Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 59 Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Pages 3661 – 3716 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

Akeeagok (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Seniors George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Hon. David Joanasie (South Baffin) Government House Leader; Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Hon.

Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation Mary Killiktee (Uqqummiut) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Solomon Malliki (Aivilik) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) 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 ...........................................................................................................................3661 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3661 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3665 Returns to Oral Questions ..........................................................................................................3668 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3669 Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters .................................3690 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3691 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3692 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3715 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3715

A. Daily References Wednesday, November 1, 2023..................................................................................................3661 B.

Ministers’ Statements 321 – 6(2): GN Responds to NWT Wildfires (Akeeagok, P) .....................................................3661 322 – 6(2): Toxoplasmosis Screening Program (Main) .............................................................3662 323 – 6(2): Making Research Work for Nunavummiut (Qavvik) ..............................................3663 324 – 6(2): Community Wellness Hub Engagement (Nakashuk) ..............................................3663 325 – 6(2): 2023 Simata Pitsiulak Aviation Scholarship Recipients (Akeeagok, D) .................3664 326 – 6(2): Kenn Harper Donation to the Government of Nunavut (Kaernerk) ........................3665 C.

Members’ Statements 434 – 6(2): Toxoplasmosis Screening Program (Nutarak) .........................................................3665 435 – 6(2): Condolences to the Family of Looty Pijamini (Akeeagok, D) ................................3665 436 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Granddaughter (Kusugak) .........................................................3666 437 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandmother (Gross) ................................................................3666 438 – 6(2): Safe Halloween in Constituency (Main) ..................................................................3667 439 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) ...........................................................................3668 D.

Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 590 – 6(2): Office Closure Policy (Nakashuk) ...................................3668 Return to Oral Question 596 – 6(2): Staff Housing for Non-Inuit Employees (Nakashuk) .......3668

E.

Oral Questions 626 – 6(2): Elders Strategy Update (Quassa) .............................................................................3669 627 – 6(2): Liquor Regulation (Quqqiaq)...................................................................................3671 628 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Strategy (Sammurtok) ......................................................................3672 629 – 6(2): Wildlife Disease Monitoring (Malliki) ....................................................................3674 630 – 6(2): Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Lightstone).....................................................................3675 631 – 6(2): Kivalliq Intercommunity Road Initiative (Simailak) ...............................................3677 632 – 6(2): Marine Tourism (Nutarak) .......................................................................................3678 633 – 6(2): Caribou Sport Hunting (Savikataaq)........................................................................3680 634 – 6(2): Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian (Killiktee) .............................................3682 635 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) ...........................................................................3683 636 – 6(2): Grants and Contributions Policy (Hickes) ...............................................................3685 637 – 6(2): Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Brewster) .......................................................................3688 F.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters Committee Report 023 – 6(2): Report on the Review of the 2023 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Hickes) ................................................................................................................................3690 Committee Report 024 – 6(2): Bill 23, Nursing Professions Act (Savikataaq) ..........................3691 G.

Tabling of Documents 180 – 6(2): 2021-22 Nunavut Emergency Management Annual Report (Joanasie)...................3691 181 – 6(2): Chief Public Health Officer’s 2022-23 Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Places Act Annual Report (Main) ..........................................................................................................3691

182 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in Response to Oral Question 584 – 6(2) (Quassa) ..................................................................3691 183 – 6(2): Air Transportation Services for the Kitikmeot Region (Quqqiaq) ..........................3691 H. Bills Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Health – Consideration in Committee .....3692

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3661 Iqaluit, Nunavut Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Hon. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. Solomon Malliki, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good day. Before we begin, Mr. Anavilok, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, my colleagues, and Inuit who are watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast, welcome. Before we begin, (interpretation ends) just one little message for people fighting cancer: stay strong, try to stay healthy, and live life to the fullest. We all don’t like every inch of cancer and hope someday they will find a way to get rid of it. Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok.

Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 321 – 6(2): GN Responds to NWT Wildfires (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your inspirational words to start off this afternoon. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge our whole-of-government response to the Northwest Territories’ catastrophic wildfires. We remained in frequent communication with the Government of the Northwest Territories leading up to, during, and after the wide-scale evacuations. I personally spoke with Premier Cochrane on numerous occasions. I also remained in communication with my legislative colleagues in the Kitikmeot region.

Our goal was to offer our support, while ensuring the safety of Nunavummiut in our care. Mr. Speaker, as a pre-emptive measure, the departments of Health and Community and Government Services worked with Canadian North. We procured a charter plane to transfer all medical travellers and escorts from Yellowknife to Edmonton. All 85 medical travellers and escorts were accounted for and arrived safely in Edmonton. Patients in need of urgent care were prioritized. Mr. Speaker, we helped ensure those on duty travel were accounted for, as well as clients under the responsibility of Family Services as well as Justice.

Our government’s interdepartmental committee assessed ongoing repercussions and impacts as issues

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3662 arose related to transportation and the supply chain to the Kitikmeot region. Mr. Speaker, we donated $250,000 to the United Way Northwest Territories Emergency Response Fund to support residents impacted by wildfire. These funds went towards the work of organizations that were directly welcoming and helping the thousands of evacuees. Mr. Speaker, we felt deeply the tragedy of the wildfires experienced by our neighbours to the west, including relatives and loved ones.

We continue to think of them as they resume, and for some who are rebuilding, their lives after the wildfires. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 322 – 6(2): Toxoplasmosis Screening Program (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House that in July 2023, the Department of Health initiated a territory-wide Toxoplasmosis Screening Program for pregnant women.

The program is aimed at early detection and prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma, a parasite found globally and in some Nunavut country foods, poses a particular risk to pregnant individuals. While most people experience mild symptoms, infection during pregnancy can lead to serious disabilities in unborn babies and in some cases, miscarriage or stillbirth. It’s crucial to note that country food remains a healthy and nutritious option, especially during pregnancy. However, we recommend pregnant women ensure all meat and seafood is eaten cooked to kill any potential toxoplasma parasites.

Before the implementation of this territory-wide Toxoplasmosis Screening Program, we were working with limited surveillance and reactive health care. A blood test will now be a routine part of prenatal care to allow early detection and avoid potential harm to both mothers and their unborn children. This program will also allow Health to monitor and gauge the true extent of toxoplasmosis in the territory over time, helping us to allocate resources more effectively. Uqaqtitsijii, this program is not just about screening; it’s about harm reduction.

By identifying at-risk pregnancies early, we can initiate timely treatments to prevent the toxoplasma parasite from affecting unborn babies. We are taking a proactive approach that will save lives and reduce the long-term health care burden on Nunavut families. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3663 Minister’s Statement 323 – 6(2): Making Research Work for Nunavummiut (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to provide an update on important research Nunavut Arctic College is carrying out with McMaster University. It is a five-year project called “Making Research Work for Nunavummiut.” This project started in 2021 and will conclude in 2026. It is funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight Grant.

As Members of this House are aware, Nunavut Arctic College is the designated authority for the territory’s Scientists Act. This means the college is responsible for issuing research licences related to health, social and natural sciences in the territory. The Nunavut Research Institute, which is a division of the college, is the key administrator of these duties. It receives and reviews applications and coordinates communication with community organizations who also review these applications. Mr.

Speaker, the licences issued by the Nunavut Research Institute include terms and conditions to ensure research activities do not harm Nunavummiut or the environment. Licence holders must also submit a report at the end of each year describing the research that they carried out. The Nunavut Research Institute maintains a database of information on all projects licensed under the Scientists Act, and the college and McMaster University are drawing on this valuable data to better understand how science is evolving in our territory. Mr.

Speaker, two years into this project, I am proud to confirm that a research trends report has been completed for each Nunavut community. This report explains where research is happening in and near the communities, what topics are being studied, who is conducting the research, how Nunavummiut are involved, and how the results of the research are being communicated and shared. This report also explains the research licensing requirements in Nunavut, including researchers’ responsibilities and community members’ rights in research.

While this report is hosted on the Nunavut Research Institute website, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling this report in the House. Mr. Speaker, by sharing more information with Nunavummiut, we remain committed to upholding Inuit self-determination, knowledge, and governance in research not only within the college but across Nunavut. I am proud of the work the college is doing to achieve these very important goals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk.

Minister’s Statement 324 – 6(2): Community Wellness Hub Engagement (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Nunavummiut.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3664 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, while there is a rich diversity of programming across Nunavut, community-based organizations report challenges in being able to consistently deliver programs because of a lack of available space. Mr.

