Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 50 Thursday, October 19, 2023 Pages 3130 – 3193 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

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

Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) Hon. Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Minister of Environment; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake)

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................3130 Speaker’s Statement ...................................................................................................................3130 Money Message ..........................................................................................................................3130 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3131 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3136 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3141 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3143 Returns to Written Questions .....................................................................................................3162 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3162 Notices of Motions .....................................................................................................................3166 Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ............................................................................3167 Motions .......................................................................................................................................3168 First Reading of Bills .................................................................................................................3172 Second Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................3172 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3173 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3192 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3192

A. Daily References Thursday, October 19, 2023 .......................................................................................................3130 B.

Ministers’ Statements 262 – 6(2): Nunavut and Ontario Sign MOU (Akeeagok, P) .....................................................3131 263 – 6(2): Family Services Strategic Plan (Nakashuk) .............................................................3131 264 – 6(2): Municipal Elections (Joanasie) ................................................................................3132 265 – 6(2): National Community Health Representative Day (Main) .......................................3133 266 – 6(2): ELCC Ministers’ FPT Meeting July 2023 (Gross) ..................................................3134 267 – 6(2): Remote Work Policy (Nakashuk) ............................................................................3135 268 – 6(2): Nunavut and Kivalliq Trade Shows (Akeeagok, D) ................................................3135 C.

Members’ Statements 356 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Igloolik (Quassa) ......................................................3136 357 – 6(2): Minister’s Apology to Clients of Family Services (Brewster) ................................3136 358 – 6(2): Upcoming Dance Competition in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) ..........................................3137 359 – 6(2): Public Safety (Lightstone) .......................................................................................3137 360 – 6(2): Elder Care Placements (Quqqiaq)............................................................................3138 361 – 6(2): Safe Fall Hunting (Simailak) ...................................................................................3139 362 – 6(2): Introducing Cambridge Bay’s Newest Constituent (Gross) ....................................3139 363 – 6(2): Recent Ministerial Visit to Kinngait (Joanasie) .......................................................3140 D.

Oral Questions 518 – 6(2): Elder Care Placements (Quqqiaq)............................................................................3143

519 – 6(2): Liquor Regulation (Sammurtok) ..............................................................................3144 520 – 6(2): Public Safety (Lightstone) .......................................................................................3146 521 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) .....................................................3149 522 – 6(2): New Housing Units (Nutarak) .................................................................................3150 523 – 6(2): Vacancies in Arviat for Environment (Savikataaq) .................................................3152 524 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) .........................................................................3153 525 – 6(2): Funding for Pathfinder Program (Hickes) ...............................................................3154 526 – 6(2): Water Infrastructure (Brewster) ...............................................................................3156 527 – 6(2): Emergency Planning (Brewster) ..............................................................................3157 528 – 6(2): Funding for Nunavut Students (Hickes) ..................................................................3159 529 – 6(2): Filling Environment Vacancies in Arviat (Savikataaq) ...........................................3161 E.

Returns to Written Questions Return to Written Question 005 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut Funding Proposals Submitted to the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (Clerk) .............................................................3162 F.

Tabling of Documents 156 – 6(2): Conservation Economies in Nunavut - Aviqtuuq Case Study (Quqqiaq) ................3162 157 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Justice Concerning a Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Lightstone) ..........................................................................................................................3163 158 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Finance Concerning Alcohol Education Committees (Nutarak) ........................................................................................3163 159 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health in Response to Oral Question 436 – 6(2) (Brewster) ............................................................................................................................3163

160 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Justice Concerning Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Review Committees (Brewster) .................................................3163 161 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Mayor of Iqaluit Concerning Seasonal Time Changes (Lightstone) ..........................................................................................................................3164 162 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Finance and the Information and Privacy Commissioner Concerning Disclosure of Tax Information (Simailak) ..................3164 163 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements, August 20, 2023 (Akeeagok, P) ..................................................................3164 164 – 6(2): Emergency Measures Review 2021 Water Contamination Incident in Iqaluit, May 17, 2023 (Joanasie) ....................................................................................................................3165 165 – 6(2): Submissions to the Standing Committee on Legislation Concerning Review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act (Savikataaq) .....................3165 166 – 6(2): Declaration of Assent for Bills 13, 22, 24, and 25 (Speaker) ..................................3165 167 – 6(2): Report of the 2023 Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) ...........................3165 168 – 6(2): Correspondence from Mayor of Chesterfield Inlet to Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) .........................................................................................................3165 169 – 6(2): Correspondence to the Speaker from Chairperson of the 2023 Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) .........................................................................................................3165 170 – 6(2): 2022-23 Annual Report of the Representative for Children and Youth (Speaker) ..3165 G.

Motions 022 – 6(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Sammurtok) .......................................3166 023 – 6(2): Appointment of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Brewster) .......3166 024 – 6(2): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Hickes) ..............3166

025 – 6(2): Extension of the Review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act – Notice (Savikataaq)...................................................................................3167 022 – 6(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Sammurtok) ......................................................3168 023 – 6(2): Appointment of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut (Brewster) ......................3169 024 – 6(2): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations (Hickes) .............................3169 025 – 6(2): Extension of the Review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act (Savikataaq) .................................................................................................3171 H.

Bills Bill 26 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – Notice ......................................................3167 Bill 28 – Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act – Notice .................................3167 Bill 29 –

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act – Notice ...............................3167 Bill 27 –

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act – Notice ...............................................3167 Bill 30 –

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – Notice .................................................3168 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Notice .......................................................3168 Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023 – Notice ...................................................................................................................................3168 Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – Notice ...................3168 Bill 34 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2022-2023 – Notice ..............................................................3168 Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Notice .......................................3168 Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Notice .........3168 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – First Reading ............................................3172 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Second Reading .......................................3172 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3173

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3130 Iqaluit, Nunavut Thursday, October 19, 2023 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Hon. Joelie Kaernerk, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 13:30 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak): Hello, Inuit. (interpretation) Before we begin, Ms. Quassa, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good day, Inuit. Thank you, Ms. Quassa, for saying the opening prayer. Welcome to those who are watching the proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast, as well as visitors in the gallery. Welcome as well to my fellow MLAs. I am thankful that we have made it back to the House. Speaker’s Statement (interpretation ends) Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I am pleased to welcome members back to the House for our fall sitting.

I also extend a very warm welcome to elders and Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings on radio, television, and Internet live-stream. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our two newest members of the Executive Council. In August of this year, I had the honour of welcoming the Premier of Nunavut to my constituency and community of Gjoa Haven. We had the opportunity to inspect the site where a number of much-needed new housing units are planned to be constructed.

We also had the opportunity to meet with the municipality to discuss much- needed infrastructure investments in the community, including the need for a proper morgue facility. I want to thank the mayor, council and staff for all of their hard work in preparation for the visit. The Premier’s visit also included time at our continuing care home and health centre, and I am proud to pay tribute to the dedicated staff of both facilities. Thank you very much to the staff for looking after our community.

Before we proceed with the orders of the day, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from Her Honour, the Commissioner of Nunavut: Money Message Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut the passage of the following bills during the fall 2023 sitting of the Second Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly:

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3131 • Bill 31, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025; • Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023; and • Bill 33, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024. Eva Aariak, Commissioner of Nunavut. We will now proceed with the orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 262 – 6(2): Nunavut and Ontario Sign MOU (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good afternoon. Thank you, my fellow MLAs. It’s great to be back in the House again. Mr. Speaker, I will be making a statement in the coming days about a visit I made, (interpretation ends) but Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share that I am now a proud owner of a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey gifted to me by the Hon. Premier of Ontario, my good friend, Doug Ford. >>Laughter While I won’t comment on my sports loyalties here today, Mr.

Speaker, I can say that I am thrilled to share that during my visit to Toronto on August 3, Premier Ford and I signed a memorandum of understanding between our respective jurisdictions. Mr. Speaker, through this agreement, Nunavut and Ontario have now a platform to explore areas like health care, transportation, infrastructure, training, as well as indigenous relations. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut and Ontario have a long history as partners, and I want to thank Premier Ford for his strong support of our territory.

Through this mutually beneficial relationship, Nunavut provides economic opportunities to Ontario in exchange for goods and services not available in Canada’s North, and for many Nunavummiut, Ontario is a primary travel hub. Whether it’s to access post- secondary education, obtaining specialized health care, or for shopping and tourism, thousands of Nunavummiut head to our neighbouring province each year. A cooperation and implementation committee will be established to advance our joint priorities outlined in this understanding. Mr.

