Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 52 Monday, October 23, 2023 Pages 3235 – 3295 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 ...........................................................................................................................3235 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3235 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3240 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3247 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3247 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3276 Second Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................3276 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3279 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3294 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3294

A. Daily References Monday, October 23, 2023 .........................................................................................................3235 B.

Ministers’ Statements 276 – 6(2): Speaker Welcomes Premier to Gjoa Haven (Akeeagok, P) .....................................3235 277 – 6(2): COVID-19 Fall Wave and Flu Vaccines (Main) .....................................................3236 278 – 6(2): New President and Chief Executive Officer (Nakashuk) ........................................3237 279 – 6(2): Access to Safe Drinking Water in Communities (Joanasie) ....................................3237 280 – 6(2): 2023-24 Full-day Kindergarten Pilot Program (Gross) ...........................................3238 281 – 6(2): Iqaluit Deep Sea Port Grand Opening (Akeeagok, D) .............................................3239 282 – 6(2): Success of the Summer Student Employment Program in Grise Fiord (Qavvik) ....3240 C.

Members’ Statements 371 – 6(2): Traditional Skills Development at Igloolik High School (Quassa) .........................3240 372 – 6(2): Tribute to Elder Marie Anguti (Quqqiaq) ................................................................3240 373 – 6(2): Bullying and Violence in Our Schools (Malliki) .....................................................3241 374 – 6(2): Municipal Elections in Baker Lake (Simailak) ........................................................3242 375 – 6(2): Lack of Mental Health Services (Nutarak) ..............................................................3242 376 – 6(2): Constituency Visit to Clyde River (Killiktee) .........................................................3243 377 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Kugluktuk (Anavilok) ..................................................3244 378 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Arctic Bay (Akeeagok, D) ............................................3244 379 – 6(2): Hockey Equipment Drive and Hockey School in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) .............3245 380 – 6(2): Municipal Election Day (Main) ...............................................................................3246

D.

Oral Questions 540 – 6(2): Bullying and Violence in Our Schools (Malliki) .....................................................3247 541 – 6(2): Guaranteed Basic Income (Simailak) ......................................................................3249 542 – 6(2): Foster Parent Recruitment (Sammurtok) .................................................................3251 543 – 6(2): Funding for Nunavut Students (Hickes) ..................................................................3252 544 – 6(2): Lack of Mental Health Services (Nutarak) ..............................................................3255 545 – 6(2): Nunavut Land Use Plan (Brewster) .........................................................................3257 546 – 6(2): Providing Care at Home (Anavilok) ........................................................................3258 547 – 6(2): Homeownership Programs (Killiktee) .....................................................................3260 548 – 6(2): Street Lighting (Quqqiaq) ........................................................................................3263 549 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) ..............................................................3265 550 – 6(2): Remote Work Policy (Savikataaq) ..........................................................................3267 551 – 6(2): Current Staffing Levels (Hickes) .............................................................................3269 552 – 6(2): Status of Coral Harbour’s Sakku School Project (Malliki) .....................................3271 553 – 6(2): Base Rate Amendment Application (Lightstone) ....................................................3272 554 – 6(2): Ethics Officer (Brewster) .........................................................................................3274 E.

Tabling of Documents 172 – 6(2): Petroleum Products Division 2021-22 Annual Report (Joanasie) ...........................3276 F. Bills Bill 26 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – Second Reading .......................................3276 Bill 28 – Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act – Second Reading ..................3276 Bill 29 –

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act – Second Reading ................3277 Bill 27 –

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act – Second Reading ...............................3277

Bill 30 –

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – Second Reading ..................................3277 Bill 34 – Write-off of Assets and Debts Act, 2022-2023 – Second Reading .............................3278 Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Second Reading .......................3278 Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Second Reading .............................................................................................................................................3278 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3279

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3235 Iqaluit, Nunavut Monday, October 23, 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. Simailak, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, colleagues. (interpretation ends) I hope you enjoyed your weekend and are all set for this week’s work. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 276 – 6(2): Speaker Welcomes Premier to Gjoa Haven (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon and thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I continue to be awed by the beauty of our territory’s western region. My recent visit to the Kitikmeot community and your beautiful community of Gjoa Haven was no exception. On your invitation, Mr. Speaker, I visited Gjoa Haven on August 1 and 2. I wish to thank you and your beautiful wife, Annie, for your incredible hospitality. >>Applause In Gjoa Haven we were greeted at once by Mayor Megan Porter.

I so remember it like it was yesterday. It was hot and sunny, Mr. Speaker, and I was very honoured to be able to serve burgers and hotdogs to residents who came out for the feast. Mr. Speaker, through your coordination, I appeared before the hamlet council to listen and answer questions. I sat down with the Kikitak Housing Association and stood on the lots where Nunavut 3000 builds began this summer. I visited your vibrant health centre run by dedicated staff. At the continuing care centre, I spoke with elders from the region and learned that the 10-bed centre is a key community employer.

On a serious note, I visited the community morgue, an older building with no temperature control. This is one example of how far-reaching the territory’s infrastructure deficits can be, even having an impact on the care of the deceased.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3236 I will acknowledge, though, that my visit came at a time when residents were recovering from the tragic events and the tragic losses of community members. Despite this sadness, I experienced Gjoa Haven’s welcoming spirit and resilience. Inuit culture is alive and well in that community. Thank you to the Tainiit drum dancers and all the dancers, from youth to elders, who shared this traditional practice with me. We always end our statements this way, but after experiencing the kindness and beauty of Gjoa Haven, I mean it especially when I say “thank you, Mr.

Speaker.” >>Applause Speaker: Before going to the next minister’s statement, I would like to say that we’re thinking about the community members of Gjoa Haven, who just last night, lost another member. We’re thinking of my community. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 277 – 6(2): COVID-19 Fall Wave and Flu Vaccines (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and other respiratory infections in Nunavut currently.

It’s important for Nunavummiut to receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at their earliest opportunity. (interpretation ends) As we head into winter, getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine and your flu shot helps protect against viruses that can make us very sick, that can put us in the hospital or medevaced out for urgent care. Getting both the COVID-19 and flu vaccine means a lower risk of widespread infections in our communities. This safeguards individuals and families, but it also safeguards the Nunavut health care system so we can focus on those needing care every day.

Nunavut’s fall COVID-19 vaccine rollout is based on guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. It is strongly recommended individuals follow the ‘rule of six’: if it has been six months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or if it has been six months since a COVID- 19 infection, you should get your COVID-19 vaccine. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free and available at all health centres in Nunavut. It is safe and recommended to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment.

Uqaqtitsijii, there’s an opportunity in the Legislative Assembly today to get vaccinated and protect our loved ones and communities against COVID-19 and influenza. During the afternoon break, our public health team will be in the lobby to administer the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. I invite all MLAs and ministers to participate. (interpretation) Vaccines are safe, vaccines are tested, and vaccines work. Nunavummiut, please get your updated

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3237 COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as you can. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 278 – 6(2): New President and Chief Executive Officer (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut, as well as the residents of Pangnirtung. Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Hunt as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. Mr. Hunt joins the commission after almost 20 years of service with the Qulliq Energy Corporation. His experience and depth of knowledge in the occupational health and safety field is extensive. I am pleased to have him lead our organization. (interpretation ends) This marks the first time that the commission’s president will be based in Iqaluit instead of Yellowknife. Hon.

Paulie Chinna, Northwest Territories Minister [responsible] for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, and I are equally supportive of Mr. Hunt’s appointment and trust that he will advance workplace safety in both territories. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 279 – 6(2): Access to Safe Drinking Water in Communities (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and we are thinking of the residents of your community. Good day, Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, earlier in the sitting, I tabled a report reviewing the emergency measures taken by my department in response to the 2021 water contamination incident here in Iqaluit. This incident highlighted that access to safe drinking water is essential to community life and reinforced the importance of ongoing investment into water treatment infrastructure in our communities. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, ensuring our drinking water meets the needs of our growing population and the national Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality will require a substantial, continued investment into replacing, upgrading, and maintaining water treatment infrastructure in every community in Nunavut. In 2024-25 alone, my department is proposing proactive water treatment plant upgrades in six communities to ensure their water treatment infrastructure has the capacity to produce high-quality drinking water for delivery to homes, businesses, and government facilities.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3238 (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, these planned upgrades are being proposed to ensure local water treatment infrastructure meets the future needs of our growing communities and are in addition to the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of existing water treatment facilities in our communities. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, nothing illustrates just how vital access to safe drinking water is more than not having it. In the last six months, my department has taken immediate measures to repair and upgrade water treatment infrastructure in eight communities.

