Nunavut Hansard — 11 March 2024 (6th Assembly, 2nd Session, Day 79, Official Report, pp. 5009–5135)

2024-03-11, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 79

Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)

Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 79 Monday, March 11, 2024 Pages 5009 – 5135 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents Opening Prayer .......................................................................................................................... 5009 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ..................................... 5009 Report of the Committee of the Whole ..................................................................................... 5133 Third Reading of Bills ............................................................................................................... 5134 Orders of the Day ...................................................................................................................... 5134

A. Daily References Monday, March 11, 2024 .......................................................................................................... 5009 B.

Bills Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 5010 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Human Resources – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 5045 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Culture and Heritage – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 5065 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Environment – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 5087 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee ................................................. 5110 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 5131 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Consideration in Committee ........................................................................................................................... 5133 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Third Reading ......... 5134

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5009 Iqaluit, Nunavut Monday, March 11, 2024 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 10:00 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon. Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good morning.

Before we proceed, can you say the opening prayer, please, Mr. David Akeeagok. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, my colleagues. I hope you had a good rest. Inuit who are watching the televised proceeding and listening to the radio broadcast, I say “good morning” to you. (interpretation ends) I recognize the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed directly to Item 19 on the order paper. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to proceed directly to Item 19 on the order paper. Are there any nays?

There are none. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40 with Mr. Hickes in the Chair. In accordance to the authority provided to me by Motion 29 – 6(2), the committee will remain in session until it reports itself out. I ask that all members remain at their desks so that we can proceed immediately to the Committee of the Whole. Sergeant-at-Arms. Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Good morning, everyone. I would like to call the committee meeting to order.

In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to commence with the review of the 2024-25 Main Estimates for Nunavut Arctic College, followed by the departments of Human Resources, Culture and Heritage, Environment, Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Office of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Are we in agreement that we first deal with Bill 37? Some Members: Agreed.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5010 Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Minister Qavvik, do you have any officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree to allow the witnesses to appear before the committee? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- Arms, please escort the witnesses in.

When you’re ready, minister, you can introduce your officials and proceed into your opening comments. Thank you. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left, to your right is Vice-president/Acting President Jackie Price, and to my right, to your left is Naya Reynders, Acting Director of Policy and Planning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and fellow members. I am pleased to present to you today Nunavut Arctic College’s 2024-25 main estimates and business plan for 2024-26. Nunavut Arctic College maintains the operations laid out in the business plan based on its proposed budget.

The college’s budget is comprised of a base contribution from the Government of Nunavut and third party funding. For the upcoming fiscal year, the college is seeking approval for $42,446,000 from the Government of Nunavut. This amount represents an increase of $2,128,000 from the previous fiscal year. The three areas that will be supported with this proposed increase are: • Software licensing • Compensation and benefits • Program design and delivery for social work programming. Mr.

Chairman, Nunavut Arctic College has its own information technology division which supports college-specific operations, namely, program delivery, student email accounts, and Internet access. As information technology continues to be a significant support for in-person, remote or blended program delivery, the college is proposing an increase of $622,000 to its operating budget. This funding will ensure the college can maintain college-specific perpetual licensing for critical software. In fall 2022 the collective agreement with the Nunavut Employees Union was ratified.

For the upcoming fiscal year, $683,000 will be used to cover the employee rates of pay committed in that agreement. And finally, while the 2024-25 budget for the college’s health and wellness budget, specifically the social service program’s budget, decreased from the previous fiscal year by $325,000 due to the completion of the second cohort of the Bachelor of Social Work program, the college is proposing that the college’s health and wellness division be approved to receive an increase of $1,148,000 for two fiscal years, starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5011 Mr. Chairman, with this new funding, the college will be able to offer two more cohorts of the Bachelor of Social Work program with our university partner, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. As members will recall, the first cohort of this bachelor program graduated in spring 2022 and the second cohort is set to conclude this fall. Experience has shown the college that success at the bachelor’s degree level is supported by having a solid pool of graduates from its corresponding diploma program.

To support the delivery of the Bachelor of Social Work, the college is also proposing funds to enhance its Social Service Worker Program. If approved, additional funding will allow the college to begin work to design and develop land-based courses for its Social Service Worker Program and expand its online class options for this program. Efforts in its diploma program will not only result in a greater pool of possible candidates for its degree program, but it also adds to the pool of individuals who have the necessary qualifications to work in the social work and advocacy fields. Mr.

Chairman, I appreciate this appearance is to approve the activities related to funding from the Government of Nunavut. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the college’s third party funding, which is projected to be $19,109,000 for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The amount is lower than the previous fiscal year as the college is still working on finalizing other contribution agreements. Currently confirmed third party funding, along with the proposed base funding from the Government of Nunavut, means the college’s total operational budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be $69,018,000.

Members, these opening comments are intended to provide you with an overview of key themes as they relate to the college’s 2024-25 main estimates and the 2024-26 business plan. I am pleased to take your questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Just before I go to the next component, I would just like to ask the minister; a couple of members have been curious as to why your president is not here. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. President Mearns had other obligations outside the territory and she sends her regrets. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you.

Does the chair of the standing committee have opening comments to provide? Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the Chair of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development, I am pleased to make opening comments on the government’s proposed 2024-25 budget allocation for Nunavut Arctic College. Mr. Chairman, the government’s proposed contribution to Nunavut Arctic College is $42.4 million for 2024-25.

This amount will be combined with approximately $25 million in third party funding and revenue from tuition fees and other sources for the college’s total operating budget of close to $70 million. The standing committee recognizes that many program delivery opportunities rely on third party funding as well as

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5012 requiring personnel and facilities in which to deliver instruction. The committee fully supports the college in its ongoing efforts to work with its partners to develop and provide learning options at both the community and regional campus levels. Many members fully support all initiatives to provide on- the-job trade skills training. Mr.

Chairman, the training and certification programs offered by Nunavut Arctic College at its regional campuses and at its community learning centres are critical to enabling Nunavummiut to access employment opportunities across the territory. In addition, such programs as the pre-health program, the social work program and the Nunavut Teacher Education Program are essential to support the Government of Nunavut in achieving its mandate, while ensuring the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the residents of Nunavut in the fields of health, mental wellness, and education.

During his appearance before the committee, the minister noted that the college is enhancing its focus with respect to the delivery of its Inuit studies, language and cultural programming. Members appreciate the college’s efforts to integrate more linguistic and cultural components into other programming areas. These include on-the-land healing within its social work program, medical terminology units within its health programs, Inuit child-rearing knowledge in its early childhood programs, and support for emergent language learners in its teacher education programs to improve their Inuit language abilities.

While Nunavut Arctic College currently offers degree programs in the areas of education, nursing, and social work, the committee recognizes that the college’s adoption of a laddering approach to program delivery in these fields enables more students to enter the programs and to achieve certifications at the diploma level as well as the degree level. This approach has the potential to increase the number of individuals ready to access employment opportunities or to be better prepared to continue with their studies to obtain a degree.

The committee fully supports the college’s efforts in this area and looks forward to updates on the number of graduates at each level of these programs. Members further encourage the college to collect information with respect to how many graduates successfully gain employment in their field of study after graduation. Mr. Chairman, community learning centres play an important role in providing access to courses and programs at the local level. Members continue to have concerns regarding the assessment process which determines what course options are delivered at the community level.

Members support the proposed investments for the college’s information technology division as it is anticipated that this will increase possibilities for remote and blended program delivery, enabling community- based learners to undertake more of their studies in their home communities. At the same time, the committee appreciates the level of student services that are provided at the college’s regional campuses, including elder advisors, counselling services, and other supports for students and their families

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5013 who are pursuing their studies far away from home. Nunavut Arctic College is halfway through its ten-year partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Members look forward to updates respecting any specific successes brought about through this partnership as well as information on any new initiatives that are being considered for the next five years. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remarks. I am confident that my fellow members will have additional comments and questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you.

Just before I go to general comments to the opening comments, I’m just going to make a statement to the minister. It’s very abnormal to allow a deputy minister or president of an organization to travel when there is a scheduled appearance to be here in the Assembly. I would hope that in future appearances, and it’s absolutely no disrespect to the witnesses that the minister brought with you today, but I will note that we expect the president or the deputy ministers to be here. This is a priority.