Speaker, partnership is a priority of the Katujjiluta mandate, and I truly believe that Ontario can be a key player in Canada’s nation-building efforts right here in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 263 – 6(2): Family Services Strategic Plan (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I’m very glad that we’re back together again.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3132 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, the Department of Family Services fully accepts the contents of the Auditor General’s reports. The department clearly understands this is a crisis and is deeply committed to making the changes that need to be made. Our solutions and action plans focus on safeguarding Nunavut’s children and youth. I rise today to update the House on the progress made by the Department of Family Services in developing the strategic plan as a key part of our response to the Auditor General.

This includes initiatives like hiring, training, onboarding, and providing wraparound staff supports. We are exploring professional education opportunities, employment incentives, partnerships, and other innovative approaches. The project involves close collaboration with territorial and regional staff in Family Services and other government departments. By gathering diverse perspectives, we are crafting sustainable and effective solutions to the child welfare challenges faced in Nunavut. This initiative sets up clear responsibilities with detailed plans of action for leaders and staff.

We’re bringing in a quality assurance process, better standards, and chances for staff to grow. The plan also includes a way to carefully assess how well we’re helping our clients. I hope to table the strategic plan in this House in the coming months. Mr. Speaker, the systemic deficiencies highlighted in the Auditor General’s report have led to negative outcomes for the children and families we serve. I am sorry for the very personal impact this has had on vulnerable Nunavummiut. As Minister of Family Services, I am committed to ensuring that history is not repeated. Mr.

Speaker, on behalf of the Department of Family Services, I apologize to those children and their families. I assure Nunavummiut that my department is taking immediate and sustainable steps to address the Auditor General’s report and to ensure the best interests of children in our care are at the forefront of our response. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 264 – 6(2): Municipal Elections (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good day to the Members of the Legislative Assembly and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, Nunavut municipalities are scheduled to hold municipal elections for mayor and council positions on October 23, 2023. The nomination period was held in all communities from September 18 to 22. For candidates who are elected as either mayor or councillor, the term in office will be for a four-year term. Mr. Speaker, serving on municipal council and making decisions on behalf of the community is a major commitment. Elected officials on municipal councils come from various backgrounds and walks of life.

One common theme amongst them is the care

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3133 and passion they have for their community. Mr. Speaker, municipal councils spend many hours meeting throughout the year, meeting with a variety of stakeholders from in and outside the community and making decisions on behalf of the community, and providing leadership. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in the essence of Pijitsirniq, by serving and providing for family and the community, and Aajiiqatigiingniq, decision-making through discussion and consensus, municipal councils play a major role in Nunavut communities.

Of special note is the number of women who have put their name forward to serve as mayor and/or councillor and provide a leadership role in their community. This is gratifying to see the commitment they are making on behalf of their community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute all of the community members who have put their names forward to serve on municipal council. I would also like to thank all of the outgoing mayors and councillors for serving in this past term. Your work and commitment have not gone unnoticed.

My department will continue to provide ongoing support to Nunavut municipalities so they are well versed in their role as municipal elected officials in their community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good luck to the candidates. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Minister’s Statement 265 – 6(2): National Community Health Representative Day (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we recently marked National Community Health Representative Day on September 14.

I would like to share a few words about the indispensable role our (interpretation ends) community health representatives, (interpretation) as we call them for short, CHRs, play across Nunavut. (interpretation ends) Community health representatives are focused on sharing important health information to help others lead healthy and happy lives. We strive to ensure community health representatives have access to whatever resources they need for community health programs. The resources can vary; sometimes it is brochures, sometimes it is videos, sometimes it’s a bit different.

For example, CHRs use pig lungs to demonstrate the harmful impacts of tobacco use. Community health representatives fill a special role: they are educators, advisors, and trusted community members. Their work is a vital part of our health system in Nunavut. Within the challenging landscape of a post-pandemic world, the role of community health representatives has become more critical than ever. Looking at the Nunavut health system, we simply couldn't do our work without them.

Many community health representatives spend time assisting with administrative tasks at health centres, while others are supporting work on tuberculosis outbreaks in communities,

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3134 such as Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, and Naujaat. Every year, we offer territorial or regional training sessions that cover broad health topics. I look forward to seeing everyone again at the session scheduled for February 2024 in Iqaluit. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage Nunavummiut to support our community health representatives in their home communities. If these important staff can succeed in their roles across the territory, it moves us all forward, towards more awareness, more trust, and better health outcomes for us all. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 266 – 6(2): ELCC Ministers’ FPT Meeting July 2023 (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. In July of this year, my department and I were honoured to welcome federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for early learning and child care to Iqaluit. More than 50 delegates from across the country gathered in our capital to discuss important themes centred on early learning and child care in Canada. Mr.

Speaker, as host jurisdiction, we took advantage of the opportunity to showcase the development of Nunavut’s Strategic Action Plan for Inclusion and Equity, a first of its kind for Nunavut, a plan that I will soon share with our colleagues in this House. The meeting also provided an opportunity to share some of Nunavut’s achievements while highlighting firsthand the unique challenges we face, specifically around the infrastructure development necessary for creating more licensed child care spaces across our territory. Mr. Speaker, I was grateful for the opportunity to present to our federal counterpart, the Hon.

Karina Gould, in her previous role as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to show her the opportunities available to enhance the child care sector through federal early learning and child care funding. As part of the event, Nunavut and the federal government co-hosted a cultural evening with country food, traditional knowledge keepers, and local performers. We also showed delegates some of our newest and oldest licensed child care centres in Iqaluit to highlight the importance of culturally relevant early learning and child care programs connected with our language and natural environment. Mr.

Speaker, gathering in Nunavut was important because it allowed our partners to experience some heartfelt Nunavut hospitality, while building and enhancing relationships that support our continued advocacy for expanding on opportunities available to the children and youth of our territory. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3135 Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 267 – 6(2): Remote Work Policy (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me again. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the labour market in the last few years has changed drastically. Today’s labour market is tight with a limited supply of talent, particularly employees in highly skilled occupations.

The pandemic also changed the concept of the workplace with a shift to remote or hybrid work arrangements for many employers and employees, including those in the public sector. Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut is competing, often unsuccessfully, with other regions in Canada to recruit new employees to fill critical vacancies. This has resulted in an increase in the use of contracted service providers, which results in increased costs, limited outcomes, and decreased employee morale. To address this, the Department of Human Resources is introducing an interim Remote Work Hiring Policy. Mr.

Speaker, the Remote Work Hiring Policy is aimed at providing government departments and public bodies with a temporary recruitment tool to hire a limited number of highly specialized, professional positions. Eligibility criteria needs to be met before a position can be filled remotely and such employees would only be offered term employment. Accountability [measures] will be in place to ensure this temporary practice allows government to meet operational requirements and supports employee productivity and wellness. Mr.

Speaker, exploring remote work options for Nunavut’s public service is complex and challenging, given the need to balance competing priorities and interests. We must act with new policies and practices to respond to labour market realities. It is through Qanuqtuurniq that we can sustain effective government operations and build resilience in the public service. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Minister’s Statement 268 – 6(2): Nunavut and Kivalliq Trade Shows (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to update my colleagues on two important events: the Nunavut Trade Show and the Kivalliq Trade Show. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut Trade Show took place in Iqaluit from September 19 to 21 with a theme of “Celebrating Resilience,” showcasing the growth and recovery of Nunavut’s economy post-pandemic. This year’s event saw approximately 400 registered delegates, 104 exhibitors, and 17 artists’ booths from across the territory. The 2023 Kivalliq Trade Show took place in Rankin Inlet from September 25 to 27. The theme this year was

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3136 “Celebrating Women in Business.” It was my pleasure to see that all key components of the trade show were moderated by women leaders, including the keynote speaker Nikki Komaksiutiksak. Ms. Komaksiutiksak is Pauktuutit’s 2023 Woman of the Year and the Executive Director of Tunngasugit Inc., a frontline service organization that helps Inuit transition to life in the city. The Kivalliq Trade Show was a great success, with 240 registered delegates, 51 exhibitors, 23 visual artists, 5 performing artists, and 10 participants in the Kivalliq Entrepreneurship Program. Mr.

Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Premier and my colleagues that attended both trade shows in support of Nunavut’s economy and local businesses across Nunavut. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, trade shows offer important opportunities for business owners, government officials, and community members to come together, learn about opportunities for economic growth, and showcase the strong entrepreneurial spirit found across Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa.

Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 356 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Igloolik (Quassa) Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the people of Igloolik. They held a bowhead whale hunt in August and the whale they harvested was 47 feet long. The harvesters were comprised of young people. I am quite pleased that they are interested in learning how to harvest large animals such as bowhead whales. Furthermore, this past summer, there were young women and men who caught their first beluga whale.

I would like to congratulate the people of Igloolik who harvested their first animal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Member’s Statement 357 – 6(2): Minister’s Apology to Clients of Family Services (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had planned to rise today to talk about the importance of seasonal flu shots and COVID booster shots. However, Mr. Speaker, in light of the Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk’s, Minister of Family Services, apology to those who are impacted by the crisis in foster care that we have been reviewing so closely in the past few months, I want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Nakashuk for that apology. I know that there are many Nunavummiut who will be impacted by those words and what we know is that healing begins with apologies and taking responsibility, so thank you very much for your apology, Minister Nakashuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3137 >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 358 – 6(2): Upcoming Dance Competition in Pond Inlet (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to be back in session. I empathize with Janet and I thank Margaret as well. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the residents of Pond Inlet that there will be a dance competition in the community in April with the arrival of the dog team racers and the participants of the hockey tournament.

I would like to recognize the hard-working individuals in our community for organizing the dance competition, Elijah and Sophie Nashook. They have been raising funds for the awards and families do fundraising on the weekend for the events that will be held in April. I am proud of Elijah and Sophie and families, as this dance competition is beneficial to the community. I also would like to welcome Nunavummiut and my colleagues to this event. Perhaps you can start practising your skills and buy a pair of dancing shoes so that you can take

part in the dance competition. >>Laughter That’s what I wanted to state and further, I welcome the residents of my community when they come to Iqaluit to visit the House, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Member’s Statement 359 – 6(2): Public Safety (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome back all of my colleagues, those joining us in the Assembly, as well as those watching the proceedings today.

I would also like to congratulate the Member for Cambridge Bay on the new arrival in her home, and if my experience is any guide, the minister is currently experiencing the joys of sleep deprivation and I wish you both the best of luck in that. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of public safety in Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, there is a growing concern in the city about the state of public safety in the community. Mr.

Speaker, during the summer months my office received numerous calls and concerns from constituents regarding the deteriorating public safety situation, especially in the area near the beer and wine store. Mr. Speaker, I have heard a number of disturbing accounts from vulnerable constituents who are afraid to walk in this area of the city because they simply don’t feel safe in the presence of so many obviously intoxicated individuals. Mr.

Speaker, I have also heard a number of disturbing accounts from residents about incidents that they witnessed involving intoxicated individuals at other public facilities, including the aquatic centre. These are place where families

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3138 gather and these are places which are supposed to be safe and feel safe. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission for his quick action on my concerns and providing heightened security presence at the beer and wine store. I will be following up on this issue during our fall sitting. Mr.

Speaker, as I have previously noted on a number of occasions, it is apparent to anyone with eyes that the problem of public intoxication in this community has grown significantly worse in recent years and it is apparent that we need a strategy to both improve public safety and address the complex treatment needs of those who are suffering from mental health and addiction. I also want to acknowledge and thank the Minister of Justice for acting on my request to have senior officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police meet with Iqaluit MLAs regarding initiatives to enhance public safety in Iqaluit. Mr.

Speaker, I am nearly complete in my statement. I seek unanimous consent to conclude. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. This is a complex issue involving many stakeholders and I will have questions for the minister later today at the appropriate time on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude today by paying tribute to the community’s first responders who do so much.

As an elected MLA, I am committed to using my voice in this House to ensure that we as a legislature and government are fulfilling our fundamental responsibility to protect our communities and Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 360 – 6(2): Elder Care Placements (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to raise an issue being brought forward by families of elders who are receiving care out of the territory. Mr.

Speaker, as we know, elders who need advanced levels of care must leave Nunavut to be placed in facilities such as the Embassy West facility in Ottawa. It is very unfortunate that we cannot yet provide that level of care here in our home territory. Mr. Speaker, if you live in this region, taking a trip to visit a family member is Ottawa’s Embassy West is relatively straightforward, but for families in the western regions of Nunavut, it is a very long way to go with many stops in between. The concerns raised by the families are not criticisms of the care being provided to the elderly family members.

They would just like them to be closer to

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3139 home so that visiting them could be easier. Mr. Speaker, our neighbours in the Northwest Territories have long been welcoming medical patients from the Kitikmeot region. It would make so much sense if elders from the Kitikmeot could receive long-term care in Yellowknife. It would also cost significantly less for family members to visit them. Likewise, Edmonton, or even Winnipeg would be more accessible locations for family members from the Kitikmeot region. Mr.

Speaker, I call upon our government to fully explore opportunities to place our elders who cannot receive the level of care they need in Nunavut in locations that are geographically closer to their families. It would mean so much to their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the minister on this topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Member’s Statement 361 – 6(2): Safe Fall Hunting (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome.

I’m glad to be back here with you all. (interpretation) I want to remind the hunters of Baker Lake who will be hunting by ATV or by boat that this time of year the weather changes very quickly and it gets windy. Bring extra food, clothing, and SPOT or GPS devices, and ensure you inform people of where you are going, who is in the hunting party, and for how many days. Also, when you are out on the land, I envy you while you’re out there. Ensure you are always aware of the grizzly bears and wolves and make it home safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms.

Gross. Member’s Statement 362 – 6(2): Introducing Cambridge Bay’s Newest Constituent (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Now that we are back and ready to start our fall session, it is my honour to introduce this House to one of Iqaluktuuttiaq’s newest constituents. On September 11, Mr. Speaker, I gave birth to my daughter, Qimniq Simone Algik Wamikon Adjun Oniak. I know she is familiar with this House, Mr. Speaker. She has been here the last two sessions with us, so she probably finds everyone’s voice very soothing and calming. Mr.

Speaker, I want to thank our Clerk and his team for the support that I received through this work-life journey. I sincerely thank our Premier for allowing me for the month off to rest, recover and bond with my daughter. I also want to express sincere appreciation to my colleagues who covered for me during my time off. I would like to thank Minister Joanasie,

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3140 Minister Kusugak, and the Member for Aggu for covering on my behalf, who were graciously there to help advance important files in my portfolios. I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank each and every one of my colleagues for being there for me. I want to give a special thank you to my former political advisor, Melissa Irwin, for her continued and committed work over the past two years. I wish her and Mark all the best with their move back home and her new career in film. Mr.

Speaker, I would also like to welcome back Nick Pashkoski, who now fills the role of my political advisor, and of course, my continued gratitude to my executive secretary, Annie Akoak and constituency assistant, Nancy Angulalik, for their hard work and support. Mr. Speaker, Devon and I have an immense gratitude for the medical staff between Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, and Ottawa. I’m so appreciative of their work. They really took great care of Qimniq and me. I would like to pay a special thanks to Dr. Simon and Dr.

Carson and the delivery team for their work they did on the very special day that I will always look back on. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the midwives, nurses, obstetric technicians, physicians, receptionists, medical travel team, and the entire Department of Health. (interpretation) I thank you very much. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: As I wrap up, Mr.

Speaker, I would like to thank my family, friends, my parents, and my mom, Susie, who is here, getting special bonding time with her irngutaq, and really supporting Devon and I. Quana. I would also like to thank the baby’s anaanattiangit for naming Qimniq after loved ones. We will continue to remember them through her names. Last but not least, I would like to say a thank you to my partner, Devon, for his never-ending love and support. To all my constituents of Cambridge Bay, I miss you all and appreciate your support, and look forward to reconnecting at home and introducing you to Qimniq. Quana, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 363 – 6(2): Recent Ministerial Visit to Kinngait (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome, and your daughter as well, and your mom. Welcome to the House. I want to honour the cabinet that had a meeting visit in Cape Dorset. It was a good meeting in Cape Dorset, and we felt very welcomed. Thank you, to the people of Cape Dorset. In terms of going and visiting communities, as ministers, this is seen

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3141 by the community as a large event. We had a feast with the community of Cape Dorset as well, thank you, for the cooks and those that provided the food. The mayor wasn’t there, but they were able to provide us with comments from Cape Dorset, I thank him as well, and thank you, to the hamlet council. In conclusion, I also want to thank my fellow members. If, at any time, you want to go to Cape Dorset, you’re welcome. Maybe, perhaps, we’ll meet you on the dance floor at Christmas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Have a good day. >>Applause Speaker: Item 4.

Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. I will go first. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery I would like to recognize a former speaker of this Legislative Assembly, who we all know. It is nice to see him again, Mr. Rumbolt. >>Applause Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the great board members of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, and in order of appearance, Mr. Speaker, we have our Chair, Mr. John Apt, Mr.

Peter Tapatai, who is an Order of Nunavut recipient. >>Applause Former Speaker and former colleague twice, Mr. Allan Rumbolt. >>Applause Last but not the least, Mr. Patrick Tagoona. >>Applause We also have two very hard working senior members of our staff, Mr. Eiryn Devereaux, who is no stranger to this House, President and CEO of Nunavut Housing Corporation. >>Applause And also, no stranger to this House, Mr. Juanie Pudluk, Associate President. Welcome to the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr.

David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are guests here in the House from Quttiktuq that I would like to welcome. They are Jeremy Tungaluk, who works with finance at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and he is also the Chair of Kakivak Association; Debbie Tungaluk, who is a student taking the NTEP program, as well as her daughter, Ivory Tuppi Tungaluk. I welcome them. I would also like to recognize a former colleague, Allan Rumbolt. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3142 >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. I know I just spoke about them, but I just wanted to introduce and welcome my panik, Qimniq Oniak, my partner Devon Oniak, and my mom, Susie Fletcher. I know some people are just tuning in at home, so hello to everybody that is tuning in and thank you for having the newest member here at the table. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Hon. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome all the visitors in the House. Though Mr. Rumbolt has been recognized twice, I also wanted to recognize him as a long-time member of this House. (interpretation ends) I remember coming in as a new rookie MLA and Allan was the Dean of the last Assembly. He was the most experienced, and I remember he was chairing many meetings and he was always a steady hand at the Chair.

I think it has something to do with being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, much like yourself, Mr. Speaker; just that strong leadership, that long-term vision towards a Stanley Cup someday. >>Laughter Mr. Rumbolt was also chairing, I believe, a leadership forum where we might have almost elected the wrong Paul by accident. That came to mind, but (interpretation) welcome to the House. I’m glad to see you here in the House as a former member and former Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Mr.

Simailak: I would like to recognize Margaret Niego. She was wife to my late uncle, Joe Niego. She has been living in the north quite a while; Baker Lake for a long time, Yellowknife, and here in Iqaluit as well. Growing up, she’d fed me some lunches and suppers and always opened her home to me. I thank you very much, Margaret, for all of those years. Please welcome her to the House. I would also like to recognize and welcome Peter Tapatai. As Mr. Kusugak mentioned, he was recipient of the Order of Nunavut, he is the owner of the Peter’s Expediting Ltd.

He is a long-time advocate for culture and for the private sector in Baker Lake, and as mentioned, he is a member of the Nunavut Housing Corporation. I would also like to recognize and welcome Allan Rumbolt. When I first became an MLA as well, he guided me through some evening chats with advice and his wealth of knowledge was always welcoming for me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3143 Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. There are none. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Item 6: Oral Questions Question 518 – 6(2): Elder Care Placements (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Government of Nunavut is working hard to increase the number of long-term care beds in Nunavut.

However, until there are enough beds and the necessary levels of care available in Nunavut, some elders will continue to be placed outside of the territory. Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide an update on how many elders are currently receiving long-term care outside of the territory, and in what facilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for asking that question.

One of the priorities in the Katujjiluta mandate is “Aging with dignity.” When it comes to creating more programs and services in Nunavut and providing more resources that are required outside of Nunavut, we have agreed to move forward on that. In regard to the member’s question regarding the elder care facility in Ottawa called Embassy West, 65 elders are residing there and one elder is residing at a place called Everbrite, which is also located outside of Nunavut. There are 66 elders in total who are receiving care outside of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr.

Quqqiaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, to the minister for the response. (interpretation ends) As I indicated in my member’s statement, families in the western region of Nunavut have to travel a very long way to visit their elder loved ones in Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, can the minister describe what considerations have been given to accessing long-term care for elders from the Kitikmeot region in such out of the territory locations as Yellowknife or Edmonton? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank the member for asking that question. Yes, we have heard that concern, and I have spoken to their families and I exchanged correspondence with them. With regard to complaints about the fact that Ottawa is very far from the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions, I have heard the concern, and I understand it. However, it does, perhaps, create hardship for all of family members, including those that live in the Baffin region. We are trying to create spaces for our elders in Nunavut, so we can provide

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3144 care for them in Nunavut, and we will do that. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, previously, back in 2017, the government had issued a request for proposals for long-term care services across Canada, and specifically within a 50-kilometre radius of Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal and Yellowknife. At the time, Mr. Speaker, there was very little response to that request for proposals, and Embassy West Senior Living in Ottawa was the only provider that met the criteria.

Uqaqtitsijii, there is more I can add, but I don’t want to go on too long on this response. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure the minister and all of my colleagues will agree that being able to see our loved ones when they are ill or frail is important for everyone’s well- being. Making it easier for family visits to happen would benefit everyone involved. Mr.

Speaker, would the minister agree to meeting with his counterparts from the Northwest Territories and Alberta and make arrangements for elders from the Kitikmeot region to be placed in long- term care facilities in Yellowknife or Alberta? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can agree to be involved to the extent that I’m needed to be. However, I think arrangements such as this, I made reference to a previous request for proposals.

Generally, a minister does not get involved when it comes to procurement and so we are exploring options. We recognize that quite a lot of time has passed since 2017. We recognize the requests that are being made by family members and representatives such as the hon. member. We are considering all options in terms of potential relationships to provide safe and appropriate long-term care closer to home, including for those in the Kitikmeot region. I don’t have a lot of detail to share, but we are exploring our options in that regard. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 519 – 6(2): Liquor Regulation (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission. As the minister will recall, I asked him a number of questions during our recent spring sitting concerning the regulation of alcohol in Rankin Inlet.

In July of this year, the Municipal Council of Rankin Inlet passed a formal motion calling on the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission to reduce the daily purchase limits at the Rankin Inlet Beer and Wine Store and to reduce the

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3145 number of hours that the store is open to the public. Mr. Speaker, in September of this year, the government announced a reduction in the purchase limits, and I applaud the minister for acting on the community’s concerns. Can the minister clarify when the Rankin Inlet Beer and Wine Store’s opening hours will be reduced on a permanent basis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Hamlet Council of Rankin Inlet resolution was given to me this summer and once we got it, we started doing something about it right away. We want to make changes right away, such as reducing the amount of alcohol that can be purchased, but we have to follow the law and we can only make amendments following proper procedure. For example, in Rankin Inlet, they can buy up to 24 cans per day and we had to change that and it became 12 cans per day as we were still working on it. That is how it will operate, but we have not worked to reduce the operating hours yet.

However, we will be looking to see if the hours of operation will improve the situation and we will have to look to see the pros and cons of it opening or closing sooner. Once we get that information, the hours of operation can be reduced, but we have to review it first. I can’t say it will happen right away. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Many constituents in Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet have told me that the government needs to take immediate action to address the problem of individuals ordering and importing large quantities of high alcohol spirits. This is an issue that has been identified as contributing to the bootlegging problem. As the minister is aware, his department’s current business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “implement changes related to the sale of liquor import permits, including new territorial daily limits.” Can the minister confirm when these changes will be made? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am so pleased that the Member for Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet is bringing up this very important issue. One of the biggest issues around alcohol abuse is the illegal sale or bootlegging of alcohol. Right now, the legislation doesn’t prohibit any of us in Nunavut to be ordering a significant amount of alcohol. Mr. Speaker, our team has been travelling across Nunavut and working on a consultation process with the stakeholders. That process is continuing. Mr.