These measures included stabilizations of Arviat’s water reservoir berm, upgrades to Baker Lake and Grise Fiord’s water storage tanks, repairs to Kugluktuk’s water intake, pump replacements in both Chesterfield Inlet and Pangnirtung, an electrical issue in Arctic Bay, and finally, immediate repairs to the pumphouse and water treatment plant in my own constituency of Kinngait where a series of breakdowns and equipment failures have required investment to ensure water delivery can be maintained this winter.

My department will continue to provide the support necessary to ensure safe drinking water is produced in communities and responds quickly where operations require assistance. Mr. Speaker, my department is committed to ensuring Nunavummiut have ongoing access to safe drinking water in the short, medium and long term. I would like to recognize our municipal partners for their fundamental role in managing water treatment and distribution in communities and the resilience and patience of our residents. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms.

Gross. Minister’s Statement 280 – 6(2): 2023- 24 Full-day Kindergarten Pilot Program (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good day to those in the House with us and those across Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Education’s full- day kindergarten pilot project has now officially launched now in five communities across the territory. Schools in Apex, Chesterfield Inlet, Kimmirut, Kugluktuk, and Whale Cove now offer their kindergarten students a full day of learning. Mr. Speaker, we are excited by the launch of this pilot.

Full-day kindergarten gives students access to more instructional time to build their knowledge and skills related to Inuit language and culture, literacy, and numeracy, while promoting physical and social-emotional health and wellness. Research shows that a full-day kindergarten program gives students a strong foundation that positively impacts their future learning. On top of the many benefits to students, it also provides parents with additional child care options. Mr. Speaker, the 2023-24 full-day kindergarten pilot is the first step to help guide a phased-in system-wide rollout.

Piloting the expansion of full-day kindergarten in five select schools helps ensure that the program’s future

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3239 expansion maximizes benefits to students and staff. The department will assess the pilot program’s results throughout the school year. Lessons learned from the pilot will then inform the department’s long-term implementation plan to strengthen the sustainability of full-day kindergarten across all Nunavut schools. Mr. Speaker, I thank Members of this House for their advocacy, along with key recommendations from other members of the Special Committee to Review the Education Act that helped chart this path for these young learners and future leaders. Quana, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 281 – 6(2): Iqaluit Deep Sea Port Grand Opening (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to update my colleagues on a very exciting project: the Iqaluit Deep Sea Port. After years of work by contractors, engineers, and project managers, my department celebrated the grand opening of the Iqaluit Deep Sea Port on July 25 of this year. The grand opening was well-attended by the public, industry, and dignitaries. The opening provided an opportunity for Iqalummiut to see the facility up close and for sealift companies and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation to showcase the port’s operations.

I would like to thank my colleagues who attended the opening, as well as staff at the department for coordinating the event. I would also like to extend my thanks to our federal counterparts and other departments that contributed to the completion of this project. Mr. Speaker, in the next few weeks, the first [year of] operations at the Iqaluit Deep Sea Port will draw to a close. By all accounts, the season has been extremely successful. Naturally, the sealift operators and fuel resupply tankers that can come alongside and offload directly ashore or into the pipeline have seen the greatest benefit.

Their time at port has been reduced by up to two-thirds. Operations that cannot come alongside the wharf are also seeing great benefits. The wide, evenly sloped barge ramp provides protected access at the tides and the huge marshalling area allows for quick and efficient movement of cargo out to the customers. Mr. Speaker, this seaport met its first challenge last December, when two fuel tankers arrived late in the year and were able to safely complete their resupply. At the end of this month, two scheduled cargo vessels and a tanker are all scheduled to be in port at the same time.

Given the flexibility and efficiency the facility has provided so far, I have no doubt that the facility will rise to this challenge as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3240 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 282 – 6(2): Success of the Summer Student Employment Program in Grise Fiord (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are thinking of your community. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, (interpretation) despite Grise Fiord being the smallest community in Nunavut, my department was able to double its presence this summer thanks to the Summer Student Employment Program. Mr.

Speaker, Officer Christensen was able to mentor David Watsko Jr. also known as “D.J.” in valuable on-the-job experience. D.J. is originally from Grise Fiord and is entering his second year with the Environmental Technology Program with Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, D.J. was able to receive on-the-job training and was able to gain valuable experience in both an office and on the land settings. D.J. assisted the Government of Nunavut in a wildlife research project on muskox on Ellesmere Island. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to highlight the Summer Student Employment Program that provides opportunities like on-the-job training. D.J. looks forward to enrolling in the Summer Student Employment Program again next summer to continue his work with the Department of Environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 371 – 6(2): Traditional Skills Development at Igloolik High School (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues.

I also say “good day” to the residents of Igloolik. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the high school students. For the past two weeks, they were taught about ice forming on lakes and how to do that. They were taught by Inuit on how to collect the ice. Some people prefer ice water for their tea. They also learned how to go on the ice safely. I am very appreciative of the fact that they were taught very well and I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in commending these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr.

Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 372 – 6(2): Tribute to Elder Marie Anguti (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Elder Marie Anguti of Kugaaruk, for her important role in strengthening Inuit language, knowledge and culture.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3241 Mr. Speaker, Marie Anguti was born in 1943 at an outpost camp and was raised in Kugaaruk. Elder Marie Anguti has been teaching and promoting our Inuit language by way of sharing traditional stories, throat singing and songs, most notably through pihiq and drum dancing. Mr. Speaker, Elder Marie Anguti has performed in many drum dancing festivals in Nunavut over the years, as well as internationally, in Vancouver and Toronto, and also performing in a number of countries, including France and Monaco. Mr.

Speaker, Marie Anguti has also visited the school in Kugaaruk to teach students about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional sewing techniques. Mr. Speaker, Elder Marie Anguti was appointed to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit in 2021. The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit assists with recommending Inuit knowledge and expertise to the Government of Nunavut’s departments. Marie Anguti’s lived experience, recommendations, and teachings have been of immense value. Mr.

Speaker, I would like express my appreciation for Marie Anguti for her important efforts to strengthen and revitalize the Inuit language and culture. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in paying tribute to Marie Anguti. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 373 – 6(2): Bullying and Violence in Our Schools (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, Nunavummiut, my constituents in Coral Harbour and Naujaat, as well as my fellow MLAs.

It’s great to be back here again as my flight was delayed past the first sitting day. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk today about the Department of Education and it is in regard to bullying and violence in our schools, which is a concern that is raised by parents and students. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a serious concern raised by many of my constituents, both parents… . Speaker: Sorry, Mr. Malliki. This is not question period at this time; it’s just a member’s statement. Members’ Statements. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Sorry and thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I was making my member’s statement. (interpretation ends) …many of my constituents, both parents and students, about the unacceptably high rates of bullying and violence in our schools. Mr. Speaker, it is very upsetting when a parent contacts you with a photo of their 12-year-old student who has been so badly beaten by a fellow student they have to be medevaced out of the community.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3242 Mr. Speaker, it is sad to hear that parents aren’t sending their kids to school because they are worried for their safety. It is even sadder to hear that our youth are scared to go to school because of the violence they see around them, fearing that it might affect them. Mr. Speaker, our children are losing opportunities to receive their education because of the bullying and violence in our schools. I recognize that the Department of Education has started to collect data on the number of violent incidents reported in schools.

That is a start, but it is a slow start and does nothing to reassure students and parents right now that steps will be taken to prevent the bullying and violence or even to hold the bullies accountable. Mr. Speaker, it seems every week there are fights at the local high school. For the sake of our children’s health, safety, and mental wellness, this situation must not continue. For the sake of their education and their future, it cannot continue. I call on the government to address this serious issue immediately. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Member’s Statement 374 – 6(2): Municipal Elections in Baker Lake (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to my colleagues and all the staff. Now, to the people of Baker Lake, there is a municipal election for hamlet council and mayor. It would be great if everybody would go out and vote. There are two people running for mayor and they are Kevin Iksiktaaryuk and James Taipana. For the hamlet council, there are twelve candidates.

They are: Adham Adose, Mikey Akilak, Aquillaq Amaruq, Trevor Attungala, Siobhan Doherty- Iksiktaaryuk, Eva Elytook, Michael Mautaritnaaq, David Owingayak, Salamonie Pootoogook, Grace Tagoona, Eric John Tapatai, and Becky Tootoo. All these people are running for council. It’s great to see so many candidates. In Baker Lake, it would be great if everyone would go out and vote today. Good luck to all the candidates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 375 – 6(2): Lack of Mental Health Services (Nutarak) Ms.

Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, to the people of Pond Inlet, my colleagues here, and to the people Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. October 10 was World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme was “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” Mr. Speaker, I was left wondering how the term ‘universal’ applies to Nunavut. The lack of mental health resources across our territory is critical. It feels

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3243 that this human right is not universal at all. Mr. Speaker, the traumas of the past, from colonization, residential school experiences and federal day schools live on from generation to generation. Trauma must be addressed with the right supports and services. Without those services, people often turn to drugs and alcohol to escape the pain. The community of Pond Inlet is often left without a mental health nurse for over three months at a time. The community has witnessed far too many tragic events. People are destroying themselves. Mr.

Speaker, I have written e-mails and letters to our government on this issue but mental health resources are still lacking. Mr. Speaker, I find it so frustrating to think that establishing a good mental health system with solid infrastructure could have been one of the government’s top priorities when Nunavut was created, to set us on a strong healthy path forward. While I look forward to the completion of the Nunavut Recovery Centre, it is still some years to come before people can go there for treatment. Even so, Mr. Speaker, treatment for addiction issues only touches the surface.

Trauma goes much deeper and must be addressed consistently, in our home communities, where we can learn to face challenges directly in our daily lives. Mr. Speaker, if mental health truly is a universal human right, then our government must do a better job to ensure that this right is promoted and protected. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Member’s Statement 376 – 6(2): Constituency Visit to Clyde River (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

First of all, good day, people of Iqaluit, Clyde River, and Qikiqtarjuaq, as well as everyone here. I rise today to talk about my constituents. We were elected to represent our constituents and I want to elaborate to my colleagues on an experience I went through during my campaign. I promised to hold public meetings within two years with my constituents in both of my communities, not just on local radio, but face-to-face meetings, and I fulfilled that promise. The reception from my constituents of Clyde River was very welcoming. Mr.

Speaker, as the MLA for Uqqummiut, I want to voice my pride in accomplishing this, as inexperienced as I was, having never hosted a public meeting with my constituents, especially in a different community. However, I am pleased that it was successful and I have felt rather invigorated.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3244 Mr. Speaker, I am very proud for the privilege, albeit it is sometimes stressful representing two wonderful communities, although some members represent three communities as it is based on population size. We need to acknowledge these challenges because it can become quite difficult obviously, particularly when living in a different community. Our traditions also differ from each other, though we are fellow Inuit, however each community has their own peculiarities.

Bad weather and the lack of intercommunity airline schedules created a challenge to our travel dates and we were unable to do constituency visits as frequently we would have liked to. Mr. Speaker, we need to recognize the residents of Clyde River, who all took the time to attend my public meeting, especially the adults, youth and elders. Their comments and concerns showed their desire to enact change, and I expect that our working relationship will become much stronger as I will be representing them for another two years. I wanted to inform you that the meeting was very successful.

I urge members to meet with their constituents. It is very good and gives us a better understanding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Member’s Statement 377 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Kugluktuk (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day, Kuglukturmiut, Nunavummiut, and colleagues. (interpretation ends) I rise today to acknowledge and welcome table tennis players from Kugluktuk: Nate Kamingoak, Mikail Bolt, Nolan Puasi, Kaya Atamat, Coach Robert Lynne, and also Maria and Atilla Csaba, who spearheaded with running and opening up the tournament here. I welcome them to Iqaluit and wish them well during their tournament stay. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 378 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Arctic Bay (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prior to making my statement, I wish to inform colleagues that the eldest woman in Arctic Bay, Qaapik, recently lost another one of her children over the weekend. I send my love, we are also keeping you in our thoughts and in our prayers as we share in this loss. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Arctic Bay played (interpretation ends) Ping Pong, (interpretation) though on Friday it was misunderstood as “pii paa.” >>Laughter We now know it’s (interpretation ends) ping pong. (interpretation) They had a very successful tournament, which was quite enjoyable to watch. I believe there

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3245 were seven communities that participated in this tournament. The parent/coaches, Cody Kilabuk and Crystal Enoogoo, worked very hard to raise the funds to bring the participants here. They also ensured the athletes practised hard. When we work together, anything becomes possible. I would like to congratulate them as well and the players who came here were: • Ken Aola • Sheldon Allurut • Taryn Enoogoo • Lorna Kalluk • Violet Naqitarvik I would like to congratulate them.

Advancing to the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska are: • Trudy Qaunaq • Puka Allurut • Keegan Qamanirq These four individuals will be attending the Arctic Winter Games. Three divisions will be represented by Arctic Bay athletes. I am ecstatic that they won five gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. The justice committee and HTO in Arctic Bay donated funds, along with local residents who bought things to help fund the trip and I appreciate their support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak.

Member’s Statement 379 – 6(2): Hockey Equipment Drive and Hockey School in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As we all know, Rankin Inlet is known, rightly so I think, as one of the most active communities in terms of sports and recreation in our territory. This weekend was no different, Mr. Speaker. Last week, the community did a hockey equipment drive where anybody and everybody that registered for minor hockey was able to get equipment of whatever they needed.

Some of the children went and got registered and they didn’t have any equipment at all, but when they came out of the arena or the community hall, they were fully equipped, all free, from the hard work of the volunteers in our community. Other members in the community who had outgrown their equipment could trade them in for new or used equipment that better suits them. After that, Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the community put on another great hockey school.

The hockey school that is put on in the community runs from morning ‘til night, and it’s not just about learning to skate; more importantly, it includes literacy, it includes learning respect, having fitness classes and then skills programs in hockey. This is not possible without the tremendous support we get from our community; all the mothers and fathers, and even those with nobody playing hockey participate in its movement. I appreciate everybody that participated and volunteered for that.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3246 Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, we had our summer, and in Rankin Inlet, we have soccer and baseball tournaments that happen continuously. We have two basketball courts that run nonstop, 24 hours a day, with young people playing in them. We also have not-so-young people out playing in our ball diamond. This summer, for the first time, there was a Rankin Inlet team called the Freaks, who went to Winnipeg to participate in the slo-pitch nationals across the country. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of the team. They came out of there winning the national championship. Mr.

Speaker, I am proud of… >>Applause …I am so proud of our team, Mr. Speaker. I would like to get a bit more time to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our slo-pitch league in Rankin Inlet is second to none. They’re always holding some kind of slow pitch tournament over the weekend, and we have many participants from across the Kivalliq region coming to participate.

They also work with children and have slo-pitch and fast pitch for the children in Rankin Inlet as well. Getting back to the Freaks, Mr. Speaker, our national champions coming out of Nunavut, I’d like to recognize them by name. In no particular order: Mr. James Merritt, Chad Taipana, Chad Graham, Kandace Graham, Norman Okalik, Tracy Roach, Carlo Hamilton, Catharine Ayaruak, Seamus Ayaruak, Nigel Nakoolak, Olivia Tagalik, Loren Kaludjak, and Edna Hamilton. Congratulations and I’m proud of every one of you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

Member’s Statement 380 – 6(2): Municipal Election Day (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, my colleague made a member’s statement about this earlier, however, as we all know, there are local municipal elections. For residents in both Arviat and Whale Cove, I encourage all of you to go out and vote. There are several candidates running for the mayorship in Whale Cove and the local council, and I support all the candidates who put their names forward. In Arviat, there are several candidates for the council and they are all worthy of our support.

Nonetheless, in Arviat we have already elected a new mayor; Joe Jr. Savikataaq. I congratulate you and look forward to working with you on several issues together with my colleague from Arviat, whom I am sure will also collaborate with the mayor obviously.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3247 To all the candidates in the election for local hamlet council or mayor, they have huge responsibilities and as MLAs, we must work with them and provide support. I wanted to publicly express my appreciation today to each and every one of the candidates. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to vote. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today, I would like to recognize Mr. Rick Hunt, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. Mr. Hunt is no stranger to this House. For nearly 20 years, he served with the Qulliq Energy Corporation. His new role with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission is particularly significant because it is the first time in the history of that organization’s presence in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories that the President and Chief Executive Officer is located here in Iqaluit. Welcome, Mr.

Hunt. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I have my own. I have a community member from Gjoa Haven sitting behind the Premier, and who is my sister. Her name is Lucy Kusugak Akoak, and she works with the mental health department in Gjoa Haven. Welcome to the Assembly. >>Applause Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 540 – 6(2): Bullying and Violence in Our Schools (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about the high levels of violence and bullying in our schools. Can the minister clarify whether she is aware of incidents of violence in our schools where young victims are being medevaced out of the community? If she is, can she tell us how these situations are addressed by her department staff? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker and quana to the member for the question.

