remained on the waitlist. Mr. Speaker, prior to the pandemic, I would see annually posts on social media encouraging residents to come to a central location in town to update their applications on the waitlist.

I would like to ask: will the minister commit to having the Nunavut Housing Corporation work with the Iqaluit Housing Authority to undertake a comprehensive update of the waitlist and will he ensure that the Nunavut 3000 Plan, which is publicly available, is updated with these new wait-list numbers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The waitlist is one that’s changing constantly in the communities.

I encourage all those that are on the waitlist in any community, including Iqaluit, to make sure that they attend to the local housing associations or authorities to ensure that they’re still on the waitlist. Mr. Speaker, it has a big difference or impact in coming years and months in terms of getting more houses into their communities. Mr. Speaker, we are currently finalizing and I anticipate in the next month that we will have a new board of directors with the Iqaluit Housing Authority.

I assure my colleague that we will work with the Iqaluit authority and all the other housing authorities to ensure that the waitlists are as up to date as they can be, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4176 Question 695 – 6(2): Devolution (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the people of Baker Lake and to everyone here. It’s good to see you all again. Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the Premier and they concern the recently signed Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. As the Premier is very much aware, I am a strong proponent of natural resource development in Nunavut. I have personally witnessed the positive changes that have taken place in Baker Lake and the Kivalliq region since the opening of the mines. Mr.

Speaker, the Premier’s official announcement concerning the signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement stated that the agreement will “provide Nunavut with greater control for decisions on lands and resources, and open the door for new revenue streams and economic development opportunities in the territory.” Mr. Speaker, I am very much hopeful that this promise becomes a reality, as we desperately need more revenues to fund critical infrastructure projects and frontline services for our constituents.

Can the Premier describe what specific new “revenue streams” will open up as a result of devolution? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank my colleague for being such a strong proponent around bringing decision-making right here at home. I’ve had the pleasure of going to Baker Lake and meeting the incredible small business owners and the large business owners that are really participating in the economy with resource extraction.

As I have said here in the House many times, I have been very fortunate to have gone to Apuqtinnaaqtuq myself to see first-hand the impact but also the positive impact it’s having on the local economies. In any devolution agreement, the extra royalties that will potentially come through the future mines that come will now, instead of going to Ottawa, come here into the territorial government. That’s yet to be determined as right now there are currently no active mines on Crown land. The four existing mines we do have are on Inuit-owned lands and those taxes go to the appropriate organizations as intended.

Forthcoming after we take the responsibility of devolution of managing our lands and resources, any mine that is on Crown land, the royalties or the taxes that they pay will potentially come in to the territorial government instead of the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for your response. Mr. Speaker, as the Premier is also aware, I am a strong proponent of effective education and training programs that will enable our

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4177 constituents to obtain the skills necessary to take advantage of employment opportunities associated with devolution.

The Premier’s recent announcement concerning the Inunnguqsaivik Initiative indicated that “This new learning support initiative will help ensure Nunavut Inuit have the skills and knowledge to manage stewardship of Nunavut’s lands, waters, and resources when these roles and responsibilities are transferred from the federal government to the Government of Nunavut.” Can the Premier clarify today the approximate number of positions that are expected to be transferred from the federal government to the territorial government as a result of devolution? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr.

Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Again I thank my colleague for that question. We were very pleased to be able to launch the Inunnguqsaivik strategy, really encouraging Nunavummiut to register and really participate. I encourage them to continue with their post-secondary to take on these very exciting opportunities that are coming here, right here back home. As such, as I mentioned, there’s much work to happen from this point on within the three-year window that we have negotiated right in the devolution agreement.

During that time, the legislation and the regulations, as I have already indicated previously, but as a parallel process, we are putting together a comprehensive human resource development strategy with our partners that will outline key strategic areas where we will start immediately to make investments to ensure that Nunavummiut that are in post-secondary are provided the necessary supports or the wrap- around supports as they’re going through.

As such, Inunnguqsaivik was the first phase of our outreach, but we will continue to visit the schools and visit the communities to encourage Nunavummiut to really take up these opportunities. That work is just beginning with the recent signing and I look forward to sharing with the members, but I encourage Nunavummiut to participate as we forge a path forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I didn’t hear an actual approximate number of positions that will be transferred from the federal government to the territorial government. I’m assuming the Premier doesn’t know that number yet since he didn’t answer it, so I will ask him again at a later date. Mr. Speaker, for my final supplementary question, devolution will not benefit Nunavut as a whole if most or all of the federal positions that are transferred to the Government of Nunavut simply end up being located in the capital city as part of the ever-expanding headquarters bureaucracy.

