Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 53 Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Pages 3296 – 3377 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 ...........................................................................................................................3296 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................3296 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3296 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3301 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3309 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3309 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3329 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3376 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3376

A. Daily References Tuesday, October 24, 2023 .........................................................................................................3296 B.

Ministers’ Statements 283 – 6(2): Celebrating Social Work Programs (Qavvik) ..........................................................3296 284 – 6(2): Mental Health Support (Gross) ................................................................................3297 285 – 6(2): Aqqusariaq Tundra Turning (Main) ........................................................................3298 286 – 6(2): Legal Team of the Year Award 2023 (Akeeagok, D) ..............................................3298 287 – 6(2): Implementation of Matrix Software System (Nakashuk) ........................................3299 288 – 6(2): Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (Joanasie) ...........................................3300 289 – 6(2): Dolphin and Union Survey (Qavvik) .......................................................................3300 C.

Members’ Statements 381 – 6(2): City of Iqaluit Election Results (Hickes) .................................................................3301 382 – 6(2): Arviat Municipal Election Results (Savikataaq) .....................................................3302 383 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Pond Inlet (Nutarak) .....................................................3302 384 – 6(2): Stranded Medical Travellers (Malliki) ....................................................................3302 385 – 6(2): Election Results in Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok) ....................3303 386 – 6(2): Happy Retirement to Adam Krejunark (Quqqiaq)...................................................3304 387 – 6(2): Igloolik Municipal Election Results (Quassa) .........................................................3304 388 – 6(2): City of Iqaluit Election Results (Akeeagok, P) ........................................................3304 389 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in the High Arctic (Akeeagok, D) ...............................3305 390 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Cambridge Bay (Gross) ...........................................3306 391 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Pangnirtung (Nakashuk) ..........................................3306 392 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Sanirajak (Kaernerk) ...............................................3307

393 – 6(2): Election Results in South Baffin (Joanasie) ............................................................3307 394 – 6(2): Election Results in Sanikiluaq (Qavvik) ..................................................................3308 D.

Oral Questions 555 – 6(2): Igloolik Airport Infrastructure (Quassa) ..................................................................3309 556 – 6(2): Conservation Economies in Nunavut – Aviqtuuq Case Study (Quqqiaq) ...............3311 557 – 6(2): Stranded Medical Travellers (Malliki) ....................................................................3312 558 – 6(2): Medical Boarding Home for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) .........................................3315 559 – 6(2): Quality of Care for Elders (Nutarak) .......................................................................3317 560 – 6(2): Security at Health Facilities (Lightstone) ................................................................3319 561 – 6(2): Nunavut Member of Parliament’s Private Bill C-326 (Savikataaq) ........................3321 562 – 6(2): Wolf Sample Collection Program (Anavilok) .........................................................3323 563 – 6(2): Insurance Issue after Fire in Gjoa Haven (Hickes) ..................................................3324 564 – 6(2): Municipal Governance (Brewster)...........................................................................3326 E.

Bills Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3329 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3345

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3296 Iqaluit, Nunavut Tuesday, October 24, 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. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good morning. Let us pray. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, my colleagues. We will be supporting the residents of our communities today. Speaker’s Statement (interpretation ends) Before I go to Item 2, I would like to congratulate my own constituent who is the newly elected mayor, Mr. Raymond Kamookak, who has been an SAO before and also has been in other committees as well in the community. I would also like to thank the outgoing mayor and thank her for all her hard work for the community of Gjoa Haven, Ms. Megan Porter.

She is a very young lady, so there’s always another time to try again. Thank you. >>Applause Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 283 – 6(2): Celebrating Social Work Programs (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, fall signals the start of a new academic year for Nunavut Arctic College. I would like to welcome all students starting a new program or continuing with college programs across the territory.

Today I would like to recognize the second cohort of the Bachelor of Social Work Program, who began their studies this past August. Six full-time students and one part-time student make up this cohort, with students coming from Cambridge Bay, Taloyoak, and Arviat. Students in this cohort will take ten courses with visiting professors from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, and then complete a 12- week practicum with various agencies across the territory. Mr.

Speaker, the college’s Bachelor of Social Work Program is open to students who have successfully completed the college’s Social Service Worker Program. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to confirm this diploma program is being

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3297 offered in Arviat, Cambridge Bay, and Iqaluit this current academic year. Nunavut Arctic College recognizes the territory’s need for highly qualified and trained staff to work on the frontlines with individuals and families in need. The college’s range of social work programs provides a robust training opportunity to prepare students for the social work field. Mr.

Speaker, I would also like to share that for individuals currently working with the Department of Family Services in frontline, client centred roles, you are eligible to take courses offered under the Family Resources Worker Program. The Family Resource Worker Program is made up of first year courses from the Social Service Worker Program, and if employees are successful in these courses, credits are issued and recognized in the diploma program. Interested employees of Family Services are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their respective supervisors. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 284 – 6(2): Mental Health Support (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education is thankful that this academic school year, all Nunavut schools will now have access to mental health support services. Mr.

Speaker, the enhanced budget that this House passed this winter session enabled the Department of Education to expand this critical service to be available to all students across all schools. >>Applause Parents and our school community can now feel reassured that any student needing mental health support can access resources designed to support their well-being and success. Working collaboratively with school staff and parents, our mental health service providers can offer a range of virtual and in-person support and services with strategies tailored to individual students, classrooms, and other school needs. Mr.

Speaker, the expansion of this service aligns with our other existing education support services, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language therapy. Through these services, we support our youth and create a clear pathway for them to access high-quality services from trained professionals at times of need. Mr. Speaker, the department is proud to continue our efforts to build safe, caring and inclusive school environments that contribute to overall student well-being, learning, and future success. I want to thank my colleagues in this House for supporting this valuable work. Quana, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3298 Minister’s Statement 285 – 6(2): Aqqusariaq Tundra Turning (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we had a momentous occasion happen in August: the Aqqusariaq Tundra Turning ceremony in Iqaluit. The ceremony marked the start of construction of Nunavut’s new mental health and addictions facility right here in territory. (interpretation ends) Mental health and addictions pose huge challenges to many Nunavummiut throughout their lives.

The establishment of Aqqusariaq will provide a much-needed ray of hope and help. It will enable those seeking mental health and addictions support to access treatment within Nunavut, reducing the need to travel south for care. I was happy to be joined by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Vice-President Paul Irngaut, Indigenous Services Canada Minister Patty Hajdu, Minister Joanasie, Minister Nakashuk, and other dignitaries at the tundra turning. We have built a strong tripartite partnership to get to construction and plan to continue the partnership approach through to the opening and operation of Aqqusariaq.

It will serve as a hub for Inuit-led treatment opportunities that are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and closer to home. The facility will host a range of activities, including on-the- land healing camps, allowing Nunavummiut to reconnect with the land and traditional Inuit practices. By combining evidence-based treatments with culturally grounded initiatives, we plan to support healing and empowerment. Construction at the build site is underway with substantial completion set for December 2025.

As work at site progresses, the Aqqusariaq Development Team is building the programs side with a group of Nunavummiut subject matter experts. Health remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for mental health and addictions care. By working hand in hand with our partners, we can build a brighter future for Nunavummiut and offer enhanced access, wraparound supports, and cultural relevance within our mental health and addictions services in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Minister’s Statement 286 – 6(2): Legal Team of the Year Award 2023 (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to announce that the Legal and Constitutional Law Division of the Department of Justice has been awarded the 2023 Legal Team of the Year by the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association. This division won from a field of 70 nominated legal teams, ranging from large corporations to innovative start-ups. It is the first time that a government legal department has been awarded this national honour.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3299 The Legal Team of the Year Award recognizes a legal team that has achieved extraordinary outcomes among in-house legal departments across Canada. This award recognizes the unique challenges and successes faced by these legal teams. The Legal and Constitutional Law Division provides legal services to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Arctic College. Its lawyers are a part of every major initiative in the government, including environmental assessments, major infrastructure procurement and construction, and representing the government before courts and tribunals.

This division also plays a critical role in the government’s response to emergencies. This award recognizes the efforts of the entire Legal and Constitutional Law Division team and their dedicated service to the Government of Nunavut, in the true spirit of Piliriqatigiinniq, working together for a common cause. This is a great honour for the Department of Justice and we are very proud of our legal team. Congratulations, Legal Constitutional Law Division. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk.

Minister’s Statement 287 – 6(2): Implementation of Matrix Software System (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I also say “good afternoon” to the people of Nunavut. I would first like to say that we are proud of those who were newly elected in the communities. I am also proud of the new Mayor of Pangnirtung, Lynn Mike, as well as the newly elected council members. Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) I am pleased to provide an update on the Department of Family Services’ implementation of the Family Wellness Integrated Case Management System.

The Auditor General’s report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut identified the department’s ineffective information management as a primary root cause for shortcomings in the delivery of services. The department is committed to correcting this using the Matrix solution. Matrix aims to enhance compliance with standards, providing community social services workers with access to information they require to carry out their duties. Access to reliable, accurate and up-to-date information in a centralized system is essential for knowledge continuity, data collection, and informed decision-making.

