Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 77 Friday, March 8, 2024 Pages 4855 – 4898 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents Opening Prayer .......................................................................................................................... 4855 Ministers’ Statements ................................................................................................................ 4855 Members’ Statements ................................................................................................................ 4859 Returns to Oral Questions ......................................................................................................... 4866 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ....................................................................................... 4866 Oral Questions ........................................................................................................................... 4868 Tabling of Documents ............................................................................................................... 4889 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ..................................... 4890 Report of the Committee of the Whole ..................................................................................... 4897 Orders of the Day ...................................................................................................................... 4897

A. Daily References Friday, March 8, 2024 ............................................................................................................... 4855 B.

Ministers’ Statements 409 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nakashuk) ................................................................ 4855 410 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok, P) ............................................................ 4856 411 – 6(2): Team Nunavut – 2024 Arctic Winter Games (Joanasie) ........................................ 4857 412 – 6(2): Firearm Safety Awareness Week (Akeeagok, D) ................................................... 4857 413 – 6(2): Elders and Youth Committees and Programs (Gross) ............................................ 4858 C.

Members’ Statements 533 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Killiktee) .................................................................. 4859 534 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Simailak) .................................................................. 4859 535 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Lightstone) ............................................................... 4860 536 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Quqqiaq) .................................................................. 4860 537 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Brewster) .................................................................. 4860 538 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nutarak) ................................................................... 4861 539 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok, D) ........................................................... 4861 540 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Gross) ....................................................................... 4862 541 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok, P) ............................................................ 4862 542 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Qavvik) .................................................................... 4863 543 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nakashuk) ................................................................ 4864 544 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Main) ........................................................................ 4865 545 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Joanasie) ................................................................... 4865

D. Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 755 – 6(2): Accessing Income Assistance Benefits (Nakashuk) ........ 4866 E.

Oral Questions 817 – 6(2): Partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Savikataaq)........................... 4868 818 – 6(2): Contract Employees (Lightstone) ........................................................................... 4870 819 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) .................................................... 4872 820 – 6(2): Office of the Fire Marshal (Brewster) .................................................................... 4873 821 – 6(2): School Repairs Needed in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) ..................................................... 4875 822 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Hickes) ......................................................................................... 4877 823 – 6(2): Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation (Quassa) ..... 4879 824 – 6(2): Motor Vehicles Division (Anavilok) ...................................................................... 4881 825 – 6(2): Granular Management (Killiktee) ........................................................................... 4883 826 – 6(2): Annual Report of Nunavut Arctic College (Lightstone) ......................................... 4885 827 – 6(2): WSCC Initiatives (Brewster) .................................................................................. 4887 F.

Tabling of Documents 260 – 6(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation 2022-23 Annual Report (Kusugak) ....................... 4889 261 – 6(2): NHC Contracting and Procurement Activity Report 2023 (Kusugak) ................... 4889 G. Bills Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee ............................................................................................... 4890

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4855 Iqaluit, Nunavut Friday, March 8, 2024 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Hon. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 8:59 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon. Tony Akoak): Good morning, everyone.

Before we proceed with the session this morning, I ask Ms. Killiktee to start off with a prayer. >>Prayer Speaker: Good morning, everyone. Happy International Women’s Day to all of the women and a special one to my wife all the way in Gjoa Haven. Even though she is over there, she keeps me in line in Iqaluit. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Ms. Nakashuk. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 409 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut.

Happy International Women’s Day. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker and colleagues, today is International Women’s Day. As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am thrilled to acknowledge this day and the work of the Nunavut Qulliit Status of Women Council. Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon, I will present Qulliit’s 2024 Wise Woman and Outstanding Woman awards in the lobby of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. The Wise Woman Award will be presented to Geraldine Emiktowt of Coral Harbour. Ms.

Emiktowt has tirelessly provided Sakku School’s breakfast, snack and lunch programs for Coral Harbour students for more than ten years. She has taken on securing the funding as well as sometimes cooking for 300 students singlehandedly. The Outstanding Status of Woman will be presented to Teresa Qiatsuq, an outstanding Inuktitut journalist at CBC Iqaluit as well as an accomplished athlete. Please join me in congratulating both our recipients. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Before I go on to my next name, I would like to welcome our Mr.

Speaker Mikkungwak to the House. >>Applause Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4856 Minister’s Statement 410 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I extend a warm welcome to the visitors in the gallery. It’s great to see you back home. Welcome to your House, and I say “good morning” to Nunavummiut and my fellow MLAs. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark International Women’s Day and recognize strong Inuit women who serve as models for the young girls and women of Nunavut. In Ottawa, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon is the first Inuk and first indigenous woman to serve as the Governor General of Canada.

We also have Lori Idlout as our Member of Parliament, representing the voices of Nunavummiut in Ottawa. Here at home, the Hon. Eva Aariak is the Commissioner of Nunavut and a former Premier and the first Premier who was a woman. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008, she has been a champion for women in our territory. As the only woman elected that year, she expressed disappointment and suggested that improved daycare might encourage more women to be politically active.

We also have Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk, a powerful voice for Nunavut Inuit and a strong advocate for the rights of Inuit through the Nunavut Agreement. This leads me to my Deputy Premier, Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross, who began her political career as Mayor of Cambridge Bay. In her role as Minister of Education, in December 2022 she announced $10-a-day daycare, a first in Canada. A young mother herself, she also announced that over five years, 238 new child care spaces would be created.

And, of course, I would like to recognize Minister Nakashuk as well as Minister Nutarak, as well as my Sixth Assembly colleagues, MLAs Ms. Brewster, MLA Ms. Killiktee, as well as Ms. Quassa, for their dedication to public service. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to honour my Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister Anna Fowler. Ms. Fowler is an accomplished and knowledgeable Inuk woman who has dedicated her professional life to serving Nunavummiut. I am so proud to be able to work with her.

Our government is also fortunate to have the skilled and knowledge of other Inuit women, including Deputy Minister Rebecca Hainnu, Deputy Minister Yvonne Niego, Deputy Minister Teresa Hughes, and President Becky Mearns. I want to also acknowledge our Inuk associates, learning and being mentored by a diverse and talented group of deputies: Christine Ellsworth, Sandy Kownak, and Jacqueline Curley. All these women work diligently each day on behalf of Nunavummiut. These are but a few examples of powerful women leaders.

Our world has a far way to go to consider itself gender equal, but here in Nunavut, I believe we recognize that basic principle and strive to ensure we live by it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4857 >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 411 – 6(2): Team Nunavut – 2024 Arctic Winter Games (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Nunavummiut, MLAs, and visitors in the gallery. Mr. Speaker, Team Nunavut is in their final preparations for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su Valley, Alaska from March 10 to 16. Mr.

Speaker, the Mat-Su Valley will see up to 2,000 participants from across the circumpolar community come together for a week of sport and cultural exchange. Team Nunavut will send a delegation of up to 300 athletes, coaches, cultural performers, youth ambassadors, and support staff and plans to compete in 14 sports. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues heard of the struggle that some of our athletes had in obtaining a passport to participate in the 2024 Arctic Winter Games.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the athletes, parents, and all those involved that assisted in navigating the process to ensure as many athletes as possible could participate and represent Nunavut at the Arctic Winter Games. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to say that every single one has received their passports in time. I am glad for each and every one of them. Mr. Speaker, as our athletes and coaches travel to pre-games training camps and position themselves to travel to Alaska, I would like to wish each and every one of them the best of luck and congratulations.

During the time, Team Nunavut will be highlighting the female participants as part of my department’s recently launched “This Girl Can” campaign that highlights the importance of women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity. Happy International Women’s Day, by the way, for everyone. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in cheering on Team Nunavut with a big atii aksut! Let’s go, Team Nunavut! An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Minister’s Statement 412 – 6(2): Firearm Safety Awareness Week (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy International Women’s Day, especially to my wife, who is visiting your fine community today and she will be leaving that beautiful community today. I thank you on behalf of her for your wonderful hospitality in your community. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Firearm Safety Awareness Week held in Iqaluit

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4858 in early February was a great success due to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Justice and the Federal Chief Firearms Office. The department offered two Canadian Firearms Safety Courses and hosted drop-in possession and acquisition licence renewal clinics. As many are aware, historically, access to these types of courses and services was limited across the territory.