I know that the minister said that there are other priorities out of the territory, but this is the first priority to get a budget approved. Any general comments to the opening comments? Seeing none, Nunavut Arctic College is a one-page budget item, so the members can open the floodgates on topics. Nunavut Arctic College on page M-I-3. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $42,446,000. Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, minister and your officials.

The minister did indicate in his opening comments that the college is seeking $42 million from the Legislative Assembly, but in addition to the four funds that you will be receiving and other sources of revenue, such as tuition, the total budget for the year for the college is going to be closer to $69 million. For the $69 million budget, how many first year intakes is the college able to fund with this budget? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My apologies. Good morning, member. That’s a very good question.

With Nunavut Arctic College’s proposed $69 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, we’re able to base fund within community learning centres across our communities in Nunavut and provide other programs with third party funding with approval from contribution agreements from other sources. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Just before I go to Mr. Lightstone, where are you getting the $69 million from? From what I understand, it’s about $42.5 million and then $19 million in third party, which is about $61 million. I’m a little unclear. Mr. Lightstone, where are you getting the number? Mr.

Lightstone.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5014 Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I indicated, it was taken directly from the minister’s opening comments on the last page. Thank you for the response, minister. I would just like to follow up on my question. Just to rephrase it, with this total $69 million budget, how many first-year intakes is the college able to fund with this budget and in addition, just to expand on that, what is the total enrolment capacity for the entire college? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you and apologies, Mr. Lightstone.

I missed the tuition and fees part of the budget line. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you will allow, I would like to request Vice-President/Acting President Price to answer that question through you. Thank you. Chairman: Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. Based on this funding amount from the college, the college has the ability to offer base-funded programs within specific communities. We don’t focus on the number of students we’re able to take in; we focus on the delivery of programs within communities.

Based on this funding amount, including third party funding, we anticipate the same number of programs as we currently have this year. In terms of the number of students for enrolment, a number of factors determine that. One of the biggest determinants for program enrolment, of course, right now is student housing. Availability of student housing really determines whether or not a student will make the decision to move to another community to pursue specific training. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Price.

My last question, just a further supplement of the question, what is the total seat count or enrolment capacity for the college assuming that every position and every program was 100 percent utilized? Just out of curiosity, what is the current enrolment capacity for this year and the projected enrolment capacity for the proposed budget? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question. Mr.

Chairman, the enrolment numbers across any program requires instructors within the Nunavut Arctic College facilities or buildings. It really depends on the number of instructors that are able to offer programs to students. With that being said, we can certainly look into how we can provide more statistical information. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For my last question, I would like to ask if the college, through the budget development process, has

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5015 determined an estimated cost per seat for programs. For performance indicators, has the college determined the cost per grad? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question. For the key performance indicators, we have been happy for your continuance in advocating for the information to be provided through our annual reports, public, and our website. That is something the college is on... .

I can confirm that we can assure that the request of the statistical data will be included in the next annual report. Hold on. My apologies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are some factors that Nunavut Arctic College must play out. I thank the member for that question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) For the committee here, the member did ask how much per student and how much per graduate.

I believe the simplest way is you get the total cost of the program and divide it by the number of students who entered, and then for the graduation, the number of students who graduated with the total cost of the program. If you can provide that to the committee at a later date, Mr. Qavvik, will you commit to providing that? Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We certainly are committed to providing more statistical information as we learn to provide more context and more robust management systems within Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Following the names on my list, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to start off with following up with some questions that I had asked the Minister of Education during her appearance. When we’re looking at Nunavut teacher education graduates, there was one component that I was asking about that they weren’t able to provide information on. How many grads on a percentage or number basis are working in their field of study from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program? Thank you, Mr. Chairman Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr.

Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. I would like to take this opportunity to provide information that I provided during question period with the member from Tasiluk. During our exchange period, I provided the total number of Nunavut Teacher Education Program at 157, where in fact it was 147. As of January 2024, our current Nunavut Teacher Education Program sits at 137, to provide that clarity to the member, the House, and the public. In terms of the member’s question, I would like to defer the question to the Acting President, Ms. Price, through you. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5016 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks to the member for this question. I appreciate that within this House, there have been a number of discussions around statistics for the college. In terms of NTEP graduates, from 2020 to 2023, we’ve had 37 graduates of the NTEP program. We are anticipating a good number for 2024, but those numbers won’t be confirmed ‘til late summer.

Regarding the question about how many graduates are entering into their field of studies, I appreciate this House is interested in especially how many graduates are going into the K to 12 system, we don’t have that data at this point, but as mentioned by the minister in other forums, we are working to develop our alumni engagement and really getting a sense of where students go and if they’re comfortable and why they have made choices for employment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

While I appreciate the response, this is a topic that has come up almost every year for a number of years. I think one of the first times I brought it up was probably about eight or nine years ago with the Environmental Technology Program. I remember hearing a commercial that it has been around for 30 years, so I asked a question of how many grads and the minister of day wasn’t able to answer.

I know that, subsequently over the years, there have been numerous questions on statistics to understand the value of a program and to see where some of the challenges are working in their field of study is an extremely important aspect of evaluation of programs. The vice-president mentioned 37 grads in the last few years. When we’re looking at trying to put a dent in our teacher population, for sure, that speaks the language, having that information available is, I think, a very important part of the evaluation process that we’re here to do from a budget analysis.

Again, I’m just going to put one more plug in for the college to really take a serious look at how they’re getting stats. I know the alumni, I believe it was a year or maybe even two years ago that that topic was brought up, the follow-up with alumni. It sounds like there hasn’t been a lot of action in that end up to date, so I’ll leave it at that right now. Sticking with the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, another question that I had asked the Minister of Education… . Sorry; actually, I’m going to take a step back. In the minister’s

preamble, he had mentioned there were 147 grads from the 157 mentioned, but then I also thought I heard 137 in there, so if the minister could maybe just clarify that before I go on. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Currently the enrolment for the Nunavut Teacher Education Program is at 147. When they began in the fall of 2023, it was at 147. There are 10

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5017 students that left the program for various reasons. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, minister, for clarifying that.

Again, going back to some of the questions that I had asked the Minister of Education regarding the Nunavut teacher education grads working in the schools, a couple of issues that came up, more anecdotally, was the commitment level of the work experience portion of it of some of the students not attending all the obligations or working with the teacher in the classroom during their work experience portion. I had asked the Minister of Education what type of follow-up was done from the teachers. There is a reporting aspect of the engagement of the students.

Are students graded in that portion or is it just something that they have to go through to experience to kind of tick a box in their qualification? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: My apologies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. During final studies of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, the students do a practicum where they are training, learning, teaching students in our Nunavut schools through the instructor with the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.

For the member’s question, if they are evaluated, yes, they get an evaluation done based on their performance and attendance with their practicum. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you. Is there a minimum requirement of scoring during the practicum portion of the evaluation? Are they able to graduate if they don’t finish or participate or don’t pass that

section of their education? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s a very good question. I would like to defer the question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. Yes, the practicum portion of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program is a very important indicator for both the student and instructors.

Following from what the minister said, students first take a course about practicum, I believe it starts in their year 3. For the three years that the students are in the Bachelor of Education portion, they have a number of practicum opportunities. The college tries to build it so that they get some exposure and they keep expanding that exposure. The pinnacle of the practicum experience is their fieldwork which happens in their final year, year 5, and I believe it’s for six weeks. Students must

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5018 pass that practicum in order to complete the degree. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the vice-president for that response. Sticking again still with the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, we’re in dire straits of needing more Inuktut language speaking teachers across the territory, but at the same time we have to make sure that those teachers are prepared to teach in the classroom.

Again, just going back to some of the line of questioning that I had for the Minister of Education, again, it’s more anecdotal and the college themselves aren’t tracking it, so we don’t know actual turnover numbers of Nunavut teacher education graduates working in the classroom, how long they stay in the field, or how many are even in the field. Anecdotally, it has been mentioned to me on a number of occasions that there is at least a perceived high turnover in the classroom of Nunavut teacher education graduates.