This solution aligns with the Auditor General’s recommendations. The department is currently finalizing the user training phase. The scheduled go-live date is set for November 30, 2023. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the provision of child and family services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3300 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 288 – 6(2): Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, today I want to reinforce the importance of coordination and collaboration between my department and the non-tax-based communities of Nunavut that we support. Mr.

Speaker, integrated community sustainability plans are developed, reviewed, and revised annually by municipal councils to prioritize capital priorities of each community.

These plans are not only helpful by providing direct inputs for the Government of Nunavut process of capital planning for municipal infrastructure, but they also support municipal applications for a variety of capital programs provided by my departments, including: • Municipal Capital Block Funding • Community Small Projects Fund • Municipal Granular Crushing Equipment Program • Municipal Green Infrastructure Fund • Municipal Parking Garage Program (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, it is vital for municipalities to maximize their opportunities for capital funding and take the time and ensure their capital priorities are updated and programs they apply to under Community and Government Services are included as part of their 2023-24 Integrated Community Sustainability Plan submissions.

To accommodate municipal elections across the territory, and congratulations to all the new mayors, returning mayors, as well as their council members, and the potential changes in local governments, the deadline for integrated community sustainability plan submissions for the 2023-24 fiscal year is December 15, 2023. My department’s Community Infrastructure divisional staff will be reaching out to municipalities and will be available to answer questions regarding integrated community sustainability plan preparation and submission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon.

Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 289 – 6(2): Dolphin and Union Survey (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me a second time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on a research program my department is leading to monitor the Dolphin and Union caribou herd. Mr. Speaker, the planning phase of the 2023 Dolphin and Union caribou herd abundance survey is nearing completion. Our survey teams began the survey yesterday, Monday, October 23, 2023. Mr. Speaker, the Dolphin and Union caribou herd has experienced a dramatic

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3301 decline. This decline is based on the 2020 survey, which estimated the population at around 3,851 caribou. As a result of the 2020 survey and in response to the population decline, a total allowable harvest of 105 caribou came into force in January 2021. Mr. Speaker, it is through our guiding principle and commitment of Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq that my department, with the collaborative work and support from the hunters and trappers organization, co-management partners, and biologists that we can monitor the Dolphin and Union caribou herd. Mr.

Speaker, through this collective work, we can collaboratively seek solutions to recover the Dolphin and Union caribou population back to a level of viability and abundance. Such caribou surveys will only enhance and support our communities’ subsistence needs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Before I go to Mr. Hickes, please note that Mr. Simailak, Member for Baker Lake, will not be in today. Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 381 – 6(2): City of Iqaluit Election Results (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Every one of us in this room remembers that defining moment when we decided to put our names on a ballot to run for office, whether it be municipal, territorial, federal, or otherwise. Mr. Speaker, the next month after that, it is the daily grind of making sure that we are justifying to potential constituents why they should choose us. I would like to take this moment to reflect on how we all come to this House through an election and through the support of our constituents. Mr.

Speaker, as we are all aware, there were municipal elections held yesterday across the territory, and I would like to be one of the first to publicly recognize and congratulate our new, no-longer acting mayor, but full-time Mayor, Mr. Solomon Awa. I would also like to thank Vincent and Lily for putting in their names for competition. I would also like to congratulate our new municipal council. They are: • Kim Smith • Romeyn Stevenson • Kyle Sheppard • Sam Tilley • Harry Flaherty • Simon Nattaq • Methuselah Kunuk • Jack Anawak Mr.

Speaker, I’m very excited to see a lot of diversity in that council and I look forward to the work that they are going to accomplish. I would also like to take the time to recognize Lewis, Swany, Matthew, Gabriel, Camilius, and [Daniel] for putting their names forward for service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3302 Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Member’s Statement 382 – 6(2): Arviat Municipal Election Results (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Arviat. I would also like to talk about the Nunavut-wide elections, including the election in Arviat for council and mayor. The mayor was re-elected, and I am very pleased to congratulate Joe Jr. Savikataaq.

It’s a good name. >>Applause I would also like to congratulate the councillors: • Alex Ishalook • Gordy Kidlapik • Jimmy Main • Gleason Appahuak • David Kuksuk • Nathan Caskey • Jason Gibbons • Mike Gibbons I would also like to thank the other candidates who didn’t get elected. I look forward to the coming years where we will be working together. I thank the hamlet, and congratulations once again. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 383 – 6(2): Table Tennis Players from Pond Inlet (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would also like to congratulate Joshua Arreak, of Pond Inlet, for being re-elected as mayor. Mr. Speaker, today I would also like to congratulate the young people who came here to compete in the ping pong tournament. They all received medals in this during the event. First of all, for the 14 and under category under doubles, these two partners received a medal for second place; Nicholas Shappa and Alan Nutarak. Also, Joshua Shappa, in the category of 17 and under, placed third in the singles. Joshua Shappa and Nicholas Kilukishak placed third in the doubles category of 17 and under, winning bronze.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the coach, Tad Kilukishak. He was able to accompany the athletes to this tournament here in Iqaluit. I would like to express my immense pride in their accomplishments and I ask my colleagues to join in celebrating their success here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Member’s Statement 384 – 6(2): Stranded Medical Travellers (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to my constituents and people of Nunavut. I would also like to congratulate the

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3303 mayor and the councillors who were elected. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise a concern communicated to me by a constituent who was stranded in Rankin Inlet while on medical travel. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, there have been far too many situations where medical travel client escorts get stranded in Rankin on their way to or from Winnipeg. It is to my understanding that in the last two months, more than ten patients have cancelled important medical appointments because there was nowhere for them to stay in Rankin Inlet.

Recently, while I was at the Rankin airport, I met a group of travellers who tried taking off to return home, but had to come back due to weather. They called medical travel to find out what to do and were told to find their own accommodation. This is very upsetting; they deserve better care. Mr. Speaker, the regional health centre in Rankin Inlet is offering more service these days, including dental services and more clients are getting appointments in Rankin Inlet, as well as travelling through to Winnipeg.

Some appointments may have been very important for the person’s health, but people are reluctant to travel because they worry about getting stranded. Mr. Speaker, it is time that our government seriously considers setting up a boarding home in Rankin Inlet. Travellers who are stranded would have somewhere to go to wait for their flight. Medical appointments would be more secure, medical clients would be able to travel without worrying about where they will stay or be told to find their own accommodations. At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Member’s Statement 385 – 6(2): Election Results in Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, to the people of Rankin and Chesterfield Inlet. We had Nunavut-wide elections last night and I would also like to congratulate, in Rankin Inlet, re-elected mayor, Harry Towtongie, and councillors Mike Shouldice, Chris Eccles, Levi Curley, David Jr. Kakuktinniq, Danny Kowmuk, Art Sateana, and Martha Hickes.

Elected to the district education authority are: Sheila Schweder, Ford Widrig, Mike Osmond, Margaret Okatsiak. In Chesterfield Inlet, Simeonie Sammurtok was elected as mayor, and the acclaimed council members are: Gaetano Scala, Yvonne Bedford, Edward Kalluk, Doriana Sammurtok, Venissa Mimialik, Charles Issaluk, Elizabeth Ippiak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3304 Member’s Statement 386 – 6(2): Happy Retirement to Adam Krejunark (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I do my member’s statement, I want to congratulate Lenning Pangijik of Taloyoak, our newly elected mayor, and I also wanted to thank Charles Pizzo- Lyall for your time as mayor. I wanted to congratulate Teddy Upsaktaun of Kugaaruk for your acclamation, and also to the councillors for your acclamation. I’ll be happy to work with you all. I have two more years, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to acknowledge that on the date and month of July, 2023, my constituent, Adam Kredjunark, retired as a volunteer firefighter, who had volunteered 28 years of his time to the Hamlet of Kugaaruk fire department, with three years of being a fire chief. Mr. Speaker, I believe unsung heroes have to be acknowledged greatly in the House of Mr. Speaker, and my hat is off to Adam Kredjunark who volunteered 28 years of his time, and I thank him greatly.

Also, I would like to wish my constituent, James Eetoolook, a “happy birthday,” who is a champion in many books when it comes to politics, and has been an inspiration to me. Happy birthday, uncle James. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to pay tribute to my constituents Adam Kredjunark and James Eetoolook. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Member’s Statement 387 – 6(2): Igloolik Municipal Election Results (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Before I begin my statement, I would my fellow community members of Igloolik, I’ll have you all in my thoughts are laying to rest a loved one this afternoon. Have a good day. Igloolik also held elections. I would first like to thank the former mayor, Erasmus Ivvalu. I would like to say, (interpretation ends) for the past month, it has been a battle of Georges in Igloolik. >>Laughter (interpretation) The two Georges were running for the same seat and their results were very close. I congratulate George Auqsaq for winning the election.

