Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 76 Thursday, March 7, 2024 Pages 4764 – 4854 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents Opening Prayer .......................................................................................................................... 4764 Ministers’ Statements ................................................................................................................ 4764 Members’ Statements ................................................................................................................ 4767 Returns to Oral Questions ......................................................................................................... 4773 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ....................................................................................... 4774 Oral Questions ........................................................................................................................... 4775 Tabling of Documents ............................................................................................................... 4795 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ..................................... 4796 Report of the Committee of the Whole ..................................................................................... 4853 Orders of the Day ...................................................................................................................... 4853

A. Daily References Thursday, March 7, 2024........................................................................................................... 4764 B.

Ministers’ Statements 404 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Akeeagok, P) ................................................................................ 4764 405 – 6(2): Polar Bear Studies in Foxe Basin (Qavvik) ............................................................ 4765 406 – 6(2): Marriage Licence Issuers (Akeeagok, D) ............................................................... 4765 407 – 6(2): Labour Market Call for Proposals (Nakashuk) ....................................................... 4766 408 – 6(2): Kinngait Tukisigiarutingat Sikuup Mitsaanut (Qavvik) ......................................... 4767 C.

Members’ Statements 523 – 6(2): Happy Birthday Bob Lyall (Quqqiaq) .................................................................... 4767 524 – 6(2): Community Corrections Officers (Lightstone) ....................................................... 4768 525 – 6(2): Coppermine River Concerns (Anavilok) ................................................................ 4769 526 – 6(2): Recent Deaths at Naja Isabelle Home (Brewster)................................................... 4769 527 – 6(2): World Renowned Works from Kinngait (Joanasie) ............................................... 4770 528 – 6(2): Recognizing Lew Philip (Akeeagok, P) ................................................................. 4770 529 – 6(2): Arctic Bay Participants at Arctic Winter Games (Akeeagok, D) ........................... 4771 530 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandchildren (Nutarak) .......................................................... 4771 531 – 6(2): Recognizing Four Arviat Artists (Main) ................................................................. 4771 532 – 6(2): Cambridge Bay Wolverines (Gross) ....................................................................... 4772 D.

Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 718 – 6(2): Children in Residential Care (Nakashuk) ........................ 4773

Return to Oral Question 767 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Joanasie) ............ 4773 E.

Oral Questions 805 – 6(2): Government Liaison Offices (Killiktee) ................................................................. 4775 806 – 6(2): Ottawa Medical Boarding Home (Quassa) ............................................................. 4777 807 – 6(2): Response to Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Brewster) ..... 4778 808 – 6(2): Paying for Health Services in Other Jurisdictions (Quqqiaq) ................................. 4778 809 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) ........................................................................ 4780 810 – 6(2): Marine Protected Areas (Sammurtok) .................................................................... 4782 811 – 6(2): Cleanup of Fuel Spill in Baker Lake (Simailak) ..................................................... 4783 812 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Savikataaq) ...................................................................... 4785 813 – 6(2): Community Corrections Program (Lightstone) ...................................................... 4787 814 – 6(2): Student Graduation Rates (Hickes)......................................................................... 4789 815 – 6(2): Mine Training Strategy (Brewster) ......................................................................... 4791 816 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Killiktee) ...................................................................................... 4793 F.

Tabling of Documents 256 – 6(2): Regional Elder Gatherings (Akeeagok, P) .............................................................. 4795 257 – 6(2): Aging with Dignity – Elders and Seniors Strategy (Akeeagok, P) ......................... 4795 258 – 6(2): Community and Government Services’ 2022-23 Grants and Contributions Report (Joanasie) ............................................................................................................................ 4795 259 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2020-21 Contracting, Procurement and Leasing Activity Report (Main) ..................................................................................................................... 4795

G. Bills Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 4796

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4764 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, March 7, 2024 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 9:59 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon. Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good morning.

Before we proceed, Ms. Quassa, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): I say “good morning” to all Nunavummiut, and if my family is watching the proceedings, (interpretation ends) I’m surely missing you all. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 404 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceedings, especially the elders. Mr. Speaker, I also extend a warm welcome to our guests in the gallery. It’s great to see them here in the House. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the successful completion of the Nunavut Elders and Seniors Strategy. When it comes to our elders, time is running out. That sense of urgency is something that our government has heard loud and clear from our elders.

We need to act now to make their lives better. (interpretation) It was with this urgency in mind that our government took on the work of developing an elders and seniors strategy that addresses the needs of aging Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) We have 89 action items identified within the strategy and I am truly happy to announce that we are taking immediate action on one of those items: safe transportation. To that end, we will provide elders’ vans for communities in a phased approach, beginning with five.

The vans will allow elders to get to important appointments and to conduct day-to-day tasks such as buying groceries. The first vans will be in communities this sealift season. Mr. Speaker, the strategy is intended to help fulfill one of the cornerstones of our Katujjiluta mandate: aging with dignity. I committed to gathering input from elders across the territory. Between February and May 2023, two elders from each community were invited to take

part in the regional gatherings in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, Mittimatalik, as well as Ottawa.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4765 I am truly grateful for the time, feedback, and suggestions provided by these 73 elders, and with one of them being here present with us. This strategy would not be possible without them. I am grateful especially to our friends, MLAs Mary Killiktee and Joanna Quassa, for their insight and direction, which shaped this very important work. Most of our departments and territorial corporations will have a role in implementing these action items, with the goal of serving our elders.

We were committed to ensuring this strategy be grounded in broad community perspectives, in addition to being based on elders’ real lived experiences, needs, and hopes. I have full confidence that the outcomes will speak for themselves. I am tabling the “What We Heard” report and the Nunavut Elders and Seniors Strategy later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 405 – 6(2): Polar Bear Studies in Foxe Basin (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to inform the Legislative Assembly that my department is planning to begin polar bear research this summer in the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation. This subpopulation is a priority for the affected communities in the Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk regions. My department is conducting consultations with the hunters and trappers organizations in Kimmirut, Naujaat, Coral Harbour, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Kinngait, Sanirajak, and Igloolik and plans are underway to begin field work in August 2024. Mr.

Speaker, Nunavut is managing 60 percent of the world’s polar bears, which is a substantial responsibility. Polar bear research in the Arctic is highly challenging and very expensive. My department, in collaboration with co- management partners and external funding parties, has secured supplemental funding to help offset the high cost of these studies. We will continue to seek external funding and support to enhance these studies so we can provide more information to Nunavummiut as they participate in our co-management regime. Mr.

Speaker, my department will also continue our commitment to the inclusion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in our polar bear research and management decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 406 – 6(2): Marriage Licence Issuers (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise today to highlight important steps that the Department of Justice is taking to make the process for getting married in Nunavut more accessible across the territory.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4766 (interpretation ends) Most couples who want to get married in Nunavut must obtain a marriage licence from an individual appointed by the Minister of Justice. A marriage licence serves as a permit to legalize marriage. With the marriage licence, couples may have their marriage made official in a religious or civil ceremony before a clergy member, Justice of Peace, or other marriage commissioner.

In 2023 the Department of Justice heard from some Nunavut couples that they were struggling to find a marriage licence issuer and that more needed to be done to facilitate easy access to marriage licences across Nunavut. I am happy to announce today that, in order to ensure each community is served by a marriage licence issuer, the Department of Justice is partnering with the Government Liaison Officer program. Starting in April 2024, Nunavummiut will be able to apply for and obtain a marriage licence from their local government liaison officer.

Government liaison officers, with the support of the Department of Justice, will also be able to provide general information and guidance to members of the public about the marriage process in Nunavut, including how to obtain a marriage certificate as proof of marriage after the ceremony.

Additionally, to ensure that marriage documents can be provided in an effective manner, our government has amended the regulations to eliminate the $25 administrative fee for obtaining a marriage licence. (interpretation) The Department of Justice will continue to work to improve the rules and processes for getting married and will continue to look for ways to improve efficiencies and services in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 407 – 6(2): Labour Market Call for Proposals (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Good morning, my colleagues and I say “good morning” to Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Family Services is now accepting proposals for targeted employment and training programs to be delivered in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The deadline to submit proposals to the department is March 24, 2024. Training providers, including non-profit organizations and institutions, municipal corporations, and Inuit organizations, may apply for funding to deliver programs.

Priority will be given to training and employment programs for persons with a disability; training and employment programs for out-of-school youth ages 15 to 30; trades training; heavy equipment training; skills training; and employment readiness. Priority will be given to programs offered in Inuktitut as well as programs proposed to be outside of Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. This demonstrates my department’s commitment to enhancing community-

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4767 level opportunities for all Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Minister’s Statement 408 – 6(2): Kinngait Tukisigiarutingat Sikuup Mitsaanut (Qavvik) Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud of our language. Inuktut is a rich, diverse language. In knowing this, I am proud today to rise and inform the House of a resource recently published through Nunavut Arctic College Media.