Speaker, Family Services, in partnership with Community and Government Services, Health, and Nunavut Tunngavik, visited Arctic Bay, Baker Lake, Kinngait, and Kugluktuk to engage communities on designs for community wellness hubs. (interpretation) Community members envisioned welcoming drop-in spaces where they gather, connect, and support each other. Community members requested private counselling spaces, safe spaces for youth, opportunities for elders to gather, community kitchens, and spaces to support cultural and on- the-land programs. A functional program review is now complete. Mr.

Speaker, the Department of Family Services will now work with its partners to advance this project to the next stage of capital planning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 325 – 6(2): 2023 Simata Pitsiulak Aviation Scholarship Recipients (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Department of Economic Development and Transportation is committed to building Nunavut’s transportation workforce by promoting careers in our aviation industries. The Simata Pitsiulak Aviation Scholarship supports this objective by providing grants to Nunavut students actively enrolled in an aviation-based program area of study. Mr. Speaker, air transportation is critical for the health and well-being of our communities, and that system relies on skilled labour.

Across the country, there are labour shortages in those skilled positions, and there are so many opportunities for Nunavummiut who want to enter the aviation industry. This year I am very pleased to report that four impressive young Nunavummiut, all in school and working toward successfully achieving their aviation- based programs, have been chosen by the selection committee.

The successful scholarship recipients are as follows: • Nqobile Mazorodze (Commercial Pilot Training) • Derek Fredlund (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) • Jukipa Kotierk (Commercial Pilot Training) • Ronald Oolooyuk (Mechanical Engineering) Each of these talented individuals will receive a scholarship valued at $7,500 to help towards the cost of their aviation- based studies. Please join me in recognizing this year’s recipients of the Simata Pitsiulak Aviation Scholarship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3665 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Kaernerk. Minister’s Statement 326 – 6(2): Kenn Harper Donation to the Government of Nunavut (Kaernerk) Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, members and good day, Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share about the donation made to the Government of Nunavut archives by author Kenn Harper.

This donation includes selected historical files documenting the arrival of court officials and the RCMP to the Belcher Islands case of 1941 in what is now known as Sanikiluaq. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this donation consists of 35 centimetres of textual material that includes first-hand knowledge and, while this information is of a sensitive nature, it will be invaluable for historical research. This donation complements the Archives Program’s government records branch and our private sector repository, which is now accessible to the public by appointment with the Territorial Archivist. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 434 – 6(2): Toxoplasmosis Screening Program (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Department of Health. The minister just made a minister’s statement about the Toxoplasmosis Screening Program, and I am very pleased that we have such a program made available for pregnant women. This is an issue that we fought very hard for in Pond Inlet. There will now be a screening process made available via bloodwork.

I just wanted to thank the Department of Health for providing such a program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 435 – 6(2): Condolences to the Family of Looty Pijamini (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the people of the High Arctic, we suffered a huge loss. Just this past week, we lost two women who lived in Ottawa. Last night we heard that a long-time Grise Fiord resident who now resides in Iqaluit, Looty Pijamini, has passed on. He’s a famous carver, very well known around the world, and we have his carvings on display here in the House and in the Assembly precinct. We extend our condolences to the family and his wife, Peepeelee, who was there as an escort for a long time and stayed by Looty’s side. Also, his daughter and granddaughter had made it down. There were also Zoom meetings with his sisters.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3666 I would like to express my appreciation to the people who took care of Peepeelee when she was down in Ottawa. She called this morning and I also called her sisters. They have accepted the fact that Looty Pijamini has passed on, but he was a very famous carver and world renowned. When Peepeelee is coming, we will make sure that we meet her. She is currently in Ottawa and you can go see her at the boarding home. I think of the High Arctic residents in prayer and we also have hope, even though such cases come along.

We send our condolences and thank you for giving me an opportunity, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Condolences to the family and the community. Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. Member’s Statement 436 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Granddaughter (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, over the last 14 years, I think I missed so many birthdays and celebrations of my family, and today is another one. Mr.

Speaker, I just want to take this opportunity to wish my granddaughter, Piipinnaas Paris Ukpik Amajurjuk Kakak, a very happy birthday. Mr. Speaker, Paris was only four years old when she made this poppy for me, so for her today, I wear this special poppy she made me. I just want to wish my irngutaq, Piipinnaas, a happy birthday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 437 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandmother (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good day to all of those listening to our proceedings.

I hope all of the territory trick-or-treaters had a great Halloween last night. I know Iqalummiut will be enjoying the trick-or-treating this evening and please stay safe, everybody. Mr. Speaker, I have a special birthday greeting to share for today as well. I would like to wish my grandmother through my grandfather’s sister, Pihoak, a very happy 84th birthday. Her daughter is here with us today, working in the interpreter booth, Eva Ayalik. I know that we all send our love to her and she’s probably busy working as she was my former co-worker at the Kitikmeot Heritage Society as an elder and resident.

At her age, she is still sharing her knowledge to the community and beyond with the projects that she works on. Mr. Speaker, this summer’s heat broke many records and caused significant challenges across our territory. One of those events was the wildfire that impacted constituents that were in Bathurst Inlet. Mr. Speaker, as many of you know, we have several community members from Cambridge Bay who are originally from Bathurst Inlet and they return every summer and as often as

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3667 possible to harvest country food to enjoy and the natural beauty of the area. Mr. Speaker, this wildfire came very close to the campers. Fortunately, nobody was harmed. For that, I want to acknowledge and thank the emergency response efforts from the Department of Community and Government Services and B2Gold for their support on the ground and in the air to put this fire out safely. Mr. Speaker, although our community and region were impacted a few weeks later by the fires that ravaged the NWT, I am thankful for the community’s cooperation.

We continue to learn how these unforeseen weather-related events disrupt so many critical services to our communities, including medical travel. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue. Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to thank the Department of Health and the medical travel teams for working hard to make the best to adapt to this situation by finding alternative locations for patients and their escorts to travel in safely. I would also like to thank Canadian North for their efforts as well to ensuring that our constituents returned home safely. Mr. Speaker, I hope that we will not have to undergo any more of these unpredictable fires again but recognize that the only way that we can get through these events is to work together.

To that, I want to thank all those at all levels of government, the private sector, and community members who took quick action to support our community and region during this hardship. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Member, you snuck in two comments or three comments in there. You have to stick to one statement. Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 438 – 6(2): Safe Halloween in Constituency (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to acknowledge the children who went trick-or-treating in Whale Cove and Arviat. I would also like to thank the people who took their children out and the people who handout candies to the trick-or-treaters in Arviat and Whale Cove. Mr. Speaker, we have to watch the polar bears out there during trick-or-treating in Arviat and Whale Cove, so there is always a monitor for polar bears. I would like to thank the polar bear guards. They work tirelessly, not just on Halloween but during the fall. The two Arviat residents have been working for quite some time as polar bear guides.

Leo Ikakhik, first of all, has been working as a polar bear guard for quite some time, so I would like to thank him, along with Mr. Ludovik Onerk.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3668 They are polar bear guards, but there are more guards out there. I would also like to thank the Department of Environment and the environmental officers in Arviat and Whale Cove. They have worked very closely on this issue. It is evident at Halloween that we notice they need polar bear guards, especially in the fall. They have to be careful to do their work as polar bear guides. They work very tirelessly. I would like to thank Onerk and Leo Ikakhik and I rise today to acknowledge them.

I would appreciate it if my colleagues express their appreciation to them as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Member’s Statement 439 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the residents of Kugluktuk. I want to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of Kugluktuk Inuit, as our dialect of Inuinnaqtun is disappearing. Some people who I ask state to the older folks that Inuinnaqtun is being written in the wrong way.

Later on at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Languages on this issue of our dialect and how we can incorporate more support for the Inuit of Kugluktuk in order to revitalize our dialect as it is slowly disappearing. I just wanted to make that statement about this needed initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 590 – 6(2): Office Closure Policy (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to supplement an answer I provided to Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet. In 2023 there have been two weather closures in Rankin Inlet and three weather closures in Chesterfield Inlet. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Return to Oral Question 596 – 6(2): Staff Housing for Non-Inuit Employees (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, for acknowledging me again. (interpretation ends) I rise today to supplement an answer I provided to Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South. Fourteen non-Inuit were given staff housing between October 2022 and May 2023, the same period when 72 units were allocated to Inuit. The Nunavut

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3669 Housing Corporation allowed the NCCD to utilize the GN staff housing units in Arviat for approximately four weeks during the assembly of two modular units. Vacant GN staff housing units are sometimes used for short-term occupancies for non-government staff, but this does not result in delays in allocating staff housing units. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Members, before we start, today should be a low

preamble day, unlike yesterday. We have a lot of members that do want to ask questions and some members that do want to answer questions. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 626 – 6(2): Elders Strategy Update (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Premier, the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues will be aware, I very much support the role of elders in Nunavut society.