As we all know, I was away on leave as my daughter was born and I had Minister Joanasie acting on my behalf and I do know that a letter was sent to the Department of Education in regard to bullying in schools. Mr. Speaker, the situation was looked into and the department has written a

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3248 letter back to the member on October 12 in that instance he is referring to. Yes, we are aware of the situation of bullying in the schools, and I thank the member for bringing forward his concerns. Whenever there are issues in our communities, we do hear from the member and from his constituents as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister didn’t indicate how these situations are addressed.

All she stated was that she was informed of the situation. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I understand that the department has a new school violence tracking system. Can the minister describe how this system works and how it is used to directly address the increasing level of violence and bullying in our schools? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker and quana, again, to the member for the question on the violence incident reporting.

As a Canadian-wide issue, violence in schools has been a top priority for the Department of Education and with the Nunavut Teachers’ Association. In October 2022, last year, Mr. Speaker, we had a new anti-violence reporting tracking system and that was established through the Nunavut Teachers’ Association under the Safe Schools Anti-Violence Committee, and with that we have this new mechanism for reporting any incidents to this tracking system. The reporting of incidents includes violence and harassment.

It is also a way for us to use as preventative measures so that we can work on corrective and preventative actions to take if there are similar incidents that occur in the future. We never want to see any incidents of violence in our schools, but this is a way for us to know if they are happening and if it used correctly,65 then we are able to have the data there to show and support that we can have resources launched into communities where there are situations happening if they do happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr.

Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) “Preventative” wasn’t an answer. Like, I’m not getting any answers. Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my member’s statement, parents in my constituency don’t want to send their children to school out of fear for their safety. Students in my constituency are afraid to go to school due to bullying and violence. Will the minister commit to provide additional security measures for the schools in my constituency so that our children can continue to receive their education in a safe environment? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3249 Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. In the particulars around additional security, all of our schools do have updated security cameras. Those installations can always be looked back at if there are ever any incidents. We do have mechanisms for our headquarters here in Iqaluit to go through any footage as required.

If it is needed to be accessed by the RCMP, for example, or others, we are able to look at that footage in a secure manner, and send any materials over to the RCMP if need be, if it gets to that point. As far as extra security measures, I can talk to the member about what he’s referring to, and if he has any suggestions for extra security, Mr. Speaker, I’d be pleased to hear what his suggestions are from his constituents, and the Department of Education will look into his request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Question 541 – 6(2): Guaranteed Basic Income (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are for the Minister of Family Services. The issue of providing a guaranteed basic income to eligible Nunavut residents was raised in this House some time ago. The minister has indicated on a number of occasions that the issue was being ‘explored.’ Mr. Speaker, can the minister tell this House: what is her current position on establishing a guaranteed basic income for eligible Nunavut residents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank you for your question. With regard to the review, we’re looking at what would be best if we are going to be establishing a guaranteed basic income. We have compiled a report, but we are currently reviewing it. With the guaranteed basic income, we have been doing a review of it for quite some time now, but I can tell you that the report has been completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The minister didn’t provide her position, but I’ll move on to my second question here. The Government of Nunavut’s contracting database for 2020-21 shows that the Department of Family Services paid Blueprint ADE a sum of just over $892,000 for a feasibility study on guaranteed basic income. Can the minister provide an overview of the findings of that report, and specifically, can she tell us whether the report recommended providing a guaranteed basic income in Nunavut or not? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3250 Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that question. To say it in English, (interpretation ends) the Guaranteed Basic Income Feasibility Study for Nunavut; there are two overarching designs on that program. First is the income tax-based program, which would be very similar to reviewing families, whether it be one person or four people in the family, on how they can be eligible for income assistance using their income tax on a yearly basis. That kind of study could be very costly for the government.

The other one is reforming the current income assistance system, along with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or income- based principles, that would, again, explore some of the program’s assessments that we do, and that can include decentralized areas as well. I am sorry, I don’t remember the other question the member had asked. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister for your response. The other question was whether, or not the report recommended providing a guaranteed basic income in Nunavut or not.

Mr. Speaker, for my last question, I am certain that the report commissioned by Nunavut’s Department of Family Services contains some useful recommendations. Mr. Speaker, this is becoming more and more important for me. As I mentioned in the spring sitting, some of my constituents may have to rely on this in just a few years when the mine shuts down in Baker Lake. I am wondering: will the minister commit to tabling the Guaranteed Basic Income Feasibility Study so that we the Members of this House and the public can be better informed on this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms.

Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank you for that question. With regard to the report, there are different segments. (interpretation ends here) Phase 4 of the feasibility study has seven different design elements and those are pretty well including the Nunavut-based income program and approaching cost of living. There are seven of those. (interpretation) Actually they are all different.

Nonetheless, as I indicated, we are considering how deeply to dive into this report as it is still being considered, but the report will be tabled once it is completed after the review is finalized. We anticipated tabling it, but it may not be done during this fall sitting. However, the review will be completed in the near future and once that is done, we will table it, possibly not in this fall sitting, but in the near future.

Due to the details, with their complexity and difficulty in implementing the recommendations, the issues are constantly being reviewed as to the best method to provide the services, including how best to conduct a review of the challenges because of the large expenses incurred for caring for

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3251 Nunavummiut and how best to ensure the efficiency of these expenditures. These are the problems that are making this whole process rather challenging. However, once the report is tabled, the needs will become clearer, as well as how to make improvements to our future plans that we wish to include. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 542 – 6(2): Foster Parent Recruitment (Sammurtok) Mr.

Sammurtok (interpretation): Good day, people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet North. (interpretation ends here) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Family Services. Earlier this month, a public service announcement was sent out across Nunavut inviting prospective foster parents to an information session held in Iqaluit on October 16. Can the minister provide an update on how well this event was attended and whether any new foster parents were recruited? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for your question. I am very pleased that there were local invitations for prospective foster parents. Although we are constantly looking for local names, some of the communities don’t even have any foster parents. To date, this has been our biggest challenge and one we keep advertising, however it is good to hear that the meeting was well attended and many people came to make enquiries.

Though I cannot provide details, I am proud of the parents who are considering becoming foster parents, and paperwork continues to be received by our department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that the need to attract and inform new foster parents on the roles and responsibilities involved in providing a home for some of Nunavut’s most vulnerable individuals. However, it concerns me that recruitment efforts are mainly focused in Iqaluit.

Can the minister tell us whether there are plans to host similar foster parent information sessions in other communities, including Rankin Inlet in the upcoming months? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. From what I know, there are requests for more foster parents on local radio and there are posts online. There are information sessions held in communities.

If there is going to be another information session in Rankin Inlet, I will encourage my staff to hold it in the near future.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3252 Foster care recruitment is somewhat complicated because we have to make sure that there’s proper care given to the children. Sometimes it can take a long time to conduct the assessments that are required. However, I can’t tell you if the information session in Rankin Inlet will be held in the near future, but I’ll keep you informed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker, the continuity of culture, being able to speak Inuktitut and eat Inuksiutit is very important for young Inuit children who are already facing the uncertainty of being removed from their home and separated from their family. Our government should be making greater efforts to encourage families in communities outside of the capital city to open their hearts and homes to foster [children.] Will the minister commit to hosting foster parent information sessions in communities outside of Iqaluit to increase the number of foster homes who can care for and support children in need? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question and for encouraging the search for more foster parents. We are always requesting more foster parents and we realize that there is a lack of foster parents in communities. To reiterate, we discuss what more support can be provided to foster parents. There are meetings with foster parents to find ways to support them further. During Christmastime, there are sometimes feasts held for foster parents.

They deal with complex issues and we look for ways to support them further as a government. I fully support the recruitment efforts, especially in looking at our need for foster parents, but we will put more effort into finding ways to recruit more foster parents in the communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 543 – 6(2): Funding for Nunavut Students (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Education.

Over the past year and a half, I have asked the minister a number of questions, and I’ll refer back to a question that I had asked the minister last fall with regard to Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students. How many applications were made, how many were approved, denied, or are still pending? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. As for the particular details of the member’s question, right now, as of fall 2023 for the Financial Assistance for

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3253 Nunavut Students enrollment, we have Nunavut Inuit who are studying in the territory, we have 131 who are enrolled and receiving financial assistance; for Nunavut Inuit who are studying outside of the territory, we have 152 recipients, bringing the total to 283 Inuit that are receiving financial assistance. For non- Inuit studying in Nunavut, we have 9 recipients and for non-Inuit studying outside of Nunavut, we have 40 recipients, bringing our total to 49. Our total enrollment numbers for this fall are 332 students.

