Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 48 Thursday, June 1, 2023 Pages 3074 – 3126 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Speaker Hon. Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Officers Clerk John Quirke Clerk Assistant Stephen Innuksuk Law Clerk Michael Chandler Sergeant-at-Arms Michel Albert Hansard Production Innirvik Support Services Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 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; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Education; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for Seniors George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Hon.

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

Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Minister of Energy; Minister of Environment; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Website: www.assembly.nu.ca

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................3074 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3074 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3079 Returns to Oral Questions ..........................................................................................................3089 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3093 Written Questions .......................................................................................................................3122 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3123 Notices of Motions .....................................................................................................................3124 Motions .......................................................................................................................................3124 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3124

A. Daily References Thursday, June 1, 2023 ...............................................................................................................3074 B.

Ministers’ Statements 255 – 6(2): Update on Qulliq Energy Corporation Cyber-attack (Akeeagok, P) .......................3074 256 – 6(2): Microsoft Translator User Guide (Gross) ................................................................3075 257 – 6(2): Strengthening Health Staffing (Main) .....................................................................3076 258 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation – Operating Model Going Forward (Joanasie) ............3077 259 – 6(2): Celebrating Nunavut’s Graduates (Gross) ...............................................................3077 260 – 6(2): Safety Certificate Course for Young Workers (Nakashuk) .....................................3078 261 – 6(2): Waste Oil Pilot Project: Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Pond Inlet (Quassa) .............3079 C.

Members’ Statements 341 – 6(2): Introducing RCMP Senior Members (Akeeagok, D) ..............................................3079 342 – 6(2): High School Graduates in Constituency (Kaernerk) ...............................................3080 343 – 6(2): Safe Spring Fishing and Hunting (Simailak) ...........................................................3080 344 – 6(2): Recognizing Elder Levi Illuitok (Quqqiaq) .............................................................3081 345 – 6(2): Chesterfield Inlet Concerns (Sammurtok) ...............................................................3081 346 – 6(2): Safe Spring Travels (Malliki) ..................................................................................3082 347 – 6(2): Congratulations to Graduates (Nutarak) ..................................................................3082 348 – 6(2): Clyde River Kindergarten Completion (Killiktee) ..................................................3083 349 – 6(2): Mental Health (Anavilok) ........................................................................................3084 350 – 6(2): Celebrating Pride Month (Hickes) ...........................................................................3085 351 – 6(2): Tribute to Sammy Koneak of Kuujjuaq (Brewster) .................................................3085 352 – 6(2): 2023 Arviat High School Graduates (Main) ............................................................3086

353 – 6(2): Igloolik Fishing Derby (Quassa) .............................................................................3087 354 – 6(2): Safe Spring Travels (Joanasie) ................................................................................3087 355 – 6(2): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Gross) .....................................................3088 D.

Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 471 – 6(2): Problems with Adoption Process (Nakashuk) ..................3089 Return to Oral Question 477 – 6(2): Issues with Adoption Process (Nakashuk) .......................3089 Return to Oral Question 474 – 6(2): Court-ordered Fuel Spill Cleanups (Joanasie) ..................3090 Return to Oral Question 487 – 6(2): Contaminated Sites (Quassa) ............................................3090 Return to Oral Question 493 – 6(2): Supports for Seniors (Gross) ............................................3092 E.

Oral Questions 502 – 6(2): Amaruq Gold Project Closure (Simailak) ................................................................3093 503 – 6(2): Status of Processing Transcripts for Students (Hickes) ...........................................3094 504 – 6(2): Igloolik Airport Terminal (Kaernerk) ......................................................................3097 505 – 6(2): Legal Aid in the Kitikmeot (Anavilok)....................................................................3098 506 – 6(2): Fuel Shortage in Kugaaruk (Quqqiaq) .....................................................................3100 507 – 6(2): Enforcement of Smoking Legislation in Public and Staff Housing (Killiktee) .......3101 508 – 6(2): Harm Reduction Initiatives (Sammurtok) ................................................................3103 509 – 6(2): Affordable Housing Plans for Arviat (Savikataaq) ..................................................3105 510 – 6(2): Search and Rescue (Malliki) ....................................................................................3107 511 – 6(2): Enforcement of Smoking Legislation in Public and Staff Housing (Brewster) .......3108 512 – 6(2): Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program (Lightstone) ....................3111 513 – 6(2): Regulation of Monopolies (Nutarak) .......................................................................3113 514 – 6(2): Policing Contract with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Hickes) ....................3115

515 – 6(2): New School for Sanirajak (Kaernerk) .....................................................................3117 516 – 6(2): Contaminated Sites (Simailak) ................................................................................3119 517 – 6(2): Plans for Elder Care (Malliki) .................................................................................3120 F. Written Questions 005 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut Funding Proposals Submitted to the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (Lightstone) .......................................................................................3122 G.

Tabling of Documents 153 – 6(2): Director’s 2021-22 Annual Report on Family Wellness (Nakashuk) ......................3123 154 – 6(2): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 (Speaker) ...3123 155 – 6(2): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) .............3123 H.

Motions 019 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment – Notice (Malliki) ..............................................................3124 019 – 6(2): Extended Adjournment (Malliki).............................................................................3124

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3074 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, June 1, 2023 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:29 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day. Before we begin, Ms. Killiktee, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, my fellow MLAs. Welcome to those who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast. (interpretation ends) I understand that our colleague from Hudson Bay is watching us on TV at the moment, so a big wave. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok.

Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 255 – 6(2): Update on Qulliq Energy Corporation Cyber-attack (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow MLAs and our colleague who is watching us online. (interpretation ends) Today, Mr. Speaker, I stand here to extend thanks to my colleagues and counterparts, as well as the federal government and outside cybersecurity experts for their generous support and guidance in bringing most of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s information technology operations back to a functional state.

As many of us are aware, the Qulliq Energy Corporation was hit with a cyber-attack in January 2023, shutting down access to critical data and applications. Mr. Speaker, in response, the QEC and the Government of Nunavut’s Community and Government Services Information Management and Information Technology department immediately began restoring IT infrastructure and rebuilding a modern and secure network for the corporation.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank our customers, our vendors, and other stakeholders for their patience while interim IT solutions were put in place to continue providing a critical service to Nunavummiut. QEC employees worked diligently to continue day-to-day operations in an unexpected and challenging situation and were quick to implement contingency plans, while delivering on the corporation’s mandate despite IT limitations.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3075 Considerable collaboration and concerted efforts were required to successfully restore administrative functions. However, the QEC’s ongoing IT needs are significant. Further investments are being planned to modernize and transform the entire network so that the corporation will be better equipped to protect important data and applications. These new investments will create one of the more secure environments going into the future.

To complete the rebuild and sustain its operation, the decision has been made to transition the QEC’s IT system to the Government of Nunavut’s network on a permanent basis. The GN adopting the QEC’s IT systems is in the best interest of the territory in continuing the transformation required to build a more secure and modern IT infrastructure. The GN can now extend its established systems to help further improve critical services for our communities.

Being part of the Government of Nunavut umbrella will benefit day-to-day operations and deliver on the QEC’s mandate to supply safe and reliable electricity to the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 256 – 6(2): Microsoft Translator User Guide (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to Nunavummiut and those here with us today. I would like to say “happy Pride Month” to those that are here with us and to everyone else who is celebrating Pride Month. Mr.

Speaker, since 2020, the Department of Culture and Heritage and the Department of Community and Government Services have collaborated with Microsoft to have Inuktut as a select language on Microsoft’s Bing Translator Tool. Since then, we have continued to improve this service by including Inuktitut in both syllabics and roman orthography as well as Inuinnaqtun. Mr.

Speaker, today I announce that a new Microsoft Translator user guide, A Guide to Communicating in Inuktut at Work and Home using Microsoft Translator, is now available on the Department of Culture and Heritage’s website to help anyone who would like Inuktut translations on their devices, including computers and mobile devices. Mr. Speaker, this step-by-step guide helps users navigate how to use Inuktut in Microsoft Translator in Microsoft’s suite of software, including in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and the Edge and Safari browsers.

It also guides mobile device users in how to download and use Microsoft Translator on Apple and Android devices. Mr. Speaker, as Microsoft Translator is an artificial intelligence tool, it will continue learning Inuktut and will allow for better quality translation with each update. Mr. Speaker, this collaboration is a successful example of Havaqatigiingniq in working toward improving the use and access of Inuktut in the workplace and at home, and I encourage all

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3076 Nunavummiut to use this language tool to learn, preserve, and revitalize our language. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 257 – 6(2): Strengthening Health Staffing (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, health centres are important to the well-being of every Nunavut community. Health centres are where we turn for medical care, vital vaccinations, advice on mental health, and many other needs.

To provide these services, we need staff, and recruiting and retaining registered nurses during the summer months is particularly challenging. This summer we may see temporary health centre closures throughout the territory as we continue to deal with the national shortage of nurses and other health professionals. (interpretation ends) We have established a Health Centre Operations Task Force that is focused on addressing staff shortages. Last summer we boosted recruitment of locum staff, coordinated staff redistribution among health centres, and even had senior managers step up to work on the frontlines.

