Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 5th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 141 Thursday, September 16, 2021 Pages 8708 – 8767 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Allan Rumbolt, MLA

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Speaker Hon. Allan Rumbolt (Sanikiluaq) Officers Clerk John Quirke Clerk Assistant Stephen Innuksuk Law Clerk Michael Chandler Sergeant-at-Arms Charlie Audlakiak 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) Deputy Premier; Minister of Economic Development and Transportation; Minister of Human Resources Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon.

Jeannie Ehaloak (Cambridge Bay) Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation Hon. George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Hon. David Joanasie (South Baffin) Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Pauloosie Keyootak (Uqqummiut) Hon.

Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Seniors; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Patterk Netser (Aivilik) Calvin Pedersen (Kugluktuk) David Qamaniq (Tununiq) Emiliano Qirngnuq (Netsilik) Hon.

Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister of Energy; Minister of Environment; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Craig Simailak (Baker Lake) Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Government House Leader; Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister responsible for the Status of Women Cathy Towtongie (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet)

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................8708 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................8708 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................8715 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................8736 Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters .................................8755 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................8758 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................8762 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................8765 Third Reading of Bills ................................................................................................................8765 Assent to Bills ............................................................................................................................8765 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................8766

A. Daily References Thursday, September 16, 2021 ...................................................................................................8708 B.

Ministers’ Statements 694 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation and Turaaqtavut (Ehaloak)...........................................8708 695 – 5(2): Happy Retirement to Kathy Okpik, Outgoing Deputy Minister (Joanasie) .............8709 696 – 5(2): Staff Appreciation (Kusugak) ..................................................................................8710 697 – 5(2): National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Akeeagok) ..........................................8711 698 – 5(2): Housing Progress since Beginning of Mandate (Nakashuk) ...................................8712 699 – 5(2): Turaaqtavut Achievements (Savikataaq) .................................................................8713 C.

Members’ Statements 1007 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet (Towtongie) .8715 1008 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Aivilik (Netser) ........................................................8716 1009 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Amittuq (Kaernerk) .................................................8717 1010 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Manirajak (Lightstone) ................................8718 1011 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Kugluktuk (Pedersen) ..............................................8718 1012 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Uqqummiut (Keyootak) ...........................................8719 1013 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Gjoa Haven (Akoak) ................................................8720 1014 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Tununiq (Qamaniq) .................................................8721 1015 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Arviat North-Whale Cove (Main) ...........................8722 1016 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Baker Lake (Simailak) .............................................8723 1017 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Netsilik (Qirngnuq)..................................................8725 1018 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Cambridge Bay (Ehaloak) .......................................8726 1019 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet South (Kusugak) .................................8727

1020 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Arviat South (Savikataaq) .......................................8728 1021 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Quttiktuq (Akeeagok) ..............................................8729 1022 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Tasiluk (Hickes) ...........................................8730 1023 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Sinaa (Sheutiapik) ........................................8732 1024 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing South Baffin (Joanasie) ...........................................8733 1025 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Pangnirtung (Nakashuk) ..........................................8734 D.

Oral Questions 1458 – 5(2): Marine Infrastructure (Kaernerk)...........................................................................8736 1459 – 5(2): Addressing Nunavut’s Housing Needs (Towtongie) .............................................8737 1460 – 5(2): Airport Infrastructure (Qirngnuq) ..........................................................................8739 1461 – 5(2): Status of NIHB Negotiations (Simailak) ...............................................................8740 1462 – 5(2): Mandatory Vaccination for Agnico Eagle Employees (Main) ..............................8742 1463 – 5(2): Alcohol-related Crime and Enforcement Issues (Lightstone) ...............................8744 1464 – 5(2): Bringing Our Elders Home (Netser) ......................................................................8746 1465 – 5(2): Airport Infrastructure (Qamaniq)...........................................................................8748 1466 – 5(2): COVID-19 Inuit Deaths (Keyootak)......................................................................8749 1467 – 5(2): Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act (Akoak) ...........................................................8750 1468 – 5(2): Fire Safety in Housing Units (Pedersen) ...............................................................8752 1469 – 5(2): Measuring of Turaaqtavut Achievements (Main) ..................................................8753 E.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters Committee Report 047 – 5(2): Report on the Review of Bills 52, 54, 56, and 76 (Main) .........8755

F.

Tabling of Documents 428 – 5(2): Turaaqtavut Accomplishments (Savikataaq) ...........................................................8758 429 – 5(2): 2019-2021 Minister’s Report on Poverty Reduction (Sheutiapik) ..........................8759 430 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Contracting, Procurement and Leasing Activity 2019- 2020 (Ehaloak) .....................................................................................................................8759 431 – 5(2): 2016-2020 Fisheries and Sealing Research Report (Akeeagok) ..............................8759 432 – 5(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation 2020-21 Annual Report (Nakashuk) ......................8759 433 – 5(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Construction Cost Review 2021 (Nakashuk) .........8759 434 – 5(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Report on Public Housing Rent Scale (Nakashuk) 8759 435 – 5(2): 2020-21 Cannabis Licensing Annual Report (Hickes) ............................................8760 436 – 5(2): 2021-22 Annual Letters of Expectation (Hickes) ....................................................8760 437 – 5(2): Responses to the Letters of Expectation 2021-22 (Hickes) .....................................8760 438 – 5(2): Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Board Annual Report 2020-21 (Hickes) .................8760 439 – 5(2): Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission Annual Report 2020-21 (Hickes) ......8760 440 – 5(2): 2020 Annual Report of the Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office (Ehaloak) ...................8760 441 – 5(2): Department of Community and Government Services’ 2019-2020 Contract Activity Report (Ehaloak) ..................................................................................................................8760 442 – 5(2): Department of Community and Government Services’ 2019-2020 Procurement Activity Report (Ehaloak) ....................................................................................................8760 443 – 5(2): Department of Community and Government Services’ 2019-2020 Lease Activity Report (Ehaloak) ..................................................................................................................8760 444 – 5(2): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund 2020-21 Annual Report (Savikataaq) .............................................................................................................................................8761 445 – 5(2): Environmental Rights Act Annual Report 2020 (Savikataaq) .................................8761

446 – 5(2): Correspondence from the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts Concerning Undersea Fibre Optic Cable Project and COVID-19 Pandemic (Main) ...............................................................................................8761 447 – 5(2): Oral Question Concerning Fuel Quality (Netser) ....................................................8761 G. Bills Bill 75 –

An Act to Amend the

Summary Conviction Procedures Act – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................................................8762 Bill 75 –

An Act to Amend the

Summary Conviction Procedures Act – Third Reading ...........8765

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8708 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, September 16, 2021 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Mr. Tony Akoak, Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak, Hon. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Mr. Joelie Kaernerk, Mr. Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Mr. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Mr. Patterk Netser, Mr. Calvin Pedersen, Mr. David Qamaniq, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq, Hon. Allan Rumbolt, Hon. Joe Savikataaq, Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik, Mr. Craig Simailak, Ms. Cathy Towtongie. >>House commenced at 13:29 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Allan Rumbolt): Good afternoon, members. I’ll ask Ms. Towtongie if she can lead us in prayer, please. Ms. Towtongie. >>Prayer Speaker: Good afternoon, members. Good afternoon to the people of Sanikiluaq and the people of Nunavut. In the orders of the day, Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Minister Ehaloak. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 694 – 5(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation and Turaaqtavut (Ehaloak) Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak: Good afternoon to my colleagues and those that are watching and especially to Cambridge Bay. Mr.

Speaker, during the mandate of this government, I have had the responsibility of overseeing the Qulliq Energy Corporation and would like to share with you their efforts in developing Nunavut’s infrastructure and economy in ways that support a positive future for the land and its people. Through infrastructure replacement programs, renewable and alternative energy initiatives, and energy efficiency projects, the territory’s sole electrical utility provider has demonstrated a strong commitment to making strides toward a cleaner energy future for the long-term benefit of Nunavummiut.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation continuously works to replace its aging infrastructure with careful consideration to the financial impacts on customers. New power plants bring reliable and energy-efficient technologies to communities that need it most, while displacing the territory’s diesel consumption and reducing our impact on the land and our environment. After the construction of recently approved power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, and Igloolik, Nunavut will have ten modern plants with technologies that enable possible renewable energy integration in the future.

In the last few years the Qulliq Energy Corporation has seen great progress with the development of renewable energy initiatives, including the launch of the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer (CIPP) program. As an important stepping stone for developing larger scale projects, the Commercial and Institutional Power Producer

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8709 program has begun the development of Nunavut’s renewable energy infrastructure by allowing independent producers to generate power from renewable energy systems and sell it to the Qulliq Energy Corporation. This major milestone makes utilizing renewable energy sources a reality for Nunavut, enabling the move away from diesel-powered electricity and supporting a positive future for our people, our communities, and our land. Mr.

Speaker, commercial and institutional customers in Iqaluit, Arviat, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung, and Rankin Inlet continue to benefit from the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s district heating systems. This includes an expansion of Iqaluit’s system to the new aquatic centre in 2018, and more recently the Qulliq Energy Corporation has started construction on new district heating systems in Taloyoak and Sanikiluaq. This alternative energy technology harnesses heat produced as a by-product of generating power and provides that heat to nearby buildings.