I also congratulate the council members who were acclaimed: Celestino Uyarak, Edward Attagutaluk, Shanshan Tian, Amanda Curley, Ludger Makkik, Jacob Malliki and Celina Uttuigak. I congratulate all of you and I expect to work with all of you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqnnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 388 – 6(2): City of Iqaluit Election Results (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to all my colleagues here, and

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3305 everyone in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu who is watching and listening. I rise today to talk about people who give of themselves to run for elections because they want to help their community, and we’ve all gone through that. Last night, I couldn’t settle down because I was anxious to see who got elected. I’d like to express great thanks to the people who ran for mayor. Solomon Awa. He was the acting mayor, and now he’ll be the mayor for the coming years.

Also, the people that will help him on council are: Kim Smith, Kyle Sheppard, Romeyn Stevenson, Sam Tilley, Simon Nattaq, Harry Flaherty, Methusalah Kunuk and Jack Anawak. I thank them very much for running and I look forward to working with all of them because the city is very important, and you are important councillors. We will be able to work together into the future, and I’d like to thank all of the candidates because they gave themselves to the public, and that’s why I rose today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Member’s Statement 389 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in the High Arctic (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All three communities I represent three had elections for mayor and I’m glad the mayors were elected. The councillors, however, were acclaimed and they will need to appoint some other councillors because they didn’t have enough people running. I would like to express my pride to my brother-in-law, Olayuk Naqitarvik, for Arctic Bay, as well the councillor will be Kigutikajuk Shappa. The former mayor, Moses Oyukuluk, did not run again and I thank him for all the good work that he did as mayor. I also thank Frank May, for running for mayor.

Three people ran for mayor in Resolute Bay and Aziz Kheraj was elected and they also received one councillor; Jazlin Salluviniq, who was acclaimed. I would like to thank Mark Amarualik. Though he is a young person, he ran again but did not get elected. He was the mayor for the past four years and I thank him for that. In Grise Fiord, Meeka Kiguktak got re- elected and Jaypetee Peter, who ran for the first time, was defeated. I thank him too.

The councillors are: • Susie Kiguktak • Arqnarulunnguaq Audlaluk • Eva Muckpa • Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko • Jimmy Qaapik I am proud of all you and I am very glad that they got on and I am looking forward to working with them. I thank all the candidates that ran. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Member’s Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3306 Member’s Statement 390 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Cambridge Bay (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good day to our colleagues and Iqaluktuuttiarmiut. Mr. Speaker, I have a special birthday greeting for my dear mother, Susie. Happy 55th birthday, mom. Quana for your love and support. Mr. Speaker, I know many people, including myself, were up late into the evening and early morning waiting on election results.

Let’s acknowledge everyone who took that step to put themselves out there in the name of their community to stand up to ensure a prosperous future for our communities. Again, I want to thank all of you who ran in our municipal elections and congratulate those elected in Cambridge Bay. Congratulations to our new mayor- elect, Wayne Gregory.

Our councillors- elect are: • Vivienne Aknavigak • Zachary Cziranka-Crooks • Darren Etibloena • Bessie Haomik Joy • Dana Langille • Jessie Lyall • Stephanie Taptuna • Wilfred Wilcox I would also like to congratulate those members who put their names forward to serve on the District Education Authority and were acclaimed. They are: • Cory Baker • Chris Crooks • Adrian Nocon • Alan Sim • Mark Slatter I look forward to working with all of you in your important roles. Mr.

Speaker, I would also like to thank outgoing mayor, Derek Elias, for his dedication and commitment to our vibrant community, all those councillors he served with, and the staff, for the work you accomplished over the past couple of years. To each of you who took the time to go vote or volunteer in the election process, and to our Elections Nunavut workers who ensured a smooth election process, thank you. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statement. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Member’s Statement 391 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Pangnirtung (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to announce the winners in the election in Pangnirtung. I am also quite proud of Lynn Meeka Mike, who is the new mayor-elect of Pangnirtung. I congratulate her and the newly elected councillors: • Janice Alivaktuk • Delia Young • Davidee Nauyuq • Julia Alikatuktuk • Sheila Kilabuk • Jaco Ishulutak • Davidee Kooneeliusie • Markus Wilcke

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3307 There are five incumbents from this group who were re-elected. I am very happy for their success. There were also several people who got elected for the local district education authority and they are: • Mathew Nauyuq • Karen Douglas • Lynn Meeka Mike • Jeannie Kalai Alivaktuk • Oloosie Pitsiulak • Joanna Kilabuk-Evic I am very happy they put their names forward, I congratulate them and I look forward to working with them to develop our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk.

Member’s Statement 392 – 6(2): Municipal Election Results in Sanirajak (Kaernerk) Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also have some news to pass along as I, too, wish to speak about the elections yesterday. I stayed up until about 2 o’clock in the morning waiting for the results online, and by the time I noticed, it was already after midnight in the early morning when I could finally see the results. I want to thank the previous mayor, along with the people who ran for the vacant council seats. Even though you may not have been elected, you can help the community in other ways.

These people were elected to the council: • Manasee Ulayuk • Irene Morgan • Adam Isaac Issigaitok • Luther Triggs • Trisha Grossett • Iga Maliki • Jopie K Oh, I apologize. • Jopie Kaernerk >>Laughter • Margaret Qayaqjuaq I congratulate all of you and everyone who came to vote. Now, as for the election for mayor, there was a tie, so they’re going to have to have a recount and I will announce the results once I hear them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 393 – 6(2): Election Results in South Baffin (Joanasie) Hon.

David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Elections are a big deal in Nunavut and all of Canada, and I would like to announce the results for the South Baffin elections. There were some individuals who weren’t elected as they were acclaimed and will have a seat. I will say their names. In Kimmirut is returning mayor Maliktoo Lyta. The councillors will be: • Terry Itulu • Mary Lyta

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3308 • Terry Pitsiulak • Alashuk Allen Also, in Kinngait, returning as mayor is Jimmy Manning and I would like to thank him. The council members are: • Caleva Kelly • Andre Wilkinson • Maryann Emond • Kumaarjuk Pii • Wakta Etungat • Salomonie Ashoona • Juanisie Etidloi • Zeke Ejesiak Mr. Speaker, they also voted for the alcohol education committee in Kinngait. They are: • Fred Hutchings • Tuumasi Thoma • Stephen Lawrence • Chris Pudlat • Marianne Emond • Maata Pee Pudlat There was also a tie and they will have to have a recount for one of them.

Lastly, for the local district education authority in Kimmirut, Joanasie Atsiaq, Mary Sagiaktuk and Akulujuk Judea are acclaimed in Cape Dorset. There will also be elections next week on October 30 for the local district education authority, so Kinngait is having another election, just so you are all aware. So everybody who is running for the local district education authority, I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to working with all the elected members in the coming years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik.

Member’s Statement 394 – 6(2): Election Results in Sanikiluaq (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate and welcome the people who were elected in Sanikiluaq. The hamlet councillors will be: • Christina L’Heureux • Lucy Appaqaq • Sarah Kittosuk • Lucy Uppik • Dinah Kittosuk • Johnny Appaqaq • Johnny Inuktaluk I would also like to acknowledge Johnny Inuktaluk, Lucy Appaqaq, Lucy Uppik, and Christina L’Heureux who were elected for the local district education authority.

Those are the people that will be running the two organizations in our community that held elections. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, all of my colleagues congratulated their new mayors, but unfortunately in Sanikiluaq there will be a general election on October 30 and I expect to congratulate the new mayor by October 31. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3309 Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today, I would like to recognize officials with the Northern Counselling and Therapeutic Services, who are here in Iqaluit this week to begin offering some counselling services to our community social services workers at the Department of Family Services. This new service is part of our response to the Auditor General’s report.

Please welcome President Devan Pennell, Senior Vice-President Rianne Van Bruggen, cultural and community relations advisor Alisa Praamsma, and Lawrence Sheppard, the clinical team lead. >>Applause Welcome to the House and it’s great to have you here. Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 555 – 6(2): Igloolik Airport Infrastructure (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. As the minister will recall, questions were asked by my colleague representing Amittuq during the recent spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly concerning the need for infrastructure improvements at the Igloolik Airport. Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed a number of situations where elders and disabled residents in wheelchairs have encountered severe difficulties as a consequence of the lack of ramps and other appropriate infrastructure at the airport.

When this issue was last raised in the House, the minister indicated that work has been underway by his department to address this issue. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of his department’s work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This work is ongoing, with details still requiring further work with the way it was setup.

It has been provided to our employees who undertake capital planning and these items are in our capital plans which we are having reviewed here. Upon approval, they would need to be constructed. At this time, the funds are listed under small capital funded projects, and these funds are set aside for communities that may face critical shortages requiring emergency repairs in communities that are identified as having the most critical needs.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3310 Factors include the number of disabled people or people with mobility issues who require passage through the airports. During the original construction of the older terminal buildings, no thought was given towards providing access to them. Whenever we have funds for improving local terminals, this access ramp project is funded by our department, as we are committed to providing access to all. Nonetheless, I will provide more information to my colleague on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms.

Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, he recently tabled his department’s 2020-2040 Nunavut Airports 20-Year Capital Needs Assessment Update report. This report identified a number of deficiencies at Igloolik’s airport, including the need for improvements to its taxiway, apron and runway. Can the minister clarify when these improvements will be undertaken? (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Our department is fortunate that we are able to qualify under the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program, and every time we submit, it is at the call of the federal government to approve. We have been getting approvals almost once a year approvals on these communities, and each of the communities that are in dire need of fixing, we submit proposals. I don’t know exactly when the queue is for Igloolik, but I want to assure the members that for those types of projects, we rely heavily on federal funds when it comes to fixing our aprons and resurfacing our airstrips. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister for that response; however, part of my question was not answered. I recognize and understand that the Government of Nunavut does not have unlimited resources with which to pave all of our airports’ runways. Can the minister update the House today on his discussions with the federal Minister of Transport to improve the federal Airport Capital Assistance Program? When can we expect to have the runway paved? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Paving is very expensive. We have had requests from fellow members for this and I have told them that it becomes more expensive on the maintenance side. With that being the case, I’m not putting too much effort into looking at that as my priority is on improvements to assist people with disabilities and the safety of airports.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3311 That’s what I can say at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 556 – 6(2): Conservation Economies in Nunavut – Aviqtuuq Case Study (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and they concern the issue of the Aviqtuuq initiative. Mr. Speaker, during last Thursday’s sitting of the House, I tabled the Conservation Economies in Nunavut – Aviqtuuq Case Study for the benefit of all members.

The case study outlines a number of initiatives that would support Taloyoak with the process of developing a conservation economy. Mr. Speaker, I anticipate that the minister’s department is very familiar with this important initiative. Can the minister describe what specific actions his department is taking to support the conservation economy and enhance food security in Taloyoak? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, from the understanding of my staff, the community has applied for funding within our department and they have been approved to do some of the programs that they want. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, minister, for your response. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have raised the issue of the Niqihaqut country food processing facility in Taloyoak a number of times in the House. The Niqihaqut project includes a sustainable and monitored harvest, a cut- and-wrap facility to prepare and distribute food to the community.

The goal of the project is to address food insecurity in Taloyoak, create new jobs in the community and providing opportunities for training and teaching of traditional hunting practices. Mr. Speaker, the Conservation Economies in Nunavut – Aviqtuuq Case Study also describes the potential opportunity to sell country food to neighboring communities, including Kugaaruk and Gjoa Haven. This expansion would allow the facility to act as a regional country food business.

As the minister will recall, my predecessor recommended during the previous Assembly that a review be undertaken of a potential partnership between the Niqihaqut project and the Nunavut Development Corporation’s Venture Equity Investments Program. Can the minister provide an update on the status of this review? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3312 Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This project that is right before our eyes; the conservation area, those discussions are taking place in a tri- party, which involves the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and the hunters and trappers organization in the community. Infrastructure like that is within that management plan, which I trust that the folks that are working on those are working hard in trying to get what the community wishes for.

However, I cannot jump ahead of that because that work is still being done at the tri-party discussions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Aviqtuuq, the Boothia Peninsula, where Taloyoak is located, has a unique landscape and an abundance of traditional food resources such as caribou, muskox, char and seal. The Conservation Economies in Nunavut – Aviqtuuq Case Study outlines the need for protection of Aviqtuuq and calls for establishing the Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area.

For the record, can the minister indicate what his department’s current position is concerning the establishment of the Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As these conservation areas are coming into our territory, thanks to the federal government’s initiative in trying to get conservation areas by 2030 to have 30 percent of Canada conserved, those works and discussions are ongoing and discussions as a part of this is that they are making their management plan as that conservation is proceeding. How and when that will be, as I mentioned, is a three-way discussion. Our government is involved in those discussions, and that’s part of the work that we continue to do within our departments throughout the government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Aivilik, Mr. Malliki. Question 557 – 6(2): Stranded Medical Travellers (Malliki) Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. In my member’s statement, I mentioned that a number of medical appointments have been cancelled due to the lack of hotel rooms in Rankin Inlet. Can the minister clarify whether he is aware of these cancellations, and tell me what steps have been taken to ensure that the appointments were rescheduled as soon as possible? (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 the question. (interpretation ends) As

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3313 the member mentioned, we are currently aware that there is a shortage of hotel rooms in Rankin Inlet. That’s something we’ve been working around and trying to work within. It’s a relatively new phenomenon, from my understanding, this shortage of hotel rooms. So you know, when we talk about medical travel, in 2022-23, there were over 35,000 round trips booked for Nunavummiut, so in terms of the cancellations that happen and different delays, it’s impossible for me to personally keep track of who’s getting delayed where on a daily basis.

We leave that important responsibility to our medical travel teams. I want to highlight the incredible work that’s done by medical travel staff, not just in the Kivalliq, but right across Nunavut. They’re focused on customer service, they’re focused on making sure the travellers make it to their appointments, and when they don’t, appointments are rebooked, and often that’s in partnership with our southern health partners.

In this case, it might be, I’m unsure of the particulars that the hon. member is referring to, but it might be working with health services out of Winnipeg or Manitoba, and that is the normal procedure. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleague asked questions in the House during our last winter sitting, and I can’t remember exactly when it was, but the former Minister of Health had stated previously that there are not enough patients travelling through Rankin Inlet.

I don’t believe that and I have seen and I have been told by my constituents that there are not enough medical clients going to Rankin Inlet to justify a boarding home in the community. That’s just a comment. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify what protocols should be followed when medical clients are stranded at airports and need a place to stay? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to be believed. The member said that he didn’t believe me, which is disappointing.

I would like to be believed and I can show the numbers of where the patients are located and how many patients are accommodated at hotels in Rankin Inlet. I can show the member the numbers if he wants to see them. With regard to delays or cancelled appointments, we have departmental staff working with the airlines as well as the hotels. They work very hard to prepare ahead of time, but sometimes, and I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, the lack of hotels in Rankin Inlet is one of the reasons why some patients have to return to Winnipeg when there are no rooms available in Rankin Inlet.

It’s very difficult for the patients who are travelling and we understand that and we feel for them. We have been working closely with private companies, especially the airlines, to figure out how

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3314 it can best be addressed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to thank the minster for working very hard on this, but I know that there is always room for improvement in whatever we are working, so I am requesting some improvements be made so that our Inuit constituents can be properly served. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, medical travel clients from a number of Kivalliq communities have travelled through Rankin Inlet to receive medical care.

As our communities grow, the need for services also grows. A dedicated boarding home for Rankin Inlet would certainly reduce the strain on travellers. Will the minister consider establishing a medical boarding home in the hub community of Rankin Inlet? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The boarding homes are a function, or their service is offered to Nunavut Inuit through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.

When we are looking at a boarding home in a community, say Iqaluit for example, the Department of Health is not alone in trying to meet the needs for a boarding home. We have to work very closely with Indigenous Services Canada. If we are looking at establishing a new boarding home, whether it’s in Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay, which are currently the two regional centres without boarding homes, it would mean the Department of Health would need to undertake work in collaboration, or very close, working along side Indigenous Services Canada.

The first step would be a pre-feasibility study and the next step would be a feasibility study, and if that proves positive, then the step after that would be to move into establishing a boarding home. Right now, we’ve looked at the numbers in terms of pre-feasibility and the pre- feasibility does not support moving to a feasibility.

I can certainly work with my staff to take another look at the numbers, but if the numbers aren’t there for the medical travellers, then we would be establishing either a very small boarding home, or a boarding that’s largely going to sit un-utilized and it will be difficult for us to get support to establish that contract. I hope that explains kind of some of the steps that would have to go through to get to a boarding home. It’s not as simple as the minister of health snapping his fingers and saying we’re going to get a boarding home in this community.

It’s based on traveller demand and there is a number of steps we have to work through along with the Indigenous Services Canada. I can commit to looking at the pre-feasibility study numbers again. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3315 Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 558 – 6(2): Medical Boarding Home for Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. I would like to revisit an issue that I have raised a number of times, but has yet to be properly addressed; the need for a medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet.

Can the minister clearly explain why he does not support the establishment of medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to thank the member for the question. I’m very pleased with your questions at this time. (interpretation ends) As I just indicated, in my response to the Member for Aivilik, I explained the steps that we would have to go through in terms of establishing a boarding home, and it’s not as simple as… .

The member’s question was why I, as minister, do not support this. I think the question is more whether the numbers support this, whether the demand supports it, and whether there’s sufficient travel volume to support this. Right now, we do work with private hotels in Rankin Inlet to meet the need for accommodation in the community, and so, that’s the current approach, and as I indicated to the Member for Aivilik, there is a shortage of hotel rooms, it’s something we’re working around.