Through these and other actions, we reduced closures in 2022 significantly and I am confident that we can do it again this year. Health is committed to strengthening staff recruitment and has implemented several effective incentives, including the Bring a Family Friend Initiative. It allows eligible nurses to bring a friend or family member to their assigned community during peak holiday times. It has helped us to secure additional staff during critical periods of shortage. Health is dedicated to a comprehensive vision of health workforce development.

With the approval of Bill 24, Health is bringing forward critical staffing measures aimed at stabilizing our staffing through a variety of recruitment and retention initiatives. Along with the Roadmap to Strengthen the Nunavut Nursing Workforce, these measures will boost staff resilience and retention by: • Improving work environments to reduce staff burnout, while improving patient access to care; • Offering flexible employment options and a competitive compensation package, especially for difficult-to-fill positions; and • Creating opportunities to recruit health care students before they enter the workforce.

Uqaqtitsijii, ensuring that we have a skilled and sufficient health workforce is necessary to deliver essential health care services in all communities. Health plans to continue strengthening our staffing levels across Nunavut for the benefit of all Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3077 Minister’s Statement 258 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation – Operating Model Going Forward (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to Nunavummiut and MLAs. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, on January 15, 2023 a cyber-attack compromised the QEC business network, disabling access to critical applications, including email, project files, procurement, payroll, accounts receivables and payables, and client information.

Community and Government Services’ Information Management and Information Technology has collaborated with Qulliq Energy Corporation staff to lead the recovery effort and signed a memorandum of understanding on January 27, 2023 to rebuild the Qulliq Energy Corporation network and restore services by March 31, 2023. Mr. Speaker, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s information technology infrastructure requires significant modernization and transformation due to deficits in various areas, such as switches, servers, storage, and bandwidth. These deficiencies pose a risk to Qulliq Energy Corporation operations. Mr.

Speaker, Community and Government Services and the Qulliq Energy Corporation will be creating another memorandum of understanding to provide information management/information technology services and funding arrangements. The transition of Qulliq Energy Corporation network operations to Community and Government Services will include a thorough analysis of organizational design, housing, unions, location of positions, among other considerations.

After this transition, Community and Government Services will build a new modern robust network and manage the current and ongoing operations of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s information management/information technology on a go-forward basis. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, Community and Government Services’ Information Management/Information Technology managed an average of 7,097 threats per day, with the number increasing each quarter. The need for robust network security is genuine and continuously growing and the potential cost of cyber-attacks cannot be underestimated. Mr.

Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend the Community and Government Services’ Information Management/Information Technology incident response team, who have worked diligently to ensure the Qulliq Energy Corporation recovery is completed securely and efficiently. On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, we thank them for their commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 259 – 6(2): Celebrating Nunavut’s Graduates (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

Today I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate our high school students who have persevered, despite

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3078 the challenges during their time in high school, and who have graduated or are on the path towards graduation. Mr. Speaker, 249 students are expected to graduate this year. I want to recognize and commend these students for this significant accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, our graduation ceremonies looked a little different over the last couple of years. Graduates celebrated their success with their families and communities in a variety of creative ways, while continuing to follow public health measures and to ensure safety. Mr.

Speaker, this year graduation ceremonies have returned to in-person, which is very exciting. I know we all look forward to what this year’s graduation ceremonies will bring. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of every one of our graduates. Their success is also a testament to the dedication of their teachers, as well as to the support of their families, friends, and communities. We wish them all the best as they follow and chase their dreams and pursue a higher education or enter the workforce. Please join me in congratulating our Nunavut high school graduating class of 2023. Quana, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 260 – 6(2): Safety Certificate Course for Young Workers (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, through ongoing communication and relationships with employers, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission is proud to introduce the new positions of safety outreach representatives.

Their role is to support employers in their understanding of occupational health and safety roles and responsibilities. The three safety outreach representatives were hired; one in Iqaluit and two in Yellowknife. This improved service will be provided by reallocating existing resources. Employers will not incur additional costs and their rates will not increase because of this new resource. Safety outreach representatives are not safety officers. They do not have the mandate to enforce regulations and laws and are not there to provide safety officers with information to conduct inspections.

Employers looking to improve health and safety in the workplace can contact the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission and request support from the safety outreach representatives. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Environment, Ms. Quassa.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3079 Minister’s Statement 261 – 6(2): Waste Oil Pilot Project: Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Pond Inlet (Quassa) Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Good day to Nunavummiut and my colleagues. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House that the Department of Environment has implemented a waste oil pilot project to assess the feasibility of waste oil backhauling throughout the territory by targeting one community per region, for a total of three communities: Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Pond Inlet.

This pilot project was developed to provide estimates, training, and guidance to alleviate some of the burden seen from stockpiled waste oil barrels in the communities. Mr. Speaker, my department recognizes that waste oil management is an issue in community landfills. Waste oil is one of the most produced types of hazardous waste in Nunavut. Lack of storage and waste management has been a long- standing challenge for Nunavut. Efforts are being made to properly manage waste drums to prevent spill and contamination. Mr.

Speaker, we have taken steps to demonstrate that legacy waste oils can be packed, stored, and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. This pilot project involved conducting a preliminary assessment and inventory of waste barrels in three community landfills. Mr. Speaker, the project is on track.

A drum inventory and assessment has been completed in three communities and will be shipped south this sealift season: in Arviat an estimated total of 64,000 litres of waste, which includes 20 tote tanks and 187 drums; in Pond Inlet an estimated total of 51,000 litres, which will include 60 tote tanks, approximately 250 drums; and in Cambridge Bay an estimated total of 91,000 litres, which will include 46 tote tanks and approximately 225 drums. Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to work with communities to ensure that the project addresses their needs and to reduce the impacts of waste oil across the territory.

The pilot project will continue to be monitored and managed until its completion. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 341 – 6(2): Introducing RCMP Senior Members (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for recognizing me for this member’s statement. Before I start my member’s statement, as I stated in my minister’s statement yesterday, it’s a huge day for Andrew Blackadar, our Commanding Officer, so I would like to take a quick opportunity to recognize Andrew and also the Commissioner of the RCMP, Mike Duheme; Roshan Pinto, Inspector- Executive Officer; Al McCambridge, Corporal Sergeant Major; and Andrew’s

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3080 son, Colin, to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) today I wanted to speak to this event transpiring tomorrow, as we will be celebrating the Inuujaq School students graduating. There are two students who will be graduating, Nora Muckpa and Gamie Sebastian Oqallak. I will be able to make it up tomorrow and I will be speaking with community members and celebrating with the graduates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk.

Member’s Statement 342 – 6(2): High School Graduates in Constituency (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome to the visitors in the gallery. Good day to the people of Amittuq. Mr. Speaker, I also wish to rise today to express my congratulations to both of my constituency communities of Igloolik and Sanirajak, who will celebrate the students graduating from high school.

In Igloolik, the graduates are: • Randy Angilirq • Charlotte Anguratsiaq • Dion Angutimarik • Hayden Angutimarik • Hazyl Arnatsiaq • Alexie Ivalu • Numa Malliki • Jamal Nutarariaq • Sherina Qaunaq • John Qulaut • Kyle Ungalak They will hold the graduation ceremony in Igloolik on June 2. In Sanirajak, the graduates are: • Brenda Qamukaq • Gloria Nangmalik • Julia Rose Issigaitok • Kim Morgan • Paul Uttak They will hold their graduation ceremony on June 30 or 31, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements.

Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Member’s Statement 343 – 6(2): Safe Spring Fishing and Hunting (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my fellow residents of Baker Lake and my grandchild who is watching the proceedings, which delights me. Grandchild, I will see you in a few more days. Mr. Speaker, this is my advice to my fellow Baker Lake residents as springtime is here, bringing beautiful weather.

Many people will be spending most days outside and fishing in the melt holes, but I ask everyone to be very careful and not to take chances and be prepared for any emergencies, especially if you are going near a river, as we love

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3081 to catch fish by jigging. However, I urge everyone to be aware at all times, keep away from thin areas, and ensure that you bring extra clothing, okay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 344 – 6(2): Recognizing Elder Levi Illuitok (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize and congratulate elder Levi Illuitok of Kugaaruk for recently publishing a children’s book. Mr.

Speaker, Illuitok is 82 years old and he shares the stories he was told as a child growing up. His new book is titled “The Little Folk” and tells the story of a young boy adopted by little people known as the Inugarulliit. Mr. Speaker, this is not Illuitok’s first book. He has previously published two books, Ahiahia the Orphan and The Amajurkjuk. Mr. Speaker, elders are our respected knowledge keepers and storytelling has always been an important way of life for Inuit. It is how we have kept our culture and traditions alive for many generations. Mr.

Speaker, I applaud elder Levi Illuitok for sharing his stories with us and kindly encourage him to continue writing. Mr. Speaker, I rise today that on the date of April 24 to 29, 2023, Kugaaruk hosted a drum dance festival. I want to greatly acknowledge the communities of Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, and Rankin Inlet, who sent drum dancers and singers. (interpretation) It’s very gratifying. (interpretation ends) I want to greatly thank the community of Kugaaruk for always being so welcoming. Mr.