In terms of the question on approval, we had the number of approvals for 2023- 24, we have had in each category, 168 Inuit studying in the territory and outside of Nunavut, 204, and non-Inuit we’ve had 12 studying in the territory and studying outside the territory for non- Inuit, 63, bringing our total to 447. Overall, we have seen a rise since COVID for these applications. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll have to go over the Blues to get those final numbers again.

Unfortunately, I was comparing the numbers to last year’s response, and in the response last year, the minister stated that there were 753 between Inuit and non-Inuit who had applied for financial assistance for students. I do have a challenge in those numbers that you’re stating that they’re increasing, yet I’m seeing a notable decrease. Anyway, I’ll move along, Mr. Speaker. The minister has previously stated that a lack of information on FANS applications can delay approval, yet even now, I’m still hearing of students waiting weeks to hear back from staff at the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students office.

Has the minister established minimum response times to respond to applicants and, if so, what is that time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for that question. I’m sorry that there have been delays to certain applicants. We never want to see that happen and we are reviewing the FANS program with the comprehensive review and are looking to enhance the program. As I have stated here, we have had interim solutions to address some of the issues that we’ve had to increase our employment.

We have been able to hire seven casual staff to the FANS department to help with the program overall, which has helped the applications. To address the question that the member has asked, it can take up to 15 business days for applications to go through as there is a chain of procedures and government process that the applications do have to go through with the Department of Finance and also with banks.

Some institutions take up to five business days for payments to go through to students, depending on which institution they have, but in our peak times, it can take a little bit longer for these applications to go through. We do try to address applications as fast as we can and they can sometimes go through a lot quicker than 15 business days, but if there are ever any instances, I appreciate any questions that come to

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3254 my office or to the FANS department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response and I do look forward to seeing more work done in that area. Mr.

Speaker, almost exactly a year ago, October 26 of last year, the minister responded to a question regarding that comprehensive review and stated “As we were undergoing the comprehensive review of the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program for Nunavut, and working to support our students as best we can, this task is undertaken with a lot of serious regard in terms of working to meet all of the aspects that our students need.” Mr. Speaker, it’s been a year now since that commitment was made to do this comprehensive review, yet I still have yet to hear a timeline of when this review is to be completed.

Maybe the minister would be able to update the House today on that time frame? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker and quana to the member for the question on the comprehensive review timelines for the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program. We do have a lot of work in front of us as we overhaul a significant piece of the department’s branches, as the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program funding has never been updated like this before, Mr.

Speaker, as it has been something that has been inherited from the Northwest Territories government with the policies and procedures. There are a lot of undertakings that the department has done, hence the term ‘comprehensive review’ for this program. We do re- envision to look way different and enhanced in so many different ways. Mr.

Speaker, just a quick update for the timeline; the whole project overall should be completed and we are trying to speed this up, but it is anticipated that the overall FANS portion of this should be completed by 2025-26, and that is because it has to go through several steps to get there. Right now, we have completed the comprehensive review and we are working on a report. I look forward to that coming through the process with the recommendations, but I can’t speak to that, Mr. Speaker, right now.

However, we also have other work in the areas of a legislative review for the Act, we have the development, design, mechanics of the program, which is the public face of the program and the operations manual, which will be next fiscal year; 2024-25. In early 2024-25, we also have the development for a new database, so hopefully we will be able to get that going through as it is a major component and one of the biggest pieces that we need to support is a new database for the FANS program. With that comes a procedural database and computer system. Also, the following year, that will be to test the

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3255 database and computer system, and then finally a full rollout of the FANS program. I know this seems like a long timeline, Mr. Speaker, but we are hoping to have interim measures slowly and gradually as we go through this. I really do look forward to seeing a re-enhanced program for our students. We can’t advocate enough on how important it is to have a more enhanced program and robust system for our financial assistance. I really thank our member for his continued support in speaking to the matter. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 544 – 6(2): Lack of Mental Health Services (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, I recently wrote a number of emails and a letter to the minister with respect to the lack of mental health services in Pond Inlet. Can the minister confirm that he has received my correspondence and indicate when I might expect a reply? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member for the question. The issue of mental health needs to be discussed, not only here, but across the territory of Nunavut. This helps to address the issue. I have received correspondence from the member on September 14. We have been working on a response, but I’m not sure if I have a draft at the moment. There are many letters and files that we are working on, but I will follow-up once we have the response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, minister.

I will be expecting that correspondence. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that hiring certified mental health nurses and other staff is a huge challenge for the Department of Health. I am aware that all across Canada there is a shortage of qualified health staff. However, it has also been recognized that having mental health workers and counsellors who share the same culture, language, and background as the people they are working with is the most effective means of achieving a successful outcome.

Can the minister provide an update on what initiatives are underway to employ Inuit as mental health workers in our community? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3256 (interpretation ends) In terms of Inuit employment within Mental Health, the largest initiative we have right now is our paraprofessional project. That is a project where I am pleased to say, Mr. Speaker, out of the 31 mental health and addictions paraprofessionals currently working across Nunavut, 25 of them are Inuit. This program or project has been designed specifically to try and bring more Inuit into the service providing space. We have identified that as a gap.

There are four different paraprofessional positions that have been created and those positions are structured so that the paraprofessionals work alongside our mental health professionals, such as mental health nurses in the community. Also, the positions are structured so that there is career laddering that can happen. In the longer term, what we would like to see is for our paraprofessionals moving into the professional field.

That is a longer-term goal, but I think through career laddering, something we are hoping to see in terms of increasing Inuit employment within mental health. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize. Thank you, minister. I am very happy to hear that there is some work being done on it. Hopefully, I can expect, Mr. Speaker, some new (interpretation ends) mental health (interpretation) workers. I am hopeful. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, Ilisaqsivik is a Nunavut-based organization which not only offers counselling, but also offers training for counsellors. Their services are Inuit-led and culturally and linguistically relevant to Nunavut. I believe our government should invest more heavily in supporting this initiative to train, certify, and recruit Nunavut- based mental health counsellors. Can the minister clearly describe how his department works with Ilisaqsivik, and what steps have been taken to support this organization in training mental health workers to work full-time in our communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Yes, we do work with Ilisaqsivik. I’d like to recognize that they are an independent body and they make their own decisions as to what needs to be done. I really want to support Ilisaqsivik and other groups like that in Nunavut. For example, there are Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet, and the Cambridge Bay, (interpretation ends) Department of Healthy Living. (interpretation) I don’t know the Inuktitut name for them.

There are different groups like that that we support. We are working with Ilisaqsivik in several different areas. (interpretation ends) There are a few different areas where we are collaborating actively with Ilisaqsivik in terms of mobile trauma response work, in terms of some of the other initiatives around developing Inuit-led and Inuit-

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3257 specific addictions and trauma treatment in Nunavut. There are a number of different fronts that we are working with Ilisaqsivik on, but I am aware that the hon. member’s question was specifically around training. In terms of the direct link between Ilisaqsivik and my department, I can’t speak to those exact details, but I will commit to returning with more detail to the member directly, when I have that available. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Question 545 – 6(2): Nunavut Land Use Plan (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the new Minister of Environment. I had to make a decision there. I made it really quickly. It was exactly one year ago this week that I raised the issue of the Government of Nunavut’s role in respect to the development of Nunavut’s Land Use Plan.

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. Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge that a number of the planning commission’s employees lost their housing in a fire recently, and some of them were my friends. I know how difficult that was for them, and I’m so amazed at how this community of Iqaluit stepped up for them, and across the territory. I’ve been thinking of them.

Thank you. >>Applause Mr. Speaker, the draft land use plan has been in the hands of the reviewing parties for over four months now. Can the minister provide an update on his department’s review of the proposed new plan? 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.

The Government of Nunavut is reviewing the 2023 recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan to ensure it aligns with the Government of Nunavut mandate on goals and objectives, and we expect to see the plan, whether it will be approved or rejected in the new year, in the coming new year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the minister for that response.

As I noted earlier, the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan has been submitted to the federal Minister of Northern Affairs, territorial Minister of Environment, and President of Nunavut Tunngavik for review. I’m wondering: can the minister confirm when he will be meeting in person with the federal minister and the President of Nunavut Tunngavik to discuss the new proposed plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3258 Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can say that we can expect to meet in the new year, but I have not confirmed the timeline as of yet. I will update the plan to the House once the signatory parties meet in regard to the 2023 recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the last clarification because I would hope that the meetings would take place before the Government of Nunavut finalizes their perspective on the plan. Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that there is a dynamic tension between the importance of protecting our environment and wildlife and the importance of promoting economic development and natural resource extraction. Over the past number of years, the Government of Nunavut’s position in respect to where the appropriate balance lies has shifted back and forth as governments and ministers change office.