Does the college have any awareness on what some of the issues are that are leading to this turnover, and does the college feel that these graduates are prepared for the workplace upon graduation? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are some factors for personal matters that play a role in the challenges for the students. In terms of the question around whether they are prepared for employment within Nunavut education, we are certainly assured that they are prepared through the employment process after their graduation.

The college’s main goal is to help the students to prepare for exams or practicums before they enter employment in the field. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Are grads of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program licensable anywhere in Canada to teach? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that excellent question.

The Bachelor of Education through Memorial University of Newfoundland is a recognized degree, so they have that ability to seek other opportunities outside of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, to stay on the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, can the minister maybe just outline a little bit of some of the academic components of the Bachelor of Education? Pedagogical teaching strategies and student learning styles are some examples that would go into a Bachelor of Education.

Can the minister just give a little bit more of a broader basis of what some of the

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5019 courses and study components are? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s a very good question. The Nunavut Teacher Education Program has several exit points. There’s a certificate program and a diploma program that can lead to students up to the Bachelor of Education degree. In terms of what courses are provided through the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, I would like to defer that question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price, through you. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for the question. The Bachelor of Education is a dynamic course intended to prepare students to teach in the classroom. The first two years of the degree program focus on Inuit language and culture, as has been discussed in this House many times. Generally when students have completed the diploma, they have transitioned into the Bachelor of Education. Courses in the Bachelor of Education include preparation for teaching math, English, science, and social studies.

They do explore classroom management. They have courses that explore learning with music or learning through drama. They do focus on various mechanisms to make the classroom an engaging place, while having some understanding of the core course requirements in schools. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe it was the last appearance or last session I brought the topic of the degree programs that are available through Nunavut Arctic College, previous law programs, current teacher programs, nursing, and social work.

Again, it’s more anecdotal, but there are limited opportunities to get a degree and they’re all specialized degrees or specialized professional designations. Where I brought up the topic of the value of just having a Bachelor of Arts degree program available so that more Inuit or more Nunavummiut, for that matter, would be able to qualify for higher level positions and have the prerequisite qualifications for moving up the ladder, and it would take a lot of the high levels of funding that the government has been putting forward.

When we look at degree programs that are specialized like social work, teaching, nursing, and then we have graduates from those programs that are heavily subsidized by specific departments looking for outcomes of increasing their own employment levels, we have people leaving the practice of the field to take a job that’s not in their field, but they qualify because they have a degree. To me, I would see an incredible value of having a Bachelor of Arts program so we can actually get Nunavummiut qualified for these higher level positions, that they can gain experience in the

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5020 workforce and start contributing bringing not only our Inuit employment numbers up overall, but in some of the most needed categories of executive or management or professional and paraprofessional levels. I would like to just ask the minister first what type of progress has been made on exploring that as an option of a program delivery at the college. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member and I appreciate having an opportunity to discuss this during our last session.

As of today, the Bachelor of Arts program is something that I also envisioned being very useful for other departments within the Government of Nunavut. For example, I saw a job ad through Culture and Heritage which a librarian required a Bachelor of Arts degree. That’s an example of a Bachelor of Arts that can be provided through the college. I can confirm that I have discussed this recommendation with the senior staff at the college level. We appreciated the suggestion and the corresponding rationale that you provided when you initially asked during the previous fall sitting.

It will take the college to plan out to provide the Bachelor of Arts program through funding, classroom spaces, instructors, and anything which ties in with the development of a new program. That’s something we have looked into. Generally the Bachelor of Arts degree requires certain levels and credits made up from specific programs within a student’s field of study and outside of it, there’s very good potential to provide this program where there’s economics and policy and planning, and so forth. We will continue to raise this with the board of governors and to senior management staff.

I can commit to further discussions with the member during this House and outside of this House. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It sounds like the minister has some background from culture and heritage. I’m sure, across the board, pretty much every department in the government would be able to utilize Bachelor of Arts graduates. I would just encourage the minister to really grab onto this file.

I think it’s something that, if spearheaded properly and delivered widely across the territory as much as possible, could have an incredible impact on Inuit employment and in the right categories of actually the professional level or the higher level positions, not just the introduction type positions, where you can move up the ladder but then you hit that ceiling. You could have 10 years of experience, but if you don’t have that degree, it could exclude you from some opportunities.

I think it’s a real opportunity that I think the college, in partnership with a number of different departments, could really make a difference for Nunavummiut moving forward. It’s just a comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5021 Hon. Daniel Qavvik: My apologies, Mr. Chairman, and thank you. I thank the member for continuing to advocate for this very important Bachelor of Arts program that can be developed in the future. I will continue to have discussions with senior staff to look at ways to get this Bachelor of Arts into Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would be remiss if I wouldn’t bring up the registered education savings program that I have raised couple of times as well in the House and have had correspondence from the minister. Most recently I asked a question on what are some of the criteria that the college needs to meet for their students to be able to utilize Registered Education Savings Plan monies that are saved and invested. I realize that they’re already available through the degree-granting partnerships that the college has.

Maybe if the minister would be able to give me the opportunity to be able to get some information on what criteria the college needs to meet for the students to be able to access these funds. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for bringing it to my attention during last sitting and to this current sitting. The member kind of beat me, but not beat me.

I prepared to provide return to oral questions tomorrow that will better outline the criteria of the member’s questions and I would be happy to, as I committed during our sitting when I took the question as notice, it means that I would commit to providing that info to the members and to the member. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Following the list of names on my list, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I have a question here to get clarification on the priority for Arctic College to work with Memorial University “to develop and explore program expansion.” What new programs or courses are currently being considered? What is the status of your working relationship with Memorial University? Thank you, Mr. Chairman Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. There are several possible program expansions in the health and wellness career fields for the social work cohort.

Our proposed budget has identified that we want to expand on our social work program. Also, we seek to expand the prenatal programs into other communities. Those are some of the areas we work with Memorial University of Newfoundland to provide our course program offering across the territory. My apologies, Mr. Chairman. Through Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are two programs. The Nunavut Teacher Education Program, which we signed with Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2019 to provide the Nunavut Teacher

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5022 Education Program across the territory, across our communities, and up to this day, we’re learning as we go with the program. Also, we have the Bachelor of Social Work that is offered in Cambridge Bay through Memorial University of Newfoundland. Through the Social Service Worker Program, it is spread across three communities and we want to continue to provide that program in the coming fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

With this and with further details to your comments, yes, we want to do this, but I don’t hear we are going to do this, we are going to initiate this, we are committed and made a commitment to that commitment, but I see nothing in there from what I heard. I would like to turn on to another issue on courses under health or working with the health department. What I often envision and would like to see realized is that home elder care should become a full-time position in our communities. I would like to see that realized and running in all of Nunavut. I heard mostly about social work.

Perhaps some of the comments I have made here in the House have not been heard by you concerning basic courses as a start-up. Has that been considered at all? Has this been in discussions in your department? I would like to hear that. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, my colleague. Arctic College is working with the Department of Health and with the Katujjiluta mandate, we have established training programs.

In English, we have a program called (interpretation ends) a Personal Support Worker Certificate. (interpretation) Through that program with Arctic College, they’re trained on how to take care of elders or they learn about home care. That training program is kind of short. It’s not a full one yet. It’s one-year training.

After they take the training, they will be able to take the (interpretation ends) Personal Support Worker Program. (interpretation) To add to that in English, (interpretation ends) the personal support worker assists people with daily personal care needs as they deal with the effects of aging, injury, or illness. They work alongside the registered nurse and also practical nurses across the territory. We have launched a new program, the Personal Support Worker Certificate in Rankin Inlet, and we seek to expand that to Iqaluit by the fall of 2024.

Once we learn more about this certificate program, the Department of Health has provided funding for the design and delivery of the online courses. That is something, in the future, we seek to provide elsewhere. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Along the same line of questioning, in your response, according to what you believe in, I do want to hear if there is something that we can expect that this personal support

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5023 worker training will take place through Arctic College. In English, (interpretation ends) the Personal Support Worker Certificate, (interpretation) will we actually expect to see that training program happening? This is in the plans and you expect this program to go ahead. Can you tell us when? I’m even urging you to move ahead. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question.