Speaker, I want to greatly acknowledge and thank Chris Tungilik, Rosa Oogark, Alice Inuksaq, Sabina Nartok, Richard Kakkianiun, and George Ningark for volunteering their time to make sure it was a successful event. Mr. Speaker, it is held annually but was on- hold for a couple of years due to the COVID pandemic. This year it was held in Kugaaruk and next year, 2024, Rankin Inlet will be hosting it as it is an annual event to have the drum dance festival. Mr.

Speaker, I fully support these types of events and each year is an Inuit ancestral way of life to keep the pihiq songs going for future generations to keep our culture and traditions alive. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Member’s Statement 345 – 6(2): Chesterfield Inlet Concerns (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Good day, Nunavummiut and my fellow MLAs. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address a

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3082 concern that has been raised in the community of Chesterfield Inlet. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education recently announced the full-day kindergarten pilot project for the community of Chesterfield Inlet. While I support the intent of giving our children and youth the best educational opportunities possible, I note that this initiative may present some challenges for educators and administrators. Mr.

Speaker, the Chesterfield Inlet District Education Authority has already raised concerns about whether the department will be able to fill the necessary teaching positions, including support teacher positions. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Premier, the ministers of Education, Community and Government Services, and Economic Development and Transportation, as well as the Minister responsible for Housing to visit the community of Chesterfield Inlet at the earliest opportunity to see for themselves the challenges and barriers faced by the community and its residents.

I hope that they will be able to visit after the spring sitting is over. Mr. Speaker, the population of Chesterfield Inlet is approximately 400 people. For a small community, its residents are very active and I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the community’s leaders. I look forward to welcoming the Premier and the ministers to Chesterfield Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 346 – 6(2): Safe Spring Travels (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to my constituents in Coral Harbour and Naujaat, as well as my fellow MLAs. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ensure that safety is practised at all outings in any of the communities this spring. People will be going everywhere, without any clocks to keep an eye on after school break arrives, and they will be travelling to their favourite spots. I ask that they let their families know where they are going and bring a (interpretation ends) SPOT (interpretation) or a VHF radio in case of a mishap or an accident as we prefer that everyone is safe.

Further, when we get to the appropriate item, I will be asking the Minister of Community and Government Services questions about search and rescue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 347 – 6(2): Congratulations to Graduates (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people of Pond Inlet, Daniel, who is watching the proceedings, and the people of Nunavut, I send my regards. There will be a graduation ceremony in our community tomorrow at 5 p.m. The grade 12

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3083 students from Nasivvik High School will be graduating. The graduates are: • Marissa Idlout • Tasha Inootik • Grace Simonee • Susie Simonee • J.J. Simonee • Joanasie Aglak • Enookie Kiyoapik • Jeff Simonee • Joey Saunders We are very proud of these graduates and I ask the members to join me in congratulating these individuals. I am happy that we will be able to attend the graduation ceremony. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, as this is the last day, I wish all of my colleagues a beautiful spring and summer. We will see you again during the fall sitting. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Member’s Statement 348 – 6(2): Clyde River Kindergarten Completion (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m excited to go fishing with my friends and family when I return tomorrow, if possible, and I would like to go camping right away. Good day to the residents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq. I would like to congratulate the following individuals from Clyde River. There will be a kindergarten graduation ceremony. There are 27 students who attend morning and afternoon classes.

The graduates are: • Abby-Joe Aipellee • Tavvi Angnetsiak • Brandon Enuaraq • Boss Iqalukjuak • Jedidiah Iqalukjuak • Joshua Iqalukjuak • Ed Ron Kautuq • Celin Natanine • Pia Palituq • Ataguttaalu Palluq • Piujulia Qillaq • Siara Tassugat • Joe Jack Aipellee • Bethany Angutikjuak • Eva Apak • Laakuluk Aiden Enuaraq • Carmen Iqalukjuak • Tatania Iqalukjuak • Caitlin Joanas • Justin Killiktee • Jay Nookiguak • Tatania Palluq • Gabriel Palituq • Piujuq Alexandra Palituq • Jordin Qillaq • Lori Anne Tassugat • Roxanne Wilton Those are the 27 kindergarten graduates in Clyde River.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3084 Member’s Statement 349 – 6(2): Mental Health (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people of Nunavut and my colleagues, have a great day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the concern of mental health and suicide prevention in our communities across Nunavut. We are all affected by suicide and we all deal with mental health within and by the people around us; friends and family members, and most of all, in our communities.

We as Members of the Legislative Assembly raise the issues and voice our constituents’ concerns. Even our administrators and public servants that help move the concerns and try to make what we want a reality to stop suicide and make our communities healthy, like all the issues they help to get completed, mental health and suicide prevention seem to need more push from the government.

We try to find solutions by just raising the issues, but we never see the investment in it, not just with funds but with resources we have in front of us in our communities, like the government invests in fibre optics, housing, and everything else. An Inuk is going to get the best help from another Inuk, an elder, an individual that has more life experience than the person that’s having issues with self-harm and mental health, because an Inuk understands another Inuk more clearly than an individual from the south. Hearing this from an Inuk mental health representative was very powerful for me.

We need to seek help from our communities for the best chance of helping and lowering the suicide rate we have today in Nunavut. I want to acknowledge the regional mental health team in Cambridge Bay that has travelled to other Kitikmeot communities to raise issues on suicide prevention and mental health. I especially want to recognize Harry Maksagak, who is very proactive with what he does in helping communities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement. (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there nays? There are none.

Please proceed, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, my fellow MLAs. (interpretation ends) I especially want to recognize Harry Maksagak, who is very proactive with what he does in helping communities with dealing with suicide and mental health, and I would like the ministers of the appropriate departments to deal with mental health and suicide prevention to seek or include individuals from all communities in their efforts to help Nunavummiut from each community to work with people with great knowledge in all Nunavut communities.

Lastly, we need to invest more in groups or societies to travel to and from all Nunavut communities to collaborate in different ways of the communities on helping and raising suicide prevention and mental health issues in their communities. God bless you all. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3085 >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Member’s Statement 350 – 6(2): Celebrating Pride Month (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a little step back in time to a little over nine years ago here in this House. Mr. Speaker, at that time, there were a number of Pride activities around the city and around the country and some people were for or against it, and a lot of people felt unclear or uncomfortable stating which side they were on.

So many people still to this day don’t feel totally comfortable living in their own skin publicly. I just wanted to stress how important it was for me at that time to pick a side and to make very public my stance on my appreciation of people’s individuality and life choices. Mr. Speaker, in March 2014, I had asked Carol Tootoo to make me this tie that I wore yesterday and today, and it means a lot to me that she was able to provide it. She stayed up late that night and I wore it the next day in the House and I made a very public statement on celebrating our individuality and uniqueness. Mr.

Speaker, fast forward a few years later here in this House, Bill 31,

An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, which added gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds for discrimination in Nunavut, was passed in this House. The sponsoring minister, Keith Peterson, actually asked me to borrow this tie that day so he could wear it and I very, very gratefully gave it to him to wear that day, again, to publicly show his position and comfort level in celebrating people’s individuality. Mr. Speaker, we need to celebrate our individuality and keep our hearts and minds open to all people, regardless of their different beliefs and lifestyles. Mr.

Speaker, more and more today I see not just youth but people of all demographics being more and more comfortable of living their best lives in their skin, not wearing a mask of conformity. I just want to take this time to publicly celebrate June being Pride Month and I am very happy that society is becoming more and more open and inclusive to people of all beliefs and backgrounds. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Member’s Statement 351 – 6(2): Tribute to Sammy Koneak of Kuujjuaq (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the members beside me for those important words. As many people know, I didn’t pick a side. I like both sides and all sides as a queer member of the Assembly. Happy Pride Month to everybody who is watching today and Pride is really suicide prevention. Let’s love everybody and love ourselves. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the former Mayor of Kuujjuaq, Sammy Koneak, my brother-in-law. We lost Sammy to cancer on May 6 after a

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3086 two-year battle which he fought with the unwavering support of his family, his children, and my beautiful sister, Sheila Gordon. Mr. Speaker, he was predeceased by my niece, Pamela Minnie Gordon, when she was 17 in 2002. Mr. Speaker, it would be impossible for me to describe the impact that Sammy had on Kuujjuaq, on Nunavik, and on our family in this brief time that I have. He was a leader in governance, infrastructure, tourism, sport, and healthy family activities. He was a huge proponent for Aqpik Jam. Mr.

Speaker, importantly, Sammy was a terrific family member and he was one of the few people that I trusted to send my little baby to, Miles. He would take Miles out fishing for salmon, mussels, and taught him much about the land and sea ocean around Kuujjuaq and about life. I sure do miss the rock power hour and wish all the Koneak’s and my family strength, and I appreciate Sammy Koneak for everything he did for the world around him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

Member’s Statement 352 – 6(2): 2023 Arviat High School Graduates (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is that time of year, graduation season, and in Arviat, (interpretation) there will be some graduates from the John Arnalukjuaq High School in the next couple of days. There are potential grads, (interpretation) of which there are 37 in total. I will state all their names and I share in celebrating this event with them and I thank their parents and all of their teachers. (interpretation ends) The potential grads in Arviat are: • Holden Aggark • J.J.