Speaker, I look forward, in the fiscal

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3146 year 2024-25, to be introducing some changes to the Liquor Act that would deal with issues, such as being able to order an endless amount of liquor and maybe limiting that so that it has a direct impact on bootlegging in the communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our recent spring sitting, I asked questions about the how the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission helps Nunavummiut make informed choices about the use of alcohol.

As the minister is aware, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has published a new Guidance on Alcohol and Health, which the organization indicates is intended to replace Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. Can the minister confirm when the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s harm reduction publications will reflect the new guidelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have also been enquiring to try to nail the timelines in terms of when those guidelines and allowable or preferred allowable consumption rates on alcohol will be released in all of the official languages in Nunavut. As soon as I get that information, I will be more than happy to table the documents and share with this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 520 – 6(2): Public Safety (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice and they concern the issue of public safety.

As I noted in my member’s statement, there is growing concern in the City of Iqaluit about the state of public safety in the community. I again want to express my appreciation to the Minister of Justice for acting on my request to have senior officers of the RCMP meet with Iqaluit MLAs regarding initiatives in this area.

As I have previously noted, it is apparent to anyone with eyes that the problem of public intoxication in this community has grown significantly worse in recent years, and it is apparent that we need a strategy to both improve public safety and address the complex treatment needs of those that are suffering from mental health and additions. I would like to ask: can the minister update the House today on how his department is working on this issue through the shared directional statement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s “V” Division? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr.

David Akeeagok. Hon David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a very complex issue

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3147 that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been trying to combat with help from other agencies in terms of trying to make sure that public safety is paramount. They do have resources here for public safety and something I applaud the RCMP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, for protecting our community, and for protecting Iqaluit in particular. Through that, a lot of work and resources have been put towards this and our “V” Division is very responsive if there are requests for additional protection requests.

I continue to applaud our members for continuing to protect our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree with the minister, and I do truly appreciate the important role that the RCMP plays in providing or ensuring the safety of those in need. Mr. Speaker, I had identified that this is a very complex issue with many Iqalungmiut needing complex treatment needs, especially those suffering with mental health and addictions, but I didn’t quite get a response to that specific question. I will follow up on that another time.

As the minister will be aware, the Iqaluit City Council unanimously passed a motion at its recent meeting of September 12, concerning the urgent need to reduce the flow of alcohol and hard drugs into this community. I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Deputy Mayor Sheppard and Councillor Smith for moving and seconding this motion. I would also like to thank all of the leaders at city council for their strong support. Mr. Speaker, the motion called on a number of stakeholders to take action in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

A specific issue that I will focus on today is the need to enhance security screening to reduce the amount of alcohol and hard drugs that are entering Nunavut by air and impacting Iqaluit’s public safety. I would like to ask: can the Minister of Justice indicate what discussions he has had with his counterpart, the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, on this specific issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am having very lively discussions with the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation when it comes to the airline side. One of tools that we can use are those x- ray machines that are in our southern airports to reduce a lot of that coming into the territory. That is a federal agency that oversees that, and it is something I am having discussions about. As justice minister too, I have written to Canada Post. We had a very successful pilot project before for northern Quebec and Baffin Island for a 90-day trial. I have asked those responsible for Canada Post to implement that for our three

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3148 southern mail facilities to do exactly that. If they need resources, I’m willing to provide resources as a government to help resource those. It's been proven that we can stop alcohol and hard drugs through that process. I’m very happy that the member is asking for this because it is one that I’m trying very hard to see if those tools that are available can be used to help this bootlegging and drugs that are entering our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank the minister for his response. I am very happy to hear that there is lively discussions occurring and I wish you and your officials luck in this endeavour. Mr. Speaker, it also apparent that the number of private security guards working at different locations in Iqaluit has increased dramatically in recent in response to public safety concerns. In speaking with constituents, it is apparent that this is a direct response to the state of public safety and the risk of violent incidents involving mentally ill or intoxicated individuals. Mr.

Speaker, we know that this issue is not confined to Iqaluit. As we know, the government has been trying, in recent months, to award a contract for security services in health centres in over half of Nunavut communities. Mr. Speaker, it seems clear that private security is going to be a growth industry in Nunavut for some time to come, and it seems clear that the government is going to have to develop a more rigorous regulatory framework for the industry.

As the minister is well aware, most Canadian jurisdictions have legislation in place to clearly regulate the private security industry, including provisions to require certain levels of training and certification. Nunavut, however, does not have such legislation in place. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate, recognize and understand that this will take time to develop and introduce, but I would like to hear a clear commitment in principle today from the minister that his department will begin work in this area.

I would like to ask: will the minister provide this House with a commitment to begin work on private security legislation and regulation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Mr. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the member just raised this right now in this House, I am going to definitely look into it. I don’t want to make a firm commitment because I just don’t know how much the amount of work that’s going to be needed. It’s something that I’ll definitely look into and have discussions with my officials and my colleagues.

I just want to provide assurance that we are trying to look at all the tools that are available and what kind of tools we will need to use in order to help protect our Nunavummiut throughout the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake. Mr. Simailak.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3149 Question 521 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are the new Minister of Environment. As the minister is very much aware, the health of the caribou population in the Kivalliq is an issue of great importance to the people of my region. In recent years, concerns have been expressed about the extent to which current harvesting levels are sustainable.

Concerns have been expressed concerning the extent to which adequate co-management practices are in place with our neighbours to the south. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that a caribou summit recently took place in Rankin Inlet and that the meeting involved a number of stakeholders, including the Government of Nunavut. Can the minister describe how his department was involved in the summit and can he confirm what decisions were made at that meeting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question.

The Department of Environment is involved with the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board which is a co- management board consisting of aboriginal hunters, government biologists, and wildlife managers. It is an advisory board with the mission of ensuring the long-term conservation of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herd for aboriginal communities who wish to maintain a lifestyle that includes the use of caribou as well as all Canadians and people of other nations. Mr. Speaker, the department continues to work with the co-management partners in terms of caribou management. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for your response. As the minister is aware the inter- community sale of caribou meat is an issue that requires attention. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that Kivalliq caribou are being harvested in significant numbers in order to be shipped and sold to consumers in this region of the territory. Mr. Speaker, it has recently been reported that Calm Air has launched a new initiative to better monitor and track the shipment of caribou meat outside of the Kivalliq.

I applaud the airline for doing this as we need good information upon which to make decisions concerning the issue. Can the minister clarify the extent to which data from this initiative is being shared with his department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To return back to the member’s question on his first supplementary, our caribou biologist attended the meeting in Rankin Inlet.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3150 To his question, Mr. Speaker, my department was informed by the Department of Justice that there was no ability to establish the restriction since no total allowable harvest, or basic needs level has ever been set for the herd in order for a surplus to be allocated. With that, no total allowable harvest in place, it is difficult to consider what over- harvesting there is on the limitation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I fully appreciate and understand that this is a complex issue. The harvesting of caribou is not only an economic activity; it is a core part of our existence as Inuit. Mr. Speaker, it is my position that inter- community sale of caribou needs to be better regulated and it is my position that it is the responsibility of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporate to sit down with the Government of Nunavut and the hunters and trappers organizations to find solutions that respect Inuit rights while ensuring the long-term health of the caribou population. Does the minister share my position, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When it comes to the Nunavut Agreement, there is a

section under

article 5.7.30 that allows any Inuk to sell, to barter, to trade, so when management is needed to be implemented, there is a process to go through the co-management stakeholders, and from that point it becomes a management tool to use. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Question 522 – 6(2): New Housing Units (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are going to be for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and they concern the new housing units for Pond Inlet to deal with the housing shortage. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut 3000 plan indicates that Pond Inlet has been identified to receive a total of 80 new units over the life of the plan. These include 25 new public housing units, 40 new affordable units, and 15 new market housing units. The Nunavut 3000 plan also indicates that Pond Inlet is scheduled to receive 10 new public and/or staff housing units as part of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2023 build program.

Can the minister provide a clear update today on the status of these units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The construction of units for Pond Inlet will follow the

schedule as planned in Nunavut 3000. We have tabled that information. As of now, those units scheduled for

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3151 construction are not delayed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced earlier this month that federal funding under the Rapid Housing Initiative will be directed to the construction of new units in a number of communities, including Pond Inlet.

The announcement indicated that the new units will be designated for “Indigenous residents and women.” Can the minister clarify the extent to which the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be involved in the procurement and construction process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that line of questioning from my colleague. Mr. Speaker, those programs and projects that our friend is referring to are projects run by the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and other entities.