For the record, can the new Minister of Environment clearly explain how he will determine whether or not the Nunavut Planning Commission’s proposed new land use plan achieves the right balance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. The Government of Nunavut believes that the plan needs to strike an appropriate balance between habitat protection and responsible development. Mr.

Speaker, it is not to say our government wants to stop mining, but there needs to be a balance between habitat protection and also responsible development within our territory. Mr. Speaker, the plan will also allow amendments to the plans within the plan and there’s a process that it must go through if anything needs to be amended. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 546 – 6(2): Providing Care at Home (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr.

Speaker, from time to time, families have a loved one who develops an illness that requires care and support, or an elderly parent may no longer be able to independently look after themselves. Many families step up to look after their loved ones, especially when it does not require intense or sophisticated levels of care. Can the minister clarify whether his department keeps track of how many individuals receive health care from family members in their homes and how it ensures that they receive the necessary medical resources to be safe and

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3259 comfortable? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) I think, we do keep track in different ways in terms of the needs at the community- level. The key point of contact for most communities is through the local health centre.

Looking at our Home and Community Care Program, we do have solid statistics through that program where we keep track of the number of clients and I am pleased to report that when we look at the numbers year over year, we are supporting more and more and more Nunavummiut, in most cases in their own homes through that home care program. I hope that that partially answers the member’s question.

I don’t know that every one of the clients that are receiving care from their family members would necessarily be enrolled in the home care program so there is a possibility that those numbers would differ. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that response. (interpretation ends here) Mr. Speaker, some illnesses, probably most, take years to develop to a stage where an individual suffering from that illness requires professional help or hospitalization.

In many cases family members can manage their health needs and provide the necessary assistance. In doing so, these families are saving our government’s resources by not taking up beds in health facilities or care homes. Can the minister clarify whether any kind of financial compensation is available for family care providers who are looking after a family member with an illness at home? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends here) I really would like to thank the member for pointing out the importance of family in terms of those health outcomes, whether its an elder, or whether it is a family member with medical conditions, the contribution that they are making to not just their own family, but to their community and territory is huge. Through the Department of Health, we don’t currently have a program set-up to provide financial supports to individuals who are providing care, but outside of the Department of Health, there may be other measures in place depending on the particulars of the individual.

If there is a disability that is involved, there may be some federal supports that they may be eligible for. The short answer: through the Department of Health, no, but we are interested in providing support to individuals and families, how ever we can, to the best of our abilities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3260 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends here) While individuals who care for their family members at home do so with the highest level of love and compassion, it can be a very tiring role to take on. I do recognize that respite care may be made available so that family caregivers can have a period of rest, but I am confident that additional supports would also be very welcomed.

Will the minister consider establishing a compensation fund for family care givers who provide low-lever heath care in their homes to family members? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends here) I will get in trouble from my colleague, the Minister of Finance, if I go an commit to spending money that I don’t have approval for here.

Speaking seriously, I can commit to looking into this idea and working with my colleagues to explore it and if there is an interest from the hon. member to be in involved in that examination, or discussion initially, I will certainly extend that olive branch as well. I thank the member for raising this issue. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Question. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 547 – 6(2): Homeownership Programs (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask a question in regard to having a safe home, and having a proper home.

I rise today for that reason, and my questions are for the Minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corporation. They concern the corporation’s homeownership program for Inuit, and seniors. I apologize for not explaining further. As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Housing Corporation offers a number of programs. These include the Senior Citizens Home Repair Program, the Seniors and Disabled Persons Preventative Maintenance Program and the Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Options Program. There are three types of different programs for seniors and for disabled persons to do preventative maintenance.

With that, Mr. Speaker, the objectives for these programs are good, but I’m very concerned that the elders in smaller communities are not taking advantage of them. I believe so because I’m advised by our constituents that if there’s funding available for maintenance or to fix broken stuff in the communities and for maintenance, I know that these programs are really good, and we want the communities to have access to them. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s most recently tabled annual report for the 2021-22 fiscal year indicates that there was only one approved homeownership program application from residents in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3261 Can the minister indicate how many applications were received and approved from these communities during the year 2022-23 fiscal year? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For programs such as support programs, are all different and the NHC has quite a number of these programs under their mandate.

I will provide a detailed outline of these programs by providing a breakdown of the funds and the number of residents supported through the programs. To date, just to cite this example, the Emergency Repairs Program is a program that offers emergency assistance to homeowners who may experience problems such as a broken furnace that requires emergency assistance. There were 104 recipients or homeowners who received assistance under this program to date.

For private homeowners, under the (interpretation ends) Home Renovation (interpretation) program, for home repairs such as floor installations or for broken window replacement, we had 38 approved applications from homeowners. Under the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program, if the fuel tank is leaking, current code requires a complete replacement of the fuel tank, to date, actually over this winter period alone is what I am referring to, there were 18 approved applications.

For residents applying for the Downpayment Assistance Program to purchase a home, under the (interpretation ends) Down Payment Assistance (interpretation) program, there were 5 approved applications. For the Seniors Homeownership Maintenance program, there were 11 approved applications. Under the Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Preventative Maintenance Program, for furnace repairs and safety issues under this (interpretation ends) Homeowner Preventative Maintenance (interpretation) program, there were 10 approved.

In total, through these programs, 186 applications received approval, and we anticipate receiving further applications as sometimes funding runs out for the equipment required. Also, if the application isn’t fully complete, issues crop up causing delays, so there are still 101 files we are still waiting on additional information on. These are in addition to the applicants already approved, and there are still ongoing files. Once these are finalized or cleared, perhaps over the course of the winter, we can provide further details as to the approval breakdown by community, including applicants and approvals.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for your response. I know that it would be very interesting to have the information broken down by region, from the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk so that we can find out more as to which

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3262 region submits more applications. That would be good information to hear. Mr. Speaker, we know that we need to provide more information to the people out there so that they’ll know what kind of programs are accessible, especially to elders and seniors because this program is very good and beneficial. Some homeowners are living in old, dilapidated homes. On November 7, 2019, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Homeownership Program Review report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

One of the recommendations in the report was that the Nunavut Housing Corporation should (interpretation ends) “consolidate programs related to purchasing or building a home into a [single] homeownership program and consolidate programs related to home repairs, maintenance and renovation into a [single] home improvement program.” For that, Mr. Speaker, can the minister describe what actions the Nunavut Housing Corporation is taking to implement this recommendation? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon.

Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for her questions on that. We established a committee last winter, or rather, during the spring sitting, and our colleague now sits on that committee. We wanted to conduct a review of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s programs and how to make improvements on to them. Some of them require more promotion or publicity as not many people apply or understand the program and what it is trying to support. During our last meeting in Naujaat we agreed on the need to simplify these programs.

Yes, we need to make them less cumbersome and easier to understand and to promote them. Some programs should also be amalgamated into a single program, perhaps by looking at how best to utilize the support funding to those in need. We spoke to these issues, and some of the issues we debated in that committee setting, have been tabled for my colleagues in (interpretation ends) cabinet (interpretation) where it is currently under review as we want to make improvements. I will use this example; for an applicant under the Downpayment Assistance Program; we will set aside funds for repairs.

In the past, applicants constructed their own homes back before Nunavut came into being. We are looking at a similar program for people capable of building their own homes, or perhaps if the applicant has funds, they can cover the cost for construction. There are different elements within these programs that we want to introduce, and we will table our report this coming winter. Also, we have revised and improved other programs such as local housing units being offered under a rent- to-own program which people have requested.

We will look at offering more programs under this area as well, with new rules and policies related to homeownership programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3263 Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that clarification and those additional details. Be that as it may, unfortunately, even as a member of that review committee, I was unable to attend meetings due to bad weather on the scheduled travel dates. The homeownership programs need to be improved and more attention must be placed on them.

You really need to provide further direction to the housing corporation’s headquarters to ensure they direct regional staff to work with smaller communities so that the programs are running smoothly and that residents are aware of these programs. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s most recently tabled annual report indicates that “eligibility criteria for the homeownership programs includes income testing…the adjusted household income is measured relative to a community-specific Homeownership Program Income Eligibility limit.

These limits are derived from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Income Limits.” Mr. Speaker, these limits have not been updated since October 2014, which has been nine years. Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate when they will next be updated? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I had previously mentioned, we are taking a very good and fresh look at the homeownership programs and home assistance programs that are in the window of the Nunavut Housing Corporation.