Aggark • Jonathan Ahmak • Peter Akammak • Charlotte Aliktiluk • Mary Rose Anayuinak • Jayden Angalik • Malla Anoee • Peter Aulatjut • Rosanna Arnarauyak • Johnathan Campbell • Jaime Copland • Christian Curley • Hunter Curley • Neason Curley • Casey Hapanak • Destiny Ikakhik • Maya Illnik • Moses Illungiayok • Caroline Ishalook • Keenan Issakiark • Peter Ivunirjuk • Quentin Kablutisak • Jacob Karlak • Daniel Kigusiutnak • Irena Komak • Thayer Komakjuak • Ryan Koomak • Brad Kritaqliluk • Arnaluk Manik • Jocelyn Nagiyak • Garreth Qanatsiaq • Ann-Marie Shamee • Batista Sinnisiak • Colin Jr.

Suluk • Stella Suluk, and last but not least,

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3087 • Brayden Sulurayok (interpretation) I share in celebrating these potential graduates with all of Arviat, starting with thanking their parents, and I hope that even when celebrating your passage from grade 12 that is a life event full of joy as a youth, you consider pursuing post-secondary education, as there are many possibilities to undertake higher education, either outside of Arviat or even within Arviat itself, within Nunavut or even outside, with many fields of higher education available.

I encourage these youth to look at their options as higher education can provide many tangible benefits in life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I hope they will have a wonderful celebration. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Member’s Statement 353 – 6(2): Igloolik Fishing Derby (Quassa) Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to firstly voice my gratitude to the recreation committee members from Igloolik, along with the alcohol education committee. They organized an event for June 2 to 5, namely, a fishing derby to catch the largest fish.

I am envious of the people preparing for this event and the people who stated they are leaving to go fishing. Currently, I believe it is almost impossible to catch this event due to the complete absence of any seats on flights going up to Igloolik. I wish all participants in the derby a safe time, to always be aware of your surroundings, and to have a wonderful time. I know for a fact that the people attending the derby will enjoy it. For residents unable to travel to the fishing lake, the recreation committee will also have a localized cod fishing derby around our island.

Our recreation committee is very innovative and organize very good events, so I voice my appreciation for their consistent hard work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 354 – 6(2): Safe Spring Travels (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of South Baffin. Mr. Speaker, since today is our final day of this session, I encourage people to be prepared and aware of their surroundings as springtime is one of the most wonderful times to enjoy the land.

It is the best time of year, as good weather and the animals are all about, and I recall the song that recalls that particular time. Mr. Speaker, with people in Kinngait and Kimmirut hunting beluga and geese, fishing, and enjoying the land and with many families heading out on the land, it clearly shows that working together and helping each other makes any trip easier. However, there are always risks associated with ice breaking up and the snow will soften into slush very rapidly. I urge everyone to be constantly aware of this and to look out for one another.

Also, whenever people note an area becoming unsafe, they should pass that on to all of their fellow travellers.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3088 Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, being on the land is enjoyable, except when trash is left there, so I ask that all the people bring their garbage back to their communities to ensure that our land remains pristine. Seeing garbage on the land spoils the enjoyment of the beauty of being on the land. To everyone who is planning to head out on the land, ensure that you bring all of your garbage to your community and I encourage every one of our fellow residents and throughout Nunavut to do so. Even though this happens year-round, I just wanted to say that as a reminder.

Again, I look forward to being on the land this spring, continuing to summer, as this is another one of our enjoyable seasons. To my colleagues and everyone in Nunavut, I wish you a great spring and summer and have a good day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. I have no more names. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 355 – 6(2): Cambridge Bay High School Graduates (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad I got to sneak in there as I had my hand up.

I am happy to announce and celebrate the Kiilinik High School in Cambridge Bay will be having their graduation on June 10, which is earlier this year than normal. They’re usually in August, Mr. Speaker, so I know the students are getting very anxious for their graduation, and the community as well, as we celebrate some very special individuals who have gone to graduation and we look forward to their big day. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and say congratulations to the following individuals: • Kiana Ekpakohak • Reagan Evetalegak • Tori Evalik • Makaia Haviojak • Averi Kaiyogana • Amik Kapolak • Aiden Klengenberg • Kristen McCullum • Annica Otokiak • Paiden Otokiak • Nicolas Tologanak • Avi (Alex) Maksagak Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge that we have a large number of students who are going to post-secondary or waiting to hear back from post-secondary, but I would like to wish them all the best. We have Kiana Ekpakohak, who has been accepted to the University of Alberta for the transition program.

Congratulations, Kiana. We also have Reagan Evetalegak. Mr. Speaker, she is going to be going to the depot youth camp for the RCMP, as she really wants to become an RCMP member, and she will be starting that journey this summer. I’m wishing Reagan all the best as she goes forward this summer, but she has also applied to Nunavut Sivuniksavut and is waiting to hear back. We also have Tori Evalik, who has been accepted to the University of Lethbridge

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3089 in the Indigenous Studies Program. All the best, Tori, in your future endeavours. Aiden Klengenberg has also applied to Nunavut Sivuniksavut. And finally, we have Kristen McCullum, who has been accepted to Lethbridge College for early childhood education. I’m wishing her all the best as she goes forward in early childhood. Mr. Speaker, can I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement? Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr.

Speaker and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would finally like to say a special thank you to everyone who has played a helping hand into these young lives and to getting them to where they are today, including their teachers, school administrators, parents and guardians, family and friends, and the community of Cambridge Bay. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t pay special personal congratulations to my sister-in-law, Averi Kaiyogana, who is graduating from high school, along with my in- law’s…I guess you would call her a “Tiguaqti” as well.

Her name is Reagan Evetalegak, and I wish both of them all the best as they graduate. I have known all of these students since they were young and as I worked in the school when I was coming back from university and seeing them when they were in kindergarten and now graduating is so amazing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 471 – 6(2): Problems with Adoption Process (Nakashuk) Return to Oral Question 477 – 6(2): Issues with Adoption Process (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m returning to oral questions asked on May 29, 2023 and May 30, 2023, asked by Ms. Killiktee, MLA for Uqqummiut, on the problems with the adoption process and issues with the adoption process. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to supplement answers I provided on those days. The communities of Chesterfield Inlet, Whale Cove, Kimmirut, Kinngait, and Grise Fiord are currently without custom adoption commissioners.

The Department of Family Services assists in the administration of custom adoptions, which includes appointing custom adoption commissioners, payments, and maintaining the adoption registry. Family Services is working with Nunavut Tunngavik to improve the custom adoptions process. Family Services is working with Nunavut Tunngavik to make proposed changes to

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3090 the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act. Delays in custom adoptions are caused when births take place outside of Nunavut or when births are not registered by the birth parent. This documentation is required in the jurisdiction in which the child is born before the custom adoption process can be finalized. Family Services plans to increase the team of adoptions staff to increase efficiency. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Return to Oral Question 474 – 6(2): Court-ordered Fuel Spill Cleanups (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to respond to a question asked by the Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa on May 30, 2023. The member requested an update on how often school facility components, such as fuel systems, air ventilation systems, fire alarms, and fire suppression systems, are assessed for code compliance. Mr. Speaker, Community and Government Services maintains Government of Nunavut facilities, including schools.

Trained community and government services staff and contract resources carry out scheduled inspections to ensure Government of Nunavut facilities meet legislative requirements. To address items in the question directly: • Fuel systems over 2,500 litres that are on Commissioner’s Land are inspected monthly as per federal regulations. • Fire alarms are inspected annually. • Air handling units and heating systems are inspected daily. • Fire suppression systems are inspected annually. Mr.

Speaker, through routine inspection, preventative maintenance plans, and record keeping, Community and Government Services is working to ensure that Government of Nunavut buildings are safe and productive environments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Environment, Ms. Quassa. Return to Oral Question 487 – 6(2): Contaminated Sites (Quassa) Hon. Joanna Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have a Return to Oral Question 487 – 6(2), asked by the Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa on May 30, 2023, concerning contaminated sites. Mr.

Speaker, this return is quite detailed. I have filed it with the Clerk for transcribing into Hansard for the public record and for distribution to all members. Question: Mr. Speaker, it was just over a year ago that the minister’s predecessor informed this House that the contaminated sites working group was undertaking such initiatives as “a desktop risk assessment of the sites that have been identified as potential responsibilities of the Government of Nunavut.”

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3091 Can the new minister update the House today on what progress has been made over the past 12 months by the contaminated sites working group? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Response: The responsibility to conduct desktop studies, fieldwork, and risk assessments is the Department of Environment’s responsibility. The work that the department does informs the discussions at the working group and those discussions help direct the work that our department does.

Over the past 12 months, the department has completed one desktop analysis, two field investigations, and two risk assessments. An additional field investigation is planned for this summer. The working group facilitated information sharing between departments on contaminated sites issues and finalized the newly approved Contaminated Sites Policy. Question: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was great to have the Auditor General of Canada in Nunavut this week.

As the minister is aware, the most recent territorial Public Accounts indicates that “…the Government [of Nunavut] acquired ownership of sites and activities associated with airports, tank farms and power plants on the creation of the Territory on April 1, 1999.