To fulfill our current legislative mandate through enabling health and healing, along with the aging with dignity to elders, we are committed to providing more programs that can fulfill our mandate. We feel that, alongside with the Department of Health, the Personal Support Worker Program is another area that can help towards providing more employment for Inuit across the territory. The Government of Nunavut is building towards building elder care facilities. We want to prepare our fellow Inuit to be able to provide that work to elder care facilities.

We committed to getting more students into the certificate program and we’re seeing six students that were accepted into the program. As we progress into getting the infrastructure in place, we want to be prepared for our students and possible future students to be employed into elder care facilities. We have worked alongside with the Department of Health to update the current home and continuing care, which was replaced by the Personal Support Worker Program. We are making progress as we go and we expect to provide more progress as we go forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Just before I go back to Ms. Killiktee, minister, Ms. Killiktee wanted positive answers. There are lots of “We want to do this, we plan to do this,” but Ms. Killiktee wanted a positive response. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, the issue of wanting to do this program or that program seems weak. The government now has to say that we will do this because our plan is to wait now when you say plan. I would like to see the language strengthened, that we do want to see this program happening.

I am moving on to another question. (interpretation ends) The college’s 2024- 25 business plan indicates that the budget for the college’s Students Services Branch will remain stable for 2024-25. Do all regional campuses currently have student counsellors and campus life coordinators to support the students? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question.

In terms of student counsellors within Nunavut Arctic College, there are student counsellors across the Nunavut Arctic College facilities. Iqaluit has very active student counsellors and we are seeking to put a competition for the student life coordinator that will help

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5024 student counsellors in Nunavut Arctic College facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I am very pleased. Thank you for recognizing the fact that we need to amend this or improve it. Moving on, (interpretation ends) for 2023-24, the college’s business plan indicates that tutors were working with the college to assist with health and wellness, community learning and the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.

Have these tutoring services been effective to date and will they be continued in 2024-25? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. In short, the answer is yes, but in terms of student services, we have expanded services through online tutoring services with both Nunavut- based tutors and also four tutors based at Memorial University of Newfoundland. A total of 11 tutors are hired using Nunavut Arctic College surplus for our students.

Seven are local residents that are assisting tutors through the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. These are an asset that we appreciate through Nunavut Arctic College because they are helping our students to be successful. Having been through that process, the question of “Who can help me?” is there. We appreciate having student tutors in our Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Yes, as this program is improving and developing, I thank you for elaborating and that you’re continuing to work on that so that it will move forward. My next question which I will probably go back to is (interpretation ends) the college’s Elder-in-Residence program has been implemented across all three regional campuses. Are all the elders’ positions filled and, if so, what feedback has been provided for students on the Elder-in-Residence program? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) As Chair, I have been asked to ask the minister if the minister can speak louder or closer to the mic as there’s trouble understanding. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think I can speak louder or my mic might be blocked by my laptop. Mr. Chairman, I would like to defer that question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price, please. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. The college currently has two elder-in-

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5025 residence positions currently filled. We are looking to fill the position in Cambridge Bay. Feedback from both students and staff has been favourable. They are active in the community at the college, providing advice, support, and engagement. They are vital parts of our student services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Following my list of names, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, minister and to your officials.

I’m going to start off with a bit of clarification on page 4 of the minister’s statement around the middle there about the Social Service Worker Program. “If approved, additional funding will allow the college to begin work to design and develop land-based courses for its Social Service Worker Program and expand its online class options for this program.” If the minister could please provide more detail or clarification on what that means by developing land-based courses for its Social Service Worker Program.

Are social workers going to be doing the work on the land if this is done, or if he can speak to it, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question. Through the Social Service Worker Program, there is a cultural component to that program. For example, the programs that were offered in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet had opportunities to butcher wildlife, those being culturally proponent. I would like to defer additional elaboration from the president through you. Thank you.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. The Social Service Worker Program, the classroom component will remain. What the college is proposing is just drawing, using the land, using Inuit culture and language as additional resources to explain the learning that happens within this diploma program currently. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Again, for clarification, on page 5 regarding the college’s third party funding which is projected to be $19,109,000, it goes on to say, “The amount is lower than the previous fiscal year as the college is still working on finalizing other contribution agreements.” When do you expect those agreements to be finalized and are you able to say what courses those agreements would be for? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question.

We seek to finalize contribution agreements by late spring, early summer, the contribution

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5026 agreements for the Nunavut Teacher Education Program through the pathfinder agreements, while we seek to finalize the funding for that program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the clarifications. Moving along to my other questions now, each community learning centre does a community needs assessment at least once a year, trying to figure out what the community would like to see for college courses at their local community learning centres.

I’m wondering: to what degree of success is obtained from these community needs assessments? By that I’m referring to does the college provide the courses that are being asked for in the local communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In short, the answer is yes. Our community learning centres are the point of contact for community needs assessments and the programs that the community would like to see offered.

Our communities play a crucial role on behalf of their community members as to what programs they would like to see through community learning centres. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. My community, I know, has been asking for more trades training year after year when these community needs assessments are done. I’m wondering: does the minister have on hand a list of trades training that has been offered in the community of Baker Lake over the last three years? We can’t go that far back right now. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The last three years, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s a very difficult question. Unfortunately we do not have that level of detail, but in the past, Nunavut Arctic College had secured third party funding to provide mine training in our territories. In terms of his constituency of Baker Lake, the information is not in front of me to share. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister.

I am wondering: will the minister commit to getting back to me in writing or to this committee going back as far as 2008? I say 2008 because that’s when the construction of the roads began to the Agnico Eagle Meadowbank in Baker Lake. Will the minister commit to getting back in writing? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5027 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I look forward to that. I’m sure we all look forward to that. The next question is I had the privilege of entertaining the minister in beautiful Baker Lake on his last visit. We did visit Arctic College for about two and a half hours, I believe.

He saw firsthand a classroom/kitchen that has been sitting empty, which would be perfect for culinary arts, which is needed at restaurants, Agnico Eagle mines’ kitchen, or it could even spawn off a small business of a bakery, perhaps. I’m wondering: has the minister looked at changing the curriculum to allow for something like that, not necessarily just in Baker Lake but in all community learning centres where there is a classroom sitting empty that could be fully utilized? We’re powering it, we’re heating it, yet it is being under-utilized.

Has the minister looked utilized all classrooms since his visit to Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. It was certainly a good eye- opener to see firsthand to visit the Baker Lake Community Learning Centre. The Culinary Arts Program is a third party funding that Nunavut Arctic College needs to seek contribution agreements, proposal contributions in writing to secure and find funding.

Nunavut Arctic College does have a camp cook program as well that is offered throughout the communities. That is certainly something that the community of Baker Lake can seek to obtain and provide the program to. As I mentioned, the community plays a crucial role in terms of asking what kinds of programs they would like to see. I encourage the member to see the community learning centre’s adult educator to raise this awareness of getting a culinary arts program.

The Culinary Arts Program is a Red Seal trade program, which the culinary arts can seek to find funding to get accessories, such as modern kitchen technologies. In terms of the member’s question of whether I have looked into getting culinary arts or utilizing the kitchen at Baker Lake, I have not directed nor can I direct my staff to say that we need this program in this community, but through our community learning centre adult educators, those are our staff that can seek to assess what programs to offer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. The minister mentioned staff to find third party funding at the college. Is that position currently filled or is it vacant? How successful is that division of the college in finding third party funding for programs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5028 Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question. I would like to defer the question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. The college doesn’t have a dedicated staff member for seeking third party funding. Third party funding is largely determined through our engagement with our stakeholders.

The college is working hard to work with our government departments, Inuit organizations, and the federal government to find funding. In regard to the member’s question, his suggestion has been noted. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the clarification. From the way that the minister was talking, it sounded like there was a staff member at Nunavut Arctic College that does go out and find third party funding, but it sounds like there is no position there.