We have those programs that we want to improve on and make changes to; one of them is homeownership and the Down- payment Assistance Program, and other homeownership-geared programs that we do have. Within those programs are new, improved, and adjusted criteria for being able to qualify for certain amounts of funds in order to be able to build or purchase your own home. Those are currently within cabinet and as soon as they are approved, I will be more than happy to share it with members and the public, Mr. Speaker, and in those documents will lie the changes and improvements to the old criteria. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 548 – 6(2): Street Lighting (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the new Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly approved $2.0 million in capital funding in recent years to enable the Qulliq Energy Corporation to replace Nunavut’s street lights with energy efficient light-emitting diode lights, which are commonly referred to as “LEDs.”

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3264 Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the installation process in Taloyoak and Kugaaruk has been completed. Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm approximately how many new LED units are currently operational in each of the two communities that I represent? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for asking that question. Mr. Speaker, currently, there are two groups where upgrades are taking place.

There are six communities where all the upgrades have been completed. I believe that is what the member was asking about. As of now, there are six communities that have received preliminary work in fiscal year 2020-21 and 2021-22. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Winter is on its way and our days are growing shorter. I have received a number of concerns from my constituents in Taloyoak that there is an insufficient number of street lights in the community. Mr.

Speaker, well-lit streets are very important, as they contribute to increased public safety and decreased vandalism. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify the process by which the Qulliq Energy Corporation determines when to add additional street lighting fixtures to a community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question.

As I said, the communities were divided into groups and the third group of communities that have been identified were completed on March 31. The lighting can reduce vandalism and that’s the case in the community that I represent. To date, there are 20 communities that are in the plans for street lighting upgrades. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My colleague from Kugluktuk has asked a number of questions concerning the status of this community’s new power plant, and I will have similar questions at a later date for the new minister concerning the same issue in respect to Kugaaruk. Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to undertaking a tour of the Kitikmeot communities in the coming months to familiarize himself with our needs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the Member for Netsilik for the invitation to his constituency communities.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3265 Yes, I would like to go and see the Kitikmeot, as the Minister for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, however, I can’t say exactly which dates I would be able to go, but yes, I accept your invitation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 549 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to follow up on my questions from Friday, regarding the employment of Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduates, although today, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, in my member’s statement from Friday, I addressed the need for the Department of Education to work with the Nunavut Arctic College to ensure that graduates of the NTEP program are identified by their strengths and interests for teaching positions within Nunavut’s education system.

I would like to ask the minister to describe how the Department of Education works to recruit graduates from the Nunavut Arctic College’s Teacher Education Program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. The Nunavut Teacher Education Program is one area that the Department of Education funds Nunavut Arctic College for as a recruitment strategy to enhance Nunavut teachers in our schools, and to have Inuit employed in those positions is very important for us to have as many teachers that are homegrown, Mr.

Speaker. Some ways that we work to recruit our teachers is, first of all, by supporting that program and having funds go directly to Nunavut Arctic College. We also work with Nunavut Arctic College through the practicum process, and the students get direct access and learn directly from current teachers that are in the schools. We also work with them and help them in terms of recruitment, and we do job fairs, and we’ve done numerous ones all across the country.

I think it’s safe to say that having Inuit teachers and Nunavut teachers directly from the program, and there are 15 Nunavut Teacher Education Programs across the territory, and we do hope that we can have as many of those students in our schools in the future when they do graduate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It has come to my attention that graduates from Nunavut’s Teacher Education Program have been invited to interview for teaching positions but are not successful in the competition and therefore not being offered teaching positions in our schools. Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time that I have heard of this type of situation occurring to NTEP grads, and I had actually corresponded with the previous Minister of Education a number of years ago on this exact issue.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3266 Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we utilize the investments that we put into Arctic College accordingly. I would like to ask: can the minister describe how her department works with district education authorities, principals and the Nunavut Teachers Union to promote employment of Nunavut-trained, home-grown teachers to work in Nunavut schools? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the questions. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education does work closely with our partners.

The district education authorities are in our communities as the advocates for our schools in terms of what they would like to see in the programs that the community members want in our schools, and are advocating on a daily basis for our schools to be enhanced and work closely with the senior staff of the schools and meet regularly. In terms of the other partners that the member had discussed, our department is always continuing to meet with our partners and stakeholders that advance our Nunavut education.

We work to bring up matters for Nunavummiut, for our students, and work to determine any issues that are out there and solve them together. It’s a community, Mr. Speaker. The school system is a community of various different agencies and we do have various things that happen. For the principal matter that he brought up, we just had a principals’ conference here in Iqaluit. In the past several weeks we had all of our principals come and gather and work. It is the first of its kind to happen again after COVID-19.

In terms of working with the NTEP students, as I mentioned, they do have practicums, so they are working directly in our schools. We work on that process with the Nunavut Arctic College and the school leaders, with the principals to have those students learning directly from teachers. In terms of the interview process, that is noted from the member, and I will work closely with our new colleague, the new Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, to see how we can have the interview process incorporated, for example, into the practicum process for the Nunavut Teacher Education Program students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s response and commitment to work with the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, and addressing the interview process to ensure that all a grads will be offered an opportunity to teach in our schools. Mr. Speaker, in response to my questions on Friday, the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College indicated that the college has produced six teacher education grads in the ‘22-23 academic year and 19 grads in the 2021- 22 academic year.

I would like to ask: can the minister update the House on how many of those grads had applied, been invited to an interview, and subsequently been hired

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3267 and offered teaching positions in our schools? Understanding that the minister may not have this information on-hand, and if so, I invite the minister to provide that information in a return to the oral questions. Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. I do have some of that information, but to answer the member’s question in full detail, I can share right now what I do have and will provide the rest through oral response. Mr.

Speaker, this academic school year, 2023-24, we have hired a total of 12 Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduates. That doesn’t mean that they are all from this academic year, Mr. Speaker, as our colleague noted that there were six graduates this past academic year, and to further answer that; four of those are new hires graduated this past academic year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members be aware, time allotted for question period is now over. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to extend question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There are none. Question period is extended for another 30-minutes. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 550 – 6(2): Remote Work Policy (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I thank the members for giving me the opportunity to ask questions. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Human Resources on the minister’s Remote Work Policy minister’s statement from last week and quote some of the stuff. “…the Department of Human Resources is introducing an interim Remote Work Hiring Policy...” and it goes on to say that “...the Remote Work Hiring Policy is aimed to providing government departments and public bodies with temporary recruitment tools to hire a limited number of highly specialized professionals in positions.” Mr.

Speaker, just for the record, I fully support remote work within Nunavut, but also my position is I do not support remote work outside of Nunavut. I feel that remote work should stay within the territory. Mr. Speaker, my first question to the minister is: how many employees are currently working outside of Nunavut under remote work, and how many are Inuit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3268 Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the question. It’s a very good question. (interpretation ends) I have to say remote work has been very difficult because when we’re talking about the tracking system, some departments have had different operations or some ministers may not have known, some direct appointments were outside of the territory in the previous governments. At this current time, we have about 50 that are outside of Nunavut right now. I may be wrong in this number, but I can certainly get back to you on this.

In terms of how many are in Nunavut, I wouldn’t know that number at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The second part of the question was: how many of these remote workers outside of Nunavut are Inuit, and maybe the minister can get back to me on that because that is important because my feeling is that most of the employees that are working outside of Nunavut are not Inuit, but that’s just my assumption, and the minister can either prove me right or prove me wrong. Mr.

Speaker, there should not be a problem on having exact numbers of how many employees are working remotely out of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, every department knows how many casuals they have. I understand it fluctuates daily or weekly, but there is a report every year on how many employees are indeterminate, how many are Inuit, how many are non-Inuit, and how many casuals. It’s all on paper and the government has been working on this Remote Work Policy for, I believe, almost three years now, at least the whole life of this government.

So we should be able to ask and we should be able to receive those numbers that are current for a certain time. There should be no issues about giving us a number. Mr. Speaker, I find 50 is awfully low for all-of-government on remote working. It seems awfully low. I believe the number is higher. My next question to the minister is: “limited number for highly specialized, professionals and positions.” If there is a remote worker outside of Nunavut, are they supervisor positions, or manager positions? Are they supervising employees within Nunavut to make sure they show up on time and make sure their work is done?

Are there remote workers outside of Nunavut that are under the “supervisor” category? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) I will certainly get back to the member on the number of Inuit that are working remotely. There are a few that I can think of with Family Services; the client liaison officers that I have mentioned in the House before.

All of those employees are Inuit that are based outside of the territory that work closely with foster care facilities or foster parents. They are based in Ottawa, Ontario, and Edmonton, but Ottawa,

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3269 basically. Most of the casuals that we do have listed are nurses, short-term nurses. When we are talking about other specialized positions that are being mentioned that would work remotely, some of them may be supervisors, but for the remote work policy that is coming into play, those positions would not be supervising employees. Again, when we are talking about how we can have better control of remote-work employees outside of the territory, they would all go through cabinet to be approved because in prior times, they were never recorded.