The contamination of certain sites occurred when other parties were responsible for the use of, and/or held tenure to, the sites.” As the minister is also aware, her department’s current business plan indicates that one of the specific priorities of the contaminated sites working group is to “support the GN in delineating liabilities under the direction of the Federal Auditor General [of Canada].” Can the minister indicate how frequently the members of the contaminated sites working group meet with officials from the Office of the Auditor General? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Response: The working group meets with the OAG as requested.

Based on the 1999 Division of Assets and Liabilities Agreement, the GN accepts that it may have sole or shared liability for contaminated sites that meet all the following criteria: • The site is in the territory of Nunavut; • The activities at the site that resulted in contamination were conducted by the GNWT or an agent of the GNWT prior to the GN taking possession under the 1999 agreement on assets and liabilities; • The site is no longer in productive use; • Where there is a demonstrable risk to human health and/or the environment; and • The activities at the site were permitted by the GNWT and the original polluter cannot be pursued.

Each contaminated site requires specific assessment of ownership and history to determine each party’s portion of total

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3092 liability associated with the contamination. In most cases, the parties include the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Government of Nunavut. However, reasonable efforts will be made to ensure other responsible parties are also identified and included in all proceedings. Question: Mr.

Speaker, I recognize and understand that the territorial government has been involved in what have been described as “protracted discussions” with the federal government concerning responsibility for a number of contaminated sites in Nunavut, and I recognize and understand that it takes two parties to come to an agreement. Can the minister indicate what discussions she has had with her federal counterparts concerning this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Response: Responsibility for contamination as well as associated financial liability at each site is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibility for contamination of a given site may be shared amongst two or more parties. The GN will pursue further discussions with the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and other parties as required to ensure that the necessary resources are secured for appropriate risk management measures at each contaminated site. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister responsible for Seniors, Ms. Gross. Return to Oral Question 493 – 6(2): Supports for Seniors (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to supplement my response to Oral Question 493 – 6(2), asked on Wednesday, May 31, by the Member for Netsilik. Mr. Speaker, it is a regrettable reality that some of our elders experience abuse. This is unacceptable. Elder abuse is an issue we can all do something about. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available. The Family Abuse Intervention Act assists elders who are experiencing abuse by providing access to emergency protection orders and community intervention orders. Mr.

Speaker, community justice outreach workers are dedicated to helping Nunavummiut who are experiencing abuse through the Family Abuse Interventions Act process. If Nunavummiut would like more information about the Family Abuse Intervention Act, please contact your local community justice outreach worker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to communicate to Nunavummiut that the Family Wellness Division within the Department of Family Services is also available to assist elders and families that are experiencing family violence and abuse.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3093 Anyone experiencing family violence and abuse can call the community social services worker or family wellness offices for support and referral to counselling. This may include referral to other services and transportation to a safe location. Community social service workers and community justice outreach workers can accompany those fleeing violence to the nearest place of safety, including family violence shelters and safe homes. Mr. Speaker, elders are the foundation of our society and our territory. We need to honour them and treat them with respect.

Everyone has a role to play to ensure our elders are not experiencing violence and abuse. Through Inuuqatigiitsiarniq, Ikajuqtigiinniq, and Piliriqatigiinniq, we can all work to ensure that our elders are aging with dignity. Quana, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The last two returns to oral questions are in English only and we will be expecting them in Inuktitut when they come in. Thank you. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 502 – 6(2): Amaruq Gold Project Closure (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good afternoon, all. Today I’ll make it a ‘three-peat’ and ask the Premier a question for the third day in a row. It’s regarding Agnico Eagle. Agnico Eagle has been operating a gold mine just northeast of Baker Lake for number of years now. It has actually been over a decade now and it has been very successful, especially with a number of my constituents working up there. I’m wondering: does the Premier know when the Amarok project for Agnico Eagle is projected to close, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank my colleagues for asking his ‘three-peat’ on me, but the question is best answered by the Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation. Through you, I would like to defer that to the appropriate minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The Premier is deferring the question to the Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for questioning this. I know I have the information here; I just don’t have the actual dates of when it will be closing, but it is an active mine at this point, Mr.

Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was hoping that the response would stay with the Premier as this affects the whole region, but anyway, I’ll give the answer to my own question. It is three years. They’re projected to close in three

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3094 years. This affects my whole community; it affects the whole region of Kivalliq. Agnico Eagle began announcing this a week and a half ago. I’m surprised that the government doesn’t know this, which is very sad. I’m wondering: what is the department or the whole cabinet doing to prepare for the mine closure for Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I do apologize for not knowing the exact year, but I do know that each of the mine sites have their lifecycles. For Agnico Eagle, they have been very active, not just mining the ones that they do know. They are continually looking for more through that area and through other regions. They are a very proactive mine and I’m confident that they will continue to do some wonderful work within our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll keep my last supplementary question very simple.

Can I get a commitment from this government for a closer working relationship with Agnico Eagle? Agnico Eagle, as I said, has been very beneficial for Baker Lake, for the whole region, and I would like to ensure that this government will work with Agnico Eagle to help to possibly extend the mine life, if there is anything the government can do. Can I get a commitment from this government to have a closer working relationship with Agnico Eagle? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We do have a very strong working relationship with Agnico Eagle Mines and we have MOUs for each of the mine sites and we work very closely with them. My department is very active with Agnico and we have been having very fortunate times meeting with the Agnico board as late as our mine symposium. Also, any opportunity I have to get a chance to meet with them, I meet with them. For this particular mine, the life expectancy for the mine is three years, unless they find more within that area.

They have had that success before and I’m confident that they will be able to do that again and I continue to encourage Agnico as a very good mine operator that we have a good working relationship with. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 503 – 6(2): Status of Processing Transcripts for Students (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Education. Mr.

Speaker, last year the minister told this House that the Maplewood program had been replaced with Edsembli, new software that at that time was still having

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3095 some programming issues that the minister stated had been resolved. Can the minister update the House today on the status of the processing of student transcripts? What assurance can the minister give our students applying at post-secondary institutions that some of the previous issues that delayed applications, where in some cases forced students to remove their applications, will not occur again this year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question.

We use the Nunavut Student Information System and the department recognizes the importance of having quality data to provide reports and raw data on enrolment, attendance, and achievement, for example. We also use this to capture the student enrolment, attendance, and achievement in all of our schools so that we’re able to collect and use that data accurately and safely across Nunavut. This system allows for us to be up to date and also to have a comprehensive source of data to be able to evaluate school and program performance at all grade levels. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to say that we did replace that system in January 2022 and that was when we had the short delay of the transcript processing which the member was speaking about. I can say that we did, in the earlier part of 2022, work diligently to make sure that we were caught up with all the transcript requests and they were all administered over, I think it was, three months we had caught up and after the new system was in place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that assurance.

I’m sure that if any students out there that do run into any challenges, they can contact the minister’s office or the transcripts division. Mr. Speaker, students here in Iqaluit are just a few weeks away from their final exams and they’re focused on finishing off the school year and grad activities, but I just want to take a moment to remind them that the deadline for FANS is also about a month and a half away, to get started on that process as well. Mr.

Speaker, it is often spoken that one of the biggest hindrances of FANS applications is lack of information and the back and forth to make sure forms are filled out properly. Mr. Speaker, what steps have been taken to streamline and track applications so students are notified immediately if information is missing and they can follow up with requests to the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students office to make sure that their applications are received on time and that the paperwork is processed to give them the ability to attend their programming this fall? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. Mr. Speaker, in terms, I just

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3096 would like to touch back on the transcript information and share that this year we’re working to ensure that our students in high school from grade 9 to grade 12, twice a year in June and in December, they will be receiving their student information with the courses that they have taken so far, what they have been enrolled with, and their grades. That will be enhancing the students’ knowledge and the families’ knowledge to where the student is and to help them through their career pathing, Mr. Speaker.

In terms of FANS, we are currently working on the FANS review and I look forward to the recommendations coming forward in August of this year. Even though that review will be completed, there have been a number of initiatives that we have been working on to support and enhance the FANS program. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest things that we’re working on is to support a new database for FANS to improve the FANS program overall, as that database has been around since Nunavut was created and it has been very aged. We do need to have a better scope of using a program that will fully meet the needs of our students.

Mr. Speaker, in the interim measures for FANS, I can say that we have been able to hire additional staff to the FANS department on a casual basis. We have hired seven staff into the department and I’m hoping that through the recommendations, these positions will become permanent. Mr. Speaker, we have also included that we are able to have each of those staff members that are now case officers, so they work directly with the student and they have case files. They check up on the students every couple of weeks to make sure everything is going smoothly and going well.

We also have automated information that goes forward directly to the students and we are checking up on those applications. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One improvement of FANS I didn’t hear is what I would like to talk about next, but before I say that, I would like to… . Hopefully the minister and the department have hired summer students, as I recommended last year, as those students have hands-on knowledge of the FANS system and would be able to greatly contribute to the good operations of that office. Mr.

Speaker, last year I also raised the issue that the applications for courses at post-secondary institutions often come with a fee. At the time, I had asked if there was any appetite or any discussions for the Department of Education to assist, even if it was on an income threshold basis, to help students with fee recovery for those applications. Mr.