It is up to us to ensure that elders are safe, comfortable, and well cared for as they age. In February 2023 the Premier announced that consultations would be undertaken in regions across Nunavut and in Ottawa. Can the Premier provide an update on the progress towards developing the “Strategic Action Plan for Elders in Nunavut” and what challenges have been encountered to date? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also would like to thank my colleague for her excellent question. It’s true that we consider our elders to be an important asset. I was very pleased during our retreat in Cambridge Bay where we explored ways as a government to place more emphasis on our beloved elders. I believe it was in February where I made a statement about wishing to meet with elder representatives later on.

I am gratified to state that we were able to hold several regional meetings during the spring and summer with elder representatives from every community and had them complete a survey about the most important issues to them at both the community and regional levels. There were meetings held in Iqaluit, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. In these regional meetings, however, we invited two local elders from every community to attend. We’ve had successful meetings up to now. They surveyed them and listened to their concerns.

We were also able to host an elders’ meeting in Ottawa as well, where they gathered the information provided in the answers to our questions. After this information was compiled, the staff were able to send back the reports

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3670 to the elders who attended these meetings to verify the concerns and issues. I am pleased to say that I just received the report from the elder surveys. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Premier for his response. It is very clear that logistical issues tend to become challenging when trying to plan the regional meetings, although he didn’t talk about the challenges. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, the government’s Katujjiluta mandate identifies elders and “aging with dignity” as a key priority area. The mandate was established as one of the first actions of this government and this priority is the first one on the list. Can the minster provide a brief overview of what will be included in the Elders Strategy and what will be the key components of the strategy’s framework? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague again.

The goal of the comprehensive elder care strategy was really threefold. The first was to articulate the systemic approaches to a comprehensive elder care strategy that really outlines within the systemic issues that elders face right now. The second one was to guide the decision-making related to the elder and senior programing and services that we see from a whole-of-government approach. The third was to chart a path forward that ensures that the care that we provide our elders reflects the values that they so deserve. Those were the founding reasons behind the comprehensive strategy.

As I just noted, we were very pleased that we concluded the “What we heard” regional gatherings that we were able to provide. As the member asked, there were no barriers that we saw. The importance that we heard from the elders and us getting back to make sure what we heard was accurate was one that required a bit more time. However, it is so important, but I am very pleased to be able to mention to the member that just yesterday I did receive the “What we heard” report and we will be moving on to the next phase of really the strategy that’s going to be forthcoming.

I look forward to seeing the final report come early December. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for the clear explanation, but you only answered part of my question. I would like to ask it again. It has been close to two years since the development of the Elders Strategy was first announced. On February 24, 2023, the Premier stated that he aimed to have the new framework completed by December.

Can the minster confirm that the strategy will be completed on time and, if so, will he commit to tabling it at

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3671 our next sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I completely agree with my colleague. I really want to bring out the plan. When it is completed, we are going to use it to see how we can further help elders. We have this large responsibility, so I have good expectations that all things that were said by the elders will be considered very important and we will be able to base a lot of our work on those.

I expect that at our next meeting with the elders or at our next sitting, we will be able to present it or table it after the cabinet has reviewed it. I will be presenting it here and I want to make sure we work together on planning for the elders, and I have kept myself open to that. I really want the regular members to be a part of this process. I encourage them to do that on behalf of our elders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 627 – 6(2): Liquor Regulation (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Mr. Speaker, as the Member for Netsilik, I am very proud to represent two communities in this House, Kugaaruk and Taloyoak. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, the residents of the two communities that I represent have chosen to follow different paths in respect to the issue of liquor regulation. One community is unrestricted and the other community is prohibited. Other Kitikmeot communities have made their own choices. Mr. Speaker, I respect the choices made by my constituents. Mr.

Speaker, the minister’s current departmental business plan indicates that one of its current priorities is to undertake community consultations on possible changes to the Liquor Act. Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate if his department is considering removing the ability of each Nunavut community to determine whether or not liquor is to be unrestricted, restricted, or prohibited? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr.

Speaker, I believe it’s important for the community to decide how they want the alcohol controlled in their community, and we will not be arbitrarily taking that responsibility away. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, the Legislative Assembly recently passed a new Liquor Tax Act. Mr. Speaker, can the minister

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3672 confirm when the provisions of this legislation will come into force? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department is currently taking a very close look on the key parameters around the Tax Act and once we have those, I will be in a much better position to be able to give details around the Liquor Tax Act, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister is aware, concerns have been expressed in the Qikiqtaaluk region about the impact that the Iqaluit Beer and Wine Store has had on neighbouring communities and concerns have been expressed in the Kivalliq region about the impact that the Rankin Inlet Beer and Wine Store has had on neighbouring communities. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Tunngavik recently held its annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay, which is the regional centre of the Kitikmeot. Mr.

Speaker, one of Nunavut Tunngavik’s formal announcements was a call for the government to “delay the opening of additional beer and wine stores in Nunavut.” Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm if his department is still proceeding with its plan to open a new beer and wine store in Cambridge Bay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that NTI, Tunngavik, just finished their meetings and I haven’t yet seen any of their motions or resolutions, but speaking directly in terms of the Kitikmeot beer and wine store, it is a long and slow process and I have not heard anything that would stop that process from going, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 628 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Strategy (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Good day, people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. During yesterday’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, the minister made a statement concerning the Nunavut 3000 strategy. In his statement, the minister spoke about the partnership agreement between the Nunavut Housing Corporation and NCC Development. As the minister is aware, the Nunavut 3000 strategy document indicates that the “preliminary target for the 2023 build program” for Rankin Inlet is 20

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3673 new “public housing units” and 20 new “affordable housing units.” Can the minister clearly explain the procurement process for the 20 new “affordable housing units”? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those units that my colleague is referring to are gained from the private and public sector.

If there is interest in the community or territory towards building affordable housing units, the housing corporation would work with them in filling out necessary paperwork to ensure that they qualify and get reimbursement for the affordable housing sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) In his statement of yesterday, the minister indicated that NCC Development’s “focus on training will help to increase local employment.” Can the minister confirm approximately how many residents of Rankin Inlet have been hired to date to work on the community’s new public and affordable housing units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That process has just started.

I believe that they just finished the pile work and the construction of the actual units is very early in its stage. I do not have the detail of exactly how many are working as of right now, but as it progresses and moves forward, I am sure we will be getting those numbers. At those times, if my colleague wants, I can provide those particular detailed numbers, but it is very hard to give them as they are just starting to go through the construction phase. May I add, Mr. Speaker, I hope to see the numbers increase as the building starts to go through. I’m sure it’s going to fluctuate throughout the program.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleague from Kugluktuk recently asked questions to the minister concerning the community allocations for the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2024 build program. Mr. Speaker, it is important that Nunavummiut are aware of the plans now that the Legislative Assembly has approved the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2024-25 capital estimates. When will the Nunavut 3000 housing strategy document be updated to include information on the 2024 build program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 2024 build program, as outlined in the Nunavut 3000 document,

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3674 the document we are going through, Mr. Speaker, and I don’t believe that there are any changes to it. It is the plan that we are following and that plan is available from the housing corporation. Should we change the plan and make additions or deletions, at that time, I will be more than happy to flag those and make sure that the public is aware of them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 629 – 6(2): Wildlife Disease Monitoring (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to my constituents and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Environment. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the minister for the statement that he made earlier this week concerning wildlife disease monitoring in respect to barren-ground caribou. I encourage the minister to provide regular updates to Kivalliq and Kitikmeot MLAs on this situation. Mr. Speaker, concerns have recently been brought to my attention regarding the health of seal populations in Foxe Basin.

Hunters in Naujaat and Igloolik have reported harvesting seals that have exhibited rashes, discoloration, and potential signs of disease. Can the minister confirm that his department is aware of these concerns? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question and bringing the concerns from his constituency. Mr. Speaker, the level of detail is not in front of me. I will commit to getting back to the member with information in regard to his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be expecting that as I will be interested to hear if the government is aware of what is happening with our wildlife, whether they are in danger or pose dangers to people. (interpretation ends) In the minister’s statement that he recently made concerning barren-ground caribou, he indicated that his department works with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to examine samples from animals that are suspected of being diseased, and community members collect samples from seals during spring and summer.