I would hope that there will be additional hotels developed in Rankin Inlet, and we’ll move out of this period of low availability of hotel rooms, which would make it a lot easier for both medical travellers and other travellers going through Rankin. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I ask my next question, what about Churchill, Manitoba? How are they using the boarding home there? (interpretation ends) The need for medical boarding home services in Rankin has been clearly demonstrated.

Recently, the Kivalliq medical travel office posted on Facebook looking for billets for medical travellers going through Rankin Inlet. The lack of boarding for medical travel clients when the hotels are full or flights are cancelled has become a serious issue. Can the minster clarify why the Kivalliq medical travel office is looking for billets in Rankin Inlet if adequate accommodation for medical travellers is not a concern? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends)

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3316 As I indicated, there is a shortage of hotel accommodations in Rankin, and not just in Rankin, it can be in different communities. Under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, medical travel clients can choose to stay with friends or family instead of a boarding home, and the NIHB, Non-Insured Health Benefits program, offers a daily billet rate to pay for eligible medical travellers. That includes clients and escorts to pay for their accommodations, meals and ground transportation. This is a normal part of medical travel.

Some travellers prefer to stay with family out of personal preference, and it’s the Non-Insured Health Benefits program that offers that ability for them to get reimbursed, and I think the medical travel staff in Rankin Inlet, I think that shows an example of Qanuqtuurniq and being creative in trying to provide service and make sure that people are taken care of. I would like to commend them for looking for ways to make sure that our medical travellers’ needs are provided for during their journey. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr.

Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) They want to get the same rate that the hotel is getting, not what the government rate is. Mr. Speaker, I think it is clear that there is a need for a dedicated boarding home for medical travel clients going through Rankin Inlet. It puts extra stress on patients when they fear they may be stuck with no place to stay if their flight is cancelled. It is my understanding that a non- government entity proposed establishing a boarding home in Rankin Inlet, but the proposal was rejected.

This is unfortunate because the infrastructure is ready to go and would fill a need. Will the minister reconsider his position with respect to establishing a medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet and assure this House that he will give any new proposal his full consideration? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m unaware of any proposals that have been submitted and rejected, so maybe after this sitting, the member and I can have a discussion.

That’s news to me that there would have been a proposal submitted. I think my position has been quite clear in that I support measures to meet the needs of medical travellers. I explained the different steps that we would have to go through if we were to be establishing a boarding home in Rankin Inlet. Pre- feasibility, feasibility, and then if that’s positive, moving to operations of it. So I don’t know what more can be said, to be honest, Mr. Speaker. If the numbers are there, if the volume of travel is there, I think that would justify us moving to feasibility.

As I committed to in the previous round of questions to the member for Aivilik, I can commit to taking a look at the pre- feasibility numbers that have been

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3317 compiled by the department and following up with the member. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 559 – 6(2): Quality of Care for Elders (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to ask a question to the Minister of Health. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Katujjiluta mandate has “Aging with dignity” as one of its key priorities.

Supporting our elders and others to stay in their homes and in their home communities as they age or battle a heavy illness is an important factor in respecting their dignity as a person and a member of their community. Can the minister provide an update on what efforts have been made to provide training for community-based home care workers to support our elders or individuals with chronic illnesses in their homes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the member for her questions.

Yes, I understand exactly where you are coming from in terms of how we can ensure elders can stay at home and age with dignity and stay in their community. It provides them better health and it cost less to the government. (interpretation ends) In terms of the training items for home care workers, we are working with Nunavut Arctic College to develop and deliver a personal support worker program and the goal of this program is to support current and future home and continuing care workers.

It consists of both in- person and online training, and it’s new, so we’ve delivered a pilot of it, and we’ve got some good feedback from it. We’re further refining the program with Nunavut Arctic College, and when we look at the new long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet, a $60 million investment is something we can all be proud of. We look at the need for employment there. That is where programs like this will be important, but not just in communities with long-term care centres.

Right across Nunavut we look at our home care numbers, and year after year they are going up and up, which means more clients are getting help. So that is something that we want to continue seeing. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank the minister. We want that to continue moving forward so that it can better help our elders and to keep them at home and in their communities. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, it was my understanding that there was a significant block of funding available for home care training, but I am not aware of any such training taking place locally this past year. For those communities which do not have elder care facilities or palliative

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3318 care beds, having more local people trained to provide home care would allow more of our elders to stay home for longer. Can the minister describe what efforts have been made or are being planned to provide home care training at the community-level, especially in the community of Pond Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): I thank the member for that question. It is a new program being offered with the help of Nunavut Arctic College and we would like to make it available to more communities.

Some will be by remote learning, and some will be in person. The way we have it set up is to ensure that this program is available to as many of the communities as possible. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, when we look at home care in Pond Inlet specifically, there are a total of six positions allocated for that service, and four of those are currently filled with indeterminate staff. When we look at the services that they are providing in terms of homemaking, personal care, respite care, nursing care, it is really important work.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of the home care workers in Pond Inlet as well as other communities and they really put the “care” in home care. It is evident in speaking with them how much they care for their clients. They develop a personal relationship and that is kind of the magic that happens in health care when you have that connection between a community member and the care provider. I’ll stop talking about how great they are, but it is really touching to see the supports they provide, not just to elders, but others needing help at the community-level. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. They do excellent work at the community-level, and if they were provided more training, they could provide more services to those in need. I have another question, but I would like to say that if there was further training or if home care service could be expanded in the communities, we would see more elders being taken care of at home as well as for those others in need. (interpretation ends) Currently, the home care nurse works 9 to 5 with their staff.

Having more locally trained staff would allow for this service to be available at different hours around the clock. Will the minister commit to reviewing how home care services can be expanded in our communities, and to start with, provide more home training at the local level? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member. We can do a review on how we can extend the hours of service or if we can provide services on Saturday and Sunday, for example. We are currently doing a review.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3319 With regard to training, we can look into it further, and if I have additional information, I’ll make sure that I get it to the members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 560 – 6(2): Security at Health Facilities (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to start off by offering my apologies for my questions also for the Minister of Health. For the record, I would just like to state that I support my fellow colleagues in calling for a boarding home in Rankin Inlet.

Mr. Speaker, this would enhance care for Nunavummiut during their stressful time, as well as offer a cost benefit to the Department of Health’s medical travel budget. In addition, it would free up the much-needed hotel space. Mr. Speaker, this is supported, especially as Health continues to increase its level of care and services provided at the Rankin Inlet regional health centre. I would like to wish the minister much luck in updating the pre-feasibility study in convincing Indigenous Services Canada to make the investment. However, Mr.

Speaker, my questions today concern the issue of security at our territory’s health facilities. As the minister will recall, I referred to this issue during my questions last week to the Minister of Justice concerning the need to bring forward a more rigorous regulatory framework for the private security industry in Nunavut. As the minister will also recall, his department issued a request for proposal in January, this year, for security services in 13 Nunavut health centres.

However, in August of this year, the government published information indicating that a contract valued at over $22 million, had been awarded to one of the bidders, but the government had subsequently announced that the award had been cancelled and that a new request for proposal process would be initiated at a later date with revised terms of services. I would like to ask: for the record, can the minister explain why the initial award was rescinded, and can he clearly indicate how the new RFP will be different? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon.

John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the public procurement process, I’m not going to comment on why specific contracts were… . I’m not going to get into that. It is a public procurement process; it is handled by the public service and I think it is important for political leadership, such as myself, to leave that important job to the public service. However, in terms of monitoring request for proposals, or procurement processes, that is within the scope of my role. A request for proposals has been issued and proposals are currently under review.

That is what I can say in terms of the current process that is ongoing. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3320 Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s response. I also agree with the minister that there should be no political interference when it comes to public procurement; however, it is highly unusual for an RFP to be awarded and then immediately rescinded. However, Mr. Speaker, as the minister will recall, his department also issued a request for proposals in August 22 for security services at the Qikiqtani General Hospital here in Iqaluit.

The terms of reference for this work included some very stringent certification requirements including non-violent crisis intervention, applied suicide intervention skills training, closed circuit television training, alternative dispute resolution and de-escalation of potentially violent situations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask if the minister can confirm what entity has been awarded the contract security services at the Qikiqtani General Hospital, and can he describe how the Department of Health will ensure that the frontline security staff have the required training and certification? Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) There are multiple questions in there, so I’ll choose one and answer it. On the RFP process and which contracts have been awarded, I’ll get back to the member on that, but the certification requirements and the needs for security personnel to be of a high quality is really important to the Department of Health.

It goes to the real foundation or the real fundamental reason why we have these contracts in place; it’s for the safety of our staff and the safety of anyone who is in a health facility in Nunavut. If we look at, over time, over the past decade or so, the number of reported violent incidents are increasing, so what do we do with that as the Department of Health?