Speaker, at the time, the minister had stated, “In terms of paying for application processes, I know that support is one of those areas where we can really review that process when we are doing the FANS review and we will take it into great consideration to help support our students in that early stage of applying and applying to places within Nunavut, but all over Canada and work to support their fees.” Finally, the

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3097 minister stated, “Hopefully I can come back with some positive news for our member and the colleagues here, and Nunavummiut on that process.” Mr. Speaker, I would like to get an update on that process as I still haven’t heard that good news yet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question.

I did state earlier that we are still completing the review of the FANS program and once all of those very detailed and compiled recommendations come forward from many stakeholders, including past FANS recipients, to parents, the college, and other entities that support students, including Nunavut Tunngavik and others, have all been consulted by the FANS department and there is a very large number of additional recommendations, including the one that we had spoken about that the member was asking a question about. I can say that that has been included in the recommendations.

When that report does come out in August, I look forward to updating the member and the members in the fall sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Question 504 – 6(2): Igloolik Airport Terminal (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation regarding the Igloolik airport terminal.

The minister knows, as he often visits the community of Igloolik, that when elders or people with disabilities who need wheel chairs arrive in the community, they literally have to be carried to the terminal. I would like to ask the minister what plans the Department of Economic Development and Transportation has on upgrading or replacing the airport terminal in Igloolik. I would like to hear about that from the minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is unfortunate that many of the terminal buildings that were built in the past were not built with a ramp. For that reason, during the upgrade process, we do include the ramps now. That is the situation at the moment. Today, Igloolik’s terminal is slated for upgrades. What needs to be rectified is very much part of the designs now. That is the current situation, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The fall is coming soon and during this time when the government is preparing, as you know, many of the airport terminals don’t have such upgrades. When will the renovations take place? Will it be this coming fall or the following year? Can the minister indicate what the

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3098 completion date is? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through this House, during our capital planning process, MLAs provide approval and input, including any upgrades or improvements, in expending the funding. This is how the funds to be used in Igloolik were approved. During the planning for this project, the (interpretation ends) ramp (interpretation) was allocated funding approval via the changes to the preapproved capital budget.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. He didn’t indicate the date I asked for in my question. Is the upgrade beginning in the fall? At least I suspect that is the time frame here. Since he didn’t provide an answer, does this mean it will begin next fiscal year? In the next 20 years? When are you anticipating this upgrading work? I would like to get a time frame from the minister. Please provide a numeric answer as to when. When is it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot provide an actual day or date at this time due to the fact that when the capital budget is approved, we then provide them to our employees, along with required changes. When additional items are added, from what I was informed about, the planned upgrade for Igloolik revolves around the ramp and the design is already produced. I anticipate or expect that if the project staff have the design drawings, then it should begin fairly soon with work commencing.

I can state that is how the process usually plays out. However, I am unable to provide a firm date of the actual date, but once I get it, I will provide it directly to the member, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 505 – 6(2): Legal Aid in the Kitikmeot (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Justice and they concern the issue of legal aid in the Kitikmeot region. Mr.

Speaker, I understand and recognize that the Legal Services Board operates at arm’s length from the department and is responsible for providing eligible Nunavummiut with legal aid and other related services. Mr. Speaker, the Legal Services Board oversees the operation of the three regional clinics in Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, and Rankin Inlet. One of the board’s responsibilities is to “develop and coordinate territorial and local programs aimed at…increasing knowledge of the law, legal processes, administration of justice and providing

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3099 public education and outreach with respect to human rights.” Can the minister clearly explain how the Legal Services Board partners up with communities, including Kugluktuk, to increase awareness and knowledge of legal education? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Legal Services Board is composed of the three regions and each of those regions has representation from the board.

They actively try to promote the work that they do have with all regions, in particular for the Kitikmeot, through public service announcements that are used in terms of identifying what programs and projects that they are doing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) On May 26, 2023, the 2020-21 Annual Report of the Legal Services Board was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

The report highlights the board’s successful delivery of the Inuit Court Worker Program and indicated that the board employed 24 full-time and part-time Inuit court workers across the territory in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. These positions help provide many services, including client intake, translation, community outreach, and more. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the boards’ efforts to hire, train, and support Inuit frontline workers. Can the minister indicate how many Inuit court workers were employed in the 2022-23 fiscal year? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr.

David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the member stated, the Legal Services Board is an arm’s-length organization and for their staff and the complements, I don’t have the breakdown of how many are Inuit, but I will commit to the member to provide that information once I get it from the Legal Services Board. It’s one that I don’t have direct information from an arm’s-length board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Mr.

Speaker, as you are well aware, a fire in Gjoa Haven back in March 2022 burned down the government building where the Legal Services Board had its headquarters. Mr. Speaker, it has now been just over a year and three months since the unfortunate fire. Can the minister provide a clear update on how his department has been accommodating the employees in Gjoa Haven and can he clearly indicate what long-term plans are in place for this office? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3100 Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was a very unfortunate event that took place and our department right away assisted the legal services in terms of getting the equipment that they need and also to ensure that they will be able to get back to work. From what I understand currently, they are working out of home right now and looking for space.

For the long term, working closely with my colleague from Community and Government Services, that building will be replaced and that’s the long-term goal is to get our staff and their staff into buildings that are functional. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 506 – 6(2): Fuel Shortage in Kugaaruk (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services, and they concern the current fuel shortage situation in Kugaaruk. Mr.

Speaker, it is also affecting my constituency community of Taloyoak when it comes to flights. Mr. Speaker, it recently came to my attention that the community of Kugaaruk has been facing a shortage of jet fuel that may impact flight movements into and out of the community. Mr. Speaker, when I became aware of these concerns, I immediately contacted the minister responsible to make him aware of the situation. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge and thank the minister for his quick response to me. Mr.

Speaker, for the benefit of my constituents and the general public, can the minister provide an update on his department’s response to the fuel situation in Kugaaruk? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to Kugaaruk, I believe it’s pertaining to a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) that was issued for the community, and that was as a result of a low inventory of Jet A fuel. Mr.

Speaker, the Petroleum Products Division has been monitoring and verifying inventory within the community and will be doing that up until resupply. Mr. Speaker, initiating NOTAM is to prevent the shortage before the ships arrive with more fuel. We are in regular communications with the hamlet through the senior administrative officer, who is no stranger to this House. We are trying to mitigate the impacts to Kugaaruk at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is my understanding that the current shortage of Jet A-1 is the result of higher-than-normal volumes having been sold this past winter. Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate how his department will ensure that this year’s fuel resupply to the community takes

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3101 this situation into account? That’s for clarification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Petroleum Products Division, of course, on an annual cycle, we look at what the fuel levels are before the resupply ships come in for every community. Mr. Speaker, it’s going to be an ongoing thing each year where we try to meet the demands.

Some communities are experiencing fluctuations on consumption of different types of fuel, but we’re trying to closely monitor this on an ongoing basis to reduce or mitigate any impact around shortages. We want to minimize any kind of impact for all communities and their fuel if they’re undergoing shortages or NOTAMs in this case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important that fuel distribution infrastructure in the community is in good working order. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister clarify what upgrades are planned for Kugaaruk in the coming year with respect to its fuel distribution infrastructure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Kugaaruk, I’m not aware of any specific fuel distribution infrastructure spending that the Petroleum Products Division will be undertaking.

However, if there are any communities experiencing difficulties or issues, for example, with their pumping station, they should immediately contact the local contractor and the Petroleum Products Division would be very responsive in making sure those issues are rectified in a timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 507 – 6(2): Enforcement of Smoking Legislation in Public and Staff Housing (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I apologize for my phone, but I was trying to get prepared and I would like to apologize for that before I begin. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, the territory-wide ban on smoking in public housing units and Government of Nunavut staff housing units came into effect yesterday. As that is the case, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we all want a healthy future for our children and we are all aware of the dangers of smoking. Mr.

Speaker, I am concerned about the capacity of local housing organizations in smaller communities like Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River to enforce the ban. Can the minister indicate what specific training and resources have been provided to local housing organizations? (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3102 Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question from the member. (interpretation) With regard to the ban on smoking in public housing units and government staff housing units, the local housing organizations’ units, or even privately rented housing, you are banned from smoking within the unit and have to keep a certain distance away from the unit. At the beginning, the housing corporation will work on communicating the smoking ban and provide support and training.

We will have training on the new rules. We have no watchdogs to look at who is smoking in units or not keeping the distance. There will be communications and training on the smoking ban, and I’m sure that there will be work to figure out how to deal with people who are not following the rules. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for explaining the process. Under the new rules, repeat violators may be fined or evicted from their public housing units. Mr.

Speaker, my question based on that is: in circumstances where an individual is evicted from the public housing unit for smoking, will their spouse and children also be evicted? That’s a concern of mine and I’m interested in hearing the answer to that question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have to apply the rules to everyone. We’re currently looking at what processes will be taken if there should be an eviction or if there are going to be fines imposed on the individual.