Proven to reduce heating fuel consumption, cut carbon emissions, and help connected customers save on fuel and heating costs, these initiatives are not only benefiting our communities, but helping to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment. The Qulliq Energy Corporation has also replaced conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights in 13 communities. This has been made possible by funding from the Government of Nunavut’s Carbon Rebate program.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation is dedicated to utilizing these resources to complete upgrading street lights across the territory until every community across Nunavut can benefit from improved illumination and reduced energy costs for local governments. Over the last four years I have had the pleasure of working with my colleagues at the Qulliq Energy Corporation to ensure transparency and accountability in achieving the priorities of this government. Together we remain committed to developing and managing renewable and non-renewable energy resources for the long-term benefit of Nunavummiut.

I look forward to continued progress and expansion on the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s renewable and alternative energy initiatives so that our communities can see the benefit of the corporation’s cleaner energy opportunities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister of Education, Minister Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 695 – 5(2): Happy Retirement to Kathy Okpik, Outgoing Deputy Minister (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nunavummiut, I send you my regards. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to wish a happy retirement to Kathy Okpik, whose Inuktitut name is Imaqi, our outgoing Deputy Minister of Education. Imaqi’s impact on education in Nunavut is profound. Working and integrating Inuktitut into all aspects of her career, from teaching students to influencing education policy, she has significantly

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8710 contributed much to language revitalization in Nunavut. She is what I call inuktiavak, just simply an amazing person. Mr. Speaker, Imaqi began her career in education as a public school teacher. Following her graduation from McGill University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, she taught for ten years in communities across the Qikiqtani region, from kindergarten to grade 12. She also worked as an adult educator with Nunavut Arctic College.

Imaqi worked in the Teaching and Learning Centre at the Baffin Divisional Board of Education, producing Inuktitut teaching resources. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Imaqi’s impact on education accelerated as she became Assistant Deputy Minister of Education, then Deputy Minister. With her strong leadership, she led a large workforce that fundamentally changed and set the future path of Nunavut education through the passing of the Education Act in 2008 and 2020. This legislation was the first indigenous language Education Act in North America, and to this day remains the only one.

Her continued legacy will have a monumental impact on generations of Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, beyond education, her career included working as executive director of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and for the Government of Nunavut as Deputy Minister of Human Resources, as well as Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.

On behalf of the Department of Education, Kathy, Imaqi, (interpretation) as I believe you are watching, (interpretation ends) I would like to say it has been a privilege and an honour for all of us to have been touched by your passion and dedication for children, youth, and language revitalization. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker and my fellow MLAs, (interpretation ends) please join me in wishing Imaqi, Kathy, a wonderful and happy retirement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Congratulations, Ms. Okpik. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for Health, Minister Kusugak.

Minister’s Statement 696 – 5(2): Staff Appreciation (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day, Mr. Speaker and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in August I had the opportunity to travel to Sanikiluaq to cut the ribbon on the new health centre. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, this was my third attempt to visit the community to recognize the new facility and the dedicated staff who work there. Each time I tried to go, COVID had stopped me. Mr. Speaker, for me, it was an inconvenience that this virus caused.

However, for the hundreds of people who work for or with the Department of Health, the pandemic has caused significant stress. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the tremendous work health staff have done

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8711 to protect the health and well-being of Nunavummiut during this pandemic. Department staff across divisions have worked tirelessly together to manage and contain outbreaks of COVID-19, deliver and administer vaccines, maintain core services, and enhance health care where possible across Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, all health staff, from front desk reception, interpreter/translators, nurses, doctors, technicians, and many I have not named, have performed above and beyond the call of duty to help manage the workload during this pandemic.

Some have put off vacations multiple times, took on extra work, stepped into new roles, and even delayed their retirements to the job done. This selfless dedication to the health and safety of all Nunavummiut is a testament to the strong character of the people in the department and I impressed by and grateful for their dedication to their work. Mr. Speaker, I invite everyone in this Chamber to join me in thanking our health staff for an incredible job well done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for Human Resources, Minister Akeeagok.

Minister’s Statement 697 – 5(2): National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Akeeagok) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On August 3, 2021 the federal government’s Bill C-5,

an Act to create a new federal statutory holiday for employees in the federal government and federally regulated workplaces, was passed to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be observed on September 30 of each calendar year beginning September 30, 2021. Nunavummiut across the territory may be wondering if the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021 will be a statutory holiday. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, for the Government of Nunavut to adopt the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday in Nunavut, it requires us to practise the principle of Aajiiqatigiingniq, decision- making through discussion and consensus by carrying out consultations with the business community, Inuit organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders. Assuming all the stakeholders agree, the next steps would require amendments to the following legislations: • Public Service Act, • Legislation Act, and • Labour Standards Act. Mr.

Speaker, due to the insufficient time for this current government to complete the needed consultations and to amend these legislations, the Government of Nunavut will declare this September 30, 2021 as a holiday for the public service under the provision of

section 27(1)(

m) of the Public Service Act. This means Government of Nunavut public servants will be taking that day off to reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8712 >>Applause Mr. Speaker, we look forward to our discussions with stakeholders and it is our hope to declare September 30 a statutory holiday across the territory next year. In the meantime I am appealing and encouraging all employers within their respective authorities across the territory to be flexible and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Please allow for employees to observe, reflect, participate in community events, expand their awareness, and support one another.

We are strongly connected to one another across the territory and the rest of Canada. Acknowledging and sharing this day collaboratively will ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process and for all to move forward, sivumuaqpallianittinni. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Minister for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 698 – 5(2): Housing Progress since Beginning of Mandate (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, my colleagues. I also say “good day” to the people of Pangnirtung. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it will not be long before the next Assembly sets new priorities in a new mandate and the Turaaqtavut mandate concludes. Before that happens, I would like to reflect on the progress made in housing during this government’s mandate. (interpretation) We are still very much in a housing crisis. Many Nunavummiut still need homes. (interpretation ends) We are still very much in a housing crisis. Many Nunavummiut still need homes.

We know that housing is crucial for the health and well-being of our communities and families. Our unique and complex challenges that come from living in the north make a quick fix impossible. Progress feels slow and we understand your frustration, but we are making progress. (interpretation) Since the Turaaqtavut mandate began in 2015, we have tendered for the construction of 331 public housing units which will increase our housing availability even further. This includes 70 public housing units that were tendered for fiscal year 2021- 22.

It represents an investment in public housing construction of more than $210 million over four years. We have also tendered for the construction of 44 staff housing units over the past three years, with 10 units being converted to public housing thanks to the federal government’s $4.9 million Rapid Housing Initiative. As well, $38.2 million has been spent ensuring the health, safety, and suitability of our housing units. (interpretation ends) It represents an investment in public housing construction of more than $210 million over four years.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8713 We have also tendered for the construction of 44 staff housing units over the past three years, with 10 units being converted to public housing thanks to the federal government’s $4.9 million Rapid Housing Initiative. As well, $38.2 million has been spent ensuring the health, safety, and suitability of our housing units. We have remediated mould in 45 housing units over the last three years. That still leaves many of our fellow Nunavummiut with few choices, overcrowding and struggle, as the demand for housing exceeds what is available.

In coming weeks, the Fifth Legislative Assembly will pass the torch to the Sixth Legislative Assembly. With that brings new members, a new cabinet, and a new mandate, and a renewed commitment to continue to find collaborative solutions to Nunavut’s housing crisis in keeping with Pijitsirniq: Serving and providing for family and/or community. That is our duty to the public. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Ministers’ Statements. The Hon. Premier, Premier Savikataaq. Minister’s Statement 699 – 5(2): Turaaqtavut Achievements (Savikataaq) Hon.

Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the people of Arviat, I say “good day” to you. My daughter, I will be seeing you soon. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, four years ago, all the Members of this Assembly set out to develop this government’s mandate. We wanted to put forward a mandate that reflected the needs and realities of Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: Thank you. The minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his minister’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Premier Savikataaq. Hon.

Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank all the members. Mr. Speaker, the priorities set out in Turaaqtavut were ambitious: working towards the well-being and self-reliance of our people; supporting a positive future for our people, our communities and our land; providing education and training that prepares children, youth and adults for positive contributions and for meaningful employment; strengthening Nunavut as a distinct territory in Canada; and finally, working together in partnership to advance the goals and aspirations of Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, my cabinet colleagues and I are proud of the work that has been achieved since 2018, despite the challenges we have faced. Today we are one step closer to self- reliance through the Devolution Agreement in Principle. Today Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in Canada. Our new made-in-Nunavut Mental Health Act allows for early intervention, the inclusion of Inuit approaches to healing, and offers more local supports,

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8714 bringing mental health care closer to home. The new Sanikiluaq and Kinngait community health centres are state-of- the art facilities to enhance patient care. Through the implementation of the GN- wide Inuit Master Employment Plan and the departments’ Inuit employment plans, we have increased Inuit employment in our public service. We launched 14 new Inuit employment initiatives to train and support Inuit employees to foster a representative workforce. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that we have direct appointed 240 Nunavut Inuit into government positions.

Today, thanks to the $130 million invested in 430 community-led projects and the $7.9 million in funding for community-based initiatives, we are helping to preserve, promote, and revitalize our culture, societal values, heritage, and languages. Mr. Speaker, close to 200 housing units are expected to be completed by the end of this year, helping to alleviate the chronic housing shortages in our communities. We also opened the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility, which means fewer clients will have to be transferred to southern correctional facilities and will be closer to family, community, and our culture.