Kinngait tukisigiarutingat sikuup mitsaanut is a glossary that was developed in partnership with Kinngait elders, facilitated through initial interviews completed by Pootoogoo Elee and Gita Ljubicic of McMaster University. This project began in 2004 to 2006, and the Inuktut and English spelling and descriptions were verified and refined through workshops that happened between 2009 and 2022. Several Kinngarmiut participated in all stages of this documentation process. It was a real community effort.

In September 2023 the college released this book in Kinngait at a community feast and a copy was provided to each household. This book includes terminology for several phases and stages of sea ice, including freezing and ice breakup, tidal cracks, floe edge, and melting. The glossary includes commonly used terminology and terminology that is not used as often due to lifestyle changes. All those involved in this project hope this glossary will preserve and encourage the richness of the Inuit language and knowledge of sea ice as a vital part of Inuit knowledge, skill, and life.

The completion of this project was supported through a partnership with the Nunavut Research Institute, the ArcticNet North by North fund, and Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit. As stated in the glossary, “the terms and descriptions in this glossary have been verified by all authors and editors and have been submitted to the Board of Directors of Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit for approval to be included in future language resources.” I would like to recognize all elders, language specialists, and community members who worked to make this glossary a reality.

The territory’s efforts to support Inuktut are richer for your efforts, now and into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 523 – 6(2): Happy Birthday Bob Lyall (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to say “happy birthday” to my constituency assistant in Taloyoak, so happy birthday, Bob Takolik Lyall. (interpretation) Please enjoy your day today.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4768 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I thank Bob Takolik Lyall for doing a great job in informing me at the times that I need and also, when I ask my assistant to get the job done, he gets the job done. (interpretation) Have a good day, Takolik, during your birthday and I wish you a good day and appreciate everything you do for me, so let the members also have a good day, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Member’s Statement 524 – 6(2): Community Corrections Officers (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to bring attention to a news

article which was published yesterday on Nunatsiaq News. The

article sheds light on another life lost in Nunavut due to intimate partner violence and another conviction of an individual who was on probation and court orders. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that there is insufficient supervision of Nunavummiut who are on parole, probation, or court orders. Mr. Speaker, many of these individuals have been convicted of heinous crimes and are not being held accountable for their actions. The purpose of probation is to provide offenders with an alternative to incarceration, while still holding them accountable for their actions and ensuring public safety.

Probation allows individuals to serve their sentence in the community under supervision with conditions that they must follow, such as attending counselling, maintaining employment, and refraining from criminal activity. The goal of probation must be to support rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders back into society, while reducing the likelihood of reoffending. Probation officers, also known as community corrections officers, play a crucial role in Nunavut’s criminal justice system by supervising and supporting offenders on probation or conditional sentences.

Their primary purpose must be to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society and, more importantly, prevent them from reoffending. Our community corrections officers must work closely with offenders, assessing their needs, monitoring their progress, and providing them with resources and supports to address their underlying issues, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or lack of skills necessary to rejoin the workforce. Our community corrections officers must also ensure that offenders comply with conditions of their probation or sentence and work to hold them accountable for their actions. Mr.

Speaker, my statement is nearly complete and I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Lightstone.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4769 Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, colleagues. Our community corrections officers must ensure that offenders comply with conditions of their probation or sentence and work to hold them accountable for their actions. Ultimately, probation officers must aim to promote the rehabilitation of offenders and enhance community safety. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned with the number of individuals who are convicted while on probation and court orders, and I hereby give notice to the Minister of Justice that I will be asking questions on this topic at the appropriate time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Member’s Statement 525 – 6(2): Coppermine River Concerns (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Kugluktuk, Nunavummiut, and my fellow MLAs. I want to inform Kuglukturmiut that I wish to organize a public meeting about the status of our river, the arctic char population, the local harvesting rates reaching back to 20 years in the past after the Diavik and Ekati mines began. I hope to have this meeting sometime in May. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I want to inform Kuglukturmiut that I would like to have a public meeting regarding our river and the state it’s in, in regard to the number of char that is being harvested these past 20 years, dating back to before and after Diavik and Ekati mines started. I hope to have this meeting sometime in May. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Member’s Statement 526 – 6(2): Recent Deaths at Naja Isabelle Home (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, everyone. Happy birthday, Uncle Bobby. Mr.

Speaker, to begin, I would like to express my deepest respect for the Hon. Minister of Family Services and her team. They have a monumental path before them in addressing the deficiencies of care for our most vulnerable citizens, as noted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Mr. Speaker, on February 16 the Minister of Family Services notified this House and Nunavummiut that there will be a service review of the Naja Isabelle Home because two young clients passed away, and like the minister, I am also deeply saddened by the deaths of these clients in care. Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to the families and communities of the 12-year-old child and 19-year-old youth who passed away. Though I don’t know who they are or which communities they came from, I would like to take this time to offer a few moments of silence in recognition and celebration of their brief lives. >>Moment of silence

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4770 Every child matters, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 527 – 6(2): World Renowned Works from Kinngait (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We remember those families who have lost their loved ones at any time in Nunavut. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to say that, as we heard on the radio news this morning, there was recognition of an individual in Kinngait coming from Governor General on artistry and printmaking, Shuvinai Ashoona. Mr.

Speaker, Shuvinai is well known as a graphic artist who appeals to many people all around the world. Mr. Speaker, she remembers where Inuit came from and their culture and the big, drastic changes we live in now today and she portrays it in her art. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge her. The Co-op informed us that Shuvinai is an artist not trying to get recognition and not to get any rewards, but she enjoys her work, her art, and enjoys giving what pleases others, and she does her graphic work to that end.

I would like to recognize Shuvinai and encourage her further and others in our communities who display their beautiful art, and to recognize that. Kinngarmiut and other artists around that try for excellence in art around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 528 – 6(2): Recognizing Lew Philip (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I join with my colleague in condolence to families. We remember them by prayer every day, families who lose their loved ones, and others. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and to recognize our elder in Iqaluit who has committed himself a lot, Mr. Lew Philip, who has come here to visit the House, and I would like to recognize him. He has contributed much to not just Iqaluit residents but Nunavummiut. He is well known for the work he has done here in Iqaluit. For years, he served as a constable and committed himself, and his children followed in his footsteps.

His daughter is recognized here and has advanced through the ranks in the RCMP. He had worked with Arctic College and in the book that we will be putting together. He was involved in that project and he’s always trying to look forward in his commitment. I am always humbled when he speaks, and I would like to recognize him, as he’s here today in the House, and the fact that he has well impacted Nunavummiut. Welcome, Mr. Philip. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4771 Member’s Statement 529 – 6(2): Arctic Bay Participants at Arctic Winter Games (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I proceed, I remember my namesake, David, and I remember his family during this difficult time. Mr. Speaker, our athletes will be going to Alaska on Saturday. There are a quite number of participants from Arctic Bay for the Dene Games that will be played during the Arctic Winter Games. This individual initiated participation in the Dene Games in the community and he will be playing as a leader and now has been the coach for 10 years and that is Thomas Levi, who will be participating.

Playing for the junior males are Lionel Willie, Dominik Qaqqasiq, Lloyd Willie, and Noah Qaunaq. Playing for the juvenile males are David Audlakiak, Adrian Olayuk, Levi Natanine, and Marcus Kigutaq. The female coaches are Roxanne Kigutak and playing for the junior females are Elvina Natanine, Roxanne Kigutak, Lilian Attagutsiak, and playing for the juvenile females are Lorna Kalluk, Hillary Kines, and Horizon Willie. They will be participating in the Games at Mat-su, Alaska. I would like to express my pride in them and I hope they will win.

They generally win the Dene Games that they have learned, and I’m always proud of the Arctic Bay residents, always trying different sports. Although the Dene Games are not part of our culture, when they learned it, they were able to travel outside to compete. I would like to congratulate the participants who will be going to the Games in Mat-su, Alaska. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 530 – 6(2): Happy Birthday to Grandchildren (Nutarak) Hon. Karen Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

First of all, I send my regards to the people of Pond Inlet, my family, and Nunavummiut. I rise today to celebrate my twin granddaughters’ birthday, Siksi and Sarah, who have turned four years old. I wish them a very beautiful day. I would like to thank the people of Pond Inlet who support me fully and all Nunavummiut. We work very hard to make sure everything goes smoothly and to properly represent our people, our constituents, and all Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main.