They collect samples that the HTO does. Can the minister confirm that tissue samples from marine animals such as seals are examined by this entity? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Marine mammals are federally legislated by the Department of Fisheries

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3675 and Oceans and they are not mandated by the Department of Environment. For the member’s question, the samples for the caribou were sent. We do work with the group. However, seal harvesting and management falls under Economic Development and Transportation, but it’s federally legislated under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I know that marine mammals are managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, but (interpretation ends) the Department of Environment should support it because it benefits our constituencies. It is important for the department to work closely with hunters and trappers organizations across Nunavut to monitor the animals that we harvest for signs of disease. Can the minister describe what training is offered to Nunavut hunters and trappers organizations in this area? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Our conservation officers do have the ability to take samples and submit the samples to the regulated, legislated within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We do have close working relationships with our hunters and trappers organizations across the territory and we share information amongst stakeholders in our communities. Yes, we do have conservation officers that can collect samples on behalf of hunters that can be sent to the southern laboratories that we send [samples] to southern Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone.

Question 630 – 6(2): Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, over three years ago, I asked a previous Minister of Justice about introducing a Clare’s Law in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would allow the RCMP to proactively work to prevent intimate partner violence by disclosing an individual’s violent past to individuals who are at risk. Mr.

Speaker, on the first day of this sitting, I tabled correspondence from the Minister of Justice to the Iqaluit City Council, which voted unanimously to adopt a motion calling on the Legislative Assembly to examine and implement a Clare’s Law in Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that there is support for introducing a Clare’s Law in Nunavut. I would like to ask: can the minister clearly indicate when he will be introducing such a bill in this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3676 Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I applaud the member for continuing to raise this. It is a very important issue that needs attention. As we stated earlier, when we were doing the Family Abuse Intervention Act community consultations, it was also taken into account. Once we received that, we looked at Clare’s Law and determined, as part of our consultations, that we will need to carve that out and have its own legislation and we’re looking into that.

I know that two jurisdictions are already implementing and two others have already passed laws but they haven’t implemented yet. It has been a turnaround and I applaud the member for raising this because a lot of this had to do with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s ability to do it. Through good conversations like this, we’re able to start changing this within the Canadian jurisdictions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I could not be happier and express my gratitude for the minister’s comments.

That is very exciting to hear and I applaud the minister’s decision to carve that out and implement its own unique bill. Mr. Speaker, when I first raised this issue three and a half years ago, I asked the government to take this Clare’s Law a step further to incorporate aspects to disclose potential victims of child sexual abuse. Mr. Speaker, of the hundreds of Nunavummiut who are on the registered sex offenders list, over half of those have convictions for offences against children. Mr.

Speaker, as I indicated yesterday, in the Department of Family Services’ annual report, we now know that over 500 children have come forward in one year to report instances of child sexual abuse. Now more than ever, I strongly further support the idea to incorporate aspects of Clare’s Law to also address and allow our RCMP to have a proactive and preventative measure to protect children from child sexual abuse. For my next question, I would like to ask the minister if he has taken my comments into account and will he be incorporating aspects of child sexual abuse into the upcoming Clare’s Law. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For children and the protection of the children, there is strong legislation and very high on the privacy side. For some of the work that we have already gone under in terms of what Clare’s Law would look like, the discussion about sex offenders or children are also part of our review, but it’s from an immediate step, we need to look at the federal legislation that protects the children. There is some certain legislation that trumps our territorial legislation.

That one is part of the areas that we’re looking into, but from my perspective, it has already been flagged as that there are federal legislations that may trump, as

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3677 children’s rights are very protected through our territorial Acts and through the federal legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 631 – 6(2): Kivalliq Intercommunity Road Initiative (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Baker Lake, colleagues, and all the staff. Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Mr.

Speaker, as the minister will recall, I asked him a number of questions during our spring sitting concerning the Kivalliq Intercommunity Road initiative, which is truly a transformative project that demands our full support as a government. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, the consulting firm that is currently undertaking work on this project has recently released a public survey on this project.

I am confident that the minister will be pleased to hear that I completed the survey as a proud resident of Baker Lake, and I encourage all eligible Kivalliq residents to take a few minutes to provide their feedback. Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to ensuring that the findings from the survey are tabled in the Legislative Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for filling out that survey; it is critical that we get that information.

Any of the information that we’re collecting will produce a report and will determine then at what levels of what will be needed to be tabled, but I am committed that this report will be made public and there is still work that is ongoing, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad that the minister committed to making it public one way or another. Mr. Speaker, information published by his department indicates that the next stage in the public consultation process will be community meetings in January of next year. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister confirm the dates, times, and location for the Baker Lake consultation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The information that I have is that the consultations will take place in January and February. It does not include the breakdowns of when those communities will be visited, but once I get that information, I will be very happy to share that with all of the Kivalliq MLAs that are impacted on this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3678 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank again the member for the continued commitment on this project to get back to me and other Kivalliq Members of the Legislative Assembly that will be affected. Mr. Speaker, information published by his department indicates that the Kivalliq Intercommunity Road initiative is currently taking into account the proposed new Nunavut Land Use Plan.

It is my understanding that the proposed new Nunavut Land Use Plan will impact such issues as the route options for the intercommunity road. It sounds to me a lot like it could even have major effects to the idea of actually trying to build this road, which is concerning for me. As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Planning Commission submitted the 2023 Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan to the federal Minister of Northern Affairs, the territorial Minister of Environment, and the president of Nunavut Tunngavik back in June of this year.

Can the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation clarify how his department is participating in the tripartite review of the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The land use plan touches on major developments, such as this road, all the roads that are being planned, or the fibre link. I want to assure the member that when our government is reviewing the draft land use plan, all of those will be taken into consideration.

I work closely with my colleague who is taking the lead on this for the tripartite discussions that are taking place. Within our government, all of the government departments that are impacted do have processes in place to provide input into this draft and provide recommendations to the minister that is going to be the signatory to the document. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 632 – 6(2): Marine Tourism (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation) I also have questions for the (interpretation ends) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and this concerns the issue of marine tourism. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to share information concerning Pond Inlet’s community priorities with the Office of the Premier to use in his meeting with our Member of Parliament and her federal leader. As the minister is aware, Pond Inlet is known as the “Jewel of the Arctic.” There is tremendous opportunity to develop a sustainable tourism sector for my community.

As the minister is aware, his department published a Nunavut Marine Tourism Management Plan that expired in the

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3679 year 2019, shortly before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The [department’s] current business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to review and renew this plan. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Economic Development and Transportation got a number of strategies of all of our work.

With the Katujjiluta mandate asking us to have sector-specific, all of that work is ongoing. This particular one is being drafted and being towards the work. I don’t know how far that work is, but I have given directions on each of those strategies to get those developed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. Mr. Speaker, it is important that the marine tourism industry and the cruise ships which enter our waters operate in a respectful way that does not damage our environment or disturb our wildlife.

I would like to thank the minister for visiting Pond Inlet in spring and meeting with the local organizations. As the minister is aware, the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Association and the Municipality of Pond Inlet have urged the government to ensure that cruise ships adhere to the community’s preferred sailing routes.

As the minister is also aware, his department’s business plan indicates that one of its current priorities is to “develop an online information portal for the multiagency cruise ship permitting process.” Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work and can he confirm that his department has clearly conveyed Pond Inlet’s concerns to the cruise ship companies that enter Nunavut waters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to applaud the member of the legislative, my colleague here, for raising it and inviting me to her fine community and being able to talk to the hunters and trappers and also to the municipalities. We relayed those concerns directly to the association of the cruise ships that we have a very good working relationship with and for this summer, a majority of them adhered to it.

We have an annual meeting with the association and we bring those issues forward and I know that in some communities other than Pond Inlet, there were concerns being raised, alarm bells where hunters did not want their areas being (interpretation) used. (interpretation ends) We make those recommendations and I encourage anyone, if there are any concerns, they be brought to my department’s attention

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3680 because we do have a very good working relationship with our cruise ship association. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for sharing our concerns. As the minister is also aware, Marine Tourism Regulations made under the authority of the territorial Tourism Act were introduced in the year 2018. The regulations contain an important Code of Conduct for cruise ship operators and passengers entering our waters and visiting our communities.