We have put the education of our young Nunavummiut at the center of our mandate’s efforts. Over 255 student books and teacher resources were created to improve Inuktut literacy. We offer annual training workshops for child care facility staff to share best practices and receive important training to benefit the youngest Nunavummiut. The coming into force of Bill 25,

An Act to Amend the Education Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act, will strengthen the development of an education system that reflects the culture and values of Nunavut. We have pursued and are facilitating post-secondary learning with the successful delivery of the Law Program with the University of Saskatchewan, the opening of the Nunatta Campus building in Iqaluit, and the future campus in Cambridge Bay. Faced with a global pandemic, we responded by investing more than $78 million to support health care, communities, food security, vital air infrastructure, and local businesses.

There are many more successes highlighted in the Turaaqtavut Accomplishments document which I will table later this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, it needs to be said that none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our public servants. I am certain that all of us here today are grateful, humbled, and thankful for their hard work over the past four years. >>Applause In this uncertain time, the Government of Nunavut has stepped up and delivered. It will be up to the Sixth Legislative Assembly to carry on the

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8715 important work of building Nunavut together. It is my hope that Turaaqtavut’s accomplishments, much like the successes of previous mandates, will serve as the building blocks for a better Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Moving on. Item 3. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet, Ms. Towtongie. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 1007 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet (Towtongie) Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. (interpretation) I say “good day” to the residents of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. Piu, I will see you tomorrow, Piujuliaq, my great- grandchild. (interpretation ends) I just want to clarify that I’m running again.

If you want to run in any election, and I have run for the NTI presidency for a number of years, you have to be in agreement with your spouse first of all. (interpretation) This is a requirement when one runs for positions, and gets elected, as you need to have prior agreement in place, and if you don’t have one with your husband or wife, then it can completely destroy that relationship, and I know this for a fact.

My husband and I have agreed beforehand, since I wish to serve my constituents, and you have to know that I may have a different mindset as I do not quit until we have achieved our common goals, and some of my visions relate to first of all, addressing the homeless people in Nunavut. The numbers are rising in our communities, and housing challenges are a priority, and this includes mental health as we need to resolve these issues as a government. We have to accomplish this one step at a time, so to speak as we cannot complete everything all in one day.

Secondly, we have to build roads in the Kivalliq region as geological studies for roads were going to be undertaken, and how we can impact the current costs in our communities. We have seen in the Kivalliq region where the mining companies have built excellent roads. Also, Chesterfield Inlet doesn’t have a marine facility and with the marine facility built by the mining sector, there is a lot of traffic going through Chesterfield Inlet to Baker Lake and local hunters are concerned about the potential impacts on our wildlife resources.

Further, in Rankin Inlet, we really do need an elders’ facility and I know when the initiative was pushed forward, my colleagues noted that I stood up and held firm to get the $10 million invested into Rankin Inlet approved, and I am grateful to my colleague Lorne Kusugak for his assistance, and I recalled fondly Mr. Alex Sammurtok, who fought hard to have elders’ facilities built in Nunavut, but you may recall Rankin Inlet does not get a whole lot of support. I’m declaring now that I will be running again and that’s for the information of the two communities that I represent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8716 Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Netser. Member’s Statement 1008 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Aivilik (Netser) Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish you a good day, along with our colleagues as this is our last sitting day. It was good to experience this session with spurts of happiness, difficulties, anger, but we still were able to collaborate to come to decisions together over the past four years. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to make a statement on our last sitting of the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, as you know, both of us have served in this House during different Assemblies. I was first elected during the First Assembly back when the constituency was known as Nanulik. (interpretation) That seems like a different era now, Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected as MLA for our riding. My constituency was originally called Nanulik, but is now called Aivilik. I am grateful that I was able to represent both Naujaat and Coral Harbour. Both of these places have been very good to me and very welcoming.

Whenever I visited Naujaat, I was always able to sleep very well and rest properly because I would feel so welcomed when I arrived there. Nonetheless, because of the pandemic, it took me a long time before I was able to go back there. It’s unfortunate that this pandemic has been very destructive to our ways. (interpretation ends) Public life has its ups and downs, as we all know. Some days you don’t want to get up at all… >>Laughter …but here we are. I also know the feeling of tremendous pride that accompanies the privilege of speaking strongly and freely and fearlessly on behalf of our constituents. Mr.

Speaker, I have always tried to work hard to be a strong voice for the smaller communities in Nunavut that often feel neglected in the progress of Nunavut. I strongly believe that this House will continue to need such voices and I will be seeking support and confidence of my constituents to continue this work on their behalf in the next Assembly. Mr. Speaker, there are many people to acknowledge, especially the elders who have given me so much guidance. I remember especially two who have gone on: the late Mary Matoo and Senark Adams, who I had really gotten close to in this political walk.

They always encouraged me whenever I got home, and those two ladies are dearly missed. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my wife today for the four years of unwavering support. Thanks to my family and especially my oldest son Albert, who has immense wisdom and freedom to say things to his dad when he needs to hear it. Mr. Speaker, he’s lucky that I can’t spank him anymore. >>Laughter Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. (interpretation) Thank you.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8717 Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Seeing none, please continue, Mr. Netser. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will spank my son when I get home. I’m just kidding. >>Laughter (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I just want to finally say that I thank my son Albert Netser, who has been really a strong support for me during these last four years and I really want to thank him publicly for correcting me when he felt I needed it and encouraged me when I needed it the most. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk. Member’s Statement 1009 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Amittuq (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Good day to the residents of Amittuq and Nunavummiut. Mr.

Speaker, the past four years were both at times confusing and difficult, and now the end is near for this experience. Using myself as an example, I find I don’t overheat during my statements by the end of our term. >>Laughter As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, it’s not easy, especially when we try to represent all of our constituents; it is challenging and difficult, and in some cases, you feel like resigning and giving up. However, I think about all of my constituents and they gave me the strength to carry on.

I thank all the people of Amittuq for having patience when I was initially elected to the House, especially my partner and my children. I remember you; you are in my thoughts and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Darn; I wasn’t going to become emotional. My experience has been different and unique since my arrival here as I have constantly tried to speak Inuktitut. When I have to speak English, yes, then I will speak English. I just wanted to point out that I hope to run again as MLA; actually I will be running again for Amittuq.

The people I represent, it seems that I haven’t finished what I came here to do. It seems we had just started recently and now it is over. It seemed to be a never-ending period to endure, but it’s now ending and it has been challenging. However, I sincerely thank all of my colleagues for being able to help me, as well as the past members. I’m proud of you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr.

Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8718 Indeed, what served as one of the challenges, although it is obvious now and which is a source of regret now, is representing both residents of Igloolik and Sanirajak equally and trying to balance their legal community bodies when trying to represent them equally and ethically. At times, you really have to deliberate your options. Even though that may be the case, my gratitude is quite hard to express or voice properly and I get nervous, but perhaps “thank you” will be a start.

With COVID causing a pandemic scare everywhere I am glad we were able to continue to operate as a government and in holding our required meetings. Now, Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to reiterate potential candidates as members, I encourage you. If you want to run for MLA, I urge you to try it. It’s only when you try that you move forward and progress. In saying that, I just want to express my gratitude for Amittuq residents for their patience. Even though I’m just me, that’s their prerogative. I will stop there for now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon.

Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Member’s Statement 1010 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Manirajak (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we approach the final days of our Assembly, I find myself filled with emotion as I reflect on the last four years, from the butterflies in my stomach as I stood in the Assembly for the first time to the moment I got a phone call and I had to rush out of this Chamber to welcome our second son, Aviaq, to the moment where Paul Okalik was almost selected as Speaker of our Assembly.

In all seriousness, I would like to thank Iqalummiut for placing your confidence in me. It has been an honour working on your behalf. I take my responsibilities very seriously and work hard to ensure appropriate attention is given to reviewing legislation, ensuring government programs are meeting the requirements of Nunavummiut, and upholding my duties as a representative.

As the role of an MLA has to be one of the most fascinating jobs in Nunavut and as we can all attest, it has to be one of the most difficult jobs as well, but I love doing what I do and I’m happy to announce that as the election begins next week, I will once again be seeking Iqalummiut’s assistance in seeking re- election, as I would like to continue to make a contribution to our beautiful territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Pedersen. Member’s Statement 1011 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Kugluktuk (Pedersen) Mr.

Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to make what will be my final statement in this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, it is amazing to reflect on the fact that it was only a year ago that

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8719 the Member for Baker Lake and I joined this Assembly. It has been a very steep but fast learning curve for me and I’m sure it has been for the other member as well. Mr. Speaker, I’m incredibly proud of the tremendous support that I have received from constituents in Kugluktuk and I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement that I have received from my family. I really could not do this without the strength of my wife and children. Mr. Speaker, when I first rose in this House, I reflected on my family’s legacy of public service.

As you know, I am not the first Pedersen to have served in the role of MLA and certainly hope I’m not the last. Mr. Speaker, I have done my best over the past year to build on their work and the work of my predecessors, and to effectively represent the constituency. Kugluktuk is a wonderful community. Like all communities, we go through good times and hard times. The pandemic has certainly not made things easy for any of us. Mr. Speaker, I’m very much looking forward to putting my name forward at the upcoming election, and I will again do my very best to be a strong voice for my hometown. Mr.

Speaker, I wish you and all of my colleagues the very best on your own journeys. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak. Member’s Statement 1012 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Uqqummiut (Keyootak) Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to those who are following the proceedings in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to firstly indicate what I would like to publicly announce today.