Member’s Statement 531 – 6(2): Recognizing Four Arviat Artists (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also send my condolences to the families who have lost a loved one and to the people of Arviat and Nunavut.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4772 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four Arviarmiut who were here in Iqaluit during the signing of the devolution agreement by Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Akeeagok, and Nunavut Tunngavik President Aluki Kotierk. There was a performance by Arviat artists and I would like to recognize Shelton Nipisar, Lois Ujaupiq Suluk, Calvin Pameolik, and David Serkoak. Mr. Speaker, they each have their own talent and are very well known by the people of Nunavut for being entertainers and performers. I’ll first speak about Shelton.

Shelton is a student here in Iqaluit and he’s taking interpreter/translator training, but he has a very good talent in dancing and drum dancing and showcasing Inuit culture. Lois Ujaupiq Suluk is very well-known as a singer, as an entertainer, and coordinating arts and film. She has made a huge contribution. Calvin Pameolik is a great guitarist and a vocal artist, and even Prime Minister Trudeau danced when Calvin was performing. David Serkoak, last but not least, is very well known. He’s an instructor, a teacher of Inuit culture and traditions, and keeping drum dancing alive by teaching it to young people.

I truly thank Mr. Serkoak. I am proud of all the performers and I enjoyed seeing the talent and recognize those four Arviarmiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 532 – 6(2): Cambridge Bay Wolverines (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to everybody listening and particularly those in Cambridge Bay. Mr. Speaker, this morning I want to recognize the Cambridge Bay Wolverines and their recent excursion and trip to Yellowknife to participate in the Cager Tournament.

We have sent several teams to the tournament every year and they are always doing so well and wonderful. I want to recognize the junior Cager boys who participated and took home the gold medal banner and the teammates are: • Cordell Komak • David Kaomayok • Brady Vandenbrink • Eric Tikhak • Marcus Mala • Braxton Maksagak • Carter Crockatt • Peter Kilaodlouk • Kayson Kuliktana • Josh Kaomayok • Grayson Maniyogina I would also like to thank their hard- working and dedicated coaches, Zachary Cziranka-Crooks and Jaiden Maksagak.

Also, I would like to thank the community who stand behind all of our wonderful players, not just the boys but also the female teams as well.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4773 *See Appendix for full text of Return to Oral Question 718 – 6(2). They work hard and they play hard and I know they always have an exceptional and wonderful time travelling and enjoying this tournament. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 718 – 6(2): Children in Residential Care (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have a return to Oral Question 718 – 6(2), asked by the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, George Hickes, on February 26, 2024, concerning the children in residential care. Mr. Speaker, this return is quite detailed and I have filed it with the Clerk for transcribing into Hansard for the public record and for distribution to all members. Mr. Speaker, 22 annual facility reviews were completed between January 2023 and January 2024. The Department of Family Services is contracting a third party to conduct site reviews.

The department is also submitting a proposal to the federal government to fund six additional social work positions to work with community liaison officers to improve oversight of files, increase repatriation of clients where appropriate, and ensure annual reviews are occurring. Client liaison officers are expected to meet with clients following the minimum contact requirements outlined in the Department of Family Services’ Standard 603 – Placing Children in Foster Care. The department is currently updating all standards. All meetings and contact are required to be documented and reported.

Client liaison officers are also expected to conduct annual reviews. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Return to Oral Question 767 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to Oral Question No. 767 – 6(2), asked by the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk on March 1, 2024 concerning the Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility. Mr.

Speaker, this return is quite detailed and I have filed it with the Clerk for transcribing into Hansard for the public record and for distribution to all members. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respond to a question raised by MLA Hickes on March 1, 2024 regarding the long-term care facility that is being constructed in Rankin Inlet. Mr. Speaker, earlier this sitting, I stated that the project was at 90 percent completion.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4774 Since October 2023, the focus of construction activity has shifted towards completing remaining tasks, ensuring quality and compliance, and preparing the long-term care centre for operational use. Mr. Speaker, between the months of October 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024, the work that has been completed includes work on both the exterior and interior of the facility. Mr.

Speaker, exterior activities undertaken during this period include ethe completion of exterior cladding, completion of roofing, initiation and near completion of the fuel tank and generator installation, initiation and completion of concrete work slabs, continuation of installation of windows as well as initiation and near completion of power and telecommunications connections. Further, construction activities undertaken during this period on the interior of the building include the initiation of door installations, wall finishes, floors, and equipment.

Additionally, the continuation of interior walls, sprinkler system, mechanical ventilation and heating units, commissioning controls, electrical rough-ins, and initiation and near completion of the millwork. Mr. Speaker, the work that was completed during this four-month period will continue through substantial completion. At the point of substantial completion, the facility is essentially finished and can be occupied or utilized for its intended purpose and is handed over to the client department.

While minor finishing touches or items may remain outstanding, the building will meet the requirements outlined in the construction contract. One year after substantial completion typically is when the project would represent 100 percent completion, which represents the end of the warranty phase. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk’s ongoing interest in the status of this project. I can confirm that a receiver has been appointed to take over assets and operations of the contractor and carry on business to ensure work on this project continues through to completion.

I am committed to providing members with progress updates on this important project in the coming months. Thank you. Speaker: Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Welcome to the Assembly for people visiting. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that Robyn Campbell has been recognized in the Premier’s member’s statement, but I would like to formally recognize her and welcome her to the Chamber.

Robyn is no stranger to many people here in Iqaluit with all her volunteer work and outreach that she has done and her work with the Annauma Community group. I can’t remember the exact name of it, but I know there is a lot of great work and a lot of great philanthropy work that Robyn has been a part of, of supporting services here in the territory.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4775 I would like to welcome her to the House. I know that Lew Philip was here, Mr. Speaker. I am proud to represent Lew here in the Assembly and I hope I’m continuing to live up to his ideals of my work. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Item 6. Oral Questions. Before we start, members, please be mindful of your colleagues, as they do want to ask their questions as well, and keep your

preambles short and answers as well. Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 805 – 6(2): Government Liaison Offices (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to all Nunavummiut. I rise at this time to direct my questions to… . (interpretation ends) Uqaqtii, my questions today are for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, and they concern issues related to his department’s Government Liaison Office. (interpretation) Mr.

Speaker, there have been a lot of news recently about the difficulties that have been faced by Nunavut athletes trying to apply for passports in time for the Arctic Winter Games. These problems are most evident in smaller communities, where we face difficulties in obtaining professional- quality photographs that meet security standards. Can the minister update the House today on what has been done to provide proper training and equipment to government liaison officers in communities so that they can help residents with photographs for official purposes, such as passports and driver’s licences? Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my fellow MLA for asking that good question. I do agree with you wholeheartedly. Our government liaison officers have a lot of responsibilities and provide support and services by way of filling out applications with programs for official purposes and driver’s licences. Our liaison officers have an annual meeting and we provide training for them.

In my report of November 2023 they were provided training to deal with photographs for official purposes. November 2023 was the time of the last training we provided to those liaison officers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wouldn’t have risen to ask these questions if there was no room for improvement. We are concerned about having delays and

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4776 difficulties. I continue to hear concerns from constituents about delays and difficulties in obtaining general identification cards and driver’s licences. There is room for improvement. Can the minister describe how his department’s Government Liaison Office is working, to say it in English, (interpretation ends) with the Motor Vehicles Division of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation to improve service delivery? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for that question again. Mr. Speaker, I could confirm that there are sometimes delays in terms of applications that are submitted. Obviously, every case is very different. Some are incomplete when we receive them at the GLOs, but I agree with the member that there is always room for improvement and I know there have been some challenges around the expediency. The GLOs provide such a crucial service and it is something I take very seriously.

There is another training opportunity that is coming this month to the GLOs and I could assure the member that I will bring the urgency and the importance of seeing the applications that do come to be seen in an expedited way to ensure that there are no challenges to the members, especially in the smaller communities that are there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for the information. Mr.

Speaker, I believe that there are many residents of smaller communities, including Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River, who would like to receive training in order to be able to take photographs that meet quality and security standards for passports and other official documents. (interpretation ends) Some of these residents might be interested in offering this service as a small business. Can the minister indicate what plans his department has to work with Nunavut Arctic College to offer photography workshops at community learning centres? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for bringing that suggestion forward. I could commit to working with my colleague of Economic Development and Transportation, who provides small business grants and services to encourage anybody in the communities, in particular the small communities, if that is something that they are interested in, to ensure that we allow that opportunity.

The government liaison officers really provide a service where there is a need and at this point in time, I do not foresee them stopping the ability for them to

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4777 take the photos either for the driver’s licence or the general identification of the members, but I can commit to working with my colleague to see if that’s something we could explore within the community, if that is of the wish of the community moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Question 806 – 6(2): Ottawa Medical Boarding Home (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr.