As the Premier is very much aware, Baker Lake and the Kivalliq region are strongly supportive of responsible natural resource development and are the

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4178 centres of excellence when it comes to mine training initiatives. Mr. Speaker, I’m wondering: will the Premier commit to ensuring that at least 50 percent of all devolved positions related to land and resource management are located in the Kivalliq region, more specifically to Baker Lake, where we have lots of land available for infrastructure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I appreciate the member’s reminding on the other question he had asked.

At this point, we don’t have a definitive number in terms of exactly how many positions will be transferred. That work is happening as we speak, clearly outlining what the federal government currently does. It might be different to how we want to do it here in this House. That work of exactly what that number is looked at will be determined in the coming months and years as we’re embarking on that. I can’t tell the House today exactly, of the current positions, how many are actually coming here because that’s ongoing; that is still continuing.

Further to that, I can’t speak to future positions that aren’t here yet, but I am very aware of the importance of decentralization. As a government, we have really brought forward policy to enable community members, whether it’s the Nunavut-wide work that my colleague has been spearheading, to encourage Nunavummiut in the smaller communities especially are taken seriously.

Even as the Department of EIA, I have undertaken a comprehensive review of the decentralization to look at what has worked and what hasn’t worked, and I’m hoping that before the next sitting, I’ll be able to share that report and share the updates from that review with my colleagues here, but that work’s undergoing, so I can’t speak to the specifics at this point in time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 696 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are also for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. As the minister is well aware, Pond Inlet is one of many communities that are in serious need of new housing. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that Pond Inlet has been identified to receive a total of 80 new units over the life of the plan. These include 25 new public housing units, 40 new affordable housing units, and 15 new market housing units. In January of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced that eight new units will begin construction in Pond Inlet in the fall of 2024.

Can the minister clarify how many of these units will be for public housing and how many will be for staff housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4179 Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Pond Inlet, the proposed builds are six public housing units for the housing association and two staff housing units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify if these eight units will be constructed as a single multiplex building or if they will be built as two four-plex buildings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It will be one building with eight units. That’s what I understand, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, minister, for your response. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s announcement of January indicated that it had signed the 2024 Annual Allocation and Purchase Agreement with NCC Development. Will the minister commit to tabling a copy of this agreement in the Legislative Assembly before the end of our current winter sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the agreements that we have made can be made public, I can table them here in the House.

I’m not sure we will be able to do that during this sitting, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 697 – 6(2): Health Centre in Arviat (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Health today. Mr. Speaker, this issue has come up about the health centre in Arviat a few times and I have brought it up with the minister. First, I’ll start off by saying that I’m glad that the health centre in Arviat has not had to shut down.

We’ve had issues with not enough staff to keep it fully operational where appointments have been delayed at times or can’t get an appointment, but I’m thankful that the health department has been able to maintain the Arviat Health Centre to stay open. Mr. Speaker, my question is on the access to the health centre. Mr. Speaker, the minister is aware that the grate where you walk into the health centre in Arviat is pretty steep. Mr. Speaker, a wheelchair ramp’s maximum grade is 1

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4180 to 12, or 5 degrees, and we’re not allowed to have props here, but Mr. Speaker, it’s roughly, if you go from the floor to the top of that sled there, that’s the maximum grade that is allowed in a commercial building for access to a public building. Mr. Speaker, the grate in Arviat to get into the health centre is, I didn’t measure it, but it is well over 30 percent, which is six times the acceptable grade. I would like to ask the minister: what is the Department of Health’s plan to make it so that sick people can get to the health centre without being assisted?

It’s difficult even for healthy people when it’s slippery, but for someone that is not well-being or someone in a wheelchair, it is very hard. A person in a wheelchair cannot go to the health centre alone due to the grate. What are the plans of the Department of Health to fix that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking a question on that issue.