If I can move along now, with regard to remote and distance learning, I believe the minister mentioned before, actually, all departments are having issues with finding and filling staffing positions. I’m wondering now: is the college now looking at utilizing more of remote learning? There was a big announcement last year from the college that they will be using Galaxy Internet. I’m wondering if the college is now looking at utilizing that more for remote distance so that courses can be done more often at community learning centres and not just at regional hubs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. Through remote and online blended learning areas, the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and the Bachelor of Social Work are areas that frequently use online services. We seek to develop an online portion to the Early Childhood Education Program and we’re certainly learning from our experience through the current programs that we offer through online. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Also, my favourite subject, is trades training being considered for remote learning if that’s possible? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to defer the question to vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5029 Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. During COVID, the college learned that a lot of the trades training couldn’t be facilitated through online learning. At this stage, the college understands that trades training happens best in person. With that being said, we are exploring opportunities again to diversify our pre- trades training to provide that option at the community level. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s very good news for me. Thank you.

I want to go back to quickly… . There was some talk about when a college student leaves a course, of course, there are various reasons. I’m wondering if exit interviews are done when a student is choosing to drop out of a course. The reason why I am asking is it could be perhaps they need a bit of upgrading to feel like they can pass the course, or they don’t have the qualifications to meet the needs of the course, or it could be personal. If it’s on the basis of needing a bit more upgrading, is that being offered to a student so that they can end up in the career they want? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for that question. With our instructors and managers, they do certainly seek conversations with the students with their intentions of leaving the programs. There are various reasons, barriers, and challenges that we cannot control as a college. Through their personal reasons, struggles, and challenges, those are areas we try to help students to rectify and advise students in any way possible to keep them within the programs.

Yes, there are some conversations that happen before the students depart with instructors and managers of the programs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m wondering now on a different program. What is the status of the Interpreter/Translator Program? How many students are currently enrolled and where, and graduation levels for that program, if you have that on hand? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question.

The Interpreter/Translator Program is base funded and offered year after year at the Nunatta Campus here in Iqaluit. There are four students registered for the 2023-24 Interpreter/Translator Program in the first year and four students in year 2 in Iqaluit. The second year program underwent a comprehensive review that the ‘22-23 fiscal year students were not offered for that second year program. My apologies, Mr. Chairman. There is another Interpreter/Translator Program offered in Clyde River through year 3. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5030 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think my last subject for now is the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School that we have. The main campus is in Clyde River, but there are satellite campuses in Baker Lake and Igloolik. I’m wondering: how much support is given to the satellite campuses with getting the program ongoing and improving?

The reason why I’m asking, if I can quickly say, is every time we unfortunately lose an elder, there’s a loss of immense traditional knowledge, history, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, weather, land, water, animals, family structure, and health and healing. It could make very valuable curricula. I’m wondering: how much support is being given to these two Piqqusilirivvik, if any at all? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to defer the question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price, please. Thank you.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. The college’s director for Piqqusilirivvik is currently vacant, so we are looking to fill that competition. It has been identified for a number of years, the need to provide additional structure support to our satellite campuses, so that has been noted as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just for clarification, is the director position being advertised now, and at what stage is it at, if it is?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) As it’s the same line of questioning, I’ll go straight to Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his follow-up question. We are preparing the job for competition. It’s currently being filled by two individuals in Clyde River in an acting capacity. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following the names on my list, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Since I have been elected MLA, I have been pushing for interpreter/translator services for the constituency of Netsilik, so I’ll ask my lines of questioning. On page III-5 of the business plan, it identifies the fields of teaching, social services, interpreting, translating, and early childhood education as programs in which to increase the number of Nunavut Inuit instructor positions. My first question is: how many Nunavut Inuit are currently instructing in these programs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5031 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We currently do not have that level of detail in front of us. We can certainly provide a follow-up to the member. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I’ll be looking forward to that level of detail because I’ll be lobbying for my interpreters and translators for my constituency of Netsilik for many great reasons.

It’s for the public service announcements and it’s for the general public’s information in my communities. I will move on and I’ll follow up with my colleague’s questioning. He asked, “What is the current status of the Interpreter/Translator Program and how many learners are currently enrolled and at which level?” To my understanding, there are four students. To my understanding, the Interpreter/Translator Program is here in Iqaluit, and to my understanding, they will be going to Clyde River.

My first question is: are there any students from Netsilik and will they be going to my constituency communities or in the Kitikmeot region any time soon to do the programs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. For the Interpreter/Translator Program in Iqaluit, there are four students in year 1 and four students in year 3. The students in Clyde River are in year 3.

In terms of the member’s question if there are any students from the Kitikmeot region, we don’t have that information in front of us and we can confirm those numbers through writing to the member. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The business plan notes on page III-10 that in 2033-24 the outcomes of its elder gathering would be reviewed. The question is: how will the outcome of the elder gathering review impact the review of materials used in the Interpreter/Translator Program? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to defer the question to the vice-president/acting president, Ms. Price, please. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for his question. The gathering sparked a renewed conversation amongst instructors for the Inuit Studies Program. At this time now, how the college is being informed by that gathering is that based on the output shared by the elders, they are

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5032 determining which activities to do with the students and in what sequence. They’re really trying to take the words from the elders and to really kind of support the resources used in that program to engage students in that learning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s a follow-up question. Are there any elders from my constituency of Netsilik? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Currently not at this time, but the college has considered visiting campuses through that engagement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I highly recommend the college include my constituency of Netsilik. They are beneficiaries of Nunavut also, so I don’t want to feel left out nor my constituents to feel left out. It’s just more of a statement. I’ll move on to my next line of questioning.

The college has been working with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Family Services to address housing construction training needs in the territory. The question is: what specific activities will be undertaken in 2024-25 as part of the Nunavut 3000 Plan? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Hold on just a second. My apologies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re looking into providing pre-trades programs across the communities, but the pre-trades program requires third party funding that the college can seek to find contributions for.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation, Nunavut Arctic College, and also Family Services signed a memorandum of understanding to provide training for housing construction. Last fall, in December 2023, the students at the Sanatuliqsarvik participated building and renovating a home unit that geared towards some training for the house. I do recall that my colleague from Rankin Inlet South along with the President of Nunavut Arctic College did an opening ceremony for that unit.

That is something that our government is collaborating with other departments to provide training for home construction, mainly in Sanatuliqsarvik, where we have the trades program fully utilized. We do work to fulfill the current legislative mandate through the housing continuum. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This will be my last question. The college has been working with Education’s curriculum specialists to develop opportunities for high school students to earn credits and hours

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5033 towards trades and technology apprenticeships. The question is: what is the current status of this initiative? That’s my last question, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. The question posed is ongoing and we will continue to engage with Nunavut schools to provide a dual credit program through the college from the Department of Education schools. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following the names on my list, Ms.

Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me first apologize if I ask a question that was already asked. I also want to get some information. However, (interpretation ends) the Early Childhood Educator Program was recently modified with a revised applied ECE program being offered in two communities, Arviat and Igloolik. What further revisions to apply Inuit-centred early learning concepts are being considered? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question.

Most recently, Nunavut Arctic College was planning to provide a graduation ceremony for the communities of Arviat and Igloolik for the graduates of the Early Childhood Education Program. I believe there was one course that was waiting to be delivered, but they were ready to graduate. The Early Childhood Education Program is currently being designed to be delivered in a blended online capacity. This will allow for the program to be accessible across the territory as opposed to a select few at a time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms.

Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I am looking forward to seeing the students graduate. (interpretation ends) How many community learning centres currently offer the Early Childhood Education Program? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Currently, the communities of Pangnirtung and Iqaluit are planned for fall 2024. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) I do hope that it will be more than two communities that will get those early childhood educator programs. In recent years, the Nunavut Teacher Education Program was revised to adapt

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5034 a laddered approach to educator certification. The business plan notes on page NAC-III-15 that work is ongoing to convert courses into blended online distance education courses. To date, what have been the main challenges in converting the courses’ content for online delivery? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question. One of the main challenges for the online portion of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program is staffing instructors.

It is great to have an online platform as our Nunavut Teacher Education Program lacked a staffing action plan. I would like to get further elaborations from the vice-president, acting president, Ms. Price, please. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for her question.

Following up with what the minister said, what the college has learned from increasing our blended learning options is, like the minister said, having to find the staff and also having to develop comfort or developing an online learning culture within programs and in communities. It has been a transition. The college is finding what supports are best to ease the transition for instructors and staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you, Ms. Price.