The Nunavut Housing Corporation has absolutely no involvement at this time, but not to say that there would not be an invitation too probably in the future. At this time, in terms of procurement and contracts and anything to do with those projects, the housing corporation has no involvement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the board members and staff of the Pond Inlet Housing Association.

As the minister is well aware, housing associations are responsible for allocating new public housing units to our residents, and they function as the landlords for public housing tenants. Can the minister clarify who will be responsible for allocating the new Rapid Housing Initiative units to applicants in Pond Inlet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, we are not involved.

Those houses are not part of the Nunavut Housing Corporation nor are they the responsibility of the Mittimatalik Housing Association. Those units that my colleague is referring to are being built by an entity outside the housing corporation and therefore, who, what, when, where, and why is best answered by that entity. I don’t mean to be blunt about it, Mr. Speaker, but I’m sure my colleague understands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3152 Question 523 – 6(2): Vacancies in Arviat for Environment (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people of Arviat who will be watching the proceedings. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my question will be to the Minister of Environment. Mr. Speaker, I would like an update on the vacant Environment positions in Arviat and what stage of the hiring process each one is in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for the question. To be honest, that information is not in front of me. I will commit to getting back to the member with more details. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I live in Arviat and I’m attuned to what goes on in the community, the vacant positions are the regional manager, the wildlife deterrent specialist, and the environmental protection officer. I look forward to hearing the updates on what stage of the process they are in.

Can the minister commit to me, the House, and to Arviarmiut that these positions will be advertised in Arviat and will not be temporarily moved anywhere and that these positions will be staying in Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The information was right in front of me. >>Laughter Unfortunately, I cannot find it here, but as the member stated, the regional manager is vacant. For the trainee position, it cannot be advertised because there is no regional manager position.

That can only be in place until a regional manager steps in. I can commit to the House and the member that these positions will be advertised; the sooner, the better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad that the minister committed to advertising them, but the other half of the thing was that these positions will be advertised in Arviat and the positions will stay in Arviat; they will not be farmed out to other communities.

These positions will not be done by remote work from somewhere else; that these positions will have a person working in Arviat and living in Arviat. I would like that commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are some certain degrees that we cannot fully commit to, but I will speak with my department in terms of how we can better address these vacant

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3153 positions in the community of Arviat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok. Question 524 – 6(2): Kugluktuk Power Plant (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I say “good day” to the people of Kugluktuk and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. As the minister is aware, Kugluktuk’s existing power plant is over 50 years old and in urgent need of replacement.

In recent years, the Qulliq Energy Corporation has issued a number of unsuccessful tenders for the new power plant. Mr. Speaker, the most recent tender closed in May of this year. Information published by the government indicates that it was “cancelled due to budgetary constraints.” Can the minister clarify the extent to which the bids received exceeded the corporation’s available budget to build Kugluktuk’s new power plant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for asking the question regarding the status of Kugluktuk’s power plant. It’s true that the bids received by the corporation exceeded the budget and they had to be cancelled due to budgetary constraints. The RFP was issued on April 4, 2023, and it closed on May 25, 2023. Now, on August 3 it was cancelled due to budgetary constraints, however to date, they have yet set a date. However, within this fiscal year, they will try again. That’s the update I have with the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. When I raised the issue of Kugluktuk’s new power plant during the recent spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly, I noted that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is no longer undertaking a hybrid solar- diesel design for the plant. Some federal funding for the construction of the new power plant had previously been approved through the Arctic Energy Fund. In response to my questions last spring, the previous minister indicated that some of this funding had to be returned to the federal government.

Can the new minister confirm whether or not additional federal funding may be available to ensure that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is able to successfully award a tender for this critical project? Quana, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. When I first became a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I remember that the bids exceeded the budget. I’m going

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3154 to say no at this time still due to budgetary constraints and the incorporation of solar and wind energy components to the scope of work. That’s why I’m saying no at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Thank you for the response. (interpretation ends) Can the minister provide a clear timeline today for when the Qulliq Energy Corporation will issue a new tender for the construction of Kugluktuk’s new power plant? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the questions. There is no tender at this time around. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 525 – 6(2): Funding for Pathfinder Program (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. Mr.

Speaker, a few weeks ago we had some hearings in this Chamber and specifically on some language legislation where there was some information that came to light during some of the witnesses’ responses, and I’m sure the minister has been paying very much attention to some of the details and mentions of Nunavut Arctic College in there. First off, I’ll start with a quote from one of the witnesses from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. “When we first proposed the Pathfinder, we asked the federal government for $89 million, over five years, to train Inuit teachers in our communities, and they agreed.

It was the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Arctic College that scaled it back to $42 million, and then they revised their estimates, and that is when we,” meaning Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, “had to put in an extra $12 million through the Nunavut Implementation Panel, and $12 million from Makigiaqta.” Can the minister explain why Nunavut Arctic College scaled back a proposal that had, not rubber stamped, but had the potential for success? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To answer the member’s question, I have not gone further in the details as to why the member is asking that question. In my position right now, I can only commit to getting back to the member with that detailed information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to receiving that information. At that same hearing, I

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3155 asked a question to representatives of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and again, I’ll quote my own quote; “I would like to ask a question on the current status and are the outcomes at the stage where it was expected to be when this funding and agreements were announced?” At the time, the representative from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated stated “In terms of what Nunavut Arctic College and the Government of Nunavut have, we don’t have that information to date.

However, we are meeting next week and we plan to have a full day of dialogue about where things are at.” Can the minister update us today on what some of those expected outcomes are and what the current status of those are? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s the same question that the information is not in front of me nor was I briefed with my department. My staff are listening right now and we can further get back to the member on the question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I look forward to receiving that information from the minister. At that same hearing, a representative from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated stated that they were about halfway through the five years of funding from the federal government on the pathfinder program. It was stated that we need a plan to continue those classes so that in 10 years we have substantially more educators. Mr.

Speaker, we are hearing continuously of how student funding is impacting people taking programs, so I would like to get a sense from the minister of what type of plan is going to be coming forward to continue funding now that we are over halfway through that funding? What type of long-term strategy is being considered to make sure that we have a full slate of students taking our Nunavut Teacher Education Program across the territory so that we can have more successful education outcomes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon.

Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The college was proud of the efforts of the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and Canadian Heritage for coming together to secure funding to support the revised Nunavut Teacher Education Program and to support the expanded delivery of this program. Mr. Speaker, from the pots of money that was awarded to the college totaling $46.95 million, the funding that came from the Nunavut Implementation Planning funds are a total of $12.25 million, and by 2026, the remaining from the Nunavut Implementation Funding will be carried over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3156 Question 526 – 6(2): Water Infrastructure (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has become a bit of a tradition for me to begin each new sitting of our House with questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the critical issue of water infrastructure in Nunavut, and today is no different. Mr. Speaker, as the House is aware, our territory’s capital city endured an unprecedented water infrastructure crisis that began in late 2021.

Following the end of the crisis, the government engaged a third-party entity to conduct a review of the situation in order to identify learnable lessons for the future. It has recently been reported that the report has been completed and submitted to the government. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the minister will agree that this report needs to be shared with all members of this House and made available to the public. Can he assure me today that he will table the report today or tomorrow? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. The Iqaluit water emergency from 2021 was an extremely difficult time and it was challenging for the entire city, residents and everyone who went through that ordeal. Coming out of that, we did commission a report and I am prepared to table that said report in this House, today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am happy to hear that, minister. Mr.

Speaker, one of the most positive announcements in recent years occurred in April 2022, when the federal, territorial and municipal-levels of government jointly announced $214 million in funding to address Iqaluit’s water infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the minister of what the Premier stated in this announcement when he indicated that “Improving Iqaluit’s water infrastructure will be essential in paving the way for more homes in the city to address Nunavut’s growing housing gap.” On Monday, next week, Nunavut residents will go the polls to elect their mayors and councillors.

Can the minister provide an update today on how his department has been collaborating with the city on the long- term water infrastructure project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the federal funding that was announced in April 2022, it was very good news to hear, not just for the city, but for the territory as a whole. The water infrastructure here in the city, is planned to go through a series

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3157 of major upgrades and my department… . Of course, this was a city-led initiative and a direct funding proposal came from the city through to the feds, but my department is supporting the city throughout that major infrastructure being replaced to maximize the benefit for Iqalungmiut. It will take several years to get to the completion date, but we are supporting the city through that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was about to make a joke, but I didn’t.