Yes, the health centre in Arviat required some repairs to the fuel lines and there was money put into that under the (interpretation ends) ongoing lifecycle (interpretation) funds. After that has been completed, we can check to see if the entrance can be added to the work that is being done there and if the entrance ramp can be improved for people on wheelchairs and other infirm people. We have heard the concerns and the fact that it needs to be fixed, but as to when the entrance will be rebuilt, I don’t know when it will be done. It won’t be done during the wintertime, but we know that it needs to be fixed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister just stated that he is aware that the entrance to the health centre needs to be fixed. Looking at Arviat, there is pretty rough terrain going towards the entrance because it’s on a little hill. The minister knows that the entrance needs to be fixed. I would like to ask the minister: when will this work be done? Will it be done next year or in ten years? Right now, people have a hard time entering the health centre. The minister said that it needs to be fixed.

I would like to know when it will be fixed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like it to be fixed as soon as possible, but we have to go through an RFP or a contract proposal first, so I can’t say when it will be done. I can say that we have been informed that this is a concern. It was in the fall of 2023 when we were notified and we have started working on it and we want to have health centres that are suitable for the community, but the funding is always one of our barriers.

We know that there are different things that need to be fixed and we have to make sure that the safety issues are done first. What my colleague has brought up here is part of the work that we are planning to do and we are responsible for keeping clients safe as well. This will

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4181 be done in the coming months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister stated that they will do it as soon as they can, but the minister can’t say when it will actually be done. Maybe it will be done during the life of this government or when we have a new government. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister then. It’s a priority, but we’re not sure when the priority will be acted on.

If a patient was going into the health centre and slipped and got hurt, is there insurance so that if the Department of Health gets sued by a person who got hurt because of the steepness of the ramp, because this ramp does not meet the commercial grade of 5 percent that is the standard for any public building, does the Department of Health have insurance for if they would get sued because someone got hurt trying to get into the nursing station? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) That’s a question that’s venturing into a hypothetical situation. I mean, there are a lot of different situations that could lead to harm of either patients inside or outside a health centre, or staff inside or outside a health centre. The Department of Health takes risk management very seriously. We take safety very seriously. We look at the amount of government funds that are being dedicated towards security services at health centres across Nunavut. I think that shows our dedication to providing a safe environment for both our staff and our patients.

In terms of the concern around the entrance area to the Arviat Health Centre, I can commit to providing additional detail to the member. I know that I have some additional detail in one of my binders and I will commit to following up for a more detailed discussion. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 698 – 6(2): New Housing Construction (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow MLAs and the viewing audience. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation.

Kugluktuk is one of many communities that need new housing. The Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that Kugluktuk has been identified to receive a total of 75 new units over the life of the plan. (interpretation ends) These include 40 new public housing units, 30 new affordable housing units, and 5 new market housing units. In January of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced that 12 new units will begin construction in Kugluktuk in the fall of 2024. Can the minister clarify how many of these units will be for public housing and how many

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4182 will be for staff housing? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Eight of the units will be public housing and the rest would be staff housing, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you for the response. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify if these 12 units will be constructed as a single-plex building or if they will be built as two six-plex buildings? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have that detail at this time and I would be more than happy to share it with my colleague when I do get it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr.

Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) As I noted in the

preamble to my first question, the Nunavut 3000 Plan indicates that Kugluktuk has been identified to receive a total of 75 new units over the life of the plan. The Nunavut 3000 Plan was announced in October 2022. (interpretation) I would first like to express my appreciation for the support being provided to the construction workers. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify when an updated version of the Nunavut 3000 Plan will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon.

Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This plan just started last year, so a lot of this information is skewed at this time. Going forward, we are committed to building those units, but as plans sometimes do change, we might turn a six-plex into an eight-plex or into a four-plex and whatnot moving forward. I don’t anticipate changing the plan at this time and when I do, I will most definitely let my colleagues know, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 699 – 6(2): Iqaluit Power Plant (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to direct my question today to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr. Speaker, as residents here in Iqaluit are very much aware, about two and a half weeks ago, there was a lot of alarm raised here in the city when some very dark smoke was streaming from the power plant here in town. I had contacted the minister very quickly after

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4183 and he was kind enough to respond a couple of hours later with some information. Just to be clear, there was no fire at the power plant, but there were a lot of concerns that were raised. In fact, I believe emergency responders were called to the plant on a public call that there was a suspicion of a fire. Thank goodness there wasn’t, but as we have experienced a couple of times in the past in other communities, there have been catastrophic fires at power plants that have had some very serious ramifications.