Can the minister indicate if any violations of the regulations were reported and/or investigated during the 2023 cruise ship season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I have not seen anyone approach our department on this, but that regulation is in place and for those cruise ship associations, they have been adhering to that regulation and I applaud them for that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Question 633 – 6(2): Caribou Sport Hunting (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people of Arviat, I say “good day” to you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Minister of Environment. There has been a lot of talk of caribou here lately and the past Assembly. I would like to ask the minister about the sports hunting of caribou, non-resident sports hunting. Mr. Speaker, in the Kivalliq we have a number of big game outfitters and I’m going to specifically concentrate on the Qamanirjuaq herd.

The big game outfitters need certainty and they have to plan their business as the number of tags available. My first question is: what’s the number of non-resident caribou tags available to the outfitters, if there is a limit, from the Qamanirjuaq herd? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my understanding, there are no limits to the sports hunting allocations for non-residents within the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The outfitters will be happy to hear that there are no limits for the number of caribou tags available from the Department of Environment, so they can book as many hunters as will want to come to Nunavut, non-resident sports hunters from out of Nunavut. The outfitters will be happy to hear that.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3681 Mr. Speaker, we have heard of other caribou herds that are on the decline within Nunavut and there are no more sports hunting tags available for those herds. For the Qamanirjuaq herd, what would trigger a restriction for the number of caribou tags that would be available for big game outfitters, if there are any triggering mechanisms that are for the number of tags available, or would the number of tags available to big game outfitters be unlimited until there is a total allowable harvest? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon.

Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To add on to the first question, there are no total allowable harvests for the sports hunting opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the trigger mechanism would be in terms of the population size in terms of declining.

If the department finds that a caribou herd is in a declining state, the Department of Environment does do surveys across the caribou herds in our territory and once we know the populations are in a declining state, we have a working relationship with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board that we work together to make recommendations for caribou harvesting in our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m aware that currently there are no total allowable harvests, period, for the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd.

There is none. I asked earlier if there were any limits for non-resident big game outfitters and the minister has clearly stated that there are no limits for the number of caribou tags available for big game outfitters from the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. Mr.

Speaker, the minister stated that if the caribou population is in decline and it is sad, but most caribou populations within Nunavut are on the decline, the Qamanirjuaq herd, I believe the population estimates used to be in the neighbourhood of 450,000 to 500,000 and I also believe that the last survey for the Qamanirjuaq herd was between 250,000 and 300,000, so it is in decline.

I don’t know if that’s a concerned decline, but the minister stated that it would have to be in the decline for talks to start with the co-management partners to see about the total allowable harvest, and I hope that we never have to see a total allowable harvest from the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd, but it is in decline. Can the minister clarify the definition of “decline” for caribou harvests? This is roughly at, rough math, maybe 35 percent decline, but what would trigger a total allowable harvest for the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd? Where is the decline, the red line? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I applaud the member for raising that caribou are a great value to our territory. Mr. Speaker, the Qamanirjuaq herd was last surveyed in June 2022, which estimated the population to be 252,892,

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3682 precisely, adult caribou, down from 288,244 in 2017. This survey that was found, it’s an overarching significant decline trend, but Environment confirmed the high likelihood of continued decline. Although the Qamanirjuaq caribou herds are in that stage, no management recommendation has been put forward during this time. For the level of detail to the member’s question in terms of where is the red line to make a management stage, I will commit to getting back to the member for that detail to his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 634 – 6(2): Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my fellow residents of Nunavut. Although the minister mentioned that he was going through a difficult time, I have some questions for the Minister of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Justice and they concern the issue of his department’s Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian. Mr.

Speaker, I understand and recognize that the Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian administers trusts and estates on behalf of Nunavummiut who pass away without a will. This is a very serious responsibility and a concern of other Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this office also supports people with disabilities and assists with personal affairs in collaboration with clients and their families. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I think it was in the spring or winter, a number of job positions were advertised in this office.

Can the minister indicate how many positions in this office are currently filled and how many are vacant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the office has many issues to deal with and I know they are working very hard. I know that they were lacking capacity, but it seems better now. In regard to how many employees they have and how many vacancies remain, I do not have that information in front of me, but I would be able to provide it to the member.

As an example, we do not really administer it as it is a body that is at arm’s length from the government. There are several agencies outside of government, such as the (interpretation ends) public trustee, (interpretation) and as such, I cannot provide an immediate answer at this time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Member, be aware that you have other members that do want to ask questions; if you can shorten your

preamble. Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is not the first time I have been asked to keep my

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3683

preamble shorter, and I will agree to that request. I will switch to English then. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the last time that I raised this issue was during the Legislative Assembly’s sitting of June 8, 2022. At that time, I raised concerns regarding the need to raise awareness in the smaller communities about the role of this office. Can the minister indicate how many open files are currently being dealt with by this office? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As of September 2023, the total number of files that the Public Trustee does have right now is 559. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It behooves me to not speak in Inuktitut as it seems hard to be understood in speaking it in the House. I will try to move ahead regardless, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, a number of constituents have expressed their concerns to me about the length of time it takes for their files to make progress.

Although I recognize that these matters can be complicated and do take time, I have heard of some cases that have taken over five years to resolve. This is not acceptable. Can the minister indicate what additional financial and human resources are required by the Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian in order to shorten the length of time it takes to resolve files? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Regardless of whether we hire more employees, some residents who lose loved ones find it difficult to determine who would inherit the belongings of the deceased, and furthermore, there are different wishes of the family members, and it can involve a long process in determining who will receive the benefits. Additionally, family members sometimes do not agree with which of the members will get certain items, and with disagreements, the trustee can sometimes be confused as to the actual wishes. Nonetheless, our employees do resolve many files eventually, and changes have been made to try to make the process faster.

This is where it stands at this time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 635 – 6(2): Inuinnaqtun Language (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Languages and they concern the important issue of the Inuinnaqtun language in Kugluktuk.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3684 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the minister for his new role as Minister of Languages. Mr. Speaker, during the Legislative Assembly’s sitting of March 10, 2023, the minister’s predecessor indicated that “we are proposing shifting the focus of Inuinnaqtun translations to prioritize areas that are either likely to improve revitalization or directly support access to service.” Mr. Speaker, I strongly support initiatives that help strengthen and preserve the Inuinnaqtun language.

Can the minister indicate what specific actions have been undertaken by his department to progress on this important priority? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Languages, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for his question. Yes, the previous minister last year, I believe, stated that initiative, but the office is in Kugluktuk where the Culture and Languages division is situated and it was focused on the Inuinnaqtun translations.

Additionally, in 2019 the staff agreed to work on new initiatives to make the dialect more visible so that the Inuinnaqtun dialect remains alive in Kugluktuk. Due to their agreement to assist in more support, the Department of Culture and Heritage continues to search for ways to revitalize the dialect and to make it visible throughout Nunavut, particularly in the Kitikmeot region. The staff continues to search for ways to ensure the dialect is used more frequently. The Inuinnaqtun dialect continues to disappear.

At the Department of Culture and Heritage, we continue to look for different initiatives on supporting this dialect in Nunavut and to date, they will undertake more planning on ways to make this dialect revitalized. They have continued to search for more initiatives even up to now, starting with the focus on the dialect since 2019. As I stated before, they continue to work on developing more initiatives for the dialect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) On June 14, 2018 the minister of the day tabled Uqausivut 2.0, the second phase of the government’s plan to implement the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act. Mr.

Speaker, Uqausivut 2.0, indicates that one of its strategic priorities is to: “Assess the feasibility of establishing Inuinnaqtun-specific language and cultural programming in the Qitirmiut, similar to those delivered by Piqqusilirivvik.” Can the minister indicate what specific actions his department has undertaken to make progress on this priority? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Mr. Kaernerk.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3685 Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Quana for the member’s questions on the Uqausivut Implementation Plan. As of today, Culture and Heritage has the implementation plan to support the government’s efforts to increase the number of Nunavummiut in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun, in learning and using our language, while respecting the other official languages, English and French. Under Uqausivut 2.0, Culture and Heritage is in the planning process as to how we can implement and comprehensively plan to develop our Uqausivut across Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Legislative Assembly recently held a televised hearing on Nunavut’s language laws for the first time. During this review, members were informed that there are approximately 500 Nunavummiut who speak Inuinnaqtun. Mr. Speaker, I kindly encourage my constituents of Kugluktuk to continue learning and practising Inuinnaqtun at home, in schools, in the workplace, and in our community. It is extremely important we strengthen our language.