Speaker, the Department of Health recently issued a request for proposals for a medical boarding home in Ottawa, Ontario. A number of my constituents stay at the Larga Boarding Home while on medical travel. Can the minister clarify why new medical boarding home services are being requested when there is already a medical boarding home in Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question in regard to this issue. I have not been given any detail in regard to this request for proposals.

At this time, I cannot respond to her question, but I will look into it. It’s true that the member is asking about the Larga Baffin in Ottawa that is for Baffin regional patients who usually stay at that boarding home. We will still continue to use that Larga home and we will be working with the manager of the boarding home. We are always discussing how we can improve the service and what their needs are. We continually work with Larga Baffin. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank you, minister, for explaining that further. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I note that the proposed length of the contract for a new medical boarding home in Ottawa is for 20 years. This seems a very long time when we consider that such medical services contracts as medical travel are generally much shorter than that. Can the minister clarify why the medical boarding home contract is set at 20 years with the possibility of extending it to 30 years? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) With regard to Ottawa, we know that the existing boarding home is at capacity and it is no longer large enough to support the volume of medical travel that we send to that fine city. In terms of the details around the contract and the duration, there are some potential factors that I could get into, but at this point, in order to follow up

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4778 thoroughly with the member, I’ll take this question as notice and plan to return additional detail on this matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Question taken as notice. Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 807 – 6(2): Response to Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Premier, who is the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Earlier today, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut released his recommendations concerning an access to information request for the third party investigation report that was undertaken last year into the placement of eight Nunavut children in an unlicensed care facility in Alberta. Mr. Speaker, I am reviewing the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s report with care and I am sure that we will have the chance to get into significantly more detail when he appears before us during our upcoming televised standing committee hearing on his annual report.

However, it is imperative that the core issues raised in the commissioner’s report be addressed now. My first question to the minister is this: can he clarify and confirm which key stakeholders, including the Representative for Children and Youth, have been provided with a complete and un-redacted copy of the department’s investigation report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for that question.

I think we are aware of how important it is for us to be able to address the root issues that are before us and I had immediately asked for an internal review to the incident that had happened with the Department of Family Services to ensure we learned from that experience. To the member’s question, I just received the letter this morning and I have not yet seen the actual recent letter from the privacy commissioner, but I do look forward to reading the recommendations that do come from that report. Without having read that, I will take this question as notice to ensure that I have that opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Question taken as notice. Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 808 – 6(2): Paying for Health Services in Other Jurisdictions (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, as the minister may recall, I was very happy about our recent visit to the medical boarding homes in Yellowknife and Winnipeg. Mr. Speaker, it is very good to see how well

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4779 Nunavut clients are being cared for when they are in other jurisdictions. Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention that our colleagues in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories are also aware of Nunavut residents receiving care in their territory. Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, during their winter sitting, questions were asked about the amount of money that Nunavut owes them for health services. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister provide an update on the amount of money that Nunavut owes the Northwest Territories and clarify what steps are being taken to address the situation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. We are grateful to the Government of the Northwest Territories for taking care of Nunavut patients and they welcome the patients. Some patients from the Kitikmeot go to Yellowknife for their maternity leave and also if there are emergency cases.

They send the patients to Yellowknife and the hospital over there welcomes the patients. We have been working closely with them continually and I met with the Northwest Territories Minister Semmler, who was just recently selected to be the Minister of Health in the Northwest Territories.

In regard to the member’s question, our staff in corporate services and also for services, they are working with the Northwest Territories staff who are working in that branch and they are continually talking with each other and communicating with each other, but I haven’t heard any concerns in regard to Nunavut owing money to the Northwest Territories. The staff are always informed about those matters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that a significant amount of funding for health services for Inuit is provided through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm whether one of the reasons for the debt to the Northwest Territories is due to the level of funding provided through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s impossible for me to respond to the member’s questions at this time because I do not know whether this is the case, but the Northwest Territories and our Nunavut staff have been working continually. However, I have not heard about any concerns about debt to the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many Nunavummiut also travel to other jurisdictions for health services, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Mr. Speaker, can the minister advise this House as to whether

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4780 Nunavut also owes significant money to those jurisdictions for health services provided to Nunavummiut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of what the current status of our account balance, if you want to call it that, with the different receiving jurisdictions is as of this day, I cannot say. However, I can commit to working with my officials to get the level of detail required. Mr.

Speaker, we rely heavily on our receiving jurisdictions, so Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, as well as the Northwest Territories, due to lack of capacity here in territory. I can say that, to each health minister in each of those jurisdictions, I take the time to thank them and make sure they understand how important it is to Nunavut residents that we have access to their specialized services in their jurisdiction. I haven’t heard any concerns from my counterparts, despite quite regular chances to interact with them. On an annual basis, we do incur significant costs in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta.

It’s just the nature of our health care system. Nunavummiut need the services, the jurisdictions receive them, and then they bill back to us. If you look at this year’s budget, for example, or some of the money bills that are in front of us, it indicates that there is an increasing volume of procedures and Nunavummiut obtaining care from our receiving jurisdictions. We make sure that our debts are paid and the costs are recouped by the receiving jurisdictions. It’s important that we maintain a good relationship with all of them, including the NWT. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 809 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. I want to again revisit the issue of Kugluktuk’s new power plant. This is a very important priority for my community, and it is very important that my constituents have clear information.

When I raised this issue last month, the minister confirmed that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has “received approval to enter into contract negotiations with the Kitikmeot Corporation to enable this project to progress.” For the record, can the minister confirm who gave approval for these negotiations to begin? Was it the minister on his own authority, the Board of Directors of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, the cabinet, or the Financial Management Board? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon.

John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can confirm that the approval was

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4781 received from cabinet. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot Corporation plays an important role in the economic development of our region. I want to take this opportunity today to pay tribute to the corporation’s employees and management. Mr. Speaker, the minister previously indicated that the corporation received approval in December 2023 to begin negotiations to design and construct a new power plant for Kugluktuk. Can the minister confirm who is taking

part in these negotiations on behalf of the Qulliq Energy Corporation and can he describe what progress has been made to date? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. (interpretation ends) In terms of the negotiations with the work with the Kitikmeot Corporation, we are hopeful from the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s viewpoint that this will lead to the Kugluktuk power plant project moving forward into construction as soon as possible.

The corporation is frustrated that the project hasn’t been able to advance to date, despite multiple public tender exercises. In terms of the work with the Kitikmeot Corporation, the Qulliq Energy Corporation is being represented by our staff and we have been meeting with the Kitikmeot Corporation to discuss and identify areas that need to be worked on in terms of moving towards a potential negotiated contract. However, I don’t want to get too deep into the details of the work. I don’t want to overshare here in the House because the work with the Kitikmeot Corporation is ongoing.

At this point, I can say that we’re hopeful that this will mean that Kugluktuk will finally start to see movement on this project and going towards a more reliable, cleaner, quieter, safer power supply for this community, which is long overdue for a new power plant. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I just want to make a note to the minister that there is a pipeline that goes right through the centre of the community and that’s aging too.

The Kitikmeot Corporation and the Qulliq Energy Corporation are committed to providing training and employment opportunities to Inuit in the region. Can the minister assure me that any contract that he approves between the Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Kitikmeot Corporation will contain clear and attainable Inuit training and employment requirements? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4782 Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the process, as I understand it, any potential contract would have to come to the Executive Council for approval, so it wouldn’t be my signature alone on it; it would need more. In terms of the process, I believe that’s what we would be entering into.

Definitely, Inuit employment is an important piece for the Qulliq Energy Corporation and I know, through past work with the Kitikmeot Corporation, that’s also a big focus of theirs. I can’t promise anything in terms of specific percentages that we would be looking at, but I can say without a doubt that this is one of the areas that would be scrutinized very carefully before any potential deal would move forward while we work with the Kitikmeot Corporation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.

Question 810 – 6(2): Marine Protected Areas (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Environment. I want to follow up today on issues that I raised during our fall sitting concerning marine protected areas. As the minister will recall, I asked him questions during the fall sitting about the Southampton Island Area of Interest, which may lead to the creation of a new marine protected area near the communities of Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour.

At that time, he informed the Legislative Assembly that his department has been participating in a “working level co- development committee” and an “executive-level steering committee.” Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Mr.