As the minister will recall, he tabled the Government of Nunavut Drinking Water Strategic Framework during the recent spring sitting of the House and this important document indicates that upon approval of the drinking water strategy, work will begin on developing a detailed action plan. The cost to fulfil the drinking water strategy will be $610 million to rectify the infrastructure deficit with an estimated annual operational and maintenance increase to $600,000 and to $1.2 million for most communities.

Can the minister clarify if this figure takes into account the 2022 announcement concerning Iqaluit’s water infrastructure and can he provide a clear timeline for developing the action plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the first question, there are two parts to that. Mr. Speaker, the first part, I will have to get back to the member on that whether that figure includes Iqaluit’s… .

To the second part of the question, the strategic framework action plan that would be in support of the Government of Nunavut’s Drinking Water Strategic Framework. The action plan is set to be developed and implemented this fiscal year, 2023-24, and I look forward to progress on that. I will keep the members aware of where things are at throughout this stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 527 – 6(2): Emergency Planning (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me a second time.

My questions are for the new Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Mr. Speaker, this past summer was a time of fire and fear for our friends and neighbours in the Northwest Territories. The evacuation of an entire capital city was an unprecedent… . We have said this word so many times and I do not know why I cannot say it today. The evacuation of an entire capital city was an unprecedented event in modern Canadian history, and I do consider myself fortunate to have been in a position to advocate for the needs of impacted Nunavummiut who were caught up in those traumatic events.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3158 Mr. Speaker, this awful experience reinforces the need for our government to have up-to-date emergency plans in place to deal with natural disasters and other events. Although we may not have to worry about forest fires here in the capital city, I do think that we need to be prepared for a worst-case scenario where the community’s power plant is destroyed in the middle of winter, because we know that this has happened in other communities.

Can the minister confirm when the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s emergency and disaster plan for Iqaluit was last updated, and will he commit to tabling a copy of the current plan in the House before the end of our fall sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question on the emergency situation. I won’t commit at this time, but there is an emergency plan in place, such as the member mentioned with the evacuation that happened in the Northwest Territories.

Qulliq Energy Corporation has an emergency plan in place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, I have deep family ties to the Kitikmeot, and I am very much aware of the importance of ensuring that our smaller and underserved communities are not ignored. This is a theme that the new minister spoke about frequently when he was on this side of the House. So I’m glad that he now has the opportunity to put his words into action.

Can the minister confirm whether or not the Qulliq Energy Corporation has up- to-date emergency and disaster plans in place for Nunavut’s other 24 communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the member for the reminder of those underserved communities that I have mentioned before when I was on the other side. Yes, the QEC has backup with 13 communities and the Qulliq Energy Corporation is in a work in progress of updating all of the communities we serve within Nunavut. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for those responses, minister. Mr. Speaker, although we are all looking forward to the day when all of our communities’ power generation needs are met by clean, green and renewable sources of energy, we must be realistic and recognize that we will likely be reliant on diesel for years to come. Another worst-case scenario that we need to be prepared for is a situation where the community tank farms suffer severe damage.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3159 Can the minister indicate what discussions he has had with the Minister responsible for the Petroleum Products Division to ensure that there is an up-to- date plan in place to deal with a catastrophe that impacts our communities’ fuel supplies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I appreciate the question from the member.

At this time, I haven’t had the chance to sit down the Petroleum Products Division’s minister, but I certainly can follow-up on the member’s question to set up a meeting with the Minister of Community and Government Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 528 – 6(2): Funding for Nunavut Students (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to Minister of Education. Like my colleague from Iqaluit-Sinaa, this is a very repetitive question.

I would like to talk about funding for Nunavut students. There was some recent media coverage where it was quoted from the President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association that their numbers of student funding requests have tripled or almost tripled since 2020. Has the Department of Education seen similar levels of funding request increases? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question.

The Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students is undergoing a comprehensive review at the moment and we do have a number of applications that come through for our Nunavummiut to apply for post-secondary funding. As this review is going ahead, we have various topics that we are looking into and we do know that there are a number of students that are applying. As our territory grows and as we have more students coming to the age of graduation, we are seeing our numbers rise to about over 500 applicants per semester.

Those are various applications for school within the territory, attending the Nunavut Arctic College and post- secondary in the south. I do know that those numbers have been rising and post-COVID they have been rising as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In that same recent media coverage that I referenced earlier, regional Inuit organizations have programs to support post-secondary students, and in that same article, reported that they have been denying students due to a lack of funds.

It was stated that their funds that they receive come from the federal government, and then Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3160 Is the Department of Education looking at accessing these federal funds so that they can leverage Government of Nunavut funds to make sure no student goes under served? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana, again, to the member for the question. The Department of Education does work closely with our Inuit organization counterparts in collaboration and discussions on post- secondary funding at the staff level.

They are aware of initiatives within the Inuit organizations of how the department does see that students receive Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students as well as top-ups, for example, from Kakivak or the Kitikmeot Inuit Association or our Kivalliq region as well, to support the students in school. I can’t stress enough how much those top- ups and extra support are very much appreciated for students. I do want to say, Mr. Speaker, that with the comprehensive review, we are looking into ways to enhance the program and enhance specific areas with regard to supporting students’ needs.

With the comprehensive review, I look forward to bringing forward that process and hopefully enhancing support for students in post-secondary in the very near future and working to increase the funding for our students, but that has to go through the chain of command before we can speak to that. I will say that with the federal funding that is out there, the more funding that supports the department for students is always appreciated.

Right now, that funding goes to our regional Inuit associations, but if there are ways and avenues through bilateral agreements or anything, so to speak, that will support Government of Nunavut students, we do look forward to that, if that is a possibility. I will talk to my colleagues about that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve said it and I know many of my other colleagues have said it; there should be no student underserved trying to access post-secondary education.

I’ve been very passionate about this topic and the minister brings up the reference to the regional Inuit organization funding, and I think it’s shameful that some students are approved and some students are being denied, sometimes even within the same family. These students are struggling to make sure that they can meet their education responsibilities when they are in post-secondary institutions. Mr. Speaker, I will reference back to that media

article that came out, and in it, it mentioned that the Government of Nunavut was contacted to provide a response, but wasn’t able to respond by the deadline. Can the minister respond now? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Education, Ms. Gross. Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Quana to the member for the question. In terms of working with our Inuit organization counterparts and the funding that is available and accessing

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3161 that funding, I can say that it is our hope that we can work more collaboratively in terms of supporting students’ needs. With the comprehensive review we have reached out to our stakeholders, including all of the RIAs and speaking to them about challenges and successes with post-secondary funding. With that comprehensive review coming forward and with the recommendations, there are specific recommendations and support that we do hope to enhance. With that, Mr.

Speaker, I can say that we will have a piece in there to talk about that support and ways that we can enhance that. I look forward to giving that information to, not just our member, but to all Nunavummiut in the future that we do want to see increased support for post-secondary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 529 – 6(2): Filling Environment Vacancies in Arviat (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends). I would like to revisit questioning the Minister of Environment. Mr.

Speaker, the minster stated that he has to get back to his staff because he can’t commit to whether these positions would stay in Arviat. Mr. Speaker, I asked the minister, these positions have been in Arviat since Nunavut, other than one, and if the minister can’t commit to advertising these positions in Arviat, there seems to be a want to move these positions out of Arviat. I will ask the minister again: will the minister commit to having these positions, the Environment vacant positions, advertised in Arviat so that a person will be hired to do the job in Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All of those three positions mentioned are not specialist positions and therefore will not be filled remotely. I believe they are on the housing waiting list prior to advertising, but as a department, we will have to confirm status of these competitions at a later time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not want to nitpick, but the minister stated these will not be done remotely.

Can I just get a commitment, a simple commitment, that these jobs are going to stay in Arviat; the vacant Environment positions will be staying in Arviat? I am glad that they will not be done remotely, but can the minister commit and assure the House here, and Arviarmiut, that these positions will be in Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In all honesty, that authority of removing positions from a community, I have no certain degree whether they could be advertised elsewhere and within the community.