Can the minister clearly explain how his department is promoting the use of Inuinnaqtun? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member’s questions on how we can preserve our language across Nunavut, especially with the language loss in Kugluktuk. Up to date, the Department of Culture and Heritage has supported through the Kitikmeot Heritage Society on how to improve the revitalization in our department.

When it comes to language revitalization, the college in Cambridge Bay has supported the Inuinnaqtun language training in the Cambridge Bay campus. That’s how it’s happening. The member is right that the number that they have sent is accurate. Just last month on my first day of swearing-in and then I went to a hearing and that was my first day to be in the hearing, so it was kind of nerve-racking for me, but it was quite an experience and a learning curve.

Up to date, we support the Inuinnaqtun revitalization program and how we can promote the language in the Kitikmeot, not just in the Kitikmeot; throughout Nunavut. For that, thank you for the question, quana. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 636 – 6(2): Grants and Contributions Policy (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Finance regarding the Government of Nunavut’s Grants and Contributions Policy. Mr.

Speaker, I’m aware of a recent letter that the entire cabinet would have received and in it, it is quoted, “Non- profit organizations are essential to our

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3686 communities, providing programming and services for individuals and families, often filling the gaps where government services fall short. However, when these vital organizations are forced to navigate inefficient funding programs, this work is disrupted and causes harm to the staff, volunteers, and community members who rely on them.” Mr. Speaker, it also states that “If the current funding model continues without change, the future of non-profit organizations across Nunavut is threatened, and this harm will be felt in all regions of the territory.” Mr.

Speaker, according to the 2021-22 Grants and Contributions Report provided by the Department of Finance, approximately 75 percent of grants and contributions funding goes to territorial corporations, municipal governments, and federal and Government of Nunavut partnerships, and out of the approximately 25 percent remaining, about 43 percent goes to non-profit organizations across the territory. Mr. Speaker, out of the amounts approved, how much was returned unspent last fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I couldn’t agree more in terms of the grants and contributions need to do better to be more inclusive and providing much-needed programs for Nunavummiut. I believe those grants and contributions should look at ways to be more inclusive and useful than ways to block people who spend an awful lot of energy to make life in Nunavut just that much better for everybody that can’t help themselves and others. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the detail that my colleague is looking for in front of me, but I look forward to providing it to my colleague and colleagues as soon as I have that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know, all across the different government departments, there are a number of different programs and although we appreciate those programs and I don’t know if what the minister was saying is there needs to be additional programs delivered, I think we need to get the ones we’re delivering right now right. Mr.

Speaker, in some information that was provided to me by the Nunavut Association for Non-Profit Organizations, it brings out that there was a survey regarding cash flow hardships that that organization invited non-profit organizations to complete and out of the respondents, 84 percent of survey respondents confirmed that they have experienced cash flow issues regarding grants and contributions. Another 84 percent of survey respondents have temporarily used money from other funds to overcome cash flow issues; 11 percent of survey respondents had to lay off staff because of hardships with cash flow.

Nearly half the survey respondents have temporarily not paid themselves in order to pay for other expenses. Mr. Speaker, 68 percent of respondents confirmed that they struggled to use the full grant or

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3687 contribution amount because the funding arrived too late. What is the minister’s position on the effectiveness of the implementation of the Government of Nunavut’s Grants and Contributions Policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It could be more effective, Mr. Speaker. I believe we need to take a look at the Grants and Contributions Policy. I’ll take a look at the survey that was done. It talks about percentages but not numbers.

In terms of the numbers surveyed, is that a pool of a hundred or a thousand or whatever? Mr. Speaker, regardless of that number, it clearly speaks to the need that we can do better and we should do better, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thirty-three non-profit organizations were invited to complete the survey and approximately two-thirds did. Mr.

Speaker, an example that was provided to me, I won’t go into the specific department because it sounds like it’s an issue across the entire Government of Nunavut, on February 16 the Government of Nunavut department put out a call for applications with a deadline of March 10. An organization provided an application on that day, on March 10. On May 24 they received an email that they would be approved. In July they received a contribution agreement and there was a request for a change of date, and they received the countersignature on August 11.

As of October 26, when I received this information, it had still not received a payment. Mr. Speaker, that’s over six months. Mr.

Speaker, in the recommendations that the Nunavut Association for Non- Profit Organizations made to the government, there were a number of immediate action items that were proposed, but I’m going to focus on one of them and I’m going to quote it, “Conduct an internal audit of Government of Nunavut departments that fund non-profit organizations to reveal one, the prevalence of delayed payments; two, the pain points in the process for both approvals and remittances; this is to better understand why the late payments are happening and to revise internal processes to prevent delayed payments in the future, and these results should be shared with the non-profit taskforce that hasn’t been created yet,” which was another immediate request of the organization.

Can the minister commit to conducting an internal audit regarding grants and contributions, the late payments and processes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, as I stated a couple of times during our exchange, we can do better and we need to do better as a government in terms of helping those who are trying to help us help others. I have that commitment and I’ll continue with it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3688 Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 637 – 6(2): Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was starting to get worried. I would like to follow up Mr. Lightstone’s questions to the Minister of Justice about the possibility of creating a Nunavut Clare’s Law. Mr. Speaker, I would like to know whether or not the Minister of Justice has been communicating with other jurisdictions that have Clare’s Law that they’re implementing and what are those communications.

What has the minister been able to learn, if anything, from other jurisdictions that have Clare’s Law enacted? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have and four Canadian jurisdictions have passed a version of Clare’s Law. Saskatchewan and Alberta have implemented theirs, and Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Manitoba have passed their legislation but they’re not in force yet.

What we are learning, for example, is one of the jurisdictions that is implementing it is basically, it’s a very rigid and long process that they have taken on. An example is from start to finish, you’re looking at four months to get that information that the person initially asked. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did mean to start off my line of questions with an acknowledgement and gratitude that this work is being done because it really does have the potential to save lives. Mr.

Speaker, in an earlier response, the Minister of Justice indicated that there were privacy issues related to perhaps including protection for children and access to information about registered sex offenders, in addition to what other provinces have included in their Clare’s Law. I just wonder if the minister can expand a little bit on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This work that our department is going is relatively ongoing right now and getting the different types of researches being conducted in order to find out how to get to where we should be, which is allow for potential partners to find out whether domestic violence has been involved. That work is ongoing and to look at lessons learned with other jurisdictions. As I mentioned on the children’s side, the red flag was on the privacy. Privacy is paramount when a child is involved and that also, if somebody wants to find out about it, then it becomes restrictive.

Those are the examples that I used earlier when I was being questioned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3689 Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, the National Sex Offender Registry, to my knowledge, doesn’t include information about the targets or the victims of sexual violence. It includes the information about what a person’s conviction is and what their conviction orders are. That database was created out of an inquiry into the murder of an 11-year-old child, Christopher Stephenson, who was murdered at the hands of a convicted pedophile on early release.

What we know about Clare’s Law is that disclosure rules are that the police only provide information to a person who is at risk so that that person can make an informed decision about their safety and it cannot be shared with anybody else. In Clare’s Law, before the information about an offender is released to an individual who is enquiring, that individual must sign a confidentiality statement. Mr.

Speaker, I know I’m going on a little bit long here, but there are risk factors for victimization and when we’re talking about children, the individual risk factors are caregivers in the home who are not a biological parent; family risk factors are families that have household members in jail or in prison, families experiencing other types of violence, including relationship violence; community risk factors are communities with high rates of violence and crime, communities with unstable housing, communities with families frequently experiencing food security. Mr.

Speaker, it makes sense to me, knowing that all of these risk factors virtually describe Nunavut and that the member is seeking and has been diligently seeking to take more steps to protect children in Nunavut, and while we are creating a new Act, we have an opportunity to create a Nunavut-specific Act that is related to our unique experience.

I will ask the minister once again whether or not the Minister of Justice is prepared to create a “Nunavutized” Clare’s Law that goes a step beyond supporting just the potential victims of domestic violence and goes the further step to protect the children who are in the household as well by including the opportunity to look into a person’s sex offender background. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I applaud my members for raising this and providing input already into what we’re looking into and I really appreciate the comments that are coming in this House when it comes to Clare’s Law or what’s potentially of Nunavut’s version. Those are the very things that our staff is getting into. They’re getting the analysis done and getting what type and how to do it and what’s currently being practised in Canada. Will it be in that same version?

Those are the things that we’re getting into and I encourage these types of discussions continue and be provided to myself and to the department in terms of what kind of version of Clare’s Law we will want or not want. That work is being done right now in a focused setting now.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3690 *See Appendix for full text of Committee Report 23 – 6(2). We didn’t have it as a separate, but now we have dedicated resources doing in- depth analyses and looking into whether legislation will be needed for this territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters.