Speaker, the status of the Southampton Island Area of Interest, the consultations are still ongoing and the Department of Environment is included through the consultation process, along with the Government of Canada and also the Kivalliq Inuit Association, along with the community members that are in the vicinity of the Southampton Island Area of Interest for the Nunavut Marine Protected Area Strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister will recall, his predecessor informed the Legislative Assembly that the Department of Environment is working to develop a new Protected Area Strategy. Can the minister provide an update on the status of this work and can he indicate when the new strategy will be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4783 Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut Marine Protected Area Strategy is an ongoing documentation that the Department of Environment is working on and we’re looking through the documents to implement and revise the documents as the previous document dates back to 2007. Once the Nunavut protected area strategy is available and finalized, I will be able to share that document to the House and to the members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr.

Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, the community of Chesterfield Inlet needs new marine infrastructure and more economic development opportunities. For example, the potential for a scallop fishery has been identified by the community, which is a perfect example of a sustainable blue economy initiative. When I asked the minister during the fall sitting for assurances that his department will oppose any attempt by the federal government to block economic development initiatives such as this, the minister could not provide a clear answer. Mr.

Speaker, I will ask the same question again: will the minister commit to ensuring that his department will oppose any attempt by the federal government to block economic development initiatives that would benefit Chesterfield Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Mr.

Speaker, the Government of Nunavut, as you all know, is participating in the assessment process of a marine protected area in five different areas in our territory that have been proposed by the Government of Canada and regional Inuit associations. The purpose of the assessment process is to develop an understanding of the feasibility and desirability of the proposed marine protected areas. The assessments consider ecological, economic and social information so that partners and stakeholders can understand the benefits and impacts of the proposed Marine Protected Area Strategy in Nunavut.

I can speak on behalf of our current sixth legislative mandate that we have an ambition of the reinvesting of the blue economy. At this time, our Department of Environment along with the other stakeholders are in the process of consultations. Once those consultations are finalized, the Department of Environment can be in a better position to where we stand as a department and the Government of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 811 – 6(2): Cleanup of Fuel Spill in Baker Lake (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, all.

This morning my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4784 Mr. Speaker, back about April 2021, the Petroleum Products Division tank farm in Baker Lake, it was realized there was a gas leak that has been happening for some time and approximately 10,000 litres of gasoline had leaked already. The department did put up 1,700 cubic metres of temporary containment cells back in April 2021. Those containment cells are still there, so I guess it’s still temporary three years later. I’m wondering: what’s going on with this cleanup project with the Department of Community and Government Services? 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 question. Mr. Speaker, my department has been working with the Municipality of Baker Lake on determining the location to build a new land farm to remediate the spill. Mr. Speaker, most of the material required for this project has been secured and they’re currently being stored in the community to minimize delays and once the site has been selected, we will be moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Thank you, minister. In my previous consultation meetings with the previous mayor of the Hamlet of Baker Lake, the Hamlet of Baker Lake did select a site where the land farming would be best suited for Baker Lake. Unfortunately, the Department of Community and Government Services was not agreeable to this. I’m wondering: where is the department at with agreeing to the best suitable location for the land farm in Baker Lake? Is the department going to go with local knowledge or are they going to keep fighting the Hamlet of Baker Lake on this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We don’t want to fight the municipalities at all and we want to come to a consensus. Mr. Speaker, there is another potential project in Baker Lake that we’re looking at, which is a new sewage lagoon. Given that there are different options being explored on both fronts, we will have to see what the best way forward will be, but as of now, we will continue to work with the municipality on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr.

Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you again, minister. Just one final check and balance I would like to find out about, has the department been in direct contact with the Department of Environment as well and also the local hunters and trappers organization? This tank farm is just a couple hundred feet away from our Baker Lake. Is the department in contact with all necessary stakeholders and, if so, who are the stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4785 Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again thanks for the member on the question. Mr. Speaker, my department, regarding a spill of this nature, we do always go through the procedures around having to contact and/or bring in all the parties involved, the stakeholders. Regarding who exactly is involved, I could agree to bring back some details on that, but these are also relating to regulatory requirements that we want to ensure that there is no risk posed to the residents of Baker Lake and try to mitigate any further hazards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 812 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue with the Minister of the Qulliq Energy Corporation where the Member of Kugluktuk left off, but my angle is on the procurement process. Mr. Speaker, the Kugluktuk power plant project has been cancelled a few times. In the return to oral question back from the previous minister on October 26, it says, “Mr.

Speaker, I would like to clarify that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is working with the Kitikmeot Corporation, known as Kit. Corp., to find a contractor to build the power plant. If successful, a tender will not be required because Qulliq Energy Corporation will direct award to Kit. Corp. upon cabinet approval.” Mr. Speaker, this project is approximately, I believe, about $39 million and that’s a large sum to sole source and I know that the bids have been unsuccessful. My first question to the minister will be: was Kit. Corp. one of the tenderers in the times that the power plant has been put out to tender?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question regarding the tender. The Qulliq Energy Corporation is currently working with the Kitikmeot Corporation. We are working closely together and having discussions. To your question, then, the detail on the previous tender that was issued is in the process.

I don’t have all the details myself; however, we have regulation on procurement and I could say here that with our discussions with the Kitikmeot Corporation, we are going in accordance to the regulations upon approval by the cabinet and the executive upon agreement. We started our discussions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, maybe just a little bit of difference here that I will point out: it’s a negotiated contract that we are working towards, not a sole source, and there is an important distinction there. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr.

Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was point exact to the

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4786 minister. I wanted to know if the Kit. Corp. was one of the bidders in the past when the two times or three times that the tender went out because if the Kit. Corp. was one of the tender bidders, it would be understandable. The corporation might be negotiating for the best and final offer, but I’m not sure why the minister does not want to answer me whether the Kit. Corp. was one of the bidders because, for example, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has a sole source contract with the NCC Development Corporation.

They have a history of building houses, so they negotiated with them on a price. Does the Kit. Corp. have a history of building power plants? Do they have special insight? I would like to know the reason behind picking the Kit. Corp. What special qualities did the Kit. Corp. have that the Qulliq Energy Corporation went to them and said, “We are unsuccessful in building a power plant, but I believe you can build a power plant within the budget that we have to build a power plant”? What special qualities did the Kit. Corp. have to negotiate a contract to build a power plant in Kugluktuk? Thank you. Speaker: “Kit.

Corp.” is the Kitikmeot Corporation; acronyms. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won’t get into the specific details here in the House when we still have negotiations of something that had been approved. Previous to negotiations, we were approved and we went according to the policy and we wanted to carry it through right. We’re not looking at all the details. This is still in the works and we note, as government, we have been mandated to Qanuqtuurniq, to seek solutions, and Qanuqtuurniq is something the QEC took on.

The tenders we put out were open, although that was the initial start to ensure we move ahead properly to ensure Kugluktuk will get a new power plant. We exercise Qanuqtuurniq, how we may best initiate this in accordance to our policies and in the spirit of working together. We have utilized Qanuqtuurniq, whether to realize this if it’s going to go ahead, but I could say that we want this to proceed properly and this has to be the first. As we know, Kugluktuk residents are tired, and for that reason, we are utilizing Qanuqtuurniq to date and I think that’s clear enough. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not asking the minister for details. What I’m asking for is the Kit. Corp. that may be awarded, what qualities do they have? Why were they selected? How about the others that gave bids for the power plant? Why aren’t they part of the discussions? The minister does not respond to that and whether the Kit. Corp. gave a bid and did not respond as to why they were selected or what qualities they have. I don’t know, so I’ll ask later. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, in the normal procurement process, there is a request for proposals or a public tender put out and it has a date. It opens at a certain date and closes on a certain date.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4787 In this process that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is negotiating with the Kit. Corp., what is the time frame for when negotiations will stop for the plan of a new power plant? Is it indefinite until there is an agreement or is there a time frame, like “Okay, after one year, we’re going to try something else different”? What is the time frame to spend possibly up to $39 million? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of getting into the specifics around the cabinet approval, I don’t want to breach cabinet confidence and so I can’t get into the details. I know that the member is very interested in the details. I know he wants to know around the history of the Kitikmeot Corp. They have a website. The Kitikmeot Corp. is very capable, much like their sister or brother development corporations in the Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk. If you look at the development corporations, the Kitikmeot Corporation, for example, they have many different business interests. They have a strong financial footing.

In terms of a potential partner for any business venture, I think that you have a fairly strong foundation there and add to the fact that they are Inuit owned, owned by the Inuit of the region. I could see why they have so many successful business ventures, given that backing.

In terms of the time frame for the Kugluktuk power plant in terms of the time frame for the work towards a negotiated contract, I can’t speak to that, but in terms of the capital project itself, I can say that the time frame is as soon as possible because we know that Kugluktuk wants a new power plant, we know they deserve a new power plant, and for all the reasons that have been discussed here in the House, the Qulliq Energy Corporation is using Qanuqtuurniq to try to make that new power plant a reality. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr.