The first person I wish to especially thank is my wife for her constant support along with my children who supported me and asked me to work as a member. As Ms. Towtongie stated, a couple needs to be in agreement in order to move forward on their goals, or things on top of our workload that are difficult can exacerbate the stress we already face, as we all know and challenges become harder. With that being the case, we have to take care of ourselves as members and wherever we go for meetings. I would like to especially thank those who provided support, firstly my wife.

I thank her tremendously for the freedom to pursue a career here at the Assembly and we came to an agreement for me to conduct my work. Further, my two dear daughters are especially ones I wish to highlight. These two daughters of mine have given me full support and encouragement and to just work harder. I too have almost given up many times in the past when difficult challenges came up in life. I thank my two daughters immensely and all of my other children. I am so grateful to them all.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8720 I would like to again thank my two constituency assistants. The one in Clyde River is very patient. Sayla Palluq, I thank her tremendously. I sometimes don’t see her for a long time. According to what was stated earlier, COVID has impacted us very much. Especially those who represent more than one community, we could not travel, even though we wanted to travel to our constituency communities. I thank Sayla Palluq and in Qikiqtarjuaq my past worker, Lucy Anna Nookiguak, who is a hard worker and I thank her. Mr.

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Keyootak. Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I just want to outline here that I won’t be seeking re-election. I will end my term. However, as a regular person I will continue to recall you in my memories and perhaps the ones who will be elected, I may meet them again but it is impossible to say who will be re-elected.

However, for me personally, I will end my term. I began travelling way back in my other roles prior to my election to this position, when I began my leadership role my children were very young, as I believe we only had one child when I first started in Inuit politics. My children grew up with me travelling and now my children’s children are starting to have their children, I’m still travelling. We’re looking at 41 to 43 years of travelling. I am so thankful to my wife since I have had to leave my wife many times for long periods and she is the one who reared my children.

Many of you are, perhaps, in the same boat and you have to be grateful with your spouse as they have to do a lot while we are away and this provides a lot of support for which I am grateful. As well, I would like to thank everyone here; my previous fellow MLAs, I thank you all. As I said, I won’t be running again. I will be watching MLA sessions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Gjoa Haven, Mr. Akoak. Member’s Statement 1013 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Gjoa Haven (Akoak) Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good afternoon, colleagues and community of Gjoa Haven. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on my second term representing the constituency of Gjoa Haven. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my appreciation for the residents of Gjoa Haven and their support over these past years. It has been my honour to represent my community to the best of my ability. Mr. Speaker, at times I am sure that I must have sounded like a broken record as I have raised a number of issues consistently throughout my term,

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8721 including homelessness and housing needs, the desperate need for increased mental health services, the lack of community morgues, care for our elders, support for our hard-working nurses and teachers, as well as infrastructure needs in the community. Mr. Speaker, smaller, non-decentralized communities face many challenges and I am proud of the community of Gjoa Haven for its resilience and perseverance. Mr. Speaker, there is always more work to be done to make Nunavut live up to its potential as a territory.

I believe that with my colleagues, both regular members and ministers, we have successfully tackled many issues. We have made progress. Mr. Speaker, the COVID pandemic has brought new challenges to Nunavut, but I am confident that we can all continue to make responsible decisions and support each other to make it through safely. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Akoak. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, my colleagues. Mr.

Speaker, I would not be able to do this job without the support of my family and especially my wife, Annie Akoak, who has been very supportive of what I have been doing while I’m in this House. She has been a strong person to keep my family together at home for I was not able to help her when she needed me. I love my wife, Annie Akoak. I am very grateful for their love and understanding of my role in carrying out the duties of a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

I would like to also announce that with the full support of my wife, whether I win or lose, I will be seeking re-election for the community of Gjoa Haven. Mr. Speaker, since it is our last members’ statements for the Fifth Assembly; I am 63 years old and I’m considered an elder, we do get good benefits like lower cost airfares, we get help with food, but those are boring to talk about. Mr. Speaker, what I mean is that at my age, when you bend down to pick up something, you end up saying “Oops,” all because you’re accidently leaking or losing air somewhere. >>Laughter Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Tununiq, Mr. Qamaniq. Member’s Statement 1014 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Tununiq (Qamaniq) Mr. Qamaniq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good afternoon” to the residents of my community and my colleagues as well as Nunavummiut.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8722 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to the people of Pond Inlet for their support to me as their Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Tununiq. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it was just two years ago that a by-election was held in the constituency. Mr. Speaker, much work remains to be done, and I wish to take this opportunity to confirm that I will again be asking the people of Tununiq for their support as I will be seeking re-election in the upcoming general election. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the legacy of my predecessors, late Jobie Nutarak, James Arvaluk, Joe Enook, whom served the constituency with dedication. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my family, my wife, my son, for their support over the past two years. It has not always been easy, especially joining the MLAs during their mid-term. Mr. Speaker, the constituency faces challenges and opportunities. I am proud to have supported ongoing work in respect to much-needed new infrastructure for the community.

I will continue to support the people of Pond Inlet who are taking the time and making the effort to engage with the Nunavut Impact Review Board in its consideration of the Mary River project. Mr. Speaker, I will conclude by thanking you and all of the Members of this House. It has been a learning experience and I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with all members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 1015 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Arviat North-Whale Cove (Main) Mr.

Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to confirm, I will stand again for re-election so that

part is now clear, as I have just stated it. It is now a month or less so I will be outlining why I am seeking re-election and to grow my campaign. Mr. Speaker, while I have the chance, I wish to thank those across from us with offices here.

With COVID-19, our Premier and all the ministers were very diligent in their leadership roles to ensure that COVID-19 didn’t arrive into Nunavut or to restrict its entrance, and I thank you and your knowledge as you held up in English (interpretation ends) science (interpretation) was held up in the forefront by Nunavummiut and we should be proud of our ministers and we should congratulate them for their hard work. >>Applause Mr.

Speaker, we all know our constituents go through hardships and as MLAs, when you see your own constituents not happy or ill, you invariably are part of that and when you think about the lack of jobs, poverty, and the elders who need care and the need that they should not be sent extra-

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8723 territorially out of Nunavut, and the government needs more Inuit care workers; suicides. Mr. Speaker, as an MLA, I did not expect to see, when I come to funerals after a suicide, how painful it feels. I did not anticipate feeling the pain it causes, Mr. Speaker. There is a struggle by the Department of Health to hire sufficient nurses in Nunavut. When you have your constituents and they’re sick, when you discuss their concerns and feelings, ouch! It is painful. I don’t want to just talk about doom and gloom, but I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we sit here on our last sitting day, I wasn’t intending to just paint nothing but gloomy pictures, nonetheless, when our constituents are unhappy and struggling, we as MLAs must look at them as people who need our help, and never forget our constituents throughout Nunavut and we must not stop our battles.

Even when the bureaucracy may disagree with us or government officials debate issues with us in the House, that is fine and we mustn’t give up as we must recall their pain, their struggles, their unhappiness, and never forget their struggles. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell my constituents that 857-6735 will be the number now for my cellphone so that you will know. The previous number I had is no longer functioning. And finally, Mr. Speaker, when I got elected here back in 2017, my wife and I had small child who was quite headstrong, our son, Odin, who is now four years old.

I still pamper him and call him baby, but he is no longer a little child. However, we now have another child, a daughter called Mauve, and whenever we are undergoing hardships in the Assembly, when I go home, I have to deal with my children soiled pampers. If they have been sitting in their urine for a while, that can be one of the more difficult tasks when you are a parent. I’m making fun of myself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Have a good day. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Main. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak.

Member’s Statement 1016 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Baker Lake (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues and to my constituents of Baker Lake. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the experience of representing Baker Lake in this House. Mr. Speaker, as you are our longest- serving member, I want to first pay tribute to your record of service to your constituency.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8724 >>Applause I have learned a great deal from you over the 12 short months that I have served in this role. Mr. Speaker, when I first stood for office last year, I committed to my constituents that I would advocate for them to the very best of my ability. Mr. Speaker, I am most grateful to all Members of this House for their support to me, and I pay tribute to my predecessors for their work on behalf of Baker Lake. Although the pandemic has proven to be an unprecedented challenge, I strongly believe that the future is bright for the Kivalliq.

We are committed to progress and moving forward. We have a strong record of responsible and sustainable natural resource development that has transformed Baker Lake. We prefer prosperity to poverty, and I will continue to be committed to advancing the kind of job training and infrastructure development that is critical for success. Mr. Speaker, I spoke yesterday in the House about the proposed hydro-fibre link. That project and the potential for a land connection between the Kivalliq and southern Canada are truly nation- building initiatives that need our full attention and support. Mr.

Speaker, I am very eager to continue this important work, which is why I am pleased to confirm today that I will be a candidate at the upcoming general election. I am looking forward to the opportunity to present my vision to the people of Baker Lake, and I know that the next few weeks will be an important time to listen to their priorities. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my spouse, Marilyn, and the children who have helped support me this past year. Like all of you, my colleagues, we entered this position thinking of our families to try to make their lives along with our constituents better. Mr.

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I would also like to thank my first constituency assistant, Hattie Kingunkotok, who, for health reasons, had to resign, although I’m sure would still be working for me. I would also like to thank my second constituency assistant, Gabriel Nagyougalik. Both have maintained my office in Baker Lake.

I have been very fortunate that they were both able to help me in serving my constituents. I would also like to thank my elders and the people that have spoken to me. I tried to visit as many as I could and I

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8725 apologize to those that I couldn’t make time to visit. Part of it was because of COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Speaker, many people have given me advice and people have also corrected me along the way, which is good; I needed that. Mr. Speaker, I will conclude today by again thanking you and my colleagues, and I hope to see many of you here again very shortly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq.