For some of them, we may not have known that a department had approved it without the minister’s knowledge. So these are things that were never brought forward, and these are things that we are trying to re-track and find out. When we are talking about how many employees we have outside of the territory, I could certainly get back to the member on the numbers. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This last question should be a straight forward to answer.

I would like the minister’s position on remote-work or remote workers that are working remotely outside of Nunavut; the minister’s position on working remotely outside of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m not in a position to have people work… .

We want more people to work in the territory, but because we don’t have enough infrastructure that supports people that need support and facilities, or in health care facilities, or Embassy West elders; we have no choice at this time when we don’t have enough buildings to support our community members that need to be in specialized facilities. It is very difficult for the member to ask me how I feel about this because I would prefer that we have our employees within the territory, but at this time we don’t have that in some areas. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 551 – 6(2): Current Staffing Levels (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is also for the Minister of Human Resources. A few weeks ago, we were in a televised hearing where the new Deputy Minister of Human Resources, I believe it might have been, or it was the Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, who stated there were 1.6 or 1.7 staff members per day leaving employment with the Government of Nunavut. I have often stated how important it is to staff the Department of Human Resources.

Last year I had asked this question. Again, I’m reminiscing; it was almost

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3270 exactly a year ago that I had asked the question where the minister stated that the Department of Human Resources was staffed at 65 percent. I would like to ask the minister today: what are the current staffing levels of the Department of Human Resources? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) At this current time, we have 62 percent and that is not very different from last time.

When we are talking about how we record ingoing and outgoing employees, I know the numbers could be different if you are asking the Minister of Finance or Minister of HR, because some days it is different depending on the records coming in on the day, but in terms of 1.6, that is something that we are looking into. Like I had mentioned, with the Department of Human Resources, we are looking at retaining our employees within, so it is 62 percent at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the minister’s response on that because I have often stated in this House, and a number of my colleagues have also picked up on it; as a central agency, the Department of Human Resources has an obligation to the rest of the civil service to be able to staff all of the departments across the Government of Nunavut. When I look at the website, there are approximately a little over 100 job actions currently listed on the website, yet there are only four specifically under the Department of Human Resources.

Like I said earlier, Human Resources needs to be staffed to ensure they are able to provide the central agency support to the overall Government of Nunavut. What is the plan to ensure that Human Resources can meet those expectations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for the question. (interpretation ends) I totally agree that we do need a lot of support in HR to ensure that positions are filled within different departments and also trying to ensure that our services are up to par.

It is sometimes very difficult to ensure that we have that kind of support, especially when we are talking about job ads coming out, interviews, and all of that. At this time, we have had to get more support from the outside; employee relations, is an example. Also, for how we can better advertise job positions we have had to rely on outside help. We have been very fortunate when we put out job advertisements; we sometimes put, just as an example, nine social workers in various communities posted in one job ad.

Those are the kinds of things that we are trying to do within the department to try and ensure that job positions are going out and trying to

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3271 ensure that we get more employees within the government. So that is an example that I’m giving. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister, again, for that response. I do wish the minister all the best, and whatever we can do to help support the Department of Human Resources in achieving those goals, I think we all need to take a step back and pay attention too. Mr.

Speaker, I have also raised, approximately a year ago, that one of the issues of recruitment is the salary ranges. We are not as competitive as we used to be in Nunavut from other jurisdictions for recruiting in the semi-professional and professional areas, especially. Mr. Speaker, I know there have been market adjustments that have been made under a couple of different professions, and then overall, the job evaluation of setting the salary ranges for positions; I had asked those questions about a year ago.

I’m just wondering if the minister would be able to update us today if the department is looking at exploring other professions to look at market adjustments and, if so, what, in addition to how frequent job evaluations are going on to examine salary ranges of professions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question. (interpretation ends) I totally agree that we do want to look at how other jurisdictions look into salary reviews.

For Nunavut we have been trying to review that and we are expecting a draft report by the end of November. So we are hoping to see how that will… . When we get that draft report, it will certainly help us with what we need to work on, and how we can better work on improving our benefits and pay within the government at this time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 552 – 6(2): Status of Coral Harbour’s Sakku School Project (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me again.

My question is for the Minister of Education regarding the Sakku School renovations. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Education. The Sakku School project in Coral Harbour has been on the government’s books for almost a decade. The project has finally gotten underway, but the community has expressed some concerns that the material to proceed with construction has not arrived in the community. Can the minister provide an update on when the materials to begin construction on Sakku School will be brought to the community? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3272 Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. In terms of the Sakku School renovation, there is work that has been underway, and that is that the site is being grated, and there are piles being put in for the renovation. In terms of the materials coming to the community, I would have to get back to the member on the details of that question. I can say, Mr. Speaker, I was informed from the department that they have started the project with the site grating and the piles, as far as I know, on what’s happening with the renovation.

In terms of the materials, I’ll ensure that I do get back to the member specifically on that portion of his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, and I will be expecting the remainder of the response you will be providing me. (interpretation ends) The community of Coral Harbour has been anxiously waiting for the progress on their school. Can the minister clearly explain why the project has been delayed yet again? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon.

Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. As far as I’m aware, the project is not delayed; it’s going ahead as scheduled. There is work that is happening, and we do anticipate that over the coming years, the completion of the school, the department anticipates that all of this work will be done by November, 2027. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister.

Can the minister explain if there are going to be any delays, and if there are going to be delays, why would there be delays? I’m asking about the renovations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question.

As far as I’m aware, there are no delays for the renovation of Sakku School, but if there are any renovation delays, I know that our department has worked closely with the community and our fellow colleague, and if there are ever any delays to the project, we will be informing the community, and we can inform the member, but I hope that there will not be any delays, and I won’t have to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 553 – 6(2): Base Rate Amendment Application (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and they concern the announcement of this past Friday regarding the corporation’s application for a base rate adjustment.

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3273 As the minister will recall, he stated in his announcement that the requested adjustment is related to the continuous increases in territorial fuel prices since the last Qulliq Energy Corporation General Rate Application. For the record, can the minister confirm if the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s board of directors formally approved this application prior to it being submitted to his office? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for the question. As of last month, when I was just appointed to cabinet here as minister, the Board of Directors of the Qulliq Energy Corporation had met, and I still haven’t seen their recommendation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister is aware, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s formal application indicates that it is “proposing an equal percentage rate increase of 9.4% to the base energy rates for all customer classes.” However, the corporation’s application materials also indicate that “… by terminating the current fuel rate rider and rolling it up into the current approved base rates, the increase can now be captured…” the Department of Finance’s “…Nunavut Electricity Subsidy program and mitigate the cost of electricity to the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s customers.” I would like to ask: can the Minister clearly indicate if the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s proposal would result in the average private residential customer’s monthly power bill going up, coming down or staying the same?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question. Once the Qulliq Energy Corporation has reviewed it, it will go down. (interpretation ends) It will be down. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for confirming that, minister.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s announcement this past Friday indicates that the base rate amendment application will now be submitted to the Utility Rates Review Council. As the minister is aware, the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s application to his office was signed by the corporation’s interim president. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the position of the Utility Rates Review Council chair is currently vacant. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of work to fill the positions of Qulliq Energy Corporation’s president, and the Utility Rates Review Council’s

Monday, October 23, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3274 chair position on a permanent basis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking that question. I just want the member to be aware that the Utility Rates Review Council is an independent body, and I am the minister of the department. I can’t speak for the Utility Rates Review Council because they are an independent body. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Question 554 – 6(2): Ethics Officer (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for recognizing me a second time today. My questions are for the Minister of Human Resources. When the House reconvened for its fall sitting, I had the honour of moving the motion to recommend the reappointment of our Legislature’s Integrity Commissioner. As the minister is aware,

Part 6 of the Territorial Public Service Act contains provisions respecting the disclosure of wrongdoing in the public service and the appointment of the ethics officer. In June of this year, the minister’s department issued a request for proposals to fill the position of ethics officer on a standing offer basis. This followed the departure of the previous ethics officer, who was recently appointed to the judiciary. Mr. Speaker, the request for proposals closed in July and indicated that the new ethics officer’s term of office would begin on or before August 21, 2023 and, Mr. Speaker, it’s now the end of October.

That’s kind of hard to believe. Can the minister confirm who has been appointed as the new ethics officer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for asking those questions. (interpretation ends) I’m glad you asked that. The expression of interest closed beginning of September, so we did