Lightstone. Question 813 – 6(2): Community Corrections Program (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to begin by sending my condolences to the Kilabuk family and all those who were affected by this horrific and tragic loss of life, especially the two sons and the several grandchildren who have lost a mother and a grandmother. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my member’s statement, my questions today are for the Minister of Justice. I am very concerned with the amount of individuals who are convicted while on parole, probation, or court orders in Nunavut.

For my first question, I would like to ask if the Minister of Justice also shares my concern. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family who lost their loved one. The family will be

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4788 going through hardship for the rest of their lives. Occasionally, they are reminded of the tragedy and we all feel that and I feel for the family of the deceased. With regard to the question by my colleague, we are constantly thinking up ways on those who have been convicted and who are waiting for their sentence with the numbers we have. We know. We can see that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m not sure if it was lost in translation, but I’m not quite sure if the minister had indicated whether or not he shares my specific concern over the rates of reoffending and convictions. Mr. Speaker, as in indicated during my member’s statement, our community corrections officers must work closely with offenders, assessing their needs, monitoring their progress, and providing them with resources and support to address underlying issues, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and a lack of necessary skills to rejoin the workforce.

Community corrections officers must also ensure that offenders comply with their conditions of probation or sentence and work to hold them accountable for their actions. Mr. Speaker, I am also concerned that there is insufficient support and supervision, which is the root cause of reoffending. I would like to ask the minister to commit to enhancing supervision and programming and reintegration to reduce reoffending and provide in-person supervision and support to stop this needless loss of life that is caused by these individuals who are reoffending. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr.

David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our employees are quite familiar with their tasks related to residents going through the incarceration or release process or bailed. They try to work with the people in this area in sincerity, and I am very appreciative of our employees who provide this service.

There are many different types of Inuit who are briefly detained or remanded and then released for a brief while, and they have to follow the orders listed in their release papers, such as activities they are not allowed to indulge in which are written out, and our employees always try their utmost to provide the proper services in all of our communities.

All communities now have positions that are available with some positions still vacant, and wherever there is a vacancy, the community receives the services from an existing employee tasked with providing this temporary service in the communities, but the orders set through the court system are checked by other employees to determine their compliance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Still, I didn’t get a clear

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4789 commitment from the Minister of Justice to enhance the supports and supervision for those who are on parole, probation, or court orders. Mr. Speaker, from the rates of reoffending, it is clear that there is much more need for enhancement in this area. As the minister indicated, there are some vacancies in this area.

I would like to ask: is the minister aware of how many communities do not currently have community corrections officers and how many individuals are currently walking about our communities without any much-needed in-person support and supervision that they need? I do understand that the minister may not have this level of detail on hand, but I encourage the minister to provide a response to oral question for the benefit of the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon.

David Akeeagok (interpretation): There are currently nine vacant positions and we are planning to create positions in the seven communities, and when there are vacant positions, the community corrections officers are required to visit the other communities so that they can take care of clients. They have a lot of work to do and I am thankful that they fulfill their positions. We provide training for the probation officers and we make sure that they’re trained. We look at how we can provide further support to the probation officers.

For those affected, for the victims, we’re looking at how we can provide further support through our department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 814 – 6(2): Student Graduation Rates (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College today. Mr.

Speaker, as we all know, there are different levels of employment with different categories within the Government of Nunavut, and one of the biggest challenging areas is the professional and executive level for Inuit employment. The first question I would like to ask the minister is: what work is being done to recruit students specifically to degree programs offered at Nunavut Arctic College? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Mr.

Speaker, in terms of the degree portions that are offered within the college, Nunavut Arctic College is focusing on recruiting more Inuit in general for the paraprofessional category and also the middle management category, alongside the senior management category. Our main goal and objective for Nunavut Arctic College is to have our students graduate their level of education in any degree of our programs that we offer through Nunavut Arctic College. We also provide the students preparations to prepare them to work

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4790 into the workforce within our territory that they have interest in, and we certainly do our very best to prepare them for employment after graduation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That wasn’t even close to the question that I asked, but I’m going to move on. Mr.

Speaker, I’ll start specifically with the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and I’m sure that over the coming days, I’ll follow up with other programs, but what is the ratio of students starting the Nunavut Teacher Education Program but not completing and the main factors for these students leaving the program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Mr.

Speaker, the ratio in terms that the member posed, I do not have that level of detail, but from the 2023-24 starting point for Nunavut Arctic College numbers, it started from 157 and as of January, when they entered the winter term, the students are in the range of 147. There are some various reasons that the college lost 10 students, the factors that I don’t have details on. The ratio part, I do not have that level of detail with me, but I can certainly get back to the member with more details on that information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr.

Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been a topic of discussion for a number of years now on the tracking of graduates at Nunavut Arctic College. From what I understand, there has been a lot of direction given to the college to keep better statistics in their grads. My next question is I would like to get more information on the ratio of Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduates that work in their field of study. What is the percentage of graduated students that are working in their field of study within the field of education? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the member to repeat the question so I can better understand the question, please. Thank you. Speaker: Mr. Hickes, please repeat your question. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely, just to clarify, what I’m looking for is the number of Nunavut Teacher Education Program graduates that are currently working in their field of study within the field of education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon.

Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. There are several communities within the Nunavut Teacher Education Program that are in their final year and they’re doing their practicum through

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4791 January to May and they have their final studies for the next six weeks. In terms of the question of how many students are in the education workforce, I can provide more level of detail through a letter to the member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 815 – 6(2): Mine Training Strategy (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for Mines. Mr.

Speaker, although we have been sitting in extended hours for the past week, I want to begin by reassuring the minister and his colleagues that many of us on this side of the House are doing our best in the evenings and weekends to keep up with annual reports and other documents that the ministers are tabling each day. Mr. Speaker, I was very happy to see the minister table his department’s new Mine Training Strategy last week, and I will be very happy when the minister is in a position to table the updated Arts and Cultural Industries Strategy. Mr.

Speaker, I have listened carefully to the comments that a number of my colleagues have made about the positive impact that mining has had on their communities and I have been inspired by accounts of the increasing number of Inuit women who are building careers in what has traditionally not been a particularly welcoming industry for women. Can the minister highlight what specific elements of the new Mine Training Strategy will focus on encouraging women to enter the industry and build meaningful careers as skilled tradespeople, professional geologists and managers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister responsible for Mines, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for her questioning on this. It is a very exciting time for the Mine Training Strategy and to start rolling it out and something that I’m looking forward to. A lot of the work being done that will help complement this is there has been a lot of work towards Inuit going into the mining sector and in particular, women entering into it. Having visited the sites, I have seen progressions where an Inuk woman has started dishwashing and is now driving huge trucks.

Those are wonderful achievements to celebrate and those are ones that we will continue to do. I did not specify women or men in terms of the training strategy, but it encompasses for the holistic. It’s also for when we get into partnerships and themes, those are ones to start implementing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know a number of women who are tradespeople and I am always inspired by their ability to succeed in an area that’s often dominated by a lot of bullying towards them.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4792 On that issue as well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t think that it’s any secret that the mining industry needs to do more to be a welcoming place for members of the 2SLGBTQQI+ community. I’m sure that we have all heard horror stories about bullying at mining sites and we need to work with industry to make this a thing of the past. Can the minister highlight what specific elements of the new Mine Training Strategy will focus on addressing these issues? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Mines, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. The Mine Training Strategy does not focus on that aspect, but I want to highlight that our government has memoranda of understanding of the four mines and as part of that, it includes the socio-economic impacts and with that, discussions around the workplace in terms of trying to be welcoming and trying to reduce the number of bullies. It has always been in the forefront in terms of our discussions with the mining company. They are a private sector, but they have a huge role in this and they are very receptive to sort of the areas of concern that we raise, such as what the member just raised.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to encourage the minister to reconsider providing training to address these issues right at the outset. Workplace safety really depends on ongoing training throughout the span of careers and the sooner and the more often one has training to ensure that safety for all colleagues is extremely important. Mr. Speaker, there has been discussion in this House about the De Beers Chidliak Project that is under development not too far from Iqaluit.