Member’s Statement 1017 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Netsilik (Qirngnuq) Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to my fellow residents of Netsilik and my fellow Nunavummiut as well as my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to voice my thanks to my constituents in the Netsilik riding, and especially my wife whom I thank as she is my most ardent supporter, even when things become quite difficult and challenging, and to all of our fellow Inuit we live with. I rise today to speak to this issue. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, as the Member of Nunavut’s Fifth Legislative Assembly representing Netsilik, I wish to thank everyone I have worked with during my term in office. Although this Assembly has gone through some tough times, we have pulled through. As a team, we have worked hard to improve our territory and our communities for our people. Mr. Speaker, we went through happy times, we went through sad times, and we went through the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether we were happy, normal, or making tears, we got through it. Mr.

Speaker, we have passed this test in life and for some of us, our work is complete, while some of us may continue the journey. Mr. Speaker, as MLAs, we have done our best to address the needs of our territory and of our people. As MLAs and as politicians, we may get criticized. (interpretation) I bring this up for the particular reason that whenever you are personally criticized, your support goes down. I would like the people of Nunavut to please know to support your representatives. They work hard on your behalf, (interpretation ends) but we pull through even if we feel at life’s lowest level.

As the MLA for my people, for Nattilingmiut, I feel that my work is not done. I feel that I can do better in the next Assembly. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Qirngnuq.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8726 Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. (interpretation ends) I believe that I am more aware of what brings us to the lowest levels of our lives, in the community and amongst friends. Mr. Speaker, I will be seeking re- election as the MLA for Netsilik. If I do not return as a Member of the next Legislative Assembly, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff who have been so generous with their time and effort in assisting me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! >>Applause Mr.

Qirngnuq: I wish to thank my fellow MLAs and the ministers in the cabinet for their support, even though it has not always been easy. Last but not least, I wish to acknowledge my fellow MLAs of the Regular Members’ Caucus. Together we made a team, in happy times or in sad times. And finally, thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Ehaloak. Member’s Statement 1018 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Cambridge Bay (Ehaloak) Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) What an incredible four years.

I never thought I would sit through my first term to go through two Premiers, four Speakers, and it has been just an incredible experience for me. I want to thank Brent, my children, my friends, and my family for their support during my four years as the MLA for Cambridge Bay. I’m happy to inform my constituents that I will be seeking re- election in the upcoming elections. Mr.

Speaker, I have proven that I have the drive, I am open and approachable, and I’m always willing to listen to issues and concerns, whether it’s my constituents or the members, with a deep sense of fairness and compassion and I have a great sense of pride for our communities. I will always work hard to improve the communication link between the government, the hamlet, and yourself. I will make every conscious effort to go where you are, in your homes, your schools, and community events and I am accessible to you in your busy lives.

Fundamentally my values come from the strong sense of pride and appreciation I have first and foremost as an Inuk and the residents of my home community, Cambridge Bay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8727 Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. Member’s Statement 1019 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Rankin Inlet South (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good day. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, it seemed like the day before yesterday when we had our first session here and many of us had no idea who the other people were and we had no idea that it would eventually end and now here we are saying our goodbyes. We have seen challenges and we have been here and also we had to do things not from here. Whenever children go through birthdays and graduations, we were not able to take

part in those, but we knew that when we were running for MLA. I think of especially people that I wanted to see again that I will never see again, like “Where’s the Action” and my arnaqatiit. They passed away too close together and I feel for them. Sometimes we expect that we will have to go through things like that when we’re running for MLA. I thank all the people of Rankin Inlet for allowing me to stand here, and my children and my wife especially, who are always beside me no matter where I am. Mr.

Speaker, in this House here, sometimes we don’t smile at each other much and sometimes we argue, but we have passed so many things that other people could not do and did not want to do, the previous government did not want to do, so I am very proud. Elder facilities are always being talked about and they’re finally being built. I say “thank you” on behalf of the people of Nunavut. They’re wondering why the people who sat here before didn’t do that. I know that we have so many other things that we need to do yet, but I’m very happy about what we did and we did things that should have been done a long time ago. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to thank my colleagues here. Whenever we need to vote… . First of all, you selected me as a minister and thank you for that, and I worked with all my abilities to try to answer all the questions that you had and all the things that you wanted to progress, I tried to make them progress as minister.

Thank you for having me as your minister. When I was given the health portfolio by the Premier, I agreed and then the next day, COVID-19 arrived in Nunavut. >>Laughter That was a little worrying and it was difficult and I thank the people of Nunavut, who understood the situation because COVID is something that we have to take very seriously, so we tried hard to make sure that the people of Nunavut, how important or how

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8728 dangerous COVID-19 is. We hear all sorts of misinformation from the sidelines and we conveyed how dangerous it is to the people of Nunavut and I will keep doing that. Mr. Speaker, in the upcoming elections and next week, campaigns…they will be filling out the forms next week and I will be filling out my form. (interpretation ends) In closing, Mr. Speaker, I remember coming here in the Third Assembly and meeting yourself, both of us rookies around the room, and when I came back to this Assembly, I was glad to see that you were still a part of the team.

I just personally want to thank you and your family for the dedication that you have given Nunavummiut. It’s a lot of work and I thank you and your family for giving yourself to this dedication. It’s not always easy and it’s not always easy for our children, especially when criticism is being thrown towards us as politicians and to protect our children and asking our children to not say anything. It’s not always easy. Mr.

Speaker, earlier in the year you told me, “There is one thing I’m happy is that you’re just a little bit shorter than I am.” >>Laughter I say this because earlier this year you came to me and you said, “Lorne, I didn’t know you had a bald spot.” >>Laughter Well, you’re just short enough to know that I don’t. >>Laughter Apparently there is a camera behind me and that’s how you found out. Darn! Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Laughter >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Member’s Statement 1020 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Arviat South (Savikataaq) Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would first of all like to thank the people of Arviat who placed their trust in me to sit for the four years in the Fifth Legislative Assembly. I’m surprised that the four years passed by so fast. I would like to thank the people of Arviat once again for placing their trust in me. Also to my colleagues, to each and every one of you, thank you very much for placing your trust in me to put me in my position as Premier. Thank you, one and all.

It’s quite hard, but there is cooperation and working together that has put us to the end of our term. With the cabinet and the regular members, we have to work together for the betterment of Nunavut. I do know that we argue at times and we disagree at times, which is perfectly fine. We all have a belief and we do want to see improvements in our communities, but once we make a decision in the House and when we go out for coffee, we’re working again because that’s how it is.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8729 I would also like to say “thank you” to my friends and relatives for giving me the support. I thank you all. The four years went by very fast. I would like the people of Arviat to know that when the polls open, I will be seeking re-election. If they should place their trust in me once again, it would be my honour to do so. People of Arviat, please go vote on October 25. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays?

Being none, please continue, Mr. Savikataaq. Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the members for allowing me to continue with my statement. There was COVID-19 in Arviat and once that was over, then it arrived in Iqaluit, so I didn’t see Arviat for a very long time. For the information of Arviat residents, I’m seeking re-election. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my staff. My staff helped me stand strong. My staff worked so hard for me, my immediate staff and my ministers. I would like to thank my immediate staff, Virginia, Ron, Kate, and Dorcas.

Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 1021 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Quttiktuq (Akeeagok) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have always been thankful every day to the people in my constituency and for giving me the opportunity to sit here to represent them. I was once told that the four years was going to go very fast and I didn’t believe it, but here I am, I woke up this morning and the four years have passed already. I’m representing three communities.

I was brought up and raised in the High Arctic and my wife also comes from another constituency community that I represent. If you get the support from your family, you can do your work. We were able to agree that I would sit here as a representative for the four years and it was a joyous event when I got elected to represent the High Arctic, and then you in turn elected me to the cabinet. I thank you one and all. As a minister, at times it seems that we don’t do very much. Why is it that I’m not given the help? Some of my constituents ask me why I’m not asking the questions like John Main and Joelie Kaernerk.

There is a slight difference in the rules when you’re a minister and you’re not given the opportunity to ask questions. We have to arrive at a decision. I would like all the people of Nunavut to know that when you’re elected, there is a different role between the cabinet and the regular members. All 22 of us are working hard to truly represent our constituents.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8730 Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues. We still have COVID at the national and international levels. Even if that’s the case, we now can go to the communities and I would like to thank the Department of Health for doing a very good job in preventing further epidemic situations. We do have to be careful.

Well, we don’t know what the future is going to be, but we will do our best to battle this situation and I would like to say that I would like to come back, but it’s up to the electors out there. If I don’t come back, it’s going to be okay, but I have accepted my election to the House. Even though what the future is going to be, when you have worked all your life, it’s kind of scary to find that you won’t be employed anymore. I would like to thank the people who are not seeking re-election, Mr. Keyootak especially, who taught me a lot and asked some very pointed questions.

We are still working for the projects for the High Arctic, and Mr. Keyootak indicated that he had been travelling for about 40 years. It has been quite a slow growth for Nunavut, but that’s part of our mandate and we would like to see improvements in the future. I thank Mina, who accepted the fact that you came here and now that she’s asking you to go home. You have truly represented Sanikiluaq and I thank you. Elisapee Sheutiapik, there are four Iqaluit representatives and I have had three, and she won’t be seeking re- election. She was my colleague and I thank her.