The Department of Justice, through the Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavummi – Firearm Safety Nunavut program and its partners, has been working hard to fix this by offering services within the communities in Inuktitut and to specific groups. Mr. Speaker, I will highlight that, in addition to offering courses open to everyone, the department also worked with our partners to offer an all- indigenous female Canadian Firearms Safety during the Iqaluit Firearms Safety event. Eleven participants, including ten Inuit, took part and successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

Two female instructors provided a safe and comfortable space for the participants to learn and discuss the safe usage, handling, and storage of firearms. The course was designed to be accessible to all women, regardless of their previous experience with firearms. The department believes that all Nunavummiut have the right to feel safe and secure, and this includes knowing how to properly handle and use firearms. In addition to providing instruction on firearms, the course also focused on building confidence, fostering a sense of safety, and promoting responsible firearm ownership. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Culture and Heritage, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 413 – 6(2): Elders and Youth Committees and Programs (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Happy International Women’s Day to everyone listening and everyone here in the room with us. Mr. Speaker, this fiscal year, with the support of all Members of this House, the Department of Culture and Heritage increased its elders and youth grants and contributions budget from $800,000 to $2,225,000.

Included within this funding is an elders and youth committee grant of $15,000 for the establishment and support of elders and/or youth committees. Mr. Speaker, elders committees contribute to the health and well-being of our elders and support socialization and knowledge transfer within our communities. We recognize the knowledge and benefits our elders bring us. That’s why I encourage all Nunavut communities to work with the Department of Culture and Heritage to access these funds to establish committees that can help expand the knowledge and benefits our elders have to share. Mr.

Speaker, we also have elders and youth programs that support the transfer of knowledge between generations. As an example, our Elders and Youth Branch is running programs this month, including a pattern-making workshop in

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4859 Kimmirut and a survival skills program in Qikiqtarjuaq that also enables increased knowledge and skills exchange. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Nunavummiut and community organizations to reach out to my department’s grants and contributions administrator toll-free at 1- 866-934-2035 or by email at chfunds@gov.nu.ca to learn how they can access funding in support of elders and youth programming. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee.

Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 533 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this morning on International Women’s Day to express my pride. Mr. Speaker, I want to mention my two sisters and tell them to have a good day on Women’s Day. I’m very proud of my sister Geela, who is the SAO at the hamlet office, and my other sister, who works with the Department of Justice as an interpreter and travels all over the place. Also, to my sister-in-law; you’re the mayor and I’m very proud of that.

To my new sister-in-law, my brother’s sister, I mention her too, as well as my precious grandchild, Jayna, who is one of the teachers at the school, and she’s progressing. I’m very proud of you and I’m proud of all fellow women and mothers. Have a good day. To my own mother, have a good day. I love you and you have always provided us with strength and by taking good care of us. To all of my fellow women, have a great day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Member’s Statement 534 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Simailak) Mr.

Simailak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and everyone in Baker Lake. Today is International Women’s Day and I would like to recognize my colleagues here who are women. Have a good day. Also, in Baker Lake, my helper, my constituency assistant, Daisy Kataluk, have a good day. (interpretation ends) To my sister-in-law, Janice, (interpretation) have a good day too. Lillian and Megan, my daughters. Also, my mother, I wish you to have a good day. This is what my mother made. I know my partner Marilyn is busy right now and not watching, but I want them to all have a good day. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4860 Member’s Statement 535 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to rise to recognize International Women’s Day. Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize the importance of the cultural, social, and political contributions that have been made by women here, locally, nationally, and internationally. Mr. Speaker, equal representation is important, and I do look forward to the day that we will see equal representation here in the Legislative Assembly as well as gender-balanced government in cabinet. Mr.

Speaker, gender parity is more crucial than ever, as we look south of the border, with more and more conservative-dominated legislatures and states restricting women’s rights. I find this very ironic, as one of the ideals of conservative thought is the individual’s freedom. However, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate France on passing the first piece of legislation enshrining women’s right to abortion in their constitution. >> Applause Mr. Speaker, it’s important to recognize France’s efforts because this is in order to prevent future politicians from placing such restrictions on women’s rights.

I encourage the Canadian government to follow suit, follow France’s example, and enshrine women’s rights in our own Constitution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 536 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge International Women’s Day. To my dear wife, happy International Women’s Day. To my mom, my mother-in-law, and to all my aunties and my cousins, happy International Women’s Day. I believe you’re all beautiful women, as well as all the women in this world.

Happy International Women’s Day. Let’s all have a great day and hopefully you all be treated nice on this day; not just this day, but the other 364 days of the year. (interpretation) Have a good day, Mr. Speaker, and let us all have a good day. Thank you. Speaker: Members’ Statement. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Member’s Statement 537 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and happy International Women’s Day to everyone, and thank you to the members for acknowledging so many incredible women. Mr.

Speaker, I want to talk about the importance of conflict resolution in the sphere of womanhood. We know that yesterday was a difficult day in the House for many, and I unintentionally hurt one of my colleague’s feelings. We had a brief discussion about it yesterday and left it unresolved.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4861 Mr. Speaker, I woke up this morning quite upset that this issue was unresolved and that I had hurt somebody. We had a brief discussion about it in my office this morning, Mr. Speaker, and I’m very happy to say that this woman and I got together just before I came in, and we resolved our conflict. That’s important because so many conflicts go unresolved between women and between women and others, and it creates hurt and insecurities. So I’m very happy to say that I feel much better.

I want to remind women and everyone to work to resolve conflicts as soon as they can so that we can move on and be the best people that we can every day, and especially between women, because together we are stronger. Happy International Women’s Day Mr. Speaker. >> Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 538 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nutarak) Hon. Karen Nutarak (interpretation): Good morning. This morning I would like to welcome our mayor. The mayor is here. As a woman, I would like to remember people of Nunavut and Pond Inlet.

Pond Inlet is the constituency I represent. I have you in my mind this morning. Women are very capable everywhere and I want to remember them because they are extremely good at things. They can even drive big heavy equipment now days. I remember and recognize people who do a lot of work for our community. Also, my colleagues, I would like them to have a good day. To my mother, my mother-in-law, and my children. I have daughters. I love them and am very proud of my children. I’m trying not to get emotional. Also, to my grandmother, my aunts on both sides of the family, and my cousins.

We are very important as women. We keep families together. Let’s all have a good day. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 539 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In your House presence, there’s this wonderful lady that’s named after my father, and when she was growing up in Grise Fiord, a tiny little girl, not knowing what she was going to be doing and what she was going to be; we never know how the kids we raise, as our parents’ names or that, we never know what they turn out to be.

So when we see major projects this government puts out, whether it’s a request for proposal or tender, everybody rushes to try and get those tenders, and within that tender there’s this “please contact.” Whenever I see her name, my heart sinks sometimes because it’s Natasha Sheaves that’s there. I know for a contact it’s just a name, but for me, it’s this young little

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4862 girl that grew, blossomed, and is hard- working for our government. I want to do recognize her and thank her parents, and especially her grandparents, Aksakjuk and Laisa, who helped raise her very much to who she is. I just wanted to recognize her, especially during today’s International Women’s Day. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 540 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to personally thank the wonderful matriarchs at the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq Kitikmeot Heritage Society. The elders and residents are a pillar of strength, hope, and knowledge sharing, as they play a critical role in language transmission, cultural resurgence, and preservation. Mr. Speaker, it’s important to acknowledge Annie Atighioyak, Mabel Etegik, Mary Kaotalok, Bessie Omilgoitok, among many others who previously worked and supported these roles.

All of these extraordinary women serve as trailblazers and role models through their work and contributions to Inuinnait culture through their dedication to ensure the generations to come will inherit a profound connection to our ancestors, their invaluable knowledge, values, and world view. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize women’s achievements while also acknowledging challenges that women and girls face. I’m thankful we have the elders and residents serving as beacons of light from the past shining on the present, sharing their wisdom, and enriching our lives for generations to come. Mr.

Speaker, today I thank and acknowledge these remarkable Inuinnait women. I also acknowledge and say happy International Women’s Day to all of our fearless women, girls, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQI+ charting their path and making change. On International Women’s Day, my message to each of you across our territory is to keep your authentic self. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 541 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” especially the people of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. I rise today on International Women’s Day. It’s very humbling thinking about all the help that we’ve received, and I especially want to recognize people who have kept me up. First of all, my precious wife, I love you a great deal. I know that you have worked very hard because of my commitment to the House here, so I thank you very much. To our

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4863 daughter Jasmine and my mother in Grise Fiord, Ann, I love you and I’m grateful to you. Even though my in- law is no longer here I keep her in my heart and think about her, Mr. Speaker. My officials here, I want to recognize them too. (interpretation ends) Four of five (interpretation) of them are women in my office. First of all, Dorcas, Tracy, Sima and Michelle do some extremely hard work and I’m very proud of them because they have contributed a lot to Nunavut. My assistant at EIA, Ms. Anna Fowler, was already mentioned; Deputy Fowler.

Also, another woman who works in my office who is a former minister and who no stranger to everyone, Becky Mike. All these women are very strong and they helped me a great deal, so I give them a big thank you. Today, along with my colleagues, even though they are recognized today, we are grateful every day to all the women for all the contributions they have made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Qavvik. Member’s Statement 542 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Qavvik) Mr. Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Mr.