We are currently looking at the process that will be applied, the training programs that will be provided, and what action will be taken should an individual keep smoking in the unit, which can include eviction. That’s what we are currently looking at and we will make sure that all the information is made available to the tenants of public housing and government staff housing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that they’re currently exercising the new rules on the tenants of public housing and government staff housing. That’s how I understand it. Mr. Speaker, when we make changes, there are often consequences that we do not foresee. Should a law be applied? I think we’re just saying yes and following the rules. Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) the intent of the new rules is to make smokers and vapers go outside. In order to reduce the amount of garbage like cigarette butts that accumulate on the ground, there should be resources provided to local housing organizations to help them ensure that adequate

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3103 numbers of receptacles are placed in high-traffic areas. By saying that, can the minister indicate if these resources are being provided? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporations, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People who smoke carry their cigarette packs around and they’re not supposed to throw their cigarette butts on the ground. People should take their own initiative and not just rely on the government or the local housing organizations.

There has to be proper disposal of cigarette butts, like carrying their own ashtrays and so on. They can start this on their own, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Some responsibility has to be borne by the smoker to ensure that their cigarettes are discarded properly so that children can’t get at them, so that other people can’t get at them. When we talk about tuberculosis and other diseases being spread, some of that is spread by taking somebody else’s cigarettes and picking up cigarette butts.

I think there has to be responsibility by smokers to dispose of their cigarettes properly, and I encourage that and would love to hear maybe some incentives on making that happen. The goal here is to make sure that there is no more smoking in public housing or government-operated buildings or rental units to make them a safer place and a healthier place for everybody in which to live, especially the public housing units, where people get moved from one house to another. If you’re a non-smoker and you move into a smoker’s house, it’s very difficult to breathe properly.

It costs a lot of money to renovate smoke damage from cigarette smoke itself, so I encourage people to listen and make sure that if you are butting your cigarette, you’re doing it into a proper place to dispose of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 508 – 6(2): Harm Reduction Initiatives (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have some questions today for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission concerning the issue of harm reduction. Mr.

Speaker, many constituents in Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet have told me that the government needs to take immediate action to address the problem of individuals ordering and importing large quantities of high- alcohol spirits. This is an issue that has been identified as contributing to the bootlegging problem. As the minister is aware, his department’s current business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “implement changes related to the sale of liquor import permits, including new territorial daily limits...” Can the minister confirm when these changes will be made? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3104 Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad to hear what my colleague is talking about. The liquor commission is looking at the limits put on some orders as some people are able to order as much alcohol as they want. This can cause issues for other customers who order alcohol. Mr. Speaker, we have spoken to many communities, the RCMP, and Nunavut Tunngavik as to how we can correct the present situation. We would like to see a maximum limit on orders of seven litres of alcohol at a time.

We are looking at making amendments to the regulations in the coming months or years to include liquor orders, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his response. During our recent winter sitting, my colleague from Iqaluit-Sinaa asked important questions about how the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission helps Nunavummiut make informed choices about the use of alcohol.

As the minister is aware, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has published new “Guidance on Alcohol and Health,” which the organization indicates is intended to replace Canada’s “Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.” Can the minister confirm if and when the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s harm reduction publications will reflect the new guidelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for asking that question.

I will update the response that I made to the Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa. It is very important to be aware of how much alcohol people can consume daily without getting into danger. The guidelines were updated this past winter. Mr. Speaker, we will be completing this work soon and we are working with the communications division. As soon as the guidelines are ready in Inuktitut, English, and Inuinnaqtun, we will be able to distribute them to the communities and there will be radio announcements and television commercials about it.

In particular, we need to target young people, so we will be using the online process as well. We will be using different means to inform people. Not too many weeks from now, during the summer, we will be able to bring the guidelines out. It’s close to completion and we want to make sure that we distribute the guidelines properly for adults and youth as well. That’s what we are working on right now, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, the Legislative Assembly recently passed the new Liquor Tax Act.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3105 Some of the revenues that the government generates from the sale of alcohol are supposed to be used for social responsibility campaigns, as provided for by

section 59.1 of the Liquor Act. Can the minister confirm when the new Liquor Act will come into force and can he indicate approximately how much new revenue is expected to be generated under the new Act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We worked on that this past winter. As soon as we put in the details and regulations under the Act, I envision the tax revenue to not increase very much.

However, we have money available right now that we can use to help the communities for alcohol awareness and education. All communities can request up to $25,000 for alcohol safety and awareness education. Only one community requested that funding last year, which is unfortunate, so I encourage the communities to submit proposals for the funding that we have available. We have heard about the graduates this week and there will be numerous students graduating. We want to make sure they can have an alcohol-free graduation celebration and we have funding available for that purpose.

I encourage them to request that funding so they will have a great celebration without alcohol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 509 – 6(2): Affordable Housing Plans for Arviat (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Housing. We will keep the minister just going up and down today on the last day. Mr.

Speaker, on November 30, I asked the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation if tenders had been issued and awarded for the 20 affordable units in Arviat, and the response I got was that we have 20 units scheduled to be built in Arviat. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: has the Nunavut Housing Corporation applied for land in Arviat for the 20 affordable housing units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Those houses that are going to be built in Arviat are not going to be built by the housing corporation. Like I stated, some of the units will be constructed by the Nunavut Construction Company and some of them may be built privately by interested individuals. We have seen applications that have been submitted to date.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3106 As for the affordable housing units, we will need to put up subsidies for them. We will be able to help them with the cost to construct those units that will be available for purchase or renting at an affordable rate. They will be responsible for acquiring the lots and construction materials, not the housing corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These affordable housing units seem to be quite confusing. I do not understand it fully.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation says that the Nunavut Construction Company may be building some, the private sector may be building some, and private individuals may be building some. Just for clarity then, is there a budget from the Nunavut Housing Corporation slotted for Arviat for the 20 affordable unit houses? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut affordable housing subsidy incentive that we are working on is that NCC will not be the builder of these units, Mr. Speaker.

It will provide a contribution to other builders to develop these units. Specifically, the NHC is currently developing a new Nunavut affordable housing supply incentive, Mr. Speaker. We encourage companies just like NCC and other interested companies that would like to participate in the affordable housing incentive to approach us and to work with the housing corporation. Some of the projects and proponents are likely to include for- profit corporations, not-for-profit corporations, community housing providers, and individuals, Mr. Speaker.

For 2023, the incentive is being tested on a pilot project basis through the project. We’re looking at contributions of up to $150,000 for each affordable housing unit that is rented or sold at a rate considered to be affordable within the market. Mr. Speaker, that is just an estimate at this point and we’re trying to tighten up the figures so that it can be beneficial to Nunavummiut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is June 1.

Sealift is upon us and the minister just stated that they’re working on a policy for affordable housing. Part of the Nunavut 3000, a good portion of it, is for affordable housing. In total, we’re supposed to get 20 units and, at the end of the Nunavut 3000, 90 affordable housing units are supposed to be built in Arviat. Mr. Speaker, the minister just stated that up to $150,000 will be slotted for affordable housing. Can the minister confirm that $150,000 times 20, which is the number that’s targeted for Arviat… ? What’s that in my math there? It is $3 million, I believe, if my math is correct.

Is that how much budget is for affordable housing for Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3107 Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, if we have 20 affordable housing units go in there at those rates, then that’s the amount of money we would spend. Mr. Speaker, I realize it’s June 1 today. There are many opportunities, unlike the government who tenders contracts and supplies need to be there, there might be existing infrastructure in Arviat that might fit this category. This is not necessarily all new build, Mr. Speaker. There might be infrastructure that they would like to turn into that.

We are also looking at transitional units. We’re finalizing the numbers and policies regarding this, Mr. Speaker. This is something that’s happening as we speak. It’s very exciting times. We have a huge challenge in front of us and I really appreciate the support that we have been getting from this House, nothing but positive support in terms of trying to get as many houses out there so that we have fewer homeless Nunavummiut and people who should be able to afford rental from the private and public market. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki.

Question 510 – 6(2): Search and Rescue (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to… . (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, I have raised the issue of search and rescue on a number of occasions in this House. I again pay tribute to all the search and rescue volunteers in Naujaat, Coral Harbour, and Nunavut.

I have more questions today for the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the department’s responses to resolutions that were adopted by the Nunavut Association Municipalities at its 2022 annual general meeting. Mr. Speaker, the department’s response indicates that “Nunavut Emergency Management is currently reviewing the Community-Based Search and Rescue Contributions Policy.” Can the minister indicate what specific improvements to the policy are being considered? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to commend all of the local search and rescue people that participate in these unfortunate situations. In terms of the policy that we’re reviewing, the search and rescue policy, we are trying to get feedback from local volunteer groups but also the Nunavut Association of Municipalities on those details. I can’t specify what exactly we will be coming out with, but it’s through these engagements that we’re anticipating amendments to the policy to better suit the needs and to better serve the local search and rescue volunteer groups. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3108 Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that their search and rescue team always works very hard. I would like to see improvements to the policy under review. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the department’s response to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities also indicates that “…another Search and Rescue model that is being discussed is the creation of a Search and Rescue Association.” Can the minister indicate the timeline for establishing this new organization? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have a specific timeline around what the member asks for, but once those details are ready and available, I would be more than happy to share it with my colleagues here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask that this be done in an expedient manner as emergencies can happen at any time. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, the department’s response to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities also indicates that it is working to address the issue of delays in reimbursing community-based search and rescue organizations for costs incurred during operations. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do have a grants and contributions program for local search and rescue organizations every year.