Once these positions are filled, the students who are taking on the courses, for example, if they are going to get student support certification, would it be something that they would be able to achieve? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The question posed by the member is yes, the college continues to have discussions with the Department of Education to ensure future programs development meets the needs of the kindergarten to grade 12 system.

The college will use the fiscal year to determine scope template and establish the program for delivery. This program will require third party funding to deliver the student support assistant program and the college anticipates drawing from its other workplace learning models, that is, early childhood education and the language specialist programs in these efforts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you, minister.

Going to another item, (interpretation ends) funding for the Business Programs Division is projected to decrease in 2024-25. What courses or programs will no longer be offered? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5035 Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to defer the question to the Vice-president, Ms. Price, please. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. There is a slight decrease in the business development budget. Funding was used in previous years to develop year one of its Computer Systems Technician Program. As that work has been completed and the program has been developed and rolling out, we no longer have that development budget in our business plan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would like to recognize the clock now and we will break for lunch and we will be back here at 1:30. >>Committee recessed at 11:54 and resumed at 13:29 Chairman: Good afternoon. I would like to call the Committee of the Whole meeting back to order. Today we have the department

summary of Nunavut Arctic College and it is one page, so all questions are free game. Next person on my list: Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good day to all Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) What challenges does the college face in determining options for program delivery at community learning centres (interpretation) in the smaller communities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, members. Thank you for the question.

There are several challenges within the community learning centres across our communities. Challenges that Nunavut Arctic College faces are capacity within our Nunavut Arctic College faculty. Space is another challenge with limited opportunities to provide other programs within the facility. The spaces are challenges to provide more programs. Some community learning centres have very limited spaces. That’s a challenge. Also, funding opportunities, a lot of our program deliveries require third party funding. Those are some of the challenges in curriculum in terms of providing programs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the challenges or perhaps obstacles, have they been analyzed and what can be done in the smaller communities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. In our community learning centres, there are challenges that I noted.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5036 There is very limited office space availability and classroom space. We do seek other stakeholders within communities to find suitable classroom spaces within communities. That is something that Nunavut Arctic College continues to seek for further delivery of programs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. In the smaller communities, similar to the larger communities, you would want to see more programming.

I think this should be reviewed further and what further steps may be taken with the community learning centres in the smaller communities. (interpretation ends) The business plan indicates that a number of business programs are being updated. What are the biggest challenges in keeping these programs up to date? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. In our business careers and workforce development, we seek and explore opportunities for a laddering approach.

We do have several laddering approaches within our Nunavut Arctic College. The Nunavut Teacher Education Program has laddering steps. Also, the Social Service Worker Program also ladders to enter the Bachelor of Social Work. Nunavut Arctic College has been exploring laddering approaches with the management studies into a Bachelor of Commerce. A joint working group has been established to support this work. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister.

We would like to see more programming to ensure our students move ahead and to have a more skilled workforce in Nunavut. (interpretation ends) One of the college’s priorities for 2024-25 is to explore options for management studies graduates to ladder into bachelor’s degree programs. How and where will these options be offered? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. As I noted, we seek options to explore laddering approaches.

We do explore options with university partners, such as Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, to ladder Management Studies Diploma graduates into their Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. The Management Studies is offered at the Kivalliq Campus in Rankin Inlet. There are ways to expand the program to other communities where a third party requirement would be the avenue.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5037 As I noted this morning, the communities play a crucial role in terms of providing programs to their communities. We work with the board of governors. The main point of the board is to assign and deliver programs in Nunavut communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. What about in areas such as mining, have you sought advice from the mines and what they can support in providing programs in the smaller communities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In our construction trades division at Nunavut Arctic College in smaller communities outside of the regional centres, there are opportunities to expand the programs, such as the pre- trades program that was offered for the community of Arctic Bay. Nunavut Arctic College, through the Government of Nunavut, is working towards a better approach to deliver trades for mining. Mining has been a very important topic in this House.

Each region has mining opportunities and we want to prepare our students to be employed within the mining sector. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. With more courses in communities in the area of mining, there are varied courses that could be offered. I think if we can realize that earlier, the better, with the support of the mining companies to ensure there is adequate availability of people to hire.

For my last question, (interpretation ends) in 2023-24 the college used restricted competitions to hire more Inuit into positions. What success was achieved in hiring Inuit with restricted competitions and how many positions are still waiting to be filled through this initiative? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the mining sector, we do have mine training coordinators in three regions: Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.

Within those three positions, there is a chair that oversees these coordinators. This position is currently vacant and the college is working to fill this position. In terms of the work, we do engage conversations with the mining sector to explore ways on how we can provide programs. I would like to get the vice- president to further elaborate on the restricted positions that the member is asking, through you, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Quassa.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5038 Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for elaborating on that. The question I just raised was on the areas where you have vacancies. With improvements and positions being filled, are some of those positions now filled that were not filled previously? How many vacancies are there that you can’t really find people to fill at the college? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) My apologies to the committee as I didn’t hear the last one there. I’ll go to Ms.

Price, where the minister requested that you take it. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for her question. If I understood the question correctly, the member was asking about the Inuit employment rates across the college and how our efforts are to increase Inuit in vacant positions. As of right now, I understand that the college’s Inuit employment rate is at 62 percent. The college is really proud of that percentage. We do have a number of vacancies noted in paper, but a number of our positions have been filled through casual staffing actions.

I don’t have that level of detail about what vacant positions are filled with casual staffing actions, but I would reassure the member and this House that the college is very much committed to supporting Inuit employment across our organization. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I have no more names under Arctic College. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, minister and your officials. I just have some follow-up questions. I hope I won’t be repeating anything because I have been in and out.

I would like to follow up on the personal support workers in relation to the planning for the implementation of the strategic plan related to elder care and whether or not the college is working to raise the number of personal support workers in the territory. Earlier the minister responded to a question stating that there are six students accepted currently into that program, and I understand it is run in both Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet. I would like to know where those students are located as well as what the plan is to recruit more people to that program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, member, and thank you for the question. The college and the Department of Health have been working together to develop an updated personal support worker certificate that aligns with national competencies. The certificate is being designed to be delivered in both full-time in-person and also part-time online format. In our proposed budget, we’re seeking to find funding to support these efforts that have come from two sources.

The Department of Health has provided funding and design and delivery of the online courses. The Nunavut Implementation Panel funded the

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5039 delivery of the full-time in-person program for the January 2024 up to March 2026 period. In the coming fall season in 2024, we seek to provide the program in Iqaluit and Nunavut Arctic College will identify further communities to deliver the program as we seek to construct regional long-term care facilities in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister, I believe the member wanted to know where those six students were located. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Those six students accepted into the program are in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and minister, for that clarification. Is there a difference between the online program and the in- person program in terms of what the students come away with, whether it’s a diploma or certificate program or what have you? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Personal Support Worker Program is a certificate program.

They go by courses delivered through the program. I would like to get further elaboration from the vice-president through you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for her question. Following up from the minister’s response, the Rankin Inlet offering is in- person. The other option for delivery is an online option and the college is working with the Department of Health to identify existing employees who would like to take courses building towards a certificate.

The way that the online portion is being offered is that it’s being offered one course or one module at a time, and individuals take those and as they continue to take the courses, they’re building themselves towards a certificate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just some follow-up questions to that, if there are existing employees who are taking the program, are they taking that as training and education leave from their jobs where they get paid to participate in this training?

The other question is I’m not clear from the earlier answer whether or not individuals are able to access student financial assistance for this program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: My apologies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The existing employees within the Department of Health stay in their job and take courses. The existing workers can apply through the Department of Family Services with the Adult Learning and Training

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5040 Supports through the Department of Health. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does Nunavut Arctic College have statistics or a projection of how many personal support workers are needed in the territory in the next two or three years? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The statistical information is not readily in front of us.