I recognize that the project has a long regulatory road ahead of it and I am hearing concerns that the proponent’s focus on remote mining and operation of vehicles is not giving sufficient weight to the need to develop a skilled Inuit workforce. Can the minister indicate what commitments the De Beers corporation has provided to work with his department in respect to the implementation of the Mine Training Strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Mines, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In discussions with De Beers, any of the jobs that are coming, as my colleague mentioned, are going to go through a long permitting process. We are having discussions with them in terms of what this is going to look like and how it’s going to be, and all of that component is part of our Mine Training Strategy is to identify what positions are coming forward and start planning for it. I think that some of my member colleagues have mentioned that some of the training has been a little too late. I think that with De Beers, we have this opportunity of making sure that we are upfront and ready for Nunavummiut to

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4793 enter into that particular, very specified field. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 816 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for recognizing me again. At this time, I would like to direct my question to the Premier in regard to his minister’s statement on the Elders Strategy.

I would like to ask a question, especially first of all state that I have much compassion for elders because they have worked so much for us and it is good to pay them back for the good work they did in the past, to keep them comfortable. They should provide a vehicle to the communities this coming summer. I have a question in regard to that. How did you come to the decision? Have you consulted with the community to make the decision as to where the vehicles will be going to the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that good question. I agree with you wholeheartedly that our elders and seniors of Nunavut are very important to us. We wouldn’t be here if they didn’t work hard on our behalf and I know we have been told that we have to do this urgently. I’ll be able to table the report at the appropriate time with our 89 recommendations that were set out in the report and we want to work on them as a government.

However, in regard to your question, we have been asked to urgently work on this so they can have a vehicle for transportation within the community. This issue has been urgent. We have not identified which communities, but we’re working on the policy. We had to do this very fast, due to having to order through the sealift so that we could get disability vehicles for elders’ use in Nunavut. That’s why we are working on that as urgent. We looked at five communities, but I’m not sure how or which communities they will go to because we have to work on the policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for responding to the question that I wanted to pose. I also want to state that there are five communities… . I would like the community of Clyde River to move ahead because there’s not any kind of transportation mode for the local elders and there’s no hamlet vehicle for them, but it’s totally different in the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.

The minister can provide support for vehicles, so I would urge the minister to start considering one of my communities, Clyde River, that it be one of the communities to receive the vehicle as a priority. I don’t know how he will respond as well because they have to start planning and with that, have you ever considered

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4794 as to who would be responsible at the community level for these vehicles? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that excellent question. First of all, I would like to thank her very much for working on behalf of and representing the elders. She was able to participate when we were reviewing this, and we expect that you will take part while we’re working with this issue. Thank you for providing good advice. At this time, Mr.

Speaker, we have not identified either one of the communities that will receive vehicles. We will have to review the policy, but we do want to work with the hamlet council. We will consult with the hamlet councils as to which communities require transportation. Some communities or hamlet councils don’t have a vehicle, so we will look at the details of that.

I myself have seen in the communities when I’m invited that some communities don’t have any vehicles or mode of transportation, so we will review the policy once it has been established, I expect within the next two months during the session, and our next session that we’ll be able to provide and table a report on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask another question here.

I know that the communities will be receiving large sealift supplies, including construction material for the building of units, and I don’t know if there is any more room available on the ships. Businesses and individuals also order large items like heavy equipment. With that, I’m urging the minister to start considering. As the minister stated on the next session, we need to start planning for sealift season. It seems like it’s evident that we will require more ships to transport the supplies.

If you had not already planned for them, if some materials might be late, there could be a delay for two more years if there aren’t enough ships to transport them. That’s what we’re concerned about. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my fellow MLA. Yes, that’s why we are working on this as urgent. If we don’t order right away, we will be late, as the elders asked that we work urgently on that because it’s very important.

I agree with you that it’s an urgent case, and I urge my staff to work on the policy as to how or which community will be receiving vehicles and we will consult with the communities or hamlet councils and my office is open to the hamlet councils. I cannot tell you which communities will receive the vehicles, but we will need to work on the details of the policy. However, it’s evident that we will have to review what they require at the community level. After the review, I’m sure that we will rely on the report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4795 Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to extend the time allotted for 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. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13.

Tabling of Documents. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 256 – 6(2): Regional Elder Gatherings (Akeeagok,

P) Tabled Document 257 – 6(2): Aging with Dignity – Elders and Seniors Strategy (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to be able to table two reports: 1. The “What We Heard Report during the regional elders’ gatherings for the Nunavut Elders Strategy; and 2. The Aging with Dignity – Elders and Seniors Strategy. Mr. Speaker, the Inuktitut version of the report will be tabled once the translations are complete. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Tabled Document 258 – 6(2): Community and Government Services’ 2022-23 Grants and Contributions Report (Joanasie) Hon.

David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table Community and Government Services’ 2022-23 Grants and Contributions Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Main. Tabled Document 259 – 6(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2020-21 Contracting, Procurement and Leasing Activity Report (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2020-21 Contracting, Procurement and Leasing Activity Report. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40 with Mr. Savikataaq in the Chair. Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole, we will break for lunch and report back at 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4796 Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 12:03 and Committee resumed at 13:29 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Savikataaq): Good afternoon. I would like to call our Committee of the Whole meeting back to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We wish to continue with the review of the 2024-25 Main Estimates for the Department of Family Services and then return to the Department of Education and, if time permits, the Department of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Are we in agreement to deal with Bill 37? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee Chairman: I would like to ask Minister Nakashuk: do you have any officials that you would like to appear before the committee? Minister Nakashuk. Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk: Yes, please. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials to the witness table. For the record, Minister Nakashuk, can you please introduce your officials? Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right, your left is my Deputy Minister, Jonathan Ellsworth, and to my left, your right is (interpretation ends) Director of Corporate Services, Dwayton Tonge. (interpretation) Thank you.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We’re here to do Family Services. Branch

Summary of Corporate Management. L-4. Following the list of my names as we’re continuing, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to start off just on the policy side of things and I do know that there was some recent correspondence from the minister, and unfortunately I just don’t have it in front of me right now. When we look at site visits, like in the last year, we went through quite an extensive televised hearing on the Office of the Auditor General report and a lot of commitments were made.

Going back to the letter from the Office of the Auditor General to the department from the December of the previous year and we look at some of the very serious concerns that the Office of the Auditor General had in that letter to the department and by the time the hearing

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4797 came, it didn’t appear as if a lot of action had been done from the concerns on the letter. I know that we addressed a lot of that during the televised hearing and then subsequently, we are all aware of another issue that arose or another incident that arose or a couple of incidents that arose, and I don’t want to go down that path.

I know that there is an investigation pending on that, so I’m not going to open the can on that, but generally, there were a lot of concerns raised and then for issues to happen again so closely after there were many commitments by the department to improve services, to improve the level of interaction with children’s group homes, as an example, or contracted residential care, and then we’re still seeing and hearing issues that come forward on that.

To me, I am concerned that it has been over the many years that there have been reports from the Office of the Auditor General, but a little over a year ago in December 2022, some really direct concerns were raised that the Office of the Auditor General didn’t even want to wait for the report to come out, that they wanted to make sure that the department had an opportunity to address some of those crisis concerns.

I would like to get a little bit more information on the policy behind site visits, what triggers a site visit, are there schedules, are the operators informed prior to an inspection happening, and how they go about it. I know that if they are contracted outside the territory, the minister has stated that there are client liaison positions in a few different cities down south, but how often does departmental oversight on those inspections also occur? I know I’m throwing a whole bunch of questions at the minister here and hopefully they are taking some notes and would be able to respond to them. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you for the question. I know that when we’re talking about the OAG report, a lot of things that were mentioned in there that needed to be done and some of them were more urgent than others. When we’re talking about how we are overlooking all the clients that we have in and outside of the territory, we have made some changes and it’s still a work in progress in terms of how we’re trying to ensure that our clients are all communicated to.

Since December 2022, when we’re backdating to that time, I have always mentioned the client liaison officers that we had and how we’re still trying to put more client liaison officers to ensure that they don’t have too many client files and missed opportunities and miss anyone out. We also have a new director that is overlooking those client liaison workers. That’s one thing that we are really working towards to improve. As well, they do have a standard policy to ensure that they do a monthly visit or data entry when they are visiting their clients.

They do have a breakdown as to when they could follow up on a client to ensure that all the clients are met. Another thing that was mentioned in the OAG report was the lack of data entry

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4798 and that’s how some of our clients were being missed out. The Matrix system, the database system, was out of date, so we have updated that, thankfully in agreement through this House. It has taken some time to finally get that going, but we are training our staff to start using that and also entering some data information into the system to ensure that our staff are up to date with all the information that is entered there as well as all the social workers that are working with the clients are entering them.

When I’m talking about clients outside of the territory, most clients that we have, the CLOs will provide the information to the CSS workers in the community that their client is based from. A lot of the communication goes back and forth through there as well through the contract company. Like I mentioned, that’s a new system that we’re just starting to use, but it’s going to really help us to ensure that all the updated information is in there for the clients that we have in care.