Speaker, I rise today as I also want to acknowledge women all across the world, and especially to our elders across our territory who had the persistence of being a survivor in our Arctic climate. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I would like to recognize my wife, Margaret Qavvik. She’s my best friend who stands beside me and has supported me for more than half of my life. We have four beautiful daughters who we love very much.

I want to recognize my wife as she’s a very strong individual who has a very big heart. (interpretation) I love you, Margaret. (interpretation ends) I also want to recognize my mother, Mary Qavvik, who I think is the strongest person in my life, who gave me life, literally. (interpretation) I also love my mother very much. (interpretation ends) I also want to recognize my mother-in-law, Annie Oqaituk, who accepted me as her son-in-law. (interpretation) I love you as well, my mother-in-law. (interpretation ends) I also have two sisters, Dora and Rebecca Qavvik, who themselves have their own daughters, who are engraved in my heart, Mr.

Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize Yvonne Niego, who is my Deputy Minister of Environment. She’s leading the department to her perseverance. Also, I want to recognize Rebecca Mearns, who’s also the president of Nunavut Arctic College, who I view the same as I view the Deputy Minister of Environment. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed. Mr. Qavvik.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4864 Mr. Qavvik: All right. (interpretation) Thank you, my colleagues. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I can probably have about 30 minutes of member’s statement time recognizing and identifying a lot of women, but I’ll choose not to. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my “thank you” to Dorothy Kaludjak, who is my executive secretary, who has been very instrumental in my role. Also, I want to recognize my ministerial political advisor’s wife, Yvonnie Matasi, along with her daughter Sakila Matasi. Mr.

Speaker, I also want to recognize my constituency assistant, Mina Mannuk, who has helped me to deliver information to my constituency of Hudson Bay. Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of women in my community who are leaders. For example, the health department clerk interpreters; the majority of those interpreters are women. Also, the Nuiyak School and the Paatsaali High School are dominated by women who are leading the future of our generation and the next generation. I’m proud of those women in my community. Mr. Speaker, I’ll be done shortly. Mr. Speaker, we also have a very young mayor who is a woman.

I encourage all young people in our communities. They have the opportunity and perseverance to become a leader some day and into the future. The hamlet council is a majority of women as well. Last but not least, I want to recognize my colleagues who are in this room, Karen, Margaret, Pamela, Janet, Mary, and Joanna who I look up to as mentors and friends. (interpretation) That’s it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Laughter >> Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Member’s Statement 543 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Nakashuk) Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I will certainly try and make this short. (interpretation) On International Women’s Day I especially want to wish a “good day” to the people who support me in the House; my colleagues who are women. I look up to you, you support me. For that I am very thankful. Also, to my relatives, although I am not always with them, I love them, especially my daughter, first of all, Natasha, who’s gone down to university. She’s on her second year. She and my granddaughter are always alone.

Also, my younger sister, Annie, and my two older sisters, Mina, who had a birthday yesterday. A happy belated birthday. As well as Eva. I recognize you on this International Women’s Day and I’m very proud of you. Also, to Kerry and Suzy, who work to support me. I thank you. Also, to my mother-in-law, Salia

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4865 and my sisters-in-law Alookie and Anna; thank you for treating me like a sister. Also, women who work, no matter where, a majority of them are women anywhere in the workplace. When we meet together, the majority of the people are usually women within Nunavut, and they are very capable and work very hard, and they make a home. Also, in Pangnirtung, to my constituency assistant, Rosetina, as well as Debbie. I am grateful for the support you provide to me as well.

Also, my friends and my relatives who are watching the proceedings, have a good day on International Women’s Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Arviat-North Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Member’s Statement 544 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, members. I have a very brief comment to make, or statement to make on International Women’s Day. First of all, my colleagues, all of you who are women, I’m very proud of you. Also, thank you all of you who are members.

I try to use my ears very well when you speak, and some of the times, as males, especially myself personally, I tend to talk endlessly. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Hon. John Main (interpretation): That has been a problem, although I’m really good at hearing, but today is International Women’s Day, so I will try and use my ears and listen more than talk today. As we are aware, Mr. Speaker, women have truths to tell on every issue and sometimes they speak about that.

As men, we have to listen and understand where the women are coming from on a daily basis, because we have not experienced the women’s experience, so we have to listen to women to understand. Mr. Speaker, especially I would like to appreciate and thank all the people that I work with within this House and also in Arviat and Whale Cove. Lynn Ishalook, Jenny Qiyuk, who live in Arviat, I want to thank you both very much. They are both my constituency assistants and both mothers and they work very hard. They also work outside of their offices on different issues. You are both very capable.

Lastly, but not the least, my mother, my wife, my daughter, and my sisters, and to all women, have a wonderful day on International Women’s Day, and on a daily basis as well, and I will listen to you well when you talk. I love you, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 545 – 6(2): International Women’s Day (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am now going to rise and talk about women on

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4866 International Women’s Day. To South Baffin women, I want all of them to have a wonderful day. Also, to my wife, my mother, my sisters, all of them who have been instrumental in my life, and they let me be me. Also, Mr. Speaker, my CAs in Cape Dorset and Kimmirut. They work on a daily basis; Ula Manning in Cape Dorset, and Ooloosie Tikivik in Kimmirut. Mr. Speaker, the proceedings of Legislative Assembly are unique to Nunavut because we use the traditional attire, so I thank the seamstresses who make them.

Tahe traditional clothing that we use are very well-made, and we’re very proud of them and continue to use the traditional clothing that are made by women. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Thank you. Happy International Women’s Day.

A message to my wife, who is hopefully watching me right now; thank you very much for looking after family, keeping them together, and while I’m not there, I know it is pretty hard sometimes, but thank you very much and I love you a whole lot. >>Applause As well, I remember my sister, who is not with us anymore, and I am wearing her attire, kalikuk she made, and I will wear it on her behalf, although she’s not here anymore. (interpretation) Thank you. >>Applause (interpretation ends) Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Nakashuk.

Item 4: Returns to Oral Questions Return to Oral Question 755 – 6(2): Accessing Income Assistance Benefits (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am returning an oral question asked by Mr. Joseph Quqqiaq, MLA for Netsilik. Question No. 755 – 6(2) asked on the day of February 28, 2024 in regard to accessing income assistance benefits. Mr. Speaker, I rise to respond and I wrote to the minister on this issue some time ago, but I had not received a response. I hope she will be able to provide some answers today. Mr.

Speaker, on December 15, I did respond to the email to Mr. Quqqiaq’s letter concerning his constituent’s income assistance payments. I advised Mr. Quqqiaq at the time that the Department of Family Services has sorted out the payments and that the officials had contacted his constituent directly to rectify the matter. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. Karen Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me. I would like to welcome our mayor

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4867 of Pond Inlet, Joshua Arreak. He is visiting Iqaluit. I am very proud of all the work he has done in Pond Inlet. He works to ensure that the municipal council moves forward. Please welcome him. Also my uncle, Aqsarju. I’m sorry; I just called her by her older sister’s name. She is welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Pangnirtung, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. I would first of all like to recognize the people on the other side.

The Member for Tununiq spoke about the Mayor Joshua Arreak. Welcome. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Simeon Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Welcome back. It’s good to see you. On the day of International Women’s Day, I am so honoured and happy to rise today to recognize an outstanding young woman; Ms. Teresa Qiatsuq. Ms. Qiatsuq is an Inuktitut journalist at CBC as well as an accomplished athlete. Mr. Speaker, the award ceremony will be held today in the lobby at 1 p.m. The award is given out annually by the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council. Joining Ms.

Qiatsuq in the House today is her son Julian Akavak, her mother Pitseola Qiatsuq, her partner Gordon Blakely, and her friend Natasha Sheese. I welcome you all and it’s great to have you here in the House. (interpretation) Welcome to each of you. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As an extremely proud father of four very strong young women, I would like to wish everyone an International Women’s Day today. In my life, every day is Women’s Day, with four daughters and my wife. Mr.

Speaker, I’ve spoken in this House of numerous women in my life that have been very strong and influential to me, but today I have the very proud privilege to welcome my Auntie Martha here to the House who’s a long-time council member of the community of Rankin Inlet. Mr. Speaker, my panikulu is named for her mom, and she, like my Auntie Martha, is a force to be reckoned with, and coincidentally it is also Mr. Savikataaq’s mother-in-law. So when we talk of conflict resolution, if I ever have a conflict with Mr. Savikataaq, I will make sure that his mother-in-law keeps him in line, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to all members to welcome my Auntie Martha Hickes here, and I really appreciate the influence that you have on your family and the extended family that we all live with. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to your Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Baker Laker, Mr. Simailak.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4868 Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize and welcome back into the House, Simeon Mikkungwak, who is no stranger to this House. I spent a few terms with him sitting on hamlet council. I learned a few things from him about advocating for our people, and for my ministerial colleagues across the way there, you can blame him a bit for my advocacy on Baker Lake. He taught me quite a bit when we sat on hamlet council together. Please welcome him to the back into the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the House.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Rankin Inlet South, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize an individual, but before I recognize anyone, on this International Women’s Day, I think about my wife and my children. I love them. At times, as Mr. Hickes stated, we grew up together in Rankin Inlet. Martha Hickes is here and I would like to welcome her to the House. She has been a hamlet councillor for many, many years, and she just doesn’t see him be quiet. She works very hard. She has been a deputy mayor.