This fiscal year we have $620,000, but with this, we are trying to exactly do that, trying to make it more efficient for local search and rescue operations to occur and for the claims process and reimbursement to ensure that that happens in a very timely manner. I hope that it will be well received by all stakeholders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 511 – 6(2): Enforcement of Smoking Legislation in Public and Staff Housing (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation as well. Mr. Speaker, as we know, yesterday was the day that the provisions in the territorial Tobacco and Smoking Act came into force that prohibit the smoking of tobacco, cannabis, and vaping products in all public housing units in Nunavut and all the government staff housing. Mr. Speaker, information published by the Nunavut Housing Corporation indicates that offenders will be subject to a range of penalties, including monetary

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3109 fines and eviction from their homes, as we have heard earlier. Mr. Speaker, these provisions are not merely helpful suggestions or polite requests. They are legal requirements with potentially severe consequences for those who breach them. Consequently, the Nunavut Housing Corporation needs to have the capacity to enforce the legislation in all 25 communities, including Iqaluit. As the minister is aware,

section 38 of the legislation allows for by-law officers who are appointed under the Hamlets Act or the Cities, Towns and Villages Act to be “requested” to enforce the Act and its regulations. Can the minister confirm which municipalities in Nunavut, if any, have formally agreed to allow their by-law officers to assist in enforcing the legislation in respect to public housing units and staff housing units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The enforcement of the legislation that took into effect yesterday, there are a number of key proponents in that. As of now, I do not have details in terms of what communities will have which enforcement officers, but at this time, our main objective with the corporation is to ensure that the local housing associations are actively promoting the new Act that says they’re not allowed to be smoking in their house and at their homes. I understand that the details in terms of enforcement and who, what, when, where, and the details and those particular numbers are being worked on as we speak, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, I’m as well concerned that there may be children evicted from their homes due to the fact out of their control that family or parents may be smoking in their homes. I’m really concerned about that and it made me think about whether or not there will be additional consequences to both GN employees and to public housing tenants after the eviction.

Has the minister’s team spoken to the Department of Human Resources to discuss whether or not there would be additional disciplinary action to employees who are evicted and whether or not they would be able to reapply for a GN staff housing unit if they’re evicted and, on the other end, if somebody is evicted from public housing, do we know whether or not they will be barred for a period of time from reapplying for a public housing unit or could they be banned for life? I would like to hear from the minister on those questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think or c, all of the above are very possible, but we’re not at that stage yet, Mr. Speaker. We’re working on informing and giving the tenants of all

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3110 levels that are in public and/or government-assisted housing that have to follow these rules, at this time we’re working on education and adhering to the rules. In fact, the housing corporation is working with the Department of Health and other departments to ensure that the public is well informed. I think, at the end of the day, the tenants want to follow the rules and obey them. It will have a big impact on it if they do positively.

For example, the Department of Health is purchasing 1,500 aluminum signs to affix on multi-unit dwellings to remind people that these are the rules and please abide by them. We will continue to work to put information out there. I believe that in the coming days and weeks, we will put information out there on what happens if you don’t and it could be very severe in terms of losing your unit or paying fines. Mr. Speaker, those are all very possible.

At the end of the day, we need to ensure that the housing that is provided is safe for everybody in the unit and everybody in the unit has the responsibility to ensure that it is a safe home, especially in terms of no tobacco use. It keeps people healthier and also reduces the chance for fires and unnecessary damage to units, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, just for the record, I agree with the idea of banning smoking in all of these units for the good of every tenant and anybody who has to visit those units. Mr.

Speaker, I am confident that the minister will agree with me when I say that it is important that we as legislators be able to evaluate the extent to which provisions such as the ones we have been discussing today are being enforced, and even given the fact that the minister has indicated that the big next step will be about communicating about this ban.

I would like to know: will the minister commit to reporting back to this House a year from now with detailed information concerning the actual number of complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions that have been undertaken by local housing organizations and the Nunavut Housing Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question. I think it’s imperative that we put out those numbers and let the public know how effective it is or ineffective it is.

I would be more than happy to report whatever details I can provide strictly through the housing corporation in terms of what kind of action has been taken and how effective it has been. I have no issue with providing that information as it becomes available. It might be available in less than a year, but when we start getting that information, I would be more than happy to share it with my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3111 Question 512 – 6(2): Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation and are regarding the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program. As the minister is aware, I’m a strong and vocal proponent of alternative and renewable energy initiatives necessary to decarbonize our territory, our country, and our planet. Mr.

Speaker, the Qulliq Energy Corporation launched the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program in 2021. The program is designed to allow existing customers to generate electricity using renewable energy systems and sell it to the corporation at a rate equal to the avoided cost of diesel. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the corporation that it is imperative that all power producer programs remain cost- neutral to customers, but it is also equally important to make the program attractive enough to encourage Nunavummiut to make the investment. Mr.

Speaker, where my position diverges from the corporation is that I do not agree that the cost of diesel should be the sole determinant of an alternative pricing structure and neither does the Utility Rates Review Council. Mr.

Speaker, upon review of the report I tabled yesterday, titled, “Specialized Pricing Strategy for Renewable Energy Suppliers to the Qulliq Energy Corporation,” the InterGroup Consultants painted a much more complete picture of the true cost savings that renewable energy provides to Nunavut, including the avoided cost of diesel, non-fuel operating costs, capital costs, such as asset life extension, and the avoided cost of diesel generation outside of the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr.

Speaker, the consultants also provide a much more realistic price in the range of approximately 40 cents a kilowatt-hour for the purchase of renewable energy. Mr. Speaker, my first question to the minister is: does he agree that the Qulliq Energy Corporation should be providing a much more realistic price for commercial and institutional power producers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to thank my colleague for bringing forward and continuing to bring forward a very important subject. The member is right that the Qulliq Energy Corporation continues its effort to reduce Nunavut’s reliance on diesel power by developing programs, such as the CIPP, the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program. The member did table the report, which is very extensive and really outlines and it allowed the corporation to look at potential structures where we could provide the different supports. As such, as I indicated previously through this group, I am intending to bring forward

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3112 an incentive to the Executive Council to see what other programs and services we could provide through these. As the report concluded, at this point in time, with Nunavut having the highest power rates that we do have in the whole country, any new subsidy program would have to come either from the government itself or the federal government without putting direct harm to the small consumers we do have.

With that in mind, I am working with my colleagues here and will hope to have a pricing structure that addresses the potential opportunities through the CIPP and aiming towards the end of this fiscal year, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate the minister’s response. Mr. Speaker, last year I posed questions to the former Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation on June 6 at last year’s spring sitting. Mr.

Speaker, at that time, I had indicated that of the corporation’s $130 million in power sales, the GN departments and corporations paid $60 million, or roughly 50 percent. Mr. Speaker, with the recent changes to the general rate application, the GRA, which saw government power rates increased, that ratio and those millions of dollars are only going to increase. Mr. Speaker, getting to the point, last year, I had asked the Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation if he had discussions with other GN departments and territorial corporations on utilizing the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer Program.

Again, I would like to ask the new Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation if he would be able to update the House on discussions between the corporation and GN departments and territorial corporations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank my colleague for asking that question. The member is right; when we did bring forward a general rate application and standardized it, it has made a huge impact directly to the communities and the small communities in particular.

On that note, before the GRA, I would just like to use an example of Whale Cove, where we saw electricity rates at 112.86 cents per kilowatt and now with the general rate application, that community alone sees a standard 51 cents per kilowatt. That in itself is a huge investment that our government made and that is directly from the government’s incentive to provide a general rate application throughout the whole territory. To that note, Mr. Speaker, we do continue to communicate interdepartmentally.

Specifically, we communicate with the Nunavut Housing Corporation as well as Community and Government Services on all opportunities surrounding this program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, June 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3113 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response. I do appreciate the government’s approach in the most recent general rate application amendments to the power rates and the impact that the government is having on taking the brunt of the increased costs. Mr.

Speaker, since the beginning of the Fifth Assembly, I have been raising these concerns with the Government of Nunavut, encouraging the government to take on a greener approach, especially when it comes to major infrastructure projects, which have projected annual power consumption in excess of half a million dollars a year. Mr. Speaker, looking at the Nunavut Arctic College Nunatta Campus expansion, which was completed in June 2019, four years ago, that expansion to the campus included a substantial amount of solar panels and, as far as I know, is still unconnected and just collecting snow and dust. Mr.

Speaker, it has been six years since I have been raising these issues and concerns, and I just want to put it on record that I expect some change in the upcoming capital estimates in the fall sitting. Mr. Speaker, when we look at these $100 million projects with half-million- dollar power bills every single year, I think it is imperative that we do what we can and in addition, all governments have fundamental responsibility to be effective stewards of taxpayer money. Mr. Speaker, stewardship is a responsible allocation, management and oversight of public funds to create long- term value for money. Mr.

Speaker, I don’t have a last question. I just wanted to make the comment that it has been a long six years and I expect some changes going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: That was just a comment. Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period… . Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to extend question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There are none. Question period is extended to another