It’s one thing in a smaller community of a few hundred or even a few thousand people versus a city like Iqaluit where you’re talking 8,000 to 10,000 people if there was a catastrophic fire at the power plant. Can the minister educate us today on what some of the contingency plans are for the city of Iqaluit if there is such a catastrophic event as an entire power plant being dysfunctional? Thank you. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) In terms of the contingency planning around a catastrophic failure or a fire at a power plant particular to Iqaluit, I don’t have that detailed information to share, but I can certainly consult with my officials in terms of the planning that’s in place. The member raises a very important topic, which is the need to keep our power generation infrastructure up to date and safe.

We have a number of communities across Nunavut where power plants are well past their lifespan and that means an increased risk of fire and an increased risk of catastrophic engine failure. QEC staff are continually trying to manage the fact that we have assets that are past the end of their lifespan. Looking at Iqaluit and the power gen. set replacement, it’s an example of an $8 million investment that we are planning to make in terms of keeping our infrastructure up to date, providing reliable power for Nunavummiut, including Iqalummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that commitment to bring some further information and detail as far as contingency plans. Mr. Speaker, communities have emergency management plans through the Department of Community and Government Services, and I know for a fact that power generation is a significant component of every emergency management plan that I have ever seen. When we look at a catastrophic failure in a city the size of Iqaluit, there may not be enough shelters in place that have self-generation heating ability.

Before last summer, probably very few of us could fathom a mass evacuation event such as what has happened with our neighbours to the west in the NWT of having a significant portion of their population displaced.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4184 In the information that the minister is going to respond, can I get a commitment from the minister that it will also include thresholds where and how a mass evacuation event could be mitigated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) I can commit to consulting with my colleague’s officials within Community and Government Services.

The member points out a very good example in terms of what happened in the Northwest Territories this past summer where there were a very large number of residents that had to be evacuated from the territory. We would do everything we could in terms of avoiding that scenario. In terms of catastrophic failures for power plants, the most recent example of that was Pangnirtung, where the plant burned down. I believe it was in 2017 and that was dealt with, but it came at a huge additional cost to the corporation in terms of flying in additional equipment or generators. That’s something we want to avoid.

The corporation takes safety and maintaining our aging assets very seriously. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the minister for the commitment to provide some further detail on that. Mr. Speaker, the minister raised a point of how quickly things can happen and the need for new generators and that type of equipment being brought into a community to get generation going again. I know there used to be some generation capability out of the plant that’s over by the ball diamond.

I believe some generators were removed out of there when the new plant was renovated. On an emergency basis, can the minister give us some type of confidence that there would be some available for emergency generation in the event that the main power plant had a catastrophic issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I must admit that I’m not up to speed on the exact contingency of power availability within this particular community.

I’m aware that there are some contingency pieces of infrastructure in place across the territory. I’m just not aware at this point in terms of what the capacity would be here in Iqaluit, but I can certainly include that in my follow-up enquiries with my staff and commit to getting back to the member with that information. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, the time allotted for question period is now over. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Mr. Clerk.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4185 *See Appendix for full text of Return to Written Question 6 – 6(2). Item 8: Returns to Written Questions Return to Written Question 006 – 6(2): Modular Units (Clerk) Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am tabling the Return to Written Question 6 – 6(2), which was asked during the fall 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents.

Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 211 – 6(2): Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement among the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut as well as Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Tabled Document 212 – 6(2): Chief Public Health Officer’s Health Status Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic (Main) Tabled Document 213 – 6(2): Information Sharing Agreement on Tuberculosis Data between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Main) Hon.

John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table two reports: • The Chief Public Health Officer’s Health Status Report on the COVID- 19 Pandemic Biennial Report; and • The Information Sharing Agreement on Tuberculosis Data between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk.

Tabled Document 214 – 6(2): 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (Nakashuk) Tabled Document 215 – 6(2): 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table two reports: • The 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal; and

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4186 • The 2022 Annual Report of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Tabled Document 216 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation 2021-2022 Annual Report (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2021-22 Annual Report. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms.