If there is anything else I’m missing in terms of policy, if you allow my deputy minister to provide more in-depth information on that, if you allow. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, members of this committee. In addition to the information provided by the hon. minister, the department has taken significant steps through the lens of ensuring enhancements in our out-of- territory care arrangement.

Some of those include a centralized tracking system so that we are consistently updating and aware of where the children are and the frequency of visits that are occurring. With regard to policy, sir, you might recall during the OAG hearings that there was a focus on the standards of the department. Those standards are currently being revised through the lens of modernization, Bill C-92, and in conjunction with the Representative for Children and Youth and other stakeholders in Nunavut. The first one that we did was the out-of- territory standard and that sort of defines the frequency of those visits.

In addition to the importance of ensuring that we have appropriate out-of-territory standards in place to protect and maintain relationships with children in our care, we have also enhanced our communications with our provincial and territorial counterparts.

Essentially there had, in my view, been a breakdown of the relationship between our respective ministries of Family Services, if you will, they’re called different things in the other provinces, but more recently we have engaged them through the lens of ensuring that they too are working with us to ensure that the practices of these residential care facilities meet standards. Mr. Chairman, client liaison officers, of course, as the minister mentioned, play an integral role in this function in terms of ensuring face-to-face time with children who are outside of Nunavut and inside of Nunavut.

They work closely with the social worker who has carriage of those files.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4799 What the department has done for the client liaison officers is we have created an unfunded position as a supervisory role. We have also contracted resources to develop clear training for those individuals to ensure that they are fully aware of what is expected of them and to ensure that they are supported. In addition to that, we plan to expand the out-of-territory team. And lastly, sir, if you will, we recently published revised RFPs with a clear indication of what is required of proponents for in- and out-of-territory residential care. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have all these questions in my head and I don’t know which ones to ask first. Within the response, and I do appreciate the comments from the minister and from Mr. Ellsworth. I know there are adults in care too, and I’m not trying to prefer or portray one as more important than the other, but I think the children in care is a lot more of a vulnerable situation.

There were some questions this morning about the report from the access to information and protection of privacy commissioner, where he had agreed in some causes and not in others on the redaction of details in the document. Obviously the naming of the people that were involved is important.

When you look at some of the systemic issues that have been highlighted, I think there is a value to some of the information that had been redacted to be really considered, and I know that was the final recommendation of the Commissioner was the government, although it has a right to withhold some of the information that was redacted, they don’t have to, but they can release some of that information and open the door a little bit more to help inform, not just us, but the people in the public whose family members are in these situations.

I understand the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs was the lead in that investigation or that internal review, but it was signed off by Family Services’ deputy minister and the deputy minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. I know the report was just released this morning, so I’m not looking for a firm position on what is going on, but I would like to encourage the minister in discussing with officials to look at... . Again, I mentioned the other day open and transparent is just a catchphrase.

I think there is some information, or likely, because I haven’t been able to see what’s behind the blackouts either, I think it’s safe to assume that there is some information in there that would be of value to the public. Moving on, Mr. Chairman, when we’re looking at the Child and Family Services legislation, in

Section 25 of the Act it speaks to “A child protection worker must serve a copy of the originating notice commencing an application for a declaration that a child needs protection, and for a child protection order and an Affidavit in support of the application

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4800 on... .”. And it lists a bunch of different, “...the following persons, parents” and such. It says, “If the child is an Inuk child, whichever of the following Inuit organizations the child or the mother or the father of the child is or is eligible to be a member of, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Kivalliq Inuit Organization, or the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, are notified.” Can the minister explain how that notification occurs? And is it happening in every instance? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you for your question. (interpretation ends) It’s a very good question. We do work closely with the Inuit organization, more specifically with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, because we have to ensure that a lot of the work that we are doing aligns with their Acts as well, policies as well, to ensure that youth are being protected. There are a couple of programs that we work with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on, and one of them is the adoption one. There are a couple things that we are working with them.

But in terms of looking more into detail of the other Acts that we are trying to work on, as well, we have to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated more closely. In terms of the specific Act that you are mentioning, I would ask that my deputy respond to that, if you allow. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The relevant provision that the member referenced places a positive obligation on the department to serve legal notices to the relevant Inuit organizations when any of those apprehensions are made.

I can state with significant confidence that they are served with every application that is brought before the courts, and the reason I can state that, Mr. Chairman, is because when I first became the deputy at the department I took a very close look at the Act, obviously, and coming from a legal aid background, I wanted to make sure this we were actually following the letter of the law.

I made specific inquiries with legal counsel on the file and asked them to produce evidence that showed that they were serving Inuit organizations like Kivalliq, Kitikmeot and Qikiqtani Inuit Associations, and they did in fact provide that evidence as satisfactory to my inquiries, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you. I would like to get a little further confirmation from Mr. Ellsworth on the mode of that communication. Was it email? Was it letter? Because we all know, unless, if it’s a general email how often those are

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4801 checked within an organization. It can be a question if it’s a specific person. If they’re on leave do those notices get forwarded, we don’t know. Or if it’s a snail mail, then that can also get lost in the mail. So there’s registered mail, there’s other options to be able to verify that the deliveries are made. I would like to get a little more detail from Mr. Ellsworth about that, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) As we are on the same line of questioning, I’ll go straight to Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. The rules of court provide that these kinds of documents need to be served personally, but there is a practice directive of the court that also provides that if the respondent agrees to receive them electronically, that they can. To answer the member’s question specifically, I believe QIA receives them electronically, while Kitikmeot and Kivalliq Inuit organizations are personally served with those documents. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Is there any different process or any differences when a child is under conservatorship or public guardian? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe all originating notices have to be served personally, unless they have that exemption pursuant to the relevant practice directive of the court. I don’t believe that Inuit organizations are required to be served with respect to guardianship applications, I may be mistaken. It is of course not my forte at the present time.

However, I do know from my work at the court that every originating application has to be served personally, and if it’s a child, their parents have to be served as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To follow up on that last comment that Mr. Ellsworth stated, that the parents have to be informed, what would happen in the case where the parental rights are in question or if the parents are deceased? Look at a recent occurrence of a homicide, where a mother and grandmother were recently murdered.

Her children, although the parents are probably adult children, but in a case like that where there are still minor children involved, what’s the practice in that matter? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We are still on the same line of questioning. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In that kind of situation, sir, I would imagine it would attract some degree of child protection concern. Part of the formal process, of course, engages

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4802 a safety assessment, investigations, and then determining whether or not there’s next of kin or family available to take care of those children. Should the director choose to initiate litigation because of ongoing concerns, or whatever the case might be, if we can’t resolve the matter through custom adoption or otherwise, then next of kin would be served in those circumstances, or grandparents would be my expectation. However, certainly the department would first move towards working with family members to ensure those children’s safety are protected. Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that information from Mr. Ellsworth, thank you. Going back to the in-territory care, I know it was brought up fairly recently as well on the closure of the group home here in Iqaluit, in Happy Valley, and I believe at the time the minister stated they were looking at alternative or multi- use, or looking at the usage of that facility. I just wonder if there was any progress made on that. We want to repatriate or we want to be able to provide care in-territory as much as possible.

It’s a shame that there is a building sitting there vacant right now, when it could be used for children in need. Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for that question. I think you kind of knew that something was coming up in terms of that building, because we’re just about to put out some notice in regard to that.

We’ve been doing some work in that building to ensure that it’s more homier and more welcoming for families, so there’s some beds set up to ensure that we also use that because we have seen some situations where some of the social workers are put in hotels with children, so we want to utilize that as well for that, but also utilize it for the community, the city, for children and youth to run some programs. But we are just about to make it more public because we had to get some work done in that building to fix it up and make it a bit more welcoming in that building.

But that announcement is soon to come out. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: If I can get clarification of a ballpark timeline on that announcement? I know the minister said in the near future. That could be tomorrow, next week, next month. I’m seeking clarification. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: March 11, 2024. >>Laughter

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4803 Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Very precise. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: I thank the minister for that accurate response. With that in mind, and again I don’t want to steal the minister’s thunder on the announcement coming up. The minister just mentioned a couple of different services that they were looking at providing. I would like to ask the question: is this going to be operated with internal Government of Nunavut staff or is this going to be a contracted service provider, as it was previously? Thank you.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question. We’re going to utilize both, both the Government of Nunavut staff and also contractors, a combination every both. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Following the list of names, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome, minister and your officials.

I would like to go to, with full knowledge that Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs commissioned a report into Everbrite, I’d like to know from the minister whether or not the final report of that investigation was shared with the Representative For Child