I have a lot of people that I’m thankful for, and I’m looking forward to having tea with Aqsaarjuk in Grise Fiord, Lisa, and I’m looking forward to going back up to Grise Fiord and have tea with the people up there. You have to be given clear directions. I also thank my family and my siblings for giving me unconditional support. It’s a little scary when you come to the end of your term, but we have tried hard and I will keep working hard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.

Member’s Statement 1022 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Tasiluk (Hickes) Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been a tremendous pleasure and a privilege to be able to address this House as Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk for the past eight years and as a cabinet minister in both the Fourth and Fifth Assemblies. Mr. Speaker, being MLA for Iqaluit- Tasiluk since 2013 has been the second- greatest honour of my life, the first being dad to my three wonderful daughters,

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8731 Hope, Lily, Sara, and husband to my wife, Signi. It is my family who motivates me to be a politician. What I want for my own children, a good education, opportunities to succeed, a healthy lifestyle, a safe and supportive home, being connected to our Inuit culture and traditions, and a prosperous life in Nunavut, is what I want for all Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I have devoted myself to achieving these aims as both a dad and as an MLA and as a cabinet minister.

On countless occasions I have risen in this House as a regular member to bring light to issues that affect families, whose voices are not often heard, whether it’s advocating for more housing or better health care for elders and families here in Nunavut. Long days and nights were spent poring over reports and financial statements to make sure I understood all sides of these issues. Asking the tough questions and holding government accountable for their decisions is perhaps one of the reasons the past two Assemblies have elected me into cabinet.

Being a cabinet minister is a role I have taken on earnestly, making sure I work even harder to understand the elements behind the decisions of government and always putting forward sensible and achievable approaches to tackling big issues. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to recognize our public service across all sectors of the Government of Nunavut and Crown agencies for their work.

The quality and calibre of information, insight and expertise within our Government of Nunavut departments and agencies, the sheer volume of work that goes into preparing for sessions, standing committee appearances, and budget cycles is mind-boggling. To the departmental staff out there listening, if you have ever had to prepare something for my office, please know I have never taken your work for granted. I have read every word you have written; my sincere thanks for your hard work. I hope I represented you well as your minister. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, many constituents have reached out to me to help them figure out how to navigate government programs or get better services for them or their families. That’s the most important task of an MLA, to make sure we are there to help our constituents through difficult times. My MLA and minister’s offices handled hundreds of client concerns every year.

I can’t thank my executive secretary, Susie Alainga, ministerial assistant, Hillary Casey, or my constituency assistant, Jimmy Twerdin enough for making sure that any person, whether in my Iqaluit riding or across Nunavut, knew they could contact me and have their issues addressed.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8732 Mr. Speaker, the work to bring better health and elder care to Nunavut was one of the greatest challenges of the past two Assemblies. It was a mark of pride to be the Minister of Health to help bring the territory’s first cancer care services to the territory, developed a plan for creating three new elders centres in the territory, securing funding for a trauma and addictions treatment centre here in Iqaluit, and I am also proud to bring in almost $80 million in new health care funding last year that we can reinvest in health care services across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, this meant, in my other role as Minister of Finance with the support of our cabinet team and the Legislative Assembly as a whole, we were able to turn around what would have been the territory’s largest deficit into a surplus position without cutting government programs and services, all during a global pandemic. Mr.

Speaker, this means the Sixth Assembly is well positioned financially and from a service delivery perspective to achieve the priorities of the next government to create more housing, enhance education outcomes, provide better health and elder care, foster economic opportunities for all our communities, and build a more prosperous Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, I feel I have proven to Iqalummiut that I can be an effective MLA to them and have shown this Assembly that I can deliver the results that this House and Nunavummiut expect from their government.

It is with the greatest humbleness and respect that I will be asking my constituents in Iqaluit-Tasiluk to elect me again as their MLA this October so that we can continue creating better opportunities for Iqaluit and Nunavut together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Sheutiapik. Member’s Statement 1023 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Iqaluit-Sinaa (Sheutiapik) Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My, my, I’m not so nervous.

The very first time I stood up was the very first question from the Speaker. It was like yesterday. I felt like I was a deer in the headlights. Mr. Speaker, today my wink is for the three first MLAs of Iqaluit that were here for several terms: Hunter Tootoo, Ed. Pico, and Paul Okalik, who was our first Premier. I never forget to mention our first Premier, and I cannot forget our former Commissioner Ann Hanson and our current Commissioner as she was our first female Premier. Qujannamiik to those dedicated people. I say that having been here now just one term how hard it is. It is a lot of work, so thanks to them.

I stand here today as a privileged person. I say that because I stood here as a privileged person fighting for those underserved in our territory. There is too big of a gap between the haves and the have-nots; too much divide. I’m from Iqaluit, but most importantly to me, I’m from Nunavut and that should be the approach we all take when we’re in here.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8733 I want to thank my family, my immediate family, but I also want to thank my work family at Family Services. What a team. When I hear the stuff they have to deal with every day, the challenges of families, and we try to tackle it with positive attitudes, don’t forget the Department of Family Services because it’s your family and those who are struggling the most in our territory, this is where they get their help most, so please continue.

Although I’m privileged, I have far too much experience within my own family and my community with the challenges, so I feel privileged to have been here to speak on their behalf, but as we move towards an election, I must say that when I was a mayor, usually the youngest and a lot of times the only female, what I realized was lacking was… . Sorry, Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to continue. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Ms. Sheutiapik. Hon. Elisapee Sheutiapik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) During our recent Arnait Tulliningit forum, our former commissioner talked about angajuqqaannguat (foster parents) and even as a young mayor, I would say that’s what we’re lacking today. I appreciate elected officials, but we don’t have enough community leaders to balance it out.

In saying that, when I was mayor, the other thing I used to be able to be proud to say was that you could be a hunter, you could be a welfare recipient, if you care about your community, you could run for office, and I hope that today it is still true because if you care and you have staff to help guide you to understand, you can make a difference. Don’t stop just because you don’t have the degrees. (interpretation) We work very well together in Nunavut, even though we don’t have an education because we are all aware. Please move forward. I know I won’t be here, but I will still have my voice outside.

I know my fellow Inuit work hard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 1024 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing South Baffin (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I send my regards to the residents of South Baffin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour and give my gratitude to the people of South Baffin for having put their trust in me to serve in the Fifth Legislative Assembly. Mr.

Speaker, as our term comes to a close, it is time to reflect and look back at the four years in office and what has transpired during that time. Much has happened since October 2017 that it would take more than one member’s statement to cover all the highlights and

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8734 events, but what I will say is that public life as a member has its ups and downs. There are days where things seem to be overwhelming and we find ourselves having to make hard decisions. Other days we take

part in celebrating and recognizing constituency achievements and special events. I truly feel grateful to represent South Baffin at these functions. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to pay tribute to former members of South Baffin, Olayuk Akesuk and the late Fred Schell, who served the constituency before my time, and I thank them for having served the people that I represent today. I would also like to thank my constituency assistants in Kimmirut, Olucie Tikivik, and Peesee Ezekiel in Kinngait. I thank you for serving South Baffin with me. Mr.

Speaker and members, in closing, I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the support and commitment from my family and my number one supporter, my wife, Emily, and our children, who I would not be here without. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: Thank you. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In closing, I want to show my gratitude to my colleagues in the Fifth Assembly for selecting me as minister and I have enjoyed this job. However, as minister, I have had staff and I would like to thank Lily and Kiah. I say “thank you.” We have worked well together on behalf of Nunavummiut. My wife and children, as I stated earlier, I would not be able to stand here if it were not for them in the eight years in my elected office with their support. I expect to run again for South Baffin, with the approval of the people of Kinngait and Kimmirut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you.

Members’ Statements. The Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Member’s Statement 1025 – 5(2): Reflections on Representing Pangnirtung (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought you weren’t going to reach me. >>Laughter First of all, I would like to thank the people of Pangnirtung for placing their trust in me to represent them and that’s why I was elected. I say “thank you” to the people of Pangnirtung for their advice and their elders. I thank all the people of Pangnirtung for being able to represent them in the four years.

It has been a lot of work and a lot of people mentioned in the House that it takes a lot

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8735 of hard work, but I have learned many things as a representative. I would also like to thank my colleagues for their support and their advice and working with them as a regular member and they put their trust in me to the cabinet. I say “thank you” to all the people I have worked with. You have all affected me and encouraged me, especially for the veteran Members of the Legislative Assembly. They have given me good advice and they have set our foundation. I also thank those who have passed away. I have extended my gratitude to the late Joe Enook.

Paul Quassa, Pat Angnakak, Simeon Mikkungwak, and Mila are not with us now, but I have appreciated their support. I would also like to thank the Assembly staff for their tremendous support. When you go through challenges, the staff do a lot of preparatory work on the (interpretation ends) first floor, second floor, amma third floor. (interpretation) My staff, Carrie, Susie, Rose, Tina, Mila, Simona, Ayla, and Elisapee in Pangnirtung, I thank them and our interpreters. My apologies. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you.

The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her member’s statement. Are there any nays? Being none, please continue, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I tried to mention, the interpreters never get tired. Sometimes we go into evenings in our meetings and they are voices to our communities. I thank them.

Lastly, my hardest foundation and supporter is my husband, Andrew, and my children, Natasha and A.J., and my grandchild and my father, my in-laws, and my friends and family and the elders of Pangnirtung, wherever I go, elders give advice and I thank them the most. They have helped me. Also, I don’t want to forget my uncle, Pauloosie. I thank him. He has helped my older sisters and my little sister. A lot of people of Nunavut, I give them my thanks for their support to us. It is not that we are very able.