Brewster. Tabled Document 217 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health in Response to Oral Question 624 – 6(2) (Brewster) Tabled Document 218 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Human Resources in Response to Oral Question 641 – 6(2) (Brewster) Tabled Document 219 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health: Follow-up from the Mid-term Mandate Review (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three documents to table today.

The first document is a copy of correspondence from the Minister of Health in response to questions that I asked during the recent fall 2023 sitting concerning the issue of child sexual abuse. The second document is a copy of correspondence from the Minister of Human Resources in response to questions that I asked during the recent fall 2023 sitting concerning the issue of collective bargaining. The third and final document is a copy of correspondence from the Minister of Health in response to questions that I asked during the recent mid-term mandate review concerning the issue of suicide prevention.

I encourage all members to review these documents with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4187 Tabled Document 220 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Finance: Follow-up from Committee of the Whole’s Consideration of Bills 30, 32, 33, and 34 (Hickes) Tabled Document 221 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health: Department of Health’s 2024-25 Capital Estimates (Hickes) Tabled Document 222 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services: Departmental Capital Estimates 2024-25 (Hickes) Tabled Document 223 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services: Follow-up from Mid- term Mandate Review (Hickes) Tabled Document 224 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Finance: Tabling of 2022-23 Public Accounts of Nunavut (Hickes) Mr.

Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have four documents to table today in my capacity as Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole and one document to table today in my capacity as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts. If my math is correct, that’s a total of five documents, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker, the first document is correspondence from the Minister of Finance in response to questions that were asked during the consideration of Bills 30, 32, 33, and 34 during the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole during the recent fall 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, the second document is correspondence from the Minister of Health in response to questions that were asked during the consideration of the department’s 2024-25 capital estimates during the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole during the recent fall 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Mr.

Speaker, the third document is correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in response to questions that were asked during the consideration of the department’s 2024-25 capital estimates during the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole during the recent fall 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, the fourth document is correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in response to questions that were asked during the recent mid-term mandate review.

The fifth and final document is correspondence from the Minister of Finance concerning the tabling of the 2022-23 Public Accounts of Nunavut. I encourage all members to review the documents with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4188 Tabled Document 225 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Environment: Department of Environment 2024-25 Capital Estimates (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have one document to table today in my capacity as a Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole.

The document is correspondence from the Minister of Environment in response to questions that were asked during the consideration of the Department of Environment’s 2024-25 capital estimates during the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole during the recent fall 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Tabled Document 226 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in Response to Oral Question 622 – 6(2) (Nutarak) Ms.

Nutarak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you will recall, I asked a number of questions in the House during the recent fall sitting concerning the status of filling positions in the Pond Inlet office of the Department of Community and Government Services. I am pleased to table today a copy of the minister’s recent correspondence to me on this issue, which I encourage all members to review with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.

Tabled Document 227 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Family Services in Response to Oral Question 601 – 6(2) (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you will recall, I asked a number of questions in the House during the recent fall sitting concerning the issue of homelessness. I am pleased to table today a copy of the Minister of Family Services’ recent correspondence to me on this issue, which I encourage all members to review with care. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Tabled Document 228 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Environment in Response to Oral Question 600 – 6(2) (Savikataaq) Tabled Document 229 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Family Services in Response to Oral Question 633 – 6(2) (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two documents to table today. The first document is a copy of the Minister of Environment’s recent

Thursday, February 22, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4189 correspondence to me concerning questions that I asked him during the recent fall sitting on the issue of diseased wildlife. The second is a copy of the Minister of Environment’s recent correspondence to me concerning questions that I asked him during the recent fall sitting on the issue of caribou sport hunting. I encourage all members to review the documents with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills.

Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. There are no items in the committee. Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole. There is no report. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. There are none. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. Item 22: Orders of the Day Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Orders for February 23: 1. Prayer 2. Ministers’ Statements 3. Members’ Statements 4. Returns to Oral Questions 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 6. Oral Questions 7. Written Questions 8. Returns to Written Questions 9.

Replies to Opening Address 10. Petitions 11. Responses to Petitions 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 13. Tabling of Documents 14. Notices of Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills 18. Second Reading of Bills 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills 22. Orders of the Day Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: This House stands adjourned until Friday, February 23, at 9 a.m. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 15:40

Appendix – February 22, 2024

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2024-02-22, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 66
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20240222 Hansard
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	67351b118b427bfbc8c5b44efb442819e2b67697

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