I recognize the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Item 12: Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters Committee Report 023 – 6(2): Report on the Review of the 2023 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present the Report of the Standing Committee on the Review of the 2023 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: Child and Family Services in Nunavut. Mr.

Speaker, the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts held its televised hearing on this report from September 19 to 20, 2023, in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly. Transcripts of the hearing are available on the Assembly’s website. Mr. Speaker, senior officials from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada and witnesses from the Government of Nunavut’s departments of Family Services, Health, Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Human Resources participated in the hearing. The standing committee thanks all the witnesses for their contributions. Mr.

Speaker, the standing committee’s report contains three sets of formal recommendations directed to the Government of Nunavut and relate to: • The historical context of the Auditor General’s Report; • The Government of Nunavut’s proposed whole-of-government approach; and • The Department of Family Services’ Strategic Plan. With that, Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the standing committee be received by the House and entered into the record as read. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member has moved that the report of the standing committee be received by the House and entered into the record as read.

Do members agree? Some Members: Agreed. Speaker: It is agreed. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. I recognize the Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3691 Committee Report 024 – 6(2): Bill 23, Nursing Professions Act (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 23, Nursing Professions Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The bill will be placed on the order paper for Friday, November 3. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Hon. Member for Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 180 – 6(2): 2021-22 Nunavut Emergency Management Annual Report (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the 2021- 22 Nunavut Emergency Management Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Member for Health, Mr. Main. Tabled Document 181 – 6(2): Chief Public Health Officer’s 2022-23 Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Places Act Annual Report (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Chief Public Health Officer’s 2022-23 Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Places Act Annual Report. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Tabled Document 182 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Community and Government Services in Response to Oral Question 584 – 6(2) (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As you will recall, I asked a number of questions in the House last week concerning the subject of drinking water infrastructure. I am pleased to table today a copy of the Minister of Community and Government Services’ recent correspondence to me on this issue. The minister’s letter contains important information that will be of interest to all Members of the House and I encourage all members to review it with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Tabled Document 183 – 6(2): Air Transportation Services for the Kitikmeot Region (Quqqiaq) Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table a copy of correspondence dated October 30, 2023 from the president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association concerning the issue of air transportation in the region. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate minister on the issue during our fall sitting and I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3692 Speaker: Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 and Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), 163 – 6(2), and 174 – 6(2) with Mr. Hickes in the Chair. Before we proceed with the committee, we will take a 20-minute break.

Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:28 and Committee resumed at 15:50 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Thank you. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: please refer to Item 19 in the Orders of the Day which lists all of the items before the committee. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) We wish to continue with Bill 31 and carry on with the review of the 2024-25 capital appropriation for the Department of Health, followed by the review of the Department of Finance, which includes Arctic College, and then followed by the Department of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Do committee members agree that we first deal with Bill 31? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Health – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main, do you have witnesses that you would like to appear before the committee?

Hon. John Main (interpretation): 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. Thank you. Just for the record, Minister Main, please introduce your officials to the committee and then I’ll go back to Ms. Quassa and her line of questioning. Minister Main. Hon.

John Main (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I’m joined again by Deputy Minister Megan Hunt and Executive Director of Corporate Services Greg Babstock. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Yesterday we left off with Ms. Quassa asking some questions. You may continue, Ms. Quassa.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3693 Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I have just a couple of questions left. For capital funding for 2024-25, the department’s draft capital estimates include $5 million for ongoing lifecycle projects. Documentation included with the draft capital estimates indicates that the total cost for proposed ongoing lifecycle projects in 2024-25 exceeds $11 million. How will the department decide which projects will be funded? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main. Hon.

John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) With regard to this information that we have presented, we decided to take a little bit of a different approach in terms of presenting it where we have given kind of a total list of the projects we anticipate that need to be addressed, going out to fiscal year 2026-27. In terms of deciding which ones will be dealt with first, due to the limited budget, as we’ve had to do for a number of years, we will be prioritizing health and safety hazards to the staff or public.

There are some specifics there on page 2 of the substantiation sheets in terms of what exactly we will be looking at. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister, for pointing out where we can find the information. (interpretation ends) My last question is: what communities are currently being considered for health centre renovation or expansion projects? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) We have a prioritization list, a priority ranking that we use, and Qikiqtarjuaq has been at the top of the list for a number of years. We’re really pleased to see that project moving forward. Following Qikiqtarjuaq, Baker Lake is the next community listed. Following Baker Lake, we are looking at Kugluktuk, and then Arviat would be the fourth on the current priority listing; Kugaaruk at number five. I could keep going, but there are a number of factors that we look at.

We look at population growth, the age of the facility, the condition of the facility, so it’s kind of a multifaceted prioritization that we look at. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. The next name I have on my list: Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister and your officials. My fellow member asked partially what I want to ask about. There has been the issue of additions to health centres, and for mental health issues, police cells are used. Although it might be a medical issue, there is a lack of facilities at the health centre.

At some health centres, would they be receiving, for those under mental stress who don’t have a place to stay, could there be a

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3694 safe room at the health centre? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the question. (interpretation ends) I think the member highlights a really important consideration around mental health. That’s a huge issue for the department as well as the whole territory, and it is really sad that some of our communities don’t have calming rooms.

You look at new facilities such as Kinngait, for example, there is a calming room in there which means that the RCMP cells don’t need to be used in most cases for individuals facing mental health crises. Currently, we don’t have any plans to add on calming rooms to communities where facilities don’t have them. We have stressed repeatedly to our federal partners, our position or our desire to see federal resources brought into a health infrastructure for Nunavut. We’ve pointed out to them repeatedly, that we are a young territory.

We have a huge infrastructure deficit, and that federal dollars would help us to achieve better health outcomes for Nunavummiut. It is something that we are willing to take into consideration, the ideal of adding on calming rooms for communities like Pond Inlet, but as of right now, we don’t have any definite plans. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister, for the response. This is a real issue.

When people are going through a mental breakdown, it’s not the police you want to deal with in that kind of situation, which makes it more adverse. Thank you for visiting the community of Pond Inlet and seeing the health centre and the community. I am glad we also have a birthing centre or room. Sometimes it is occupied as well. Our health centre is relatively new. It has been 20 years now and it is becoming too small for the size of the community as we are growing. I am wondering about the communities that are growing and require health facilities. I realize that all communities require facilities.

Perhaps if it is over occupied, it would show that it is too small. What do you consider when you are looking to assess funds? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we look at the growth in population of a community and also take that into consideration which one is going to be a priority. (interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, the important thing that I would like to highlight for the member is that Health would like to see us getting onto a regular pattern of moving forward on these infrastructure priorities.

The real frustrating thing with Qikiqtarjuaq for us has been that we’ve known for many years that it’s a need. Some of the initial planning work was done and then we saw a long delay in between that and construction. If we’re going to get through our list of priority health centres needing expansion or

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3695 replacement, we would like to see a regular cadence of health centres coming forward for consideration to the Assembly. Again, we see big potential in partnership with the federal government. We continue pushing forward resources in that regard. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank you, minister. I wish to move to a different matter or subject.

Currently, albeit I am unsure if I can query you on this subject, but at this point, can you provide an answer on how many of our precious elders, since in our community of Pond Inlet, we say that elders are precious. How many of our precious elders are currently awaiting the completion of a facility that is called in English (interpretation ends) Nunavut based long-term care facility (interpretation) if you have the number, how many elders are this list, (interpretation ends) how many are on the waiting list? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Main. Hon.

John Main: Right now, on our waitlist there are 15. That includes the waitlist for permanent placement as well as respite, which would be a short-term placement. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, minister. Once construction is completed in Rankin Inlet, are they all going to have beds available there? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) In terms of the Rankin Inlet long-term care facility and once it’s opened and operational, how we will allocate those beds, it’s not going to be a simple decision. It’s not first come, first served; there are admission criteria that we are working on. It’s being finalized. We’re looking at incorporating considerations around age, the home region of the individual, the health status, as well as the years of placement in Embassy West in Ottawa in order to prioritize which individuals are offered a spot first. It will be a choice that will be given.