We are all aware that we have seen challenges in our communities and those are the things that push us to have more of a voice for Nunavut. For those reasons, we work harder. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. That concludes members’ statements. All members have had an opportunity to have a statement, so we will move on. Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Before we continue on to Item 6, we will take a 20- minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:17 and resumed at 15:42 Speaker: Welcome back, members. Back to the orders of the day.

Item 6. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Kaernerk.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8736 Item 6: Oral Questions Question 1458 – 5(2): Marine Infrastructure (Kaernerk) Mr. Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for letting me go first. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I will direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. I would like to inform the minister, as I always mention, I’m seeking something for Sanirajak like the airports and so forth. Now, I will make some suggestions to the minister on what development we can see.

As the minister will recall, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced $585,383 in funding the past summer for the purchase of mobile marine equipment for the use of the Sanirajak Search and Rescue Society and the Igloolik Marine Society in my constituency of Amittuq. This is for the following year and I’m very proud of this, Mr. Speaker. This is good news for the reason that when people are in dire straits, you worry. I am very pleased with this. Can the minister confirm with respect to the funds I outlined, for example, the port that we have been seeking, how that has been developing?

Perhaps the minister can elaborate further on what plans there are towards that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The federal government has made funding available through what is called in English (interpretation ends) the Oceans Protection Plan. (interpretation) They have set aside a large amount of funding through that plan and we have submitted requests under different categories.

For community ports, we requested that all communities be looked into and we have included Sanirajak and Igloolik towards that. However, this was postponed for a while due to pandemic measures, but this is now in developmental plans and which communities will be receiving a port. I am pleased to say that the working group will be visiting Sanirajak for that purpose. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) This has been on for a while now.

In the report for 2019 regarding the capital funding and you mentioned that the working group will be visiting Sanirajak and Igloolik. Upon reviewing this, a report will probably be made and for the people of Amittuq, upon visits being done and the reports put out, when should we expect that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t say the definite time they are doing their community visits at the moment. Upon the community visits, they will present a report, but we are looking at the year

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8737 2022 where a report will be completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Kaernerk. Mr. Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) The residents of Amittuq will be expecting that. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, his department’s Community Transportation Initiatives Program provides contribution funding to municipalities for small craft harbour projects. Can the minister confirm how much funding was provided in the 2020- 21 and 2021-22 fiscal years to projects in Igloolik and Sanirajak?

Can the minister elaborate on that? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For 2021-22, the funding that has been allocated is $96,000 for Sanirajak, as it was requested for the planning of the port, and these have been approved for Igloolik, but funds were not requested, so we didn’t allocate funds, but Sanirajak did receive funding for review and planning, as per their request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Ms. Towtongie.

Question 1459 – 5(2): Addressing Nunavut’s Housing Needs (Towtongie) Ms. Towtongie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I forgot to thank my constant supporters, Tommy Sammurtok and Doris Tautu, as well as my husband, Harry Towtongie. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, during the previous Legislative Assembly, the minister of the day tabled the Government of Nunavut’s Long-Term Housing and Homelessness Strategy. This was in October of 2016, just under half a decade ago.

The document noted that significant funding had been allocated to build over 1,000 public housing units with the goal of reducing overcrowding and shortening public housing waiting lists. However, as the document noted further, there continues to be high demand for new public housing in our communities, especially in non-decentralized communities like Chesterfield Inlet.

In February of this year the minister informed the Legislative Assembly that the Nunavut Housing Corporation had engaged an independent review of the public housing allocation formula, which determines how many new units will be built in communities. Can the minister update us today on what changes will be made to the allocation formula? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8738 Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for asking that good question. The current formula that has been established is used and we follow how many people fill out applications for housing. The formula is still used and we try to look at how many requests are made for housing. That’s how it is at the moment.

Lastly, in our session here, it was mentioned here in the House that when people reach the age of 18, they can get housing and a number of people seeking housing increases every year. It’s often mentioned that even though they apply for housing, lack of housing is always a reason for no housing. For that reason, upon receiving greater funds for more housing, more housing units can be allocated to the communities that are needed. That is how it is at the moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Ms. Towtongie. Ms. Towtongie: Mr.

Speaker, I was referring to this, NHC Planned Public Builds and Public Housing Construction Allocation and Methodology. Thank you to the minister. Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that the path from being homeless or living in an overcrowded household to having one’s own home is not always a straight one. Such initiatives as transitional housing can provide Nunavummiut with the supports necessary to prepare them for their own homes. Can the minister provide an update on what transitional housing initiatives are currently underway or being considered and in which communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you.

Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) At the moment, with the reports that we have been waiting for, those will definitely help the Nunavut Housing Corporation as well as Nunavummiut on how we can better have functions to allocate more housing and how we can better have cost-saving measures to try to meet the need of housing in Nunavut. Also, just to go back to the question in terms of how we can better provide more housing for homelessness, that is more in the terms of the Department of Family Services.

As we had stated the other day, the money that the federal government is giving, the $9 million, plus the $9 million from the Nunavut Housing Corporation, all together that’s $18 million which will be looked after by the Department of Family Services, which is to meet the low-income families. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Towtongie. Ms. Towtongie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the minister for her response. However, the strategy for the NHC discusses homelessness in cooperation with the Department of

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8739 Family Services, so there is a link between the two. To say that the corporation provides social housing to over 20,000 units, approximately 5,869, so that means with 60 percent of Nunavummiut in public housing, we have to examine every aspect. Turning to the elders, it is disheartening to see so many of our elders move into care facilities when they could possibly stay independently if they had a little additional support with their housing situation. Having more dedicated elders’ housing could certainly keep more elders in our communities.

Like I said, in looking at the housing strategy, the housing corporation itself discussed homelessness. It did not say family services. There’s a strategy. I wanted to clarify that. Having said that, can the minister provide an update on what specific housing initiatives are currently underway or being considered to provide dedicated housing for seniors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for asking that question.

What you’re saying is true that the Nunavut Housing Corporation always look for other opportunities and when they review the requests from the communities and if there are more elders, then they look to see if they can build more elder units. This is done through the local housing association. Also, what you’re saying is true that it’s not just the Department of Family Services that should be dealing with the elders. It should also be the Nunavut Housing Corporation that works with the departments of Family Services and Health, which they do.

They look for other ways to help elders in their homes when elders request help to get housing. All of those are looked at and also the need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Qirngnuq. Question 1460 – 5(2): Airport Infrastructure (Qirngnuq) Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and they concern the issue of airport infrastructure. (interpretation ends) As the minister will recall, I wrote correspondence to him in July of this year regarding concerns that had been brought to my attention about safety deficiencies and other problems at a number of Kitikmeot airports, including the airports in Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.

In recent correspondence, the minister indicated that a contractor “has been tasked with completing annual maintenance and repairs on the Taloyoak and Kugaaruk electrical systems.” Will the minister commit to providing the Municipality of Kugaaruk, the Municipality of Taloyoak and my office with a comprehensive report on the status of repair work at the two airports? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8740 Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say yes to that. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It would be nice if our request could get a yes like that all the time. (interpretation ends) In August of this year the federal government announced $30.0 million in funding for the construction of new equipment storage facilities at seven Nunavut airports, including the Kugaaruk and Taloyoak airports. Can the minister confirm the timeline for issuing and awarding the tenders for these projects? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the federal minister’s announcement was on the $30 million, it was with the Government of Nunavut’s portion of 25 percent. Our plan is to put that 25 percent portion on the next capital plans for this government and that’s going to show where the timelines will be for those seven much-needed airport shelters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Qirngnuq. Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the minister for that clear explanation. (interpretation ends) The federal government’s announcement indicated that the new equipment shelters will be “leased to private sector carriers and operators in these communities.” Can the minister clarify how much revenue will be raised from the leases and can the minister confirm what percentage of the revenues will go to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and what percentage of the revenues will go to the municipalities? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Akeeagok. Hon.

David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of the shelter parts of that, it’s going to be for any cargo handling and that cargo handling is the one that we expect to have revenues. We don’t have the set revenues nor do we have the actual space for it yet, but once those revenues are coming in, all airport revenues do go to the general funds for the government. That’s where the funding would be put into. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 1461 – 5(2): Status of NIHB Negotiations (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8741 Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut has historically shouldered the majority of the costs for medical travel, even though the federal government’s Non-Insured Health Benefits program has long had the fiduciary duty to cover those costs. At the end of the last fiscal year it was announced that a new agreement would see the federal government covering those medical travel costs as they should have been all along. However, in May of this year the Minister of Health indicated that negotiations with the federal government were still ongoing.

Can the minister provide an update on the status of the Non-Insured Health Benefits negotiations and indicate whether they have now been finalized? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister of Health, Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question. Mr. Speaker, I had spoken in this House, I believe, during the winter session that I wasn’t going to sign anything that didn’t assure us getting 100 percent coverage of our medical travel. Mr.

Speaker, we still do not have a signed final agreement on the negotiations, but as of now, we have enough funding from the federal government to ensure that 100 percent of our medical travel is covered as of now, but our negotiations are continuing. With the outgoing of the current federal government, with that happening and with our current situation, those negotiations are still continuing, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for your response. Mr.