I would like to recognize her. I would like to welcome Ms. Hickes to your House. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Arviat North-Whale Cove, Mr. Main. Hon John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Both the Mayor for Pond Inlet, Mayor Arreak, from Pond Inlet, and Martha Hickes from Rankin Inlet have been recognized already. I would like to welcome them to the House. Mr. Speaker, this individual has been recognized already but, Mr. Speaker, he was the former Speaker of this House.

He was our colleague, so please welcome Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak. Every time I go to Baker Lake, he is always very welcoming. Thank you so much. Seeing you here makes me smile. From what I understand, today is Friday, and I think we should be talking about hockey. From what I recognize, he’s an ex-politician and he was an ex-Speaker, and he is against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Good morning. Thank you, Mrs. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Item 6: Oral Questions Question 817 – 6(2): Partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Arviat. I am first this morning.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4869 (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Premier. As the Premier will recall, he announced the signing of the new partnership declaration between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated back in 2022, and in the news release, one of the quotes from the Premier is “I am pleased to take another step towards our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Government of Nunavut’s working relationship with NTI.” Mr.

Speaker, my first question is: can the can the Premier describe how the new partnership declaration addresses the issues of dispute resolution between the two parties? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for asking that question. We were very pleased to be able to sign the partnership agreement with our partners, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, as well as the regional Inuit association.

We have been making some great headway in terms of addressing very core issues that are central to both our priorities. Mr. Speaker, the partnership committee is really to tackle the core issues that are both the priority of ours as well as theirs, and there is no specific dispute resolution, to the member’s question, in that partnership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s sad that there’s no mechanism on issues of dispute resolution between the two parties, but I’ll go on.

If my memory is correct, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated has been suing the government or demanding legal arbitration in relation to a number of matters. These include legislation that was unanimously passed by the House in respect to property taxation; legislation that was unanimously passed by the House in respect to education; legislation that was unanimously passed by the House in relations to the NNI policy, Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti policy, as well as implementation of the Nunavut Agreement.

Can the Premier tell me if I’ve left out any other lawsuits or court actions that NTI has initiated against the government? Thank you. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to supplement my response, there are mechanisms specifically to dispute resolutions through the Nunavut Agreement, but the question was in terms of the partnerships committee that we did sign. I just want to make that clarification.

As well to the question, from the material that’s here before me, I am not sure if there’s anything else in terms of what’s before the courts, but I could get back to the member specifically between the differences that we have with

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4870 Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m surprised that the Premier doesn’t know if there are any more or may be any more. I don’t know if it’s that there are so many that the Premier can’t remember if there are more, or if it doesn’t matter, but I’ll go on. During our recent televised hearings on the public accounts, my colleague from Iqaluit-Manirajak asked a number of questions about the government’s potential liability in relation to lawsuits.

For an example, Nunavik Tunngavik Incorporated did sue the federal government, and they had a settlement out of court. That settlement out of court costs the federal government 225.5 million, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated receive 175 million. Can the Premier clarify how much NTI stands to receive in damages from the Government of Nunavut’s public funds if a lawsuit is successful? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to mention we do have a very healthy relationship with our partner of NTI.

We have been advancing some very key issues. Most recently on the health front, we’ve seen some huge headway of partnerships of what we can do when we put our resources together. I am very excited to be able to be meeting with the leadership in beautiful Baker Lake in just a few weeks’ time where we are hoping to endorse some more work plans. To the member’s question, that was a hypothetical question. I am not in a position to be able to respond to a hypothetical question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak. Mr. Lightstone.

Question 818 – 6(2): Contract Employees (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Human Resources and they regarding the return to oral question that was provided February 27, and the subject was “Contract Positions in the Public Service.” Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that operational requirements will necessitate utilization of personal service contracts, or casuals, casual staffing actions.

I realize that, and I am not against the use of casuals or contract employees when appropriate, however my concerns lay with CSAs who eventually become eligible to receive their five-year long- term service pins for recognition. My concerns lay with departments where contracting practices extend beyond the original intent and become perpetual in nature. My concerns lay with entire divisions or services becoming dominated by contract employees. So for my first question, does the Minister of Human Resources share my concerns with regard to contract employees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4871 Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your question. (interpretation ends) Your question is quite valid indeed, but we also have to think as to why we have contracts within any department within the government. We have control over these contracts, so we have to ensure that the proper service is provided within the departments.

In terms of how we can have better control, I think we do need to look at that a bit more in terms of the departments as well, but when the member had asked the question in the House in terms of whether contractors have supervisory role, we made it clear that such things are not happening and it shouldn’t be tolerated in any department, so that is the answer that I will provide. I’m not sure where the member is going in terms of any other contracts that we might not be aware of, but we can certainly look into the issue. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone.

Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do appreciate the minister’s response with regard to the necessity for more control over this matter, and again, I just want to reiterate my concerns are not with contractors in general; it’s when contracting becomes perpetual or becomes dominant in a specific division or service that’s provided. Mr. Speaker, for my next question, as this has been an ongoing issue, I would like to ask: does the Department of Human Resources currently, or previously, have they ever been monitoring the number of contracted positions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you for your question. (interpretation ends) When I look at my department specifically, I do recognize the contracts that come through, especially the shorter ones that I see, or for whatever it may be for. In terms of other departments, I do agree, we need a better control in that area, but in terms of how many or how long those contracts are for other departments, I don’t have that information.

I could certainly look into that, but like I said, it’s going to take some time to look at those contracts. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister’s response. I’m not requesting a detailed listing of contract positions. That is quite freely available through the procurement activity report. I was just asking if the Department of Human Resources was or has been monitoring that situation.

In the response to the oral question, the minister stated that personal service contracts are not contracts of employment and must not inadvertently establish employee/employer relationship between the Government of Nunavut and the individual, and further, that these that contracts must not be used to circumvent regular recruitment and hiring processes. The minister in the last sentence states that the Department of Human Resources will work with government departments to ensure that

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4872 these rules are understood and that we do not have contracts fulfilling tasks beyond their authority. For my last question, I would like to ask: how will the Department of Human Resources be working with the departments in this area to ensure that contractors are not fulfilling tasks beyond their authority, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Human Resources. Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for raising this question.

The Department of Human Resources is always working with government departments when we have concerns at a workplace, and sometimes there’s a conflict that needs to be resolved here. Improvements can be made in our meetings and our DMs are listening to the views expressed, considering ways in which we can best fix things, and you can look further into those concerns that may be. Thank you. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 819 – 6(2): Caribou Management in the Kivalliq (Simailak) Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) Now that it is the month of March, caribou will be gathering together to try to become a herd, and so this morning my questions are for the Minister of Environment. Mr. Speaker, I want to revisit the important issue of caribou management by following up on questions that I had asked during our recent fall sitting. At that time, I noted that the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board had exchanged correspondence with the federal Minister of Environment concerning the federal government’s proposal to list barren-ground caribou as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act.

When I raised this issue with the minister, he stated that our government opposes the decision. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of this process? 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. There have not been any changes to our Government of Nunavut opposition to list barren-ground caribou as threatened. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for your response.

I’m assuming that they are using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as well to get to that. I do support the department. Mr. Speaker, I again want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Kivalliq members of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board. Can the minister update me on what discussions he and his department are currently having with the board concerning the species at risk listing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4873 Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Environment will continue to engage with Environment Climate Change Canada in the listing process of barren-ground caribou and Environment will also continue to communicate our government’s position on this listing proposal based on the best available science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit knowledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In the minister’s letter dated September 22, 2022 the federal Minister of Environment wrote that he had directed his officials to, “integrate range-wide concerns with herd level nuances within one overarching recovery strategy.” Can the minister describe what work is being undertaken to support hunters and trappers organizations in the Kivalliq to participate in the herd management and recovery plans? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Environment, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for that question. Mr.

Speaker, we do work closely with the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board. We do have jurisdictional communication with the other jurisdictions for information sharing on the herds. In terms of the hunters and trappers organizations, they are the first point of contact for our department to engage managing tools or any decisions or, not decisions, but management areas on how we can better manage the caribou around the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 820 – 6(2): Office of the Fire Marshal (Brewster) Ms.

Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the Minister of Community and Government Services will be departing shortly for the Arctic Winter Games, so I put in some overtime yesterday catching up with the latest annual report that he tabled yesterday concerning the Office of the Fire Marshal. Mr. Speaker, when I first applied for the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program, that was one of my first choices and I ended up at Health. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by paying tribute to all of the full-time and volunteer firefighters here in the City of Iqaluit.

Our community’s first responders put their own safety on the line and we owe them a sincere debt of gratitude. Mr. Speaker, as Members of the Legislative Assembly, we need timely and accurate information with which to make informed decisions concerning departmental budgets and business plans. Although I appreciate the minister making the effort to table the Office of the Fire Marshal’s 2022 annual report in the House yesterday, I’m concerned that

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4874 it took almost 15 months for the report to be prepared. Can the minister clearly explain the reasons for the delay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the member for the question. Mr.

Speaker, our department, we do deal with different annual reporting requirements and that requires coordination with, whether it involves other entities and/or divisions within the department and we do heavily rely on our Policy Division that have to review and ensure that the materials are well put together and ready for public consumption, Mr. Speaker. We have experienced some challenges in this area but we wish to make sure that we do better in this area on making sure our reports are filed in a timely fashion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms.

Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister and my colleagues know very well, I take pride in beginning every meeting that I Chair with a safety briefing for members and staff. I was happy to note that the fire marshal’s report talks about public education and outreach activities to encourage every Nunavut household to have a home escape plan. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and I strongly believe that to be the case when it comes to fire prevention. Mr.

Speaker, Nunavut homeowners are encouraged to minimize the risk of environmental damage to their property resulting from oil tank spills by taking advantage of the government’s program for heating oil tank replacements, and the Department of Environment provides a valuable service by offering free oil tank inspections. The Nunavut Housing Corporation is currently working towards the release of an updated range of home ownership support programs.

Can the minister indicate how his department is working with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to ensure that its programs include support for homeowners in the area of fire prevention such as acquiring and maintaining home fire extinguishers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, these fuel tank inspections of our fuel tank storage systems require ongoing maintenance and regular check-ins and that applies not just for homeowners, but also our public facilities. Mr.

Speaker, my department and staff continue to work and track to make sure if there are any building deficiency or repairs required, and this involves working with all stakeholders in this area, whether it’s Nunavut Housing Corporation. As for specifics, I’ll have to check back what activities and/or work with Nunavut Housing Corporation for homeowners is available, but I’m confident my department tries to do outreach with all relevant people that need to have relevant information regarding this because we want to avoid

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4875 and mitigate any spills because clean-up costs will be much more than needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I sincerely encourage the minister to work with Nunavut Housing Corporation to talk about the possibility of helping homeowners acquire fire extinguishers. Mr. Speaker, the Office of the Fire Marshal’s most recent annual report indicates that there were over 80 fires in the city of Iqaluit between January 01, 2021 and December 31, 2022.

I’ve spoken before in this House about the human impact that fires have had, especially in circumstances where families lose their homes. Can the minister highlight some of the specific work that the Office of the Fire Marshal is presently engaged in with the City of Iqaluit’s fire department to reduce the number of fires in our community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, and I would like to take this time to also acknowledge and appreciate all our frontline workers in making sure fire prevention and education is a priority for everyone. An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Hon. David Joanasie: I think it’s a message that we can all relay to our constituents. Mr. Speaker, my department and the fire marshal’s office work with all municipal fire departments, including the City of Iqaluit. There’s training provided and we also want to equip every fire department with what they need in order to, not just educate, but also prevent fires from happening.

In which case, when they do happen, Mr. Speaker, we want to mitigate loss of life and/or the assets; the houses. These are things that we need to protect and we will continue to maintain this message for Nunavummiut on an ongoing basis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 821 – 6(2): School Repairs Needed in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I go on to ask my oral question, I would like to say my apologies to the Family Services minister. I just realized I saw the email. Sometimes we do make mistakes, Mr.

Speaker, but it helps us to better ourselves, so I’ll move on. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services. When the Premier visited Taloyoak a short time ago, I was pleased to show him around the Netsilik School and see the condition it is in. At that time, the principal showed a number of areas in the school which needed repair and updating. Can the minister describe what process should be followed when work orders are submitted for repair work in Nunavut schools? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4876 Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. My department works very closely with the Department of Education on maintaining school facilities, and there are established processes in place regarding work orders, but Mr. Speaker, both departments do prioritize safety for school users, including students, staff, volunteers, the district education authorities, and the third-party program users.

We do have departmental facilities maintenance staff that review prioritize those work orders. We will continue to work with the Department of Education and all parties to ensure those work orders are done in an efficient and timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of repairs needed at the Netsilik School to make sure the area is safe. As just one example, there are a number of cracks in the flooring which need to be fixed with the installation of new tiles. Mr.

Speaker, the principal indicated that work orders had been submitted, but nothing has progressed. A contractor has been into the school to assess the scope of work, but as there are no work materials available in the community, the contractor has not returned. Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify how his department follows-up on work order requests to ensure that supplies are made available so that repair work can proceed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My department does experience some challenges around resolving outstanding service requests if there is a work order in and it hasn’t been followed up with, in which case the member points the materials there, but maybe there is no labourer available to do the work, or vice versa. We do try to coordinate to make sure the work is done, again, in a timely manner, but I can assure the member and this House that our department does make do with what they do have and will continue to increase our efficiencies in this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: You second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr.

Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important for the health and safety of school staff and students that necessary repairs are repaired at the Netsilik school without any further delay. Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to working with his staff to make sure that the repairs are completed at the Netsilik School in Taloyoak as soon as possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the member for pressing on this area because health and

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4877 safety is a priority here and we do try to address each issue that is brought before the department. Regarding the Netsilik School in Taloyoak, I will commit to bringing updates to my colleague and to make sure that work gets done and I look forward to having satisfied school users so that the building can be used to its best possible potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 822 – 6(2): Elders Strategy (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Premier.

Yesterday the Premier made a minister’s statement and tabled the elder strategy and unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to go over it in detail as of yet. Within the minister’s statement that the Premier made yesterday, there are 89 action items identified within the strategy and the Premier made an announcement on one of those. Mr. Speaker, what are some of the other low hanging fruit items that will be prioritized for implementation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank my colleague for that question and that interest. I really encourage him to read the comprehensive Elder Care Strategy because it really is grounded from the elders themselves. Mr. Speaker, there are five goals: • Aging in Nunavut • Protecting Our Elders • Improving Programs and Services to Support Our Elders • Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit • Healthy Communities Within those are the 89 action items that have been listed. Right now, we just laid out the strategy.

We will be reaching out to municipalities as well as not-for- profits to encourage members to play a role around those, so specifically transportation is one where we heard directly from the regular members, who were very paramount to that, as well as the elders in those regional gatherings. As I noted, there were 73 elders from across the territory that were brought together to talk about their experiences. That transportation is one where we mobilized very quickly, realizing the challenges around sealift.

To the member’s question, I can’t specify exactly what the next one is, but there are many low hanging fruits that I am looking forward to bringing business cases through the appropriate channels through cabinet and through FNB that I look forward to getting the support from the regular members moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the Premier for that response. I will look forward to seeing an action plan to the strategy and I can assure the Premier I will be reading the

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4878 document with much detail. I just got it this morning, so I didn’t have a chance to go over it in detail yet, but I can assure him that I will be. Mr. Speaker, what administrative support will be provided or created to support implementation of this strategy and the subsequent action plan necessary to be able to measure progress on this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree.

My colleague reads every document and I could assure I very look forward to the solutions he will bring as well to that. Mr. Speaker, we are looking at creating a secretariat. That is something that has been identified directly in the strategy to measure progress and to bring accountability to seeing where we are in terms of the status of the implementation of the strategy. We are looking to have that housed at Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, but that is the key one that I do see in terms of the next steps of the implementation of the strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: You second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for the commitment. We had received correspondence through the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts of a list of all of the elders the Premier had mentioned that participated in the consultations in the development of the strategy. One thing that I noted is it was based upon a question of stakeholders and participants.

So the Premier gave a very detailed listing of the elders that participated, but there weren’t any details on any other entities or stakeholders that participated in the consultation process, such as hamlets or other contractors, social workers, or other health professionals and other entities that are related to delivering either elder services or have interest in such. I would just like to get some confirmation from the Premier of what other stakeholders participated in these consultations.

I fully recognize the voice of the elders needed to be heard, and that is what we heard the document came from, but there are also other aspects of service delivery and partners that, in my opinion, needed to participate in this consultation process as well. I would just like to get a little bit more detail from the Premier on who else participated in this consultation in the development of that final report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, that is a very good question coming from my colleague.