We have a fundamental responsibility to protect our staff and to protect anybody who is in our facilities for care, and that’s where if you look at retention and recruitment, it’s absolutely essential that we, as the Department of Health, Government of Nunavut are able to offer safe, secure facilities for people to receive care and for people to provide care in.

It is quite financially taxing; it’s not a cheap endeavour to provide security services in 18 community health facilities like we do right now, but at the end of the day, we’re left with little choice when we look at the fundamental responsibility that we have to provide safe facilities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate the minister’s response.

However, I can also understand the other side, where Nunavummiut are going health centres and going through very stressful situations, receiving care from people that are not from Nunavut, people that do not speak Inuktitut, and how that could quickly escalate the situation.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3321 However, I do understand the need to ensure that Nunavummiut can also receive health care in and in a safe environment. Again, I do appreciate where the minister is coming from. However, Mr. Speaker, the terms of reference for the department’s recently issued request for proposal for security services at community health centres also includes further significant requirements such as previous law enforcement experience. Mr.

Speaker, I support my fellow colleagues when they express the desire to see their constituents gain the necessary skills and training in order to fill these positions in our community health centres. I would like to ask: can the minister indicate whether or not his department is working with Nunavut Arctic College or any other partners to develop courses that can be delivered in Nunavut, or by remote means for Nunavummiut who wish to gain certification in this field in order to take advantage of employment opportunities providing security services in our communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague for the question. As to the question from the member, we aren’t really work with Nunavut Arctic College at this point, but we do work with the people who hold the contracts and tell them how they’re supposed to be training Nunavut Inuit. (interpretation ends) We do have a mentorship initiative within the existing security services contract, so when we see the staff who have previous law enforcement experience, they’ve been able to bring or mentor staff into the position.

This program is currently in place in six communities: Pond Inlet, Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Kugluktuk, and Taloyoak, and we have seen some success with this program, and it’s something that we’re looking to build on further. We have training and mentorship components embedded, or we will aim to have them embedded in contracts going forward. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 561 – 6(2): Nunavut Member of Parliament’s Private Bill C-326 (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I will not ask the Minister of Health. >>Laughter Mr. Speaker, I am in possession of a newsletter from Nunavut’s Member of Parliament, and I’ll state some of the stuff on there. Nunavut’s Member of Parliament stated, “On March 10, 2023, I tabled Bill C-326 on behalf of Nunavummiut. This Bill is part of my work to fight for your rights, to help protect the wildlife and environment from corporate greed.” It goes on to say, “What is in my bill?

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3322 Bill C-326,

An Act to Amend the Territorial Lands Act, is a Private Member’s Bill. (…) Why did I introduce it? My Bill seeks to align Nunavut’s Territorial Lands Act with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). If passed, my Bill would require resources extractors to obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples when developing on Indigenous land. The current system is flawed and I hope to fix it. For too long, the federal government has relied on the courts to respect Indigenous peoples rights.

Canada is founded on Indigenous peoples lands, so governments and industry must respect the rights of Indigenous peoples.” Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Environment, as the minister responsible for the environment and wildlife. In Nunavut, we have the current Nunavut Impact Review Board to deal with the process of development, but I asked the minister if the minister agrees with the statement from our Member of Parliament that the current system is flawed and hope to fix it. Does the minister agree with that comment? Thank you. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Mr.

Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My answer is: no, I do not agree. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I applaud the minister for that, because I, too, agree that we have the current system that was envisioned and has been here since the inception of Nunavut and does work. It may work slow at times, but it does work. Mr.

Speaker, I’ll ask the minister now: if the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is passed by the Government of Canada, can the minister foresee how that will change the environmental impact process within Nunavut? Thank you. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To be honest, I have not gone further into the member’s question. I can certainly look into this matter and get back to the member directly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My last question will be: have there been any communications between the Department of Environment, which is responsible for wildlife and environment within Nunavut… ? Has there been any correspondence from the Member of Parliament on the bill that she has forwarded and that has received first reading that may affect Nunavut? Has there been any communications on how this bill may better be suited to work within Nunavut’s environmental impact assessment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3323 Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not to the deputy minister or acting deputy minister. To my knowledge and honesty, I have not gone further into more reading. I have to further get back on this if I must. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 562 – 6(2): Wolf Sample Collection Program (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are also for the Minister of Environment.

In May of this year, the minister’s predecessor announced changes to the department’s Wolf Sample Collection Program. At that time, I noted I had been advocating for improvements to the program in order to better Kugluktuk hunters and address the serious problem of wolf predation of our caribou population. Can the new minister provide an update today on the status of his department’s Wolf Samples Collection Program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A new policy for the Wolf Sample Collection Program was approved on May 4, 2023, as the member stated. Mr. Speaker, in areas where caribou are declining, specifically in Bathurst, Bluenose-East and Dolphin-Union herd ranges, this payment will be increased to $900 per sample. As of October 3, 2023, a total of 93 samples have been collected under the new program for a total of $46,500 in sample payments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Just to the member, there is no need to say “the new minster,” just say minister. Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I apologize. In its recent announcement concerning the program, the Department of Environment indicated that “In areas where caribou are declining, specifically in the Bathurst, Bluenose-East and Dolphin-Union herd ranges, this payment will be increased to $900 for each submitted sample. Enhanced wolf management actions support the recovery of declining caribou herds.” Can the minister describe how his department is working with the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization to measure the success of the Wolf Sample Collection Program in reducing predation of caribou? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3324 Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My department is in close working relationship with the hunters and trappers organizations across the territory. Mr. Speaker, the department is paying harvesters directly rather than the hunters and trappers’ organizations and this provides greater financial accountability in the tracking and issuing of the payments to the hunters. We will continue to update our progress on this program to communities that are most affected where caribou are in decline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the responses. Will the minister commit to reporting annually to the Legislative Assembly on the administration of the Wolf Sample Collection Program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. I can commit to the member’s request as this program is a standalone program that is funded $500,000 annually. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Question 563 – 6(2): Insurance Issue after Fire in Gjoa Haven (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to put the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation back on the hot seat. Mr. Speaker, a little over a year and a half ago, in March 2022, as the Speaker is very well aware, there was quite a devastating fire in your community regarding the Office of Motor Vehicles Branch, Headquarters Division, where a number of staff and services were displaced. Mr.

Speaker, at the time, there was a lot of questioning because of the transfer of ownership of that building on what the insurance implications were, and I would like to get an update from the minister today on what the outcome was on that matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As you know, I really enjoy question period, but this question is more appropriate with my fellow colleague, the Minister of Community and Government Services, as he administers the insurance and the building assets portion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The minister is redirecting the question to Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the member can reiterate his question, I’ll tune in a little closer, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3325 Speaker: The minister is asking to re- ask the question. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the minister taking on the question. There was an office building that was in the process of transitioning ownership to the Government of Nunavut in the community of Gjoa Haven. It’s the Speaker’s community that had a fire in March of 2022, and there was some question on the insurance outcome of who would be responsible for the insurance and receiving insurance proceeds on rebuilding that piece of infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. The 6,000 square foot lease to own the Qaggiariit NCC office building in Gjoa Haven was occupied by several Government of Nunavut departments that got destroyed by fire, and resulting from that, our Property Division established a new interim lease to house the second floor of the CAP building in Gjoa Haven, and this is a temporary measure to allow for office space for those that were displaced.

As a lease-to-own building, there was an amendment to the arrangement entered into, in order for the building owner, which is the Nunavut NCC Properties Ltd. to carryout the reconstruction of the lost office building, and this lease agreement was effective on March 24, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now that my Curious George factor has kicked in, I’ll have to come back to the Minister of Community and Government Services on that response.

I would like to direct back at the Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation. What is the current staffing complement of the Motor Vehicles Division Headquarters in Gjoa Haven? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, you can’t go back and forth to ministers. You’re going to have to ask that question at another time. Second question, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wasn’t the one that deferred the question, but I do appreciate the rules of the House, and I wasn’t trying to pull a fast one.

With the insurance of the transfer of the ownership of that building, the minister mentioned, as of March 2024, the lease agreement was renewed or negotiated. I would just like to ask the question: is the Government of Nunavut currently paying leases on two properties? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This fire was a complicated encounter where it was a lease-to-own arrangement with property owners, and with that, when we had to put in a new lease arrangement to house the displaced employees, we had to sort those things out.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3326 We do have a path forward in that the building owners, NCC Development, will be responsible for rebuilding the lost building, and following the recent revisions to the lease agreement, departments will be overseeing the reconstruction project going forward. We did have to have to make sure that those staff in Gjoa Haven had available space to work out of, and I think we’re kind of out of the rough, so to speak, but the plan to rebuild in Gjoa Haven is ongoing. The construction was set to begin this fall with substantial completion anticipated by December, 2024.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: There might be some interference with your electronics. There are audible vibrations. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to apologize; I wasn’t trying to pull a fast one. I was just open for a little bit of flexibility and I used a poor choice of words. Mr. Speaker, with the current renegotiated lease, is it under the same price point as the previous lease, or because it’s a newer construction, has there been a change in the value of that lease agreement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of the lease costs, again, they had to be sorted out in a way that all parties were in agreement on how to move forward in that situation. I’ll commit to coming back to my colleague on what the lease costs were throughout that process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 564 – 6(2): Municipal Governance (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions, I hope, will begin with the Minister of Community and Government Services and end with the Minister of Community and Government Services. As we all know, yesterday was municipal election day across Nunavut, and I offer my warmest congratulations to all of those elected, and my deepest thanks to all former officials for their service. Mr. Speaker, prior to my election to this House, many know that I had the honour of serving on Iqaluit’s city council as deputy mayor.