I cannot fully commit right now.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3162 *See Appendix for full text of Return to Written Question 5 – 6(2). I will get back to the member with more detailed information at a later time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The minister is the minster of the department. The minster will decide where a position is advertised. It is the minister’s duty and responsibility; it is not another minister.

It is the responsibility of the department’s minster whether there are recommendations to move a job out of a community or to keep in the community. That role and responsibility is on the minister. I am not sure if the minister is running the department or if someone else is. I will try one last time: will the minister commit to making sure that these vacant Environment positions in Arviat, and I will name them; the regional manager, wildlife deterrent specialist, and environmental protection officers, will stay in Arviat and people will be hired to do these jobs in Arviat? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been a minister for one month; that is nearly 30 days now. I’m in the learning stages, and I am committed to learning my role as a minister. The trainee is dependent on the trainer, so the Department of Environment needs a regional manager, and once there is a regional manager, the trainee can be hired. That is the process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members, be aware that the time allotted for question period is now over. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Mr. Clerk.

Item 8: Returns to Written Questions Return to Written Question 005 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut Funding Proposals Submitted to the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (Clerk) Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am tabling a Return to Written Question 5 – 6(2), which was asked during the spring 2023 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item [13.] Tabling of Documents. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq.

Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 156 – 6(2): Conservation Economies in Nunavut - Aviqtuuq Case Study (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know I have raised the issue of the Niqihaqut Country Food processing facility and the proposed Aviqtuuq conservation area in Taloyoak a number of times in the House.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3163 I wish to table today the Conservation Economies in Nunavut: Aviqtuuq Case Study. The document outlines the benefits of a conservation economy in Taloyoak. I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Tabled Document 157 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Justice Concerning a Clare’s Law for Nunavut (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As you know, I have been a strong and consistent advocate in Nunavut to introduce its own version of Clare’s Law. A number of Canadian jurisdictions have recently passed their own version of the statute, which is a tool that is designed to address the issue of intimate partner violence by allowing law enforcement to disclose an offender’s criminal history in this area. I am very pleased to table a copy of correspondence on this issue that was signed by the Minister of Justice in response to Iqaluit City Council’s recent call for our government to introduce a similar law for the territory. Mr.

Speaker, I will begin seeking a clear commitment from the responsible minister during the fall sitting to move forward and make real progress on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Tabled Document 158 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Finance Concerning Alcohol Education Committees (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am pleased to table a copy of my recent exchange of correspondence with the Minister of Finance concerning the important issue of support to alcohol education committees.

I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Tabled Document 159 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Minister of Health in Response to Oral Question 436 – 6(2) (Brewster) Tabled Document 160 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Justice Concerning Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Review Committees (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two documents to table today. Mr.

Speaker, as you will recall, I asked a number of questions in the House during our recent spring sitting concerning the issue of public reporting of health data. I am happy to table today a copy of the Minister of Health’s recent correspondence to me on this issue. The minister’s letter contains important information that will be of interest to all Members of the House, and I encourage all members to review it with care.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3164 Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a copy of my recent exchange of correspondence with the Minister of Justice concerning the establishment of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Review Committees. I will have questions for the minister on this important issue during our fall sitting and I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone.

Tabled Document 161 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Mayor of Iqaluit Concerning Seasonal Time Changes (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, I have been one of a number of Members of this Legislative Assembly who have been vocal about the need to end the outdated practice of seasonal time changes. I am very pleased to table a copy of correspondence on this issue signed by the Mayor of Iqaluit on behalf of the entire city council, which has unanimously joined us on this issue. Mr.

Speaker, I will again be seeking a clear commitment from the responsible minister on this issue during the fall sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Tabled Document 162 – 6(2): Exchange of Correspondence with the Minister of Finance and the Information and Privacy Commissioner Concerning Disclosure of Tax Information (Simailak) Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I wish to table a copy of my recent exchange of correspondence with the Minister of Finance and the Information and Privacy Commissioner concerning the issue of disclosure of tax information. I will have questions for the minister on this issue during our fall sitting and I encourage all members to review the document with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Tabled Document 163 – 6(2): Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements, August 20, 2023 (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-term Report on the Highlights of Achievements, dated August 20, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3165 Tabled Document 164 – 6(2): Emergency Measures Review 2021 Water Contamination Incident in Iqaluit, May 17, 2023 (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table today the Emergency Measures Review 2021 Water Contamination Incident in Iqaluit, dated May 17, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents. Mr. Savikataaq. Tabled Document 165 – 6(2): Submissions to the Standing Committee on Legislation Concerning Review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act (Savikataaq) Mr.

Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to table the thickest document of everyone. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Legislation, I am pleased to table a consolidated set of written submissions received by the standing committee concerning its review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act. On behalf of the standing committee, I thank all of the submitters for their contributions, which I encourage all members to review with care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Tabling of Documents.

I have five documents to table today.

Tabled Document 166 – 6(2): Declaration of Assent for Bills 13, 22, 24, and 25 (Speaker) Tabled Document 167 – 6(2): Report of the 2023 Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) Tabled Document 168 – 6(2): Correspondence from Mayor of Chesterfield Inlet to Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) Tabled Document 169 – 6(2): Correspondence to the Speaker from Chairperson of the 2023 Electoral Boundaries Commission (Speaker) Tabled Document 170 – 6(2): 2022-23 Annual Report of the Representative for Children and Youth (Speaker) The first document is the Commissioner of Nunavut’s Declaration of Assent for Bills 13, 22, 24, and 25.

The second document is the Report of the 2023 Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission. The third document is a copy of correspondence to the Speaker from the Chairperson of the 2023 Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission dated August 10, 2023. The fourth document is a copy of correspondence to the Chairperson of the 2023 Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission from the Mayor of Chesterfield Inlet dated July 13, 2023. The fifth document is the 2022-23 Annual Report of the Representative for Children and Youth. Thank you.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3166 Members, we have been having a long afternoon already. We will take a 20- minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 15:45 and resumed at 16:10 Speaker: Welcome back, everyone. Notices of Motions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Item 14: Notices of Motions Motion 022 – 6(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days – Notice (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 23, 2023, I will be moving the following motion: I MOVE, seconded by the Hon.

Member of South Baffin, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the present sitting of the Legislative Assembly. At the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Notices of Motions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Motion 023 – 6(2): Appointment of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 23, 2023, I will move the following motion:

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of Nunavut that Ms. Katherine Peterson, K.C., be reappointed as Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut, effective October 23, 2023. At the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Notices of Motions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Motion 024 – 6(2): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 23, 2023, I will move the following motion:

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, that members be appointed to the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Speaker: Notices of Motions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3167 Motion 025 – 6(2): Extension of the Review of the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act – Notice (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Monday, October 23, 2023, I will move the following motion:

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, that the period of time for the standing committee to review the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act be extended. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Item 15: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills Bill 26 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – Notice Bill 28 – Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act – Notice Bill 29 –

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act – Notice Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, October 20, 2023, that the following three bills will be read for the first time: • Bill 26, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act; • Bill 28, Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act; and • Bill 29,

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Bill 27 –

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act – Notice Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, October 20, 2023, that Bill 27,

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3168 Bill 30 –

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – Notice Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Notice Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022- 2023 – Notice Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – Notice Bill 34 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2022- 2023 – Notice Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, October 20, 2023, that the following five bills will be read for the first time: • Bill 30,

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act; • Bill 31, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025; • Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023; • Bill 33, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024; and finally, Mr. Speaker, • Bill 34, Write-off of Assets Act, 2022-2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – Notice Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – Notice Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Friday, October 20, 2023, I will move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 35,

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut, and Bill 36,

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 16. Motions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Item 16: Motions Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today. Do members agree? Some Members: Agreed. Speaker: There is agreement. Mr. Sammurtok, please proceed. Motion 022 – 6(2): Extended Sitting Hours and Days (Sammurtok) Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thursday, October 19, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3169 I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for South Baffin, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting hours and days as the Speaker deems fit to assist with the business before the House during the present sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Motions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with her motion today. Do members agree? Some Members: Agreed. Speaker: There is agreement. Ms. Brewster, please proceed. Motion 023 – 6(2): Appointment of the Integrity Commissioner of Nunavut (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS

section 24 of the Integrity Act provides that the Integrity Commissioner is appointed by the Commissioner of Nunavut on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly to hold office for a term of five years during good behaviour; AND

WHEREAS t