We did consult extensively with our partners. Nunavut Tunngavik was consulted throughout the whole process, right from the beginning all the way through to the completion of the document and I look forward to their involvement throughout, where we could really mobilize our limited resources to ensure we help our elders that are in our communities that desperately need the

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4879 extra services that are there to live with dignity. We did reach out to not-for-profits as well. I have committed right in the plan that that engagement will continue. The real work is really just starting with the implementation of that strategy. I am committing to work with the hamlets, so there will be correspondence coming to all of the hamlets. We consulted with every department and corporation throughout the government because it will require a whole-of-government approach to determine what extra supports are needed, what experiences are there from what we heard.

The consultations were very extensive and the review was very extensive, but the work is just starting now with the rollout. I was very pleased to be able to kickstart that with the vans that I know will transform and change the lives of our elders to get that dignity back. I look forward to involving the regular members as I have right from the beginning, as we are rolling out the implementation of the strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Aggu, Ms. Quassa. Question 823 – 6(2): Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation (Quassa) Ms.

Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to say “good day” to the women of Nunavut. (interpretation ends) My questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and they concern the recent meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Transportation.

As the minister will recall, the official announcement from this meeting indicated that “Ministers discussed the vulnerabilities of northern, remote and rural transportation networks … they anticipate increased infrastructure pressures in northern regions due to warmer and shorter winters, including a shortened winter road season.

As such, they discussed how ongoing investments made by federal, provincial and territorial governments can improve the safety, reliability and resiliency of northern, remote and rural transportation networks.” A number of my colleagues have spoken about such strategic transportation initiatives as the Kivalliq Intercommunity Road Project. As the minister is well aware, the residents of Igloolik and Sanirajak have spoken for many years about the idea of an all-season road link between the two neighbouring communities. Can the minister clearly explain how his department can support this idea? Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would very much like to thank the member for this question. She follows through the proceedings of what we are doing for the Whole of Canada Plan. In the north, we have been pushing forward with the provinces and they are now providing support for this. Also, during our

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4880 meeting, we had urged the federal Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Finance in terms of the National Trade Corridors Fund and Oceans Plans. We want to have these programs for communities because they are the ones that provide support to Nunavut. We have been continually asking and talking to our federal counterparts, but we don’t have a new plan, but also, we have been talking about the transportation initiative of the road project. As a government, we will push and urge, and work with the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Quassa. Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you minister. Since we live on an island, even before the ice forms, we are landlocked and are stranded literally on an island. As the minister will recall, the official announcement from the recent federal- provincial-territorial meeting also indicated that “Northern residents, including many Indigenous communities, often rely on air travel for essential services, including medical travel, all-season resupply, economic development and tourism.

Ministers discussed the changing environment in the air transportation sector. They will continue to work with industry stakeholders to ensure that reliable, competitive and affordable air services are available in northern, remote and rural communities across Canada.” Mr. Speaker, both the minister and I represent remote North Baffin communities. The cost of air travel is prohibitively expensive for most of our constituents. Can the minister describe what specific actions he has considered to make air travel more affordable for Nunavummiut? Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr.

David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for giving me an opportunity to discuss some of the immediate concerns that we really have with federal regulations. There are two that are coming. One is already here and the other is in discussions. The first one is on pilot fatigue and the fly times that are substantially reduced due to southern standards. The north that we live in, the places where we’re going and the alternates that pilots need to make, are vast. When southern regulations are implemented in the north, it doesn’t make sense.

In discussions with Canadian North in terms of the distance that they have to fly and the time zones that have to fly, that has an immediate impact in that they told me it’s a 30 percent increase in terms of their operations. That is concerning and that is something that I’ve continued to press with the federal government to look at north of 60 and in a special way, because how we operate and the airport being the only road system, it has a huge impact. The other impacts that are coming forward are discussions about the

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4881 approaches. In terms of, typically it’s half a mile before a plane is not allowed. Now we’re looking at European standards which are two miles. Just imagine in our winter years, in our changes of season, how much interruption that’s going to have in every one of our airports, and so those are the real discussions that we had in that meeting. I also try to have regular meetings with the federal minister about these very issues that are going to have huge cost implications to our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Quassa.

Ms. Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister. Yes, it’s true, and I am very pleased that you are discussing this matter with your federal counterparts, and I urge you to make sure that they rectify this issue.

As the minister will recall, the official announcement from the recent federal- provincial-territorial meeting also indicated that “Ministers discussed the need for predictable, flexible, long-term funding to help with the rehabilitation, and upgrades required for the roads, airstrips and bridges network.” As the minister is aware, both airports in Igloolik and Sanirajak need repairs and upgrades. Can the minister clarify what commitments the federal minister made at this meeting for increased funding for the Airports Capital Assistance program? (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This topic was very united from the provinces and territories; those that have northern and remote airports. It’s one that I continue to advocate that there should be a northern airports capital assistance program.

Ever since I became the Minister for Transportation, having seen their own audit report, which called for a northern airports capital assistance program, that I’ve been trying to stress that with our federal minister and ensure that we do get out fair share and that we do get real investment within our territories. That’s something that I will continue to advocate for.

As part of these provincial-territorial meetings that we had, that northern component that my colleague just mentioned was so high on the agenda that one of the tasks that we did is that we are going to have our deputy ministers develop a work plan and a work task to report for next year, and this summer they will be meeting in Yellowknife to do that work, because we need to ensure that we help the federal minister get the right information needed in order for him to get support from his federal colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok.

Question 824 – 6(2): Motor Vehicles Division (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I just want to say Happy

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4882 International Women’s Day to all the women in Nunavut and my colleagues here in the House. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have raised concerns about this issue related to motor vehicles testing and licensing. As the minister is aware, his department’s main estimates indicate that there are a total of eight positions in the Motor Vehicles Division.

Can the minister indicate today which of these positions are located in the Kitikmeot region and can he confirm which of these positions are currently vacant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can speak for my department in terms of we have three positions in Gjoa Haven. From the current information that I do have, there is one vacancy.

As for driver’s licence capability, in order to ensure that we make it faster, we have relied on our government liaison officers and those are in every of the Kitikmeot communities, and I don’t know if there are vacancies from that perspective. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: First supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for the response. In recent years, the department has been working to provide training so that more residents of communities are qualified to provide driver education and testing.

Can the minister confirm how many residents of Kugluktuk are certified to provide driver education and testing services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can verify that Kugluktuk is one of the communities that do have local examiners, but I don’t have the details in terms of how many there are. I will want to confirm that we have driver examiners within the community of Kugluktuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: You second and final supplementary. Mr. Anavilok. Mr.

Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for the response. As the minister is aware, he is legally required under

section 328.1 of the Traffic Safety Act to table an annual report in the Legislative Assembly. These reports contain important information that are of interest to all Members of the Legislative Assembly and to the driving public. As the minister will recall, he tabled the 2020 report in the House on November 8, 2022. Can the minister explain the reasons for the delay in tabling the 2021 and 2022 annual reports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4883 Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You’ll be happy to find out that I said there was one vacancy in Gjoa Haven. I need to correct myself. As we are living in real time, all three positions are now filled, Mr. Speaker. In terms of your question in terms of what delays are the result of not tabling it, one of our key issues is trying to get the data put together. There are different datasets, so that’s one of the challenges that we are having, and I want to assure this House that I have tasked my staff to get this tabled document ready for this House.

Once it’s ready and able to be presented, it will be presented, but I want to assure my colleagues that we are working on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Question 825 – 6(2): Granular Management (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day and happy Friday to all Nunavummiut. Staff will be home for the weekend and I envy the people who will be sewing, cleaning, and going out hunting and going on the land. I am happy that the weekend is coming this morning. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to ask some questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services before he leaves to attend the Arctic Winter Games. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I am very pleased that we’ re going to be building houses in my constituent ridings and the construction will start in the fall. Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) as the minister will appreciate, it is essential that adequate supplies of high-quality gravel are available in both communities, which is necessary for proper lot development.

Can the minister confirm when his department last undertook quarrying studies in the communities of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq to determine available quantities of granular materials? (interpretation) Maybe I didn’t say it properly in English, but that was my question. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to thank the member for bringing that issue up. The communities are looking forward to having construction done in their communities and we do have to have granular material available.

Community and Government Services has done studies in different communities, including Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River, however, Mr. Speaker, some of the hamlet council are working on providing granular material and some haven’t but it is something that we’re bringing forward, including having discussions with the hamlet council. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have been waiting quite a long time in the communities of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq.

We have been waiting patiently to get construction started in our communities

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4884 and we don’t want not having granular material to deter construction in the communities. Mr. Speaker, (interpretation ends) as the minister is aware, his department recently introduced a new Granular Crushing Equipment Program. I support this program, Mr. Speaker, which is intended to help municipalities “maintain and develop land, and support local infrastructure projects by ensuring the availability of granular material.” Am I correct, Mr. Speaker? (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: “Granular material.” Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie.

Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I smile at you. Sometimes it’s hard to pronounce some of the English words and sometimes it gets my eyes crossed. Mr. Speaker, in January 2024, we have identified one granular program for Baker Lake, and we are also working with other departments and entities and have also set some funds aside to do pilot projects at the hamlet-level. We want to help all the communities all at the same time, but there are limits to the amount of money that we can use for those types of projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: You second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had forgotten to ask my question, so please listen carefully. >>Laughter This is a learning experience for me, and I had forgotten to ask my question. Can the minister confirm if his department has received applications from either of my constituent communities of Clyde River or Qikiqtarjuaq under this program? Mr.

Speaker, the current business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation indicates that “Both Qikiqtarjuaq and Sanikiluaq have been identified as priority airport sites requiring surface upgrades, drainage improvements and replenishment of their respective airport gravel stockpiles.

Project applications for each site will be developed for the Airport Capital Assistance Program and are anticipated for submission by the end of March 2024.” Can the minister describe how his department is working with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation with respect to Qikiqtarjuaq’s airport gravel stockpile? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respect the member for using Inuktitut in our House, and I wish for her to continue on that path. >>Applause Mr.

Speaker, my department continues to work with all the relevant parties, including Economic Development and Transportation. The importance of a consistent granular supply to maintain

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4885 and expand each community in maintaining their airport runways, city or municipal roads, and/or development for new construction, I’m aware that Economic Development and Transportation has separate funding pots that they pursue for the airport development purposes, and municipalities have also our funding programs that the department provides. For Qikiqtarjuaq, I’ll have to continue to work with the municipality there as well as Economic Development and Transportation as they address the needs for the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions.

Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 826 – 6(2): Annual Report of Nunavut Arctic College (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College and specifically with regard to the college’s annual report. I would like to raise some concerns with the annual report; more specifically, Mr.

Speaker, for a number of years I have pointed out that Nunavut Arctic College does not include information, key performance indicators commonly used in the public postsecondary sector, and such important integral information such as graduate rate and rate of employment in their field of study upon graduation. Like I said, universities, colleges, and trade schools use these indicators to boast about the quality of their programs. Mr.

Speaker, I’ve raised my concerns over this issue with Nunavut Arctic College for a number of years, and I expect that the college would provide the minister with this information so I assume that he has this information on hand. So for my first question I would like to ask: what is the current graduation rate and rate of employment for graduates as of the previous academic school year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for his continuous advocacy for the students across our territory.

Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College has faced several challenges in its journey towards building a robust data management system for its educational services. We do appreciate the member’s concerns raised, and the college does not have that information readily available at this time, and we are committed to building a robust system as we have information technology systems within our Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also note that the annual report, although it does highlight a lot of positive stories with regard to the achievements that the college had made throughout that year, but I also note that it is all words and no substance. The annual report used to provide detailed information on the number of students per campus and per program.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4886 The most recent annual report does highlight some information with regard to the number of grads and some of the programs, and some programs it does not, and in some programs, it does highlight the number of students enrolled in the program and some programs it does not. What surprised me the most, Mr. Speaker, was the Department of Education’s annual report contained more information about Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunavut Teacher Education Program, students enrolled and students graduated in the same year, that was not provided in the annual report of the college. Mr.

Speaker, I’m quite surprised that Nunavut Arctic College board of directors and the minister would approve an annual report that excludes basic information such as number of students and the number of grads. For my next question, I would like to ask the minister: why was this basic information not included in the annual report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question.

The Department of Education has a different information management system which is different from Nunavut Arctic College. In terms of the annual reports that I tabled during the fall sitting, which produced 2020-21 to 2022-23, that level of providing information; the number of graduates and the number of students, are something that Nunavut Arctic College is currently trying to achieve. We’re still in the process of implementing and creating a student information system which will help us to provide more clarity, transparency to the public and to our audience.

Nunavut Arctic College continues to address that issue and I am certain, and I hope, that that much needed student information system will be readily available and once that is available, I’m sure the current government or the next will have a plan for that system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Nunavut Arctic College’s annual report used to contain information about the number of students enrolled and number of graduates, and prior to the pandemic, the annual report seems to indicate the average number of students was in the 500 to 600 range, and I believe that number reduced to 400 during the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, like I said, this is very common and I believe Nunavut Arctic College is most likely the only college in Canada that, if not one of the only colleges in Canada, that does not provide this information publicly.

Looking at the largest university in Canada, the University of Toronto, they have nearly 100,000 students and they are able to produce this information. Their graduation rate is 79 percent. Their rate of employment in-field study within six months is 86 percent, and their rate of employment in the field of study two years after graduation is 92 percent. Mr. Speaker, it’s very easy to get this information; voluntary surveys,

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4887 statistics, to come up with this, but I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for Nunavut Arctic College to count a few hundred students without sophisticated IT systems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I don’t understand why the college can’t do that, so I would like to ask: why is the college unable to count a few hundred students without this IT equipment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for the question. We recognize the gap needs to be addressed. As the member indicated, my officials are certainly watching these proceedings, and I can direct them to find a robust system that can be very useful.

In terms of the college not being able to provide this information, we are certainly the only postsecondary institute in our territory, and it’s the largest in Canada, and we can certainly adopt and use information from other jurisdictions which, I can also direct my staff to reach out to other provinces and territories as to how we can introduce a student information system that will be useful for Nunavut Arctic College. To the member’s question, why those numbers are not included, I do not have that definitive answer.

It predates my time before my coming into the Sixth Assembly, but I can certainly speak to my staff on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 827 – 6(2): WSCC Initiatives (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you for recognizing me again, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to, before I start, thank our Member of Parliament, Lori Idlout, for all the hard she and her team did to ensure that all of our athletes could get their passports… An Hon. Member: Hear, hear! Ms. Brewster: …in order to go to the AWG. Thank you so much, Ms. Idlout. Mr.

Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. I want to follow up today on issues that I last raised with the minister over a year ago during our 2023 Winter Sitting. As the minister is aware, I formally had the honour of serving as Nunavut’s Workers’ Representative on the Government’s Council of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. I will take this opportunity to pay tribute to the good work that is done by the commission staff here in Iqaluit and other communities across the two territories that they represent. Mr.

Speaker, I was very happy to express my support for the recent announcement that the new President of the Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission will be a resident of Iqaluit. That’s great news for us. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of the transition process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4888 Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for the question. (interpretation ends) I, too, am very excited for the president from Iqaluit. In previous times, we’ve had the president in NWT, but we work closely with NWT and of course it’s very exciting to have a first president based here in our region, and also the great work that all the workers do here in the Iqaluit office as well.

At this current time, our president has been travelling both to Yellowknife just to get an overview of how things work in that area, but also how well we work together closely in both territories. At this current time, he is based right here in Iqaluit. I’m not sure of what other question you had asked, but do ask away. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll reassure that the minister that she did respond to my question about the transition to working here in Iqaluit. Thank you for that.

As the minister will recall, I asked her questions over a year ago about the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s proposal to make major legislative changes to the current pension system for workers. This is an example of mirror legislation. As we all know, that will need to be introduced and considered in the legislatures of both territories. At that time, the minister was hopeful that a bill would be introduced in the near future. However, I recognize that last year’s wildfires in the Northwest Territories resulted in their general election being delayed, along with a number of other initiatives.

Can the minister provide a clear timeline today for when she expects to introduce this legislation into the House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for your question. (interpretation ends) The new pension system that you are referring to, it was reviewed by the NWT, and also was approved in early 2023 in the NWT, is what I’m stating. For this government it was… . Apologies.

When we’re talking about the issues that we did face with the election as well, I’m just kind of slowing back in terms of the system being… was submitted, is what I am trying to say. That was a bit of a delay there, but in terms of the proposal for the new pension system, it was reviewed by Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services in the first quarter and approved, and the Nunavut government in the second quarter of the fiscal year. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplement, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am a little bit confused by that response, and I’ll take it up with the minister outside of the House.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4889 I spoke earlier about the positive news that the new president of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission is being based here in Iqaluit, and I hope to see enhancements in the office to support that role. Can the minister confirm how many positions in the commission’s Iqaluit office are filled and how many are currently vacant? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I also thank you for your question. (interpretation ends) I’m not sure if you’re referring to the actual staff or the council? Staff? I’ll have to get back to the member on how many staff we have here in Iqaluit. There are quite a few, but I will certainly provide the numbers when I can. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The time allotted for question period is now over. Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to request that we extend the oral question time. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend question period? Are there any nays?

There is a nay. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Return to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing of Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 260 – 6(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation 2022-23 Annual Report (Kusugak) Tabled Document 261 – 6(2): NHC Contracting and Procurement Activity Report 2023 (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to table two reports, almost to the day: • The Housing Corporation’s 2022-23 Annual Report; and • The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2023 Contracting and Procurement Activity Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 14. Notices of Motions. Item 15. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40 with Mr. Savikataaq in the Chair. Before we proceed with the Committee of the Whole we’ll take a 10-minute break.

Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 11:16 and Committee resumed at11:28

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4890 Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Savikataaq): Good morning. I would like to start our Committee of the Whole meetings here. We’ll call the meeting to order. In the Committee of the Whole we have the following items to deal with: Bills 37, 38, 39, and 40. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to continue with the review of the 2024-25 Main Estimates for the Department of Family Services and then return to the Department of Education. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Are we in agreement to first deal with Bill 37? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 37 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2024-2025 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Okay. I’d like to ask Minister Nakashuk, do you have any officials who would like to appear before the committee? Ms. Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: Yes, please. Chairman: Does the committee agree to let the minister’s officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials to the witness table. We’re here on Family Services, income assistance. Oh, sorry.

For the record, Minister Nakashuk, if you could introduce your guests to the committee. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my right, and your left, is my Deputy Minister Jonathan Ellsworth, and the Director of Corporate Services, Dwayton Tonge, will be here shortly. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We’re here to deal with Family Services, Income Assistance. L-6. Members go to L-6, and the first person on my list is Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

My first question is, the department has implemented a number of reforms to the Income Assistance Program in recent years. Are any further amendments being considered for this upcoming fiscal year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The ones that we are planning to work on are the ones that will be coming up through the strategic framework. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Funding for the Senior Citizen

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4891 Supplementary Benefit and the Senior Fuel Subsidy will remain stable in 2024- 25. The business plan indicates that the process to apply for these programs has been simplified, on page 173 of the business plan. My question to the minister is: is it anticipated that more seniors will be eligible for support in 2024-25 with the simplified process? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for that question.

The budget for the Senior Fuel Subsidy is going to stay the same, but we have been considering ways to see if we can adjust the way elders get it because it is based on their income and we are looking to see how we can change it. We have also improved the petroleum products, working with the Petroleum Products Division, so that elders will not have to keep on asking for their fuel subsidy, so that has been adjusted, or amended in their application forms when they are applying for that kind of subsidy.

We have tried to simplify that application form and if I didn’t answer the question fully, my deputy minister can add to it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning. As I understand it, Mr. Chairman, the simplification process was around developing and identifying an approved list of elders so that they do not continuously have to apply for the subsidy. In addition to that, I understand that currently the allowance is not based on the cost of fuel, it’s volume of fuel.

So currently, eligible individuals are eligible for up to 4,000 litres in the year. What we are looking at presently in the department is the threshold. Right now, the income threshold is set at $100,000, and that is not a very high threshold, so we are concerned that perhaps some elders may not be eligible for it. So we’re reviewing that through the lens of our policy for this particular matter, and we hope to bring in amendments on that point to reflect the actual cost of living going forward, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr.

Chairman and I thank you for the response. Since the department introduced the Seniors Burial Benefit, how many families have applied for and received this benefit and to which communities? I know in the mains it says it’s South Baffin, but it’s eligible, from what I understand, to seniors across the territory. So I would just like to get a little bit more detailed information on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: Just to go back a bit to that… . (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize.

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4892 (interpretation ends) It’s a good question. When we first started bringing this up, there were a lot of issues, especially for Iqaluit, in terms of not getting the financial support when trying to work on burials for a family member or family members. We’ve tried to simplify it to ensure that for the senior burial supports, we do have a budget of $200,000 I believe, and this current year we’ve utilized up to $34,000. We’ve used the majority in Iqaluit.

I don’t have the current number, but we’ve also had to work with families to send some family member that might need to be buried in a different community if they live outside of the territory, like if they have passed and lived in Ottawa, for example, and they wanted the deceased senior to be buried in Pond Inlet, for example. I’m just giving that as an example, but we’ve helped in that area as well. I don’t have the actual numbers.

At the current time, the City Iqaluit has stepped in to provide more supports in that area as well so that had to kind of change the usage of the budget in that area, but we definitely are ensuring it’s not just Iqaluit that’s utilizing it, but we have this available for across the territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you. I thank the minister.

I’ll leave that alone right now, but I think that if the minister has an opportunity, I know there are a number of commitments that have been made to provide further detail after this appearance, so maybe if the minister could include a little bit more detailed information on that burial program and how it has changed and what type of services its adapted into, I would appreciate it. Another topic that’s been raised in this House a number of times is the Guaranteed Basic Income, and I know the department is reviewing its feasibility study.

My question would be, when will a decision be made on whether delivering a guaranteed basic income program is feasible in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for that question. (interpretation ends) I recommend the deputy minister to respond to that one if you allow. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So Mr.

Chairman, as the committee is aware, it was a very significant expenditure with regard to this particular project in the sense of ensuring that we understand the finer nuances of what a guaranteed basic income approach could look like. Mr. Chairman, many guaranteed basic income program models provide monthly cash transfer payments with less detailed income assessments, similar to the guaranteed income supplement for seniors and the Canada child benefit. Right now, the feasibility study has explored two overarching design

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4893 approaches, one of which is an income tax based basic income program, but it also explores how some program elements could be decentralized as well. If I understand the question correctly, you’re looking for timelines. As part of the elder strategy, one of our commitments at family services is to implement a guaranteed basic income. I suspect that it falls in line as well with the necessary legislative amendments that will be required within the Income Assistance Act. I’m aware that we currently have a policy intentions paper completed, the timeline of which will depend on the level of engagement that we have through the Katujjiqatigiinniq

article 32 policy. I suspect, however, that perhaps we should have some legislation ready, I don’t think in this session but, I think perhaps early on in the new government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to clarify; in the response, the witness mentioned an implementation plan. Does that mean the decision has been made to go to a guaranteed income? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right now, no.

Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The next person on my list: Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Chairman. I just want to get back to the question Mr. Hickes asked on burial services for seniors. First, I just want to share what some people experience in Kugluktuk on burials. There was a family that was trying to bury their loved one, and the burial services were being done by the Ilavut Centre in Kugluktuk, and usually every year they renew the contract, and this year they didn’t.

The hamlet had to take over and for that, being sometimes the hamlet has a lot of work on their hands and they found some people to dig the grave, I guess. The grave wasn’t done right and the family had to end up waiting to bury their loved one until the next day. I’m wondering if your department can get in on at that part where they find the burial service. I know that all the communities have a lot of income assistance people, and I’m thinking maybe to find individuals from the community to get that service or that contract or make it a… . I know it’s going to create jobs and get people off income support.

I’m just wondering if that would be possible for your department to get into that part to work on. Quana, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for asking that question. (interpretation ends) When we’re talking about the senior burial support, this is usually to cover the burial cost, for example, having to fly into the community when it’s from outside, or in terms of the

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4894 actual planning and preparation. In my understanding it is usually the local hamlets in the smaller communities, and for Iqaluit, they do have a different contractor that deals with that kind of thing, but in terms of the grave site and so on, I know that it’s usually done. I don’t know what it’s like in your community in terms of how they operate that, but for the supports that are in place for this specifically, like I mentioned, it’s mostly for travel of the deceased elder travelling into a community or planning the work in the community.

We can certainly look into it. I don’t know the details of how it works with hamlets, but maybe the deputy minister could respond more into the administration part of it. (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth: Thank you for that important point. We recognize that our communities face a diversity of challenges when it comes to taking care of their loved ones after they’ve passed.

Certainly, as part of an outreach, we would be more than happy to work with you, Sir, and with any community really, to identify ways that they can access funds and support closure in respect of their deceased loved ones. We’re committed to that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The KIA has this bereavement program for the Kitikmeot, and the way they have it is: they can either use the funds to ship a body from another community to where they want to have the burial service.

The other one is to have two individuals of the immediate family member come to the community to go to the funeral service if they’re in another community. The thing is they can only use one of those, and then that’s it. I’m wondering if this Seniors Burial Benefit, I wonder if it would be possible to maybe look into that too, to help out with that because right now they’re trying to work on having both of them, but it takes funds to get things going. I wonder if it’s possible for your department to also look into that and maybe help out. I know it will help the people in pretty much all of Nunavut.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Nakashuk. Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank you for asking that question. We can consider that, but I can’t commit to setting up anything right now. This is supposed to be for elders who passed away who were over 60 years of age and over and for the transportation of the body and it’s for the purposes of burial. We can look more into the matter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I just want to get into income assistance. I just want to go by some concerns that were experienced in Kugluktuk. The first thing I want to ask is: how is income support distributed

Friday, March 8, 2024 Nunavut Hansard 4895 right now? I know there’s a way in Kugluktuk, but in all of the communities, are all the communities different from the way the communities respond to life in general? How are income assistance funds delivered to the individuals that ask for assistance program? (interpretation) Thank you. Chairman