In the past, there have been numerous communities across the territory that have taken the personal care skills, dementia care, and personal skills, and we have revised the certification and revised the program through certification and then becoming the Personal Support Worker Program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Minister, taking into account that while students do take various programs and courses through Nunavut Arctic College and don’t necessarily end up working in the field that they are studying in, knowing that all knowledge enhances their skills as a worker, what I wonder is whether or not there is a need for students enrolling in these various programs that could potentially have them working in vulnerable sectors, such as elder care, early childhood education, teachers, and health care workers. Is part of the enrolment process to the programs the need to have a vulnerable sector check? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. We ensure that the students are aware of that approach and the college continues to provide advice through that area. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t exactly clear on what that response was, if the minister could perhaps elaborate a little bit more about whether or not that is a yes or a no. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon.

Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In short, yes, we make the students aware of the applicable process. I would like to ask the vice-president to further elaborate that area through you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Just so it’s clear, it’s if the students have to go through a vulnerable sector check. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, the follow-up from the minister’s statement is students are made aware of that requirement, especially for the practicum or the in-person experience of the course. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5041 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you. Just to be 100 percent clear on that, what I’m hearing is that when it comes time to practise those skills or use those skills, that’s when a vulnerable sector check is required and not as a prerequisite to applying to the program. Is that correct? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In short, yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you.

I would just like to go back to any communications around recruiting students to those programs. Is there a specific targeted recruitment for students being communicated in terms of the need for more personal care workers, whether it is for elders or people with varying degrees of disabilities? Is there a specific targeted communication during the recruitment to the programs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to defer the question to the vice-president. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for her question. Yes, there is a targeted recruitment strategy going on. The Personal Support Worker Program is an interesting one because it is so short, it is six months long at maximum, and right now, the in-person delivery in Rankin Inlet is our first cohort. With that being said, we are making plans to do community outreach.

Because it’s such a short course, we know that student housing allocation may not be realistic for students, so we are really trying to reach within the community to encourage people within the community where these programs are being offered to consider this option. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Earlier we heard some responses on two questions regarding tutoring support and the like.

If the minister could talk to us about what kind of tutoring support that students who apply specifically in the online format would be able to access, knowing that when you’re working independently online, students can sometimes run into problems completing the courses and they may need some extra help in tutoring. Is that available to individuals who may want to take the online program? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question.

Earlier this morning, I expressed my gratitude that tutoring services are very beneficial to our

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5042 Nunavut Arctic College students. Tutors assist Nunavut Arctic College students in areas where they struggle academically and improve work and study skills. There’s an online booking platform that has been active and successfully assisting since October 2022, with a continued increase in student engagement. This platform allows students to view tutors’ availability and biographies and book appointments with them either in-person or online.

We have Nunavut-based tutors and also four tutors based at Memorial University specifically for the Bachelor of Education through Nunavut Arctic College and also the Bachelor of Social Work. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

With the knowledge that the programs that the minister just mentioned are delivered in English and the additional knowledge that many students who are taking these programs are bilingual and speak Inuktitut and maybe think on these subjects specifically in Inuktitut when they’re processing them, even though they’re taking the courses in English, the processing may happen in their primary language. Are these tutors that are available bilingual? Do they speak Inuktitut and can they offer that tutoring service to the students in their language of choice? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you.

Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the tutors that are outside of Nunavut at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, they’re remote tutors that are focused mainly in English. Within our Nunavut-based tutors, that’s an area where Nunavut Arctic College tries to have bilingual Inuktitut-speaking tutors that can be provided to the students at Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I’m very happy to hear that.

I think that’s probably a great step towards helping people to successfully complete these programs. I’ll move on to the preparation for the Nunavut Recovery Centre. We know that there are a number of Arctic College programs that are preparing Nunavummiut to work specifically in the field of addictions, substance abuse, and trauma recovery in that program.

I would just like to hear a little bit more about whether or not the existing programs like the Licensed Practical Nursing Program, for example, have teachings specifically on issues in terms of helping people recover and to prepare them fully to work at the recovery centre? Curriculum is what I was looking for. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Nunavut Recovery

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5043 Centre is much-needed infrastructure that we currently do not have. It’s going to be a good news story once that building is fully utilized and ready for operation. For the Licensed Practical Nurse Program, they do have various career paths within the Health and Wellness Division. For the Bachelor of Social Work Program, they are extensively studying towards trauma, mental health, and addictions. Those students will be crucial for the Nunavut Recovery Centre. We do acknowledge the Department of Health, working together in this area.

The college has a robust ambition of providing those programs and readiness for employment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister, you mentioned there is work being done with the Department of Health in preparation for those potential graduates to fill really important roles. I wonder, minister, whether or not there is work being done with Health as well as the Department of Human Resources to ensure that there is flexibility in order to allow graduates to obtain work in these fields in Nunavut.

In terms of the knowledge that often when jobs are put out, one has to have a baseline of experience, including often one year or two years’ experience, is there going to be some flexibility in order to allow some of the recent graduates to enter that workforce in Nunavut within the Nunavut Recovery Centre as well as, of course, in other positions related to their field across the territory? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question.

Yes, Nunavut Arctic College continues conversations with the Department of Health and also with Human Resources to identify high- priority job descriptions that can be placed within the health system. Once our students are ready for employment, we do have opportunities for experience or training before employment. Nunavut Arctic College has a very close working relationship with the Department of Health in the Health and Wellness Division. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I know that in the past, the issue of new graduates from various nursing and other health-related programs have run into some problems in terms of being able to access mentors and this has made it a little bit more difficult for more people to move forward in their knowledge growth and their careers. Is this also an issue that Nunavut Arctic College is working in partnership with the Department of Health and, I suppose, HR as well? If we’re going to ask a health care professional to mentor newer

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5044 professionals, then there has to be compensation, an agreement, and a plan for that employee to take on that role and responsibility. Is that work being hammered out and addressed and are the problems being solved? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, member, for the question. Yes, most definitely. For the Licensed Practical Nurse Program, there are placement tests that are provided to the students.

Most recently the licensed practical nurse students in Rankin Inlet were in the health centre to prepare, train, and experience work within the health centre. Last year they were in Cambridge Bay at the elder care facility. That also gave them the experience to be able to be employed within the Department of Health. I would like to get further elaborations from the vice-president through you. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Ms. Price. Ms. Price: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the member for the question.

Supplementing what the minister said, yes, those discussions are happening and we have gained a lot of insight and experience, not only at the college but the Department of Health and HR, through our existing relationship, let’s say, through nursing. As we continue to expand our health- related education opportunities, we bring those conversations forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I have no more names on my list. Department

Summary. Nunavut Arctic College. Nunavut Arctic College. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $42,446,000. Agreed? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Do members agree that we have concluded with review of Nunavut Arctic College? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Brief closing comments from Minister Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, fellow members, for the very good questions that you posed. We are happy to provide programs operations to our Nunavut communities.

It is our efforts as members and the government in our sixth legislative mandate that we continue to work together amongst each other to fulfill our mandate and provide programs to the territory. I am certain that the operations and maintenance budget will be fully utilized to our best knowledge and experience. I seek great progress to our students in their studies for their final school year studies. (interpretation) That’s it. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. >>Applause Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Sergeant-at-Arms, escort the witnesses out and I would like members to stay in their seats while we

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5045 switch out ministers for the Department of Human Resources. Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Human Resources – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Good afternoon. I would like to call the Committee of the Whole meeting back to order. Before us, we have the Department of Human Resources. I would like to ask Minister Nakashuk: do you have any officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: Yes, please.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials to the witness table. For the record, Minister Nakashuk, please introduce your officials and then proceed with your opening comments. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Good afternoon. (interpretation ends) On my left, to your right is Deputy Minister Kristie Cronin, and on my right, to your left is Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations Alma Power. (interpretation) Good afternoon, my colleagues. I am pleased to present the 2024-25 Main Estimates and the 2024- 26 Business Plan for the Department of Human Resources. (interpretation ends) The Department of Human Resources is the primary advisor on all human resources matters for the Government of Nunavut. The department provides management and leadership of the government’s public service.

Human Resources also supports departments and public bodies in human resource policies, programs, legislative development, Inuit employment planning, employee training and development, staffing, employee relations, job evaluation, health and safety, and employee wellness. For 2024-25, Human Resources is allocated $29.3 million for operations and maintenance expenditures. This is an increase of $280,000, or 0.95 percent, from our 2023-24 operating budget.