Individuals will not be told, “You are being moved to Rankin Inlet.” They are allowed to decline. In terms of the criteria that we’ve developed, it was developed by Health staff with support from Director of Ethics at the Ottawa hospital. I hope that answers the question. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) How many projected in the coming years: 5, 10, 15 years for elders that will need a bed? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3696 Chairman: Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The last time a formal study was done in terms of the demand or the projected demand was in 2015 and the number of beds required was 156. I’m looking at my staff here; 156 to 2035. I’ll caution that or put a qualifier on that. That was a kind of an initial needs assessment and as part of that needs assessment, it was recommended to move to take some further consideration and drill down further in terms of the needs and develop a strategy basically.

That hasn’t happened to date. 156 beds by 2035, that’s the best estimate that we have at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you minister. The last assessment was done in 2015. Are you looking at how many beds will be needed to date? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation ends) We don’t have any plans at this point to develop further forecasting, but it could be something, for example, that flows out of the senior’s strategy if that’s a recommendation under the senior strategy, or an action item. We would certainly be willing to work on that. As I mentioned yesterday, when we look at long-term care, it’s not a simple matter in terms of what the demand is going to be. There are things that we can do outside of long-term care that could dramatically affect the demand.

I will use as an example: A program to support family care givers to provide them an income, or to provide them a subsidy. That’s something that in other jurisdictions has been put in place, and from my understanding could have a significant effect on the demand for long-term care beds. I just put that out there as an example. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman along with the minister. Now, I wonder if the government has contemplated the idea of establishing facilities for our elders in the smaller communities.

I know that no funding has been established for elder care facilities in the smaller communities, although we too desire our elders to remain closer to home in the non-regional centres. The principle is to keep our elders closer to home. Recently I had a meeting with the Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Mr. Irngaut during February and I put across the idea of requesting funding for Pond Inlet to construct an elder’s care facility.

NTI has funding for affordable housing construction, and I requested that NTI consider this initiative and I asked for support to build an elder care facility because we would be able to house high arctic elders in Pond Inlet instead of going to Ottawa. As an example, we can become a hub facility for elders from Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, and perhaps even Clyde River.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3697 My query then to you is: have you worked with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to look at possibly supporting the idea of building elder care facilities in the smaller communities or in the high arctic region? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under the Katujjiluta mandate, it is written and in following that written principle in the mandate, our focus is to work with other bodies such as NTI, and I have had the opportunity to meet with the executive previously on various matters.

Actually, we have had meetings with their senior managers, and our senior management officials have regularly scheduled meetings at that level, and additionally, we also meet with the elected officials at the executive levels. The issue of elder care facilities has been at the forefront of the meetings, as they form part of the discussions surrounding our elders being a priority. We have discussed ways to keep facilities closer, such as satellite centres in Gjoa Haven, Igloolik and Arviat for our elders to be cared for.

This is part of our initial discussions to begin the initiative, however, we are looking at avenues where we can work in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and we have an open door policy, and welcome any ideas that can lead to further debates in our future, which we could conduct in the short- term future. Funding is obviously our biggest constraint and usually due to limited funding amounts, we need to try to garner as much funding support and agreements to move forward.

We would need to look at contribution agreements to support our projects, but currently we do not have any agreements, however (interpretation ends) we do have work plan in terms of our future activities, areas of focus with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Elders’ facilities are one of the items on that work plan, so it has been highlighted. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize because I summarized the issue too succinctly.

I also thank the minister for that. (interpretation ends) Is there a commitment from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for them to help with funding? If not, why not meet with them? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We don’t have any commitments. If there were any commitments, I think that would be for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to announce themselves. It wouldn’t be our place to announce things on their behalf. As I mentioned, we do meet with them, my staff meet with them.

It’s a very important relationship to the Department of Health on many fronts. So we are going to keep having those meetings at the working level as well as elected official level. I really thank them for their support, we had a trilateral meeting this summer with

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3698 Minister Hajdu and Minister Holland, those are the ministers for Indigenous Services Canada as well as Health Canada, as well as officials from the Department of Health, and then representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. It was a very exciting meeting. There were a lot of areas of shared focus between us and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. I hate to brag about a meeting or get excited about a meeting, but there was something there and I’m hoping that it’s going to be beneficial for Nunavut in the long term. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you. Next name I have on my list, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Minister, welcome back to you and your officials. (interpretation) I would like to start off by questioning this issue on page 2 of the minister’s opening comments on (interpretation ends) Nunavummiut elders within territory and closer to home. (interpretation) I am confused about the choice of the wording used, where it states elders will remain home, as I would prefer them receiving this care within their home community.

My question is: (interpretation ends) Why not at home? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I appreciate the member’s sentiment and I understand when you look at the circumstances and hardship that families go through when elders have to, or any Nunavut resident has to, leave their home for health reasons, or to seek care it’s very difficult. There’s no way that I’m going to pretend its not difficult.

I think the question that was asked yesterday by the Member for Baker Lake around what’s next after Cambridge Bay and after Iqaluit facilities are developed, is still what’s next? I think that’s a key consideration that the Department of Health, our other partner departments as well as, I would hope the regular members, and all Members of this Assembly could help us to answer.

As I mentioned yesterday, we don’t have a definitive plan saying this will be the next community, this will be the next community, but if it continues to be raised as an issue of concern and priority, I think, you know, I would hope to see plans come into place and investments start to flow if that’s the desire of the Assembly, either during the life of this government, or the next. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When my colleague was asking questions you spoke about butterfly homes and greener homes.

If you can explain to me exactly what these are so that we can understand what you were pertaining to? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3699 Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) When you look at models like the Greenhouse Project, those are alternative models of care for older adults with complex care issues and needs. The more conventional approach to long-term care is institutional and that’s what we currently employ in our continuing care facilities, and that’s the model that we are going with in terms of the Rankin Inlet facility.

There are positive and negatives with going for a conventional model, or an alternative model, but I think our circumstances in Nunavut are quite unique and that’s where, as part of the mandate implementation plan, we are interest in looking at the Greenhouse model in particular to see if that’s one that could be transferred into Nunavut. Could we pilot it and or use it in Nunavut? We are still in the very initial stages of that work. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

In regard to Greenhouse that you just spoke of, and also the Rankin Inlet long-term care facility, can the minister elaborate how much it would cost for the Green House facility? Compare it to the overall costs of construction of the elder care facility based in Rankin Inlet. I have an idea of the actual parameters of the construction costs. If you have this information available, can you provide an estimate of the construction costs? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I don’t have any specifics around the costs.

It would be the capital costs and then the operating costs. I don’t have any specifics in terms of comparing, but one thing that I can share with the member that we are working on, is developing a business case to create a long-term care division within the Department of Health. It’s not in front of the House, just as of yet, but it’s something that we want to move forward on given all the attention and the expansions that are coming down the line in Nunavut around long- term care. That’s something we envision would be of great use to further strengthen long-term care.

That is creating a long-term care division within the Department of Health. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, minister. I would also like to ask the minister if he can give us the information on the cost of the Green House and also for the operation. Can you provide that information to the members here? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I can commit to that, in terms of providing some background information.

As well, if there is an interest to meet on this in-person and have some discussions, I would certainly be open to that with the members who may be

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3700 interested. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, minister. I am interested in meeting with you because I am very interested in seeing if the price is lower so that elders could be in the long-term facility. I’d like to move on to another topic. The health centres and hospitals, for example in Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit, and Cambridge Bay: has the department considered if they can increase the size of these health centres?

I would like to hear if you have any plans to make the Rankin Inlet health centre building larger. Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) For Rankin Inlet, in terms of the priority listing that was mentioned earlier, Rankin Inlet is included on there and it is currently number six on the priority listing. That’s where we look at population projections, the facility, condition, the area or the size of the health centre itself. In the priority rankings it is currently at six. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Malliki. Mr.

Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that the Rankin Inlet regional health centre is servicing other communities. They know the number of patients that go there in the Kivalliq. Is the regional health centre large enough to see other patients from other communities? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I think the priority ranking is the best gauge to go by. At number six in the ranking, it is closer to the top of the list.

It’s safe to say it has been identified as one of our facilities that have been flagged for expansion in terms of our listing. We wouldn’t be looking at a replacement of the facility. I have to repeat what I said earlier: Health wants to see a regular pattern of health centres getting expanded or replaced. We would really not want to see years of delay like we saw with Qikiqtarjuaq. If we can knock off Qikiqtarjuaq and move onto Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, Arviat, Kugaaruk, Rankin Inlet, and keep going, there is so much need when we look at the health facilities across Nunavut.

We really want to move things quicker in the future. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, thank you, Mr. Chairman. The reason why I brought up that question was based on the services available in Rankin Inlet, as there aren’t enough medical travellers to build a boarding home, yet if you add thi