Speaker, since 1999 the Department of Health has brought forward supplementary appropriation requests on a yearly basis to request additional funding to cover, in large part, cost overruns for medical travel. Since 1999 those supplementary funding requests have totalled more than $300 million. Can the minister tell us what specific medical travel costs the federal government’s Non-Insured Health Benefits program currently covers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I just stated, the Non- Insured Health Benefits, as of now, with the new budget that we’re working on, is covering 100 percent of our Non-Insured Health Benefits medical travel, Mr. Speaker. That covers to and from for travel, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the clarification, minister. I wanted to double-check. Mr.

Speaker, the Non-Insured Health Benefits program not only covers medical travel but also vision care, dental care, and medications for Inuit, but even when it comes to medications, it sometimes feel as if Inuit are being short-changed.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8742 One of my constituents has been unable to eat solid food due to a long-term health issue. He needs a basic meal- supplement drink to ensure that he gets the necessary nutrients. However, the doctor’s prescription was denied by the Non-Insured Health Benefits administrators. An Hon. Member: Shame, shame! Mr. Simailak: It took many interventions by many individuals to get the necessary supplements for that person. This should not happen.

Will the minister clarify whether his negotiations with his federal government counterparts for Non-Insured Health Benefits will also revise what costs will be covered for medication, vision care, and dental care for Inuit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we talk about Non- Insured Health Benefits and the negotiations around them, it encompasses all of those throughout the negotiations, what kind of medication is permitted and what kinds of supplements are permitted.

It’s always on a case-by- case basis in terms of trying to get the Non-Insured Health Benefits. It’s a federal program for them to approve certain things like meal supplements. You talk to some people and some of them say that if we are expecting to supplement people’s meals or are people supposed to buy their own meals. Those discussions happen, but in terms of the Non-Insured Health Benefits and what should and should not be included in there is an ongoing discussion with our federal counterparts to see what we can include in there. Again, it’s always on a case-by-case basis, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Arviat North- Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Question 1462 – 5(2): Mandatory Vaccination for Agnico Eagle Employees (Main) Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Health. First of all, I have spoken on many occasions about joblessness for the past few years and I’m still talking about it now. The mine workers at Agnico Eagle finally returned to work after taking a long break due to COVID. Mr.

Speaker, Agnico Eagle wrote to us as Members of the Legislative Assembly earlier today to give an update. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Agnico Eagle has provided advance notice of a mandatory vaccination program for Agnico Eagle employees and contractors. Mr. Speaker, based on information provided by the company, all employees, contractors, and guests will be required to have at least one dose of an approved vaccine by October 15 and the second dose by November 15 of this year. Mr.

Speaker, the company states that the vaccine mandate will be an additional precautionary measure to protect the health of employees, protect the

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8743 communities they’re from and the company’s operations. My first question for the Minister of Health is: can he please describe the working relationship between the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and Agnico Eagle Mines? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister of Health, Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was also pleased to receive that information from Agnico Eagle Mines. I encourage all other big companies like that to follow suit and take their lead on that. Mr.

Speaker, from my understanding in talking with people from Agnico Eagle Mines and our chief public health officer, the working relationship is very open between the two. From what I understand, they communicate with each other often on issues especially around the COVID vaccination and its effects with Agnico Eagle. Mr. Speaker, I understand that communication is open and it’s a good working relationship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, minister. (interpretation ends) There is a working relationship between the chief public health officer’s office and Agnico Eagle Mines. In the case of this vaccination mandate that has just been announced and I note that the company has given advance notice, so they’re giving their employees and contractors time to seek out vaccine and get vaccinated, can the minister clarify whose decision it was to make vaccines mandatory?

Was it the company themselves who would have made this decision or was it something that would have been decided by the chief public health officer’s office? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that it was that of Agnico Eagle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Main. Mr. Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, minister, for confirming that.

Agnico Eagle mentions in their news release that all other measures will remain in place, including mandatory testing. Mr. Speaker, I had constituents who were concerned that the return-to-work for Nunavut employees could lead to increased risk at the community level, so I’m happy to hear that all of their measures will remain in place. Can the minister confirm that there is enough vaccine available in all the Kivalliq communities to accommodate the needs of mining employees in the region? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I confirmed that and I would just like to stress that there are enough

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8744 vaccines to vaccinate all Nunavummiut in Nunavut and I encourage them to do so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 1463 – 5(2): Alcohol-related Crime and Enforcement Issues (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this last day of the Fifth Assembly, my last questions are for the Minister of Justice and are regarding alcohol-related crime and enforcement issues. Mr.

Speaker, as the minister will recall, he and a number of other members of cabinet received correspondence from me this summer concerning the serious public safety issues facing Iqaluit. Information published by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police indicates that “V” Division received 757 calls in the month of July alone which involved alcohol. Mr. Speaker, earlier in our term of office, I had the honour of participating in a night time ride-along with local RCMP members, and I can personally attest to the human damage and suffering that is caused by alcohol in this community.

I would like to ask: can the minister indicate the extent to which he shares my concern at the volume of public safety incidents in Iqaluit that involve alcohol? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister of Justice, Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t imagine anyone not agreeing that it’s a concern to the entire city. There are a number of different initiatives that we work with, with different partners, but obviously it is a concern, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank the minister for agreeing that he also shares concern over the issue and I will return to that. Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, there were numerous incidents of public intoxication, theft, violence, and other serious anti-social behaviours occurring at the beach throughout this summer. I want to take a moment to pay tribute to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for its efforts to provide security at the Inuit- owned land beach.

As the minister will recall, his reply to my correspondence indicated that the RCMP undertook an increased number of ATV and foot patrols during the summer months. I would like to ask: can the minister describe what ongoing initiatives his department is supporting to reduce public intoxication, theft, violence, and other serious anti-social behaviours in the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As community policing initiatives are ongoing, we’re always

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8745 looking at different examples of success and different communities have different challenges. Just as an example, the member did mention the ATV and foot patrols that went out this summer. Mr. Speaker, the RCMP are a part of numerous working groups that we work with, with different departments, Health, Finance, Justice, stakeholders, committees. There is a continual dialogue to help identify different solutions or available solutions. Mr. Speaker, it is a challenging topic when alcohol is involved.

Many people make decisions that they normally wouldn’t make if they weren’t consuming alcohol. Mr. Speaker, it’s a very important component of the education process of how to deal with alcohol, not just from a crime standpoint and not even just from a prevention standpoint; how to live and provide good habits to your children and to your fellow community members when you are consuming alcohol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Returning to my initial concerns over the extent to which alcohol and public safety incidents in Iqaluit, persistence is key. An issue that I have been raising throughout our term of office is the need for better enforcement of court-ordered restrictions on alcohol, which I’m hoping the minister will also agree with me upon. Mr.

Speaker, in circumstances where an individual is convicted of an offence such as impaired driving and is subsequently prohibited by a court from operating a motor vehicle for a given period of time, my understanding is that this information is provided by court administration to the territorial government’s Motor Vehicles Division so that the individual’s driver’s licence can be suspended.

My last question for the minister is: in circumstances where an individual is prohibited by court order from possessing or consuming alcohol, what would prevent the court administration from providing this information to the territorial government’s liquor commission? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. Minister Hickes. Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I do appreciate where the member is going with this, there are different complications where the Motor Vehicles Division of the Government of Nunavut is responsible for driver licensing and those can be revoked through the courts.

It is a licence to drive a vehicle that they are no longer permitted to do. With regard to sharing information from people who are prohibited to consume alcohol, it’s a lot more complicated than the member may understand. I know he and I have talked about this a few times now and the member has been asking questions along these lines for going on four years now. Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate where the member is going with this. It is a lot more complicated than it is made out to be when you’re looking at sharing privacy and court- ordered restrictions in a more public format. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 Nunavut Hansard 8746 Speaker: Thank you. Oral Questions. The Hon. Member for Aivilik, Mr. Netser. Question 1464 – 5(2): Bringing Our Elders Home (Netser) Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health on our last day. We are ecstatic that construction will begin on the new elder care facility in Rankin Inlet, if construction hasn’t started already. We can’t wait long enough for our elders to be returned to Nunavut. It’s something to be proud of, but it has been a long time coming.

However, I still believe that some of the elders residing at Embassy West in Ottawa can go home and their families have planned to that effect. We heard on the news that people want to return to Rankin Inlet and my constituent is trying to be returned to Coral Harbour to their home so that they can be close to their loved ones. There are people who are working hard on that. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, can the minister provide an update on what steps are being taken to bring our elders back home, whether they stay at one of our Nunavut continuing care centres or return to the newly renovated Iqaluit facility or even to live with family? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Thank you. The Hon. Minister of Health, Minister Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that line of questioning. Mr. Speaker, there are those possibilities. I have spoken with my colleague on this matter. Mr. Speaker, it is literally on a case-by-case and incident-by-incident situation.

We will work and we are working with the individual, I’ll use for example, that may be in Ottawa. We will work with them. Each elder that is down in Ottawa has a person that is responsible for them. (interpretation) They have representatives and caregivers and we communicate with their caregivers to see if the elders agree to return to their community to be cared for. We are working with them in that way on a case-by-case basis. If they all agree, we take the next steps on the work we do. For those who would be going to the elders facility in Iqaluit, it’s still being worked on.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation owns the building and they are working on renovations. With that being worked on, they are finding problems as they work along and it’s delayed, but it will be completed this fall. Once it’s completed, some elders will be able to go to Iqaluit. They are working on the project presently. That’s the case right now, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Netser. Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Many of our elders face a serious language barrier when they are being cared for in a southern facility.

The nurses and the health ca