The major components of this budget are: • Compensation and benefits at $17.6 million • Service contracts at $7.7 million • Purchased services at $2.1 million Mr. Chairman, in the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year, my department, will focus on finalizing and implementing the 2024-28 Government of Nunavut’s Human Resource Strategy. Human Resources will enhance staffing processes by continuing to update several hiring directives to streamline the staffing appeals process, the screening and hiring processes, eligibility lists, the Nunavut-wide Hiring Policy, and the Remote Hiring Policy.

Human Resources will develop and implement a hybrid work model policy to provide guidance to departments on

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5046 employee requests to work remotely, subject to operational requirements. The department will improve Inuit employment rates by continuing to use the expedited direct appointment process for Nunavut Inuit employees. This resulted in 143 Inuit being direct appointed to indeterminate and term positions this past fiscal year. The number of direct Inuit appointments is already at over a 100 percent increase from our previous fiscal year.

Human Resources will continue collaborating with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to finalize updates to the Staff Housing Policy that includes continued strategic allocation of staff housing focused on Inuit employees. The department will develop and finalize the 2024-2033 Master Inuit Employment Plan and provide support to departments on their individual departmental plans and initiatives.

The department is a member of the Government of Nunavut’s negotiating team for the next Nunavut Agreement implementation contract and has been developing proposals for Inuit employment and training initiatives to be delivered from 2023-2033, pending confirmation of funding. The department will review the results and recommendations of the compensation review and develop a plan to address the report’s findings. Human Resources will work with the Department of Community and Government Services to ensure office space requirements are met to support the implementation of the Nunavut-wide Hiring Policy.

Discussions have begun on strategy for the next set of collective agreement negotiations as the Nunavut Employees Union Collective Agreement expires on September 30, 2024. And finally, Mr. Chairman, the department will implement the all-year- round Summer Student [Employment] Equity Program. Mr. Chairman, Human Resources is committed to providing leadership and working collaboratively with other departments and public bodies on actions that advance our Katujjiluta mandate priorities and other key human resource areas. Mr.

Chairman, I conclude my opening remarks and welcome questions and feedback from members of the standing committee. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the chair of the standing committee have opening comments? Please proceed, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on its review of the proposed 2024-25 Main Estimates and 2024-26 Business Plan for the Department of Human Resources. Mr.

Chairman, the department’s proposed 2024-25 operations and maintenance budget is $29,391,000. This represents a 0.9 percent increase from the 2023-24 fiscal year. The number of

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5047 positions in the department remains unchanged at 133.0 person years. Members raised a number of issues and concerns during the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee. The 2021-22 Public Service Annual Report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on November 9, 2023. Members look forward to the timely tabling of the 2022-23 and 2023- 24 annual reports. Ministerial mandate letters were tabled in the Legislative Assembly at its sitting of November 8, 2022. Mr.

Chairman, the Minister of Human Resources’ mandate letter indicates that one of the department’s priorities is to “Develop options for a new flexible workplace policy to support decentralization efforts and offer employees more flexibility to work from any Government of Nunavut office in the territory.” Mr. Chairman, the standing committee notes that the government’s new Nunavut-wide Hiring Policy and Out-of-Territory Remote Hiring Policy recently came into effect. The standing committee encourages the minister to provide regular updates to the House on the implementation of these policies. Mr.

Chairman, the Government of Nunavut’s current Staff Housing Policy was approved in April 2019. It falls under the responsibility of the Department of Human Resources. The Minister of Human Resources’ mandate letter also indicates that one of the department’s priorities is to “Review and improve the delivery of GN staff housing with support of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, including reviewing Staff Housing Allocation Committee functionality, reviewing and revising the staff housing policy and allocation procedure, and developing a long-term plan with short-term goals.” Mr.

Chairman, another stated priority in the mandate letter is to “work collaboratively with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and Finance to review and modify staff housing policy and subsidies to encourage employees to move from Government of Nunavut staff housing into affordable rental units or homes of their own.” Mr. Chairman, members also note the potential impact of the recently signed Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement in respect to the transfer of federally owned and leased staff housing units to the Government of Nunavut.

On March 23, 2023 the department issued a request for proposals for a “Government of Nunavut Salary and Job Classification Process Review.” The stated purpose of the review was to “conduct a comprehensive salary review and conduct a review of the GN methodology/practice and process that are currently in place, to evaluate and classify positions. The review will include the Government of Nunavut’s current salary structure of GN employees under the Public Service Act and compare GN salaries to other jurisdictions.” Mr.

Chairman, the department’s draft 2024-26 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2024-25 fiscal year is to “review the results and recommendations of the Government of Nunavut-wide compensation review and develop a plan to address the report’s findings.” Mr. Chairman, although the standing committee recognizes the importance of

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5048 ensuring that the compensation offered to such critical positions as frontline health care workers is competitive with other Canadian jurisdictions, it also recognizes the importance of ensuring that broad adjustments in this area are fiscally sustainable. The Department of Human Resources has responsibilities in respect to establishing the government’s overall Inuit employment targets. It is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made to date in increasing Inuit employment in the Government of Nunavut.

Information that is contained in the government’s quarterly employment reports indicates that a total of 1,517 Nunavut Inuit were employed by the government as of June 30, 2008. By June 2023 that number had increased to 1,812. This represents an increase of approximately 20 percent over the 15- year period. Mr. Chairman, it is important for the government to develop realistic timetables for achieving full representativeness across all occupational categories in the government. This is a significant challenge. Mr.

Chairman, the government’s most recent quarterly employment report indicates that as of June 30, 2023, the Government of Nunavut had a total of 5,477 positions, of which 1,812 were filled by Nunavut Inuit, 1,670 positions were filled by non- Nunavut Inuit employees, and 1,993 positions were vacant. Mr. Chairman, in order for the government to achieve an 85 percent Inuit workforce for a fully staffed organization, it needs to hire approximately 2,843 new Nunavut Inuit employees and not lose a single one of its current Nunavut Inuit employees. Mr.

Chairman, the department’s 2023-26 business plan indicated that the budget for the Summer Student Employment Equity Program would be increasing from $985,000 in the 2022-23 fiscal year to $2,590,000 in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This represented an increase of 162.9 percent. The budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year remains unchanged. The standing committee strongly supports the government’s program, which provides valuable work experience for Nunavut youth. Mr.

Chairman, the standing committee notes that department’s draft 2024-26 business plan indicates that it is “working on developing the year-round Student Employment Program and program design will be completed by end of this fiscal year.” The standing committee strongly supports the expansion of this program to all communities in the territory. Mr. Chairman and members, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2024-25 Main Estimates and 2024-26 Business Plan for the Department of Human Resources. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Do any members have general comments before we proceed to the detailed questions? I have no names for general comments, so we will proceed to the page-by-page review of the capital estimates, starting on page D-4. Branch

Summary. Human Resources. Human Resource Operations. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For my first question, I would just like to get the overall staffing complement for the Department of Human Resources

Monday, March 11, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 5049 right now that are positions that are filled. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for that question regarding the current status of positions in the department. (interpretation ends) In headquarters…sorry; I’ve got the wrong one here.

The most recent updated information we have from February 29, we’re at 58 percent capacity, 68 filled out of 117 positions; vacancy is at 42 percent, vacant 49 out of 117; and Inuit employment is at 51 percent, including 4 out of 16 Sivuliqtiksat intern positions, including 10 filled participant positions in the Amaaqtaarniq Education Leave Program and one completed last month, which is funded by third party, including two filled participant positions in the Career Broadening Program, which is funded by third party; and 15 casuals. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you.

Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have been often quoted in this room of stating that I firmly believe that the Department of Human Resources needs to staff its own positions so that it can adequately support the hiring of the civil service positions across the government. How many active job actions specific to human resource positions are currently on the book? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for that question.

We have 25 positions at the moment that have started being worked on. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you,

Document details

Collection	Nunavut — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	2024-03-11, 6th Assembly 2nd Session, Day 79
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	20240311 Hansard
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	TERRITORIAL
Identifier	8f0a3ce3d9e32fbd13f723685ca1cd6cf9064f2f

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