I speak from my own lived and professional experience when I say that it is absolutely imperative that newly elected and/or acclaimed members of municipal councils receive comprehensive orientation to their roles and responsibilities. This orientation is an important cornerstone in good governance. Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit is fortunate insofar as the city’s larger size allows for a lot of this work to be done in-house by our experienced and dedicated staff, along with help from expert consultants. Can the minister describe how his department will be working with

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3327 municipalities in smaller Nunavut communities; in all Nunavut communities, over the coming weeks to deliver high-quality orientation to new council members? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the questions on municipal elections. Again, I think it is an exciting time, especially for the newly elected, and I, too, bid well for those that have been newly elected or have been re-elected into either mayor or council. Mr.

Speaker, my department works closely with hamlets and administrators to ensure that municipalities are aware of their responsibilities under relevant legislation. This includes for newly elected hamlet officials to go through an orientation process. Mr. Speaker, although it’s not mandated through

an Act to provide orientation, my department does provide that for municipalities, including through our community development staff that provide councils with detailed orientation to ensure clarity on their roles and responsibilities of council and municipal staff and the department. Such topics included through their council orientation are; roles and responsibilities, policy management, municipal finances, council procedures, conflict of interest, and community governance. This is an ongoing process throughout the four years.

If councils would like to receive refresher courses, my department works on case-by-case basis to provide this orientation training. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for that response. I highly encourage every council member, whether they are newly elected or re-elected to take

part in any orientation. It’s also an excellent opportunity to form as a group when you are being oriented. Even if you have prior experience, this is really important. Mr. Speaker, it is very important that orientation for members of municipal councils includes a strong component of guidance on how to avoid conflict of interest. All Canadian legislatures have an independent integrity commissioner or similar position that can provide this advice and conduct reviews, and I am aware that a number of larger Canadian cities have similar positions. Mr.

Speaker, it is not realistic for each of our 25 municipalities to have such a position in place. As I noted during my recent questions to the Minister of Human Resources, the most recent annual report of the ethics officer recommends that “consideration be given” to expanding the role of that office to encompass municipalities. Can the minister clearly state his position regarding this recommendation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3328 Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with regard to conflicts of interest, yes, I do note that there is not a specific position where in which municipal councillors can direct their issues towards if there’s a conflict of interest, but I think that’s right now managed internally by each council. The chair or the mayor in this case, would, as per their agenda item, have a line for any member of their council that needs to declare conflict. They go through that process each meeting, and if they do need to declare, then they make that disclosure.

Mr. Speaker, regarding the question that my colleague asked of the human resources department, I believe it was on the ethics office, I’ll leave my position on that for another day, but I think we’ll keep that conversation open around what those position’s scope of work entails, because as I understand it right now, the ethics officer only deals with public servants and not with municipal staff. Keep those in mind on how those can be addressed either at the local level or at the territorial-level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. I think it’s important to note specifically in the annual report of the ethics officer for the Nunavut public service in 2021- 22, the ethics officer, under the issue of hamlets, stated, “Over the years, I have received a number of inquiries about alleged wrongdoing by employees of hamlets. I have to advise that I have no jurisdiction to look into the matter and can offer no alternatives. Consideration should be given to expanding the jurisdiction of the Ethics Officer to encompass such disclosures of alleged wrongdoing.” That’s why I asked.

I think it’s a very important recommendation coming from a very important person. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, he is responsible for the territorial Conflict of Interest Act. Mr. Speaker, this piece of legislation was inherited upon division and has not been amended in over a decade. Can the minister describe what plans his department has to review this statute during the remaining life of this Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

At this time, my department does not have any immediate plans or around the Conflict of Interest Act. It’s not quite on our radar, I think, within the life of this government. If anything, we might be initiating any review that might need to occur. At this time, it’s not within our life of this government to discuss this legislation in depth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that we extend question period. Thank you.

Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period. Are there any nays? There is a nay. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replied to Opening Address. Item 10.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3329 Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 31, 32, 33, 35, and 36 and Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) with Mr. Hickes in the Chair.

In accordance to the authority provided to me by Motion 22 – 6(2), the committee will stay in session until it reports itself out. Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will take a 20-minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:36 and committee resumed at 16:05 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Thank you. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 31, 32, 33, 35, and 36 and Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2).

What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Malliki. Mr. Malliki: Mr. Chairman, we wish to continue with the review of the 2024 capital appropriation for the Department of Community and Government Services, followed by the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree we will continue with Bill 31? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie, do you have any officials you would like to appear before the committee with you?

Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you agree, I do have witnesses here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: We will soon find out. Does the committee agree to allow the minister to have witnesses appear with him? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- Arms, please escort the witnesses in. Thank you. For the record, Minister Joanasie, can you introduce your officials to the committee? Hon. David Joanasie: I can, Mr. Chairman. To my left, is Deputy Minister Kyle Seeley, and to my right is Director of Financial Services, Mandy Hickey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3330 Chairman: Thank you. Just to remind the committee, we left off on infrastructure, page J-5. $45.1 million. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don’t have too many here, but one of the items is tenant improvement fees for $4 million. Was that amount all used up in the previous year? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question. We did not expend the entire budget. It is a new line item that we are wanting to continue forward with. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I understand tenant improvement fees when you are going to lease an office building or a building and you want to fix it up to your standards, but I have known that this tenant improvement fee has been used on a new spec’d out building. I would like to ask the minister: why wouldn’t they spec out a new building in the RFP instead of having to make tenant improvement fees once the outside walls are done? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My apologies.

Sometimes, when we do acquire a new office leased space, it sometimes may not fit the client department that would go into that space, so there are, at times, necessary improvements needed to support the programming service that will be provided through that office. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The minister did not answer my question. I said that I understand if you are getting a new lease on a new building and it does not fit the client on it, that you have to make tenant improvement to plugs here, walls there, and stuff like that.

When you spec-out a new building, and I’ll take the example, the one in Arviat; it was as brand-new building built for the GN to lease, and there were tenant improvements on a brand-new ‘being built’ building for the government to have as an office. Why would you not spec out a brand- new building to your specifications so that there are no tenant improvement fees. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am not exactly sure of the exact case that my colleague brings up. I will have to look into further details on that.

With this new tenant improvement fund that we are proposing, again, the intention here is to streamline the tenant improvement process because before, departments were left to their own devices on seeking funds to make

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3331 improvements on a lease that they acquired to fit their needs. This $4 million is being funnelled through my department on behalf of other departments to meet their lease- space needs and make improvements as necessary when they do move into those spaces. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would just like a commitment from the minister, when they are getting a new office building; they are going to lease a new office that is being built to lease to the government, that all their specs are all laid out so that you do not have to do tenant improvements fees. When you’re getting a specked out new office building that is being built and going to be leased to the Government of Nunavut, generally, you know which departments are going in there and what their needs are.

If we can just get a commitment that if there is any new construction, I am not talking about new leases; new construction, that it is built to the specs that are needed so that there will be no tenant improvement fees. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I understand the concern here, and we do want an ideal of a deal as we can. Sometimes the Government of Nunavut does not construct these office spaces.

It is private companies, but we do try to allow for a seamless approach where our office needs are specified before we acquire a lease when they are being constructed. I will take those comments; we are doing the best we can under the circumstances, and again, I think we do want to try to minimize costs on tenant improvements on these spaces, but this fund is necessary on some existing facilities that our employees or client departments work out of. Some are quite dated, but this is to try to get them up-to-date and specified to the client’s needs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Just before I go back to Mr.

Savikataaq, I am not sure that there is a full understanding. Oftentimes the Government of Nunavut puts out a request for proposals for a new office space, and then the building is constructed to meet those parameters. I believe the member is requesting the minister to confirm that these funds for tenant improvements wouldn’t be used for new buildings because those decisions could be communicated at the time of the construction during the request for proposal process so that it could be built to the configuration that the Government of Nunavut is requesting. Am I summarizing that correctly, Mr. Savikataaq?

Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, we do try to do that on a case-by-case basis, but again, whether it is a brand-new building constructed, and we have an RFP, we do try to get that in place beforehand. Again, this fund also deals with existing lease spaces, not just newly constructed

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3332 office buildings, so it deals with both. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the record, I have nothing against tenant improvement fees for existing buildings; that is understandable. This was just for new construction, but I will move on. The Parking Garage Program; there was $6 million for prior years there. Were all of those funds spent? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

For the 2023-24 intake planning phases, we recommended approval for six projects. We have: Arctic Bay for $500,000 for a three-bay garage; Baker Lake for $126,000 for a six-bay garage; Kimmirut, $126,000 also for a six-bay garage, and Pangnirtung for $126,000, planning for a six-bay garage; Resolute Bay for $250,000 for a six-bay garage, and Whale Cove, $70,000 for a five-bay garage. All of these are for planning and design costs that we are recommending forward, as Chesterfield Inlet for $231,569. That is the previous year’s planning approval. For design, approving $250,000, Gjoa Haven.

It had been approved for $231,000 for planning, and another $250,000 for design. Lastly, Sanikiluaq; $39,550 is for planning, and recommending approval for $131,250 into the design. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was just asking if it was all spent. I took a quick calculation, and I think the answer is: no. I don’t think those amounts added up to $6 million. Can the minister confirm that? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Correct, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr.

Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. How much of that money was carried over, then? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: If you can just give us a second here; hold on. Sorry, my apologies. I don’t have the definitive amounts, but I think it in the tune of $5 million that we are carrying over. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. A rough guess is that $5 million is being carried over from $6 million, and you’re asking this year for $8 million.

Can we get an explanation as to why you are asking for another $8 million when you have not spent the $5 million? Thank you. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good question on that.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3333 This program is meant to frontload the funds in anticipation of construction. The planning and design are usually not the higher costs of building, so once we move into construction, we anticipate that those that are completing design we would spend probably be the bulk of it, if not, even all of the funds dedicated to this. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, just to be clear, then the $5 million and the $8 million, which is $13 million, will all be spent before the end of the next fiscal year?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We continue to get new proposals in on a year-to-year basis. With that, once we do the planning and this is a four-year phased approach for each application, where in year one is planning, year two is design, and then years three and/or four would be construction of the parking garages. Hopefully, yes, within the four years, we would spend the entirety, but we are anticipating there will be additional applications to meet the hamlets’ needs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq.

Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will ask the same question again: does the minister anticipate spending the $13 million by the end of the next fiscal year? He talked about it is a four-year program, but my question was: is the $13 million all going to be spent within the next fiscal year? Thank you. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I hope we do, that if everything according to plan and working with the hamlets.

Going back to the carryover amounts; my official did find that the prior year’s capital carryover for this program was $1,497,000, and not the $5 million that we previously stated. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you. They hope to spend it; we hope they approve it. Going onto the next one, my next topic is the GN surplus for demolition. There is a $3 million request for that, and there are 10 buildings on the Department of Community and Government Services’ list to be either surplus, demolished, or whatever. There is one in there from Arviat.

It is the oldest building; 1960. It also happens to belong to the Department of Community and Government Services. How is it prioritized on what gets demolished or what happens? Most of these are fairly old, so I imagine it might get demolished, but can we get an explanation how it is decided to spend the $3 million for these 10 buildings that are on the list? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are anticipating that and

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3334 we will work in consultation with municipalities on which ones we want to prioritize and also looking at which asset… . I guess if there is a higher risk associated to those, but it is something that my department has been wanting to get done. Hopefully through this budget, we will get some buildings remediated and/or remove assets that are derelict and badly needed to be taken down. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Has a cost assessment been done on each one of these to the cost to demolish it?

If my memory serves me correctly, there was a project in Sanikiluaq to dismantle/demolish the old air terminal building, and I believe the budget was at $800,000 for that one building, and if my memory serves me correctly too, it was not that big of a building. Have there been cost estimates done on any of these 10 buildings that are listed? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Just in supplement to the previous response that I provided on which ones we are prioritizing, we are wanting to allow municipalities, looking at the land of these assets that are being demolished, that would serve a better purpose for that space. We want to try to get other types of infrastructure or housing in there. Keeping that in mind, we are trying to move forward. To the last question, yes, we have cost estimations for demolition project costs for the Naujaat pump house; it is approximately $30,000.

For the old health centre and garage in Naujaat, $977,000; Baker Lake, the old hospice is at $1.3 million; the old Community and Government Services trades shop in Arviat, $165,000; the old Nunavut Arctic College buildings in Cambridge Bay, $1,285,000. There are six asset numbers associated, and then the Igloolik Adult Education Building estimated cost is at $370,000. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I hope them good luck, because some of these derelict buildings become a safety hazard and it’s good to get rid of them if nobody wants them if they’re just sitting there. Going on to another topic, fire halls replacement, up until a few years ago, there was an actual

schedule there where you had a

schedule for fire hall replacements, and Arviat was on the list and now there is no list at all. Never mind Arviat not being on the list, there is no more list, so can we get an explanation? Thank you. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under the new design funding, Local Government Priorities line item that we’re requesting $5 million for, we wanted to move forward on such things such as new fire halls, including the one for Arviat. That is one that we would like to move forward into

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3335 the design and eventual construction. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am glad the minister said that they want to make a fire hall on the design in Arviat. There is a difference between wanting to and going to. Can we get a little more commitment than wanting to? Sometimes I want to buy something, but I just can’t. Can we get a bit more of a commitment from the minister? Thank you. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Pending approval of this $5 million, my department has identified three municipal projects to complete the design process and ready to advance at the beginning of 2024-25 fiscal year: the Arviat fire hall, Whale Cove fire hall and the Igloolik maintenance garage; those three projects. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you. I approve the budget. That’s all I have now, thank you. Chairman: If I may just add onto that, there used to be a fire hall replacement specific line item. Now with it being just to municipalities, what type of priority ranking is there going to be?

Obviously health and safety is one of the parameters for most prioritization plans. Now that the fire halls are competing with parking garages and other pieces of municipal infrastructure, is it going to slow down the Fire Hall Replacement Program the way it was designed previously? Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wouldn’t say so. We don’t want to slow down anything.

If anything, we want to move forward in a more seamless way for local priority projects, such as fire halls, but we are looking at these projects when they are being considered under this local government priorities design funding. It would allow for projects to move from planning to design between six to nine months earlier than anticipated, and again, working with municipalities on which projects need to come forward based on their priorities lists. We do not want to slow down the process. In fact, we want to move forward in a more expedited way on local government priorities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you, minister. I just have a follow-up, if the committee will indulge me. The way normal capital planning and design works, the minister himself used an example earlier; the planning work, the design work, and then one, two, or maybe three years of construction.

If the planning comes to fruition on a project, such as the fire hall in Arviat, would it have to wait until the next capital planning budget requests, where you could lose those six to nine months of time if the planning is done, or is anticipated that the government will come forward with supplemental appropriations to meet the capital targets that they are planning? Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Going back, for local priority projects such as fire halls, hamlet office

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3336 buildings, community halls, arenas and those types of infrastructure, we want for those to be closer to shovel-ready projects in a quicker way. What we found too is that our department, since we are dealing with competing priorities with other departments, hamlets have felt that pressure around competing for the same dollars, but with this local government design funding program, it would allow for the design cost to be readily available. We wouldn’t have to come back to this Assembly for that.

Instead, we would proceed with those municipally led priorities to go into design and eventual shovel-ready, and hopefully into construction, as well as if there are any federal funds that are available that those projects are eligible for, we can execute those, and hopefully it will alleviate some of the capital costs or capital pressures that we have seen across the board. This is meant to support municipalities on what their priorities are at the local level through my department, and having funds dedicated so that we don’t have to come back for design to the Assembly on those projects.

The capital planning process will continue as we have, coming back each year for departmental requests, but this specific line item will be for hamlet- specific infrastructure that we want to move into design and hopefully into eventual construction. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister. I will leave it at that. The next name I have on my list, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I just want to go back to yesterday’s question.

I just want more information on, as it was stated, the time when the federal provincial-territorial ministers of infrastructure had their meeting in June of this year. Ministers discussed the considerable number of investments and projects completed through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and also the successful allocation of all of the federal funding. Even though this was already asked, I just have a few lines of questions on this. After that meeting with the ministers and the commitment to ensuring these investments, can you tell this House if it was successful?

Was there success in this amongst the minister? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question. Those federal-provincial- territorial meetings I would say are quite informative and are useful for all of the jurisdictions in learning around best practices and also what is going on around infrastructure around the country.

I think it was successful in that we were able to highlight and show to the rest of Canada our unique realities and priorities could be different than southern jurisdictions, in particular. I’ll use public transport as an example. There is heavy infrastructure spending by southern jurisdictions on trains, public transportation, subways, and all of that,

whereas in Nunavut, of course, those are nonexistent. That is one example of us telling Canada and other

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3337 jurisdictions we work in different realities and different environments. I think it is successful in that way and we will continue to impart that and making sure our needs are heard and understood by the rest of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. After that meeting, in your ministerial department, how do you feel? Can you tell us where we are at now after that, up to today? Where are we at now? (interpretation) As residents of Nunavut, what c