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Education is a lifelong process, and I commend all Nunavut students for their efforts to continue and wish them the very best as they begin preparing for upcoming assignments and examinations.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Hannah Suluk for her recent accomplishment.
Member’s Statement 156 – 4(2): Polar Bear Overpopulation (Mapsalak)
I rise today to speak to an issue that continues to spark debate amongst Nunavummiut and that issue pertains to polar bears.
Mr. Speaker, both of my constituency communities are inundated by a high population of polar bears, and the other community in my constituency has one of the highest populations of polar bears in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, due to this overabundance of polar bears at this time, some of our satellite islands where people go to hunt caribou has seen a drastic decline, as the islands are now overrun with polar bears. With the presence of polar bears, caribou have largely left these islands.
Mr. Speaker, what I want to state here is that if we were to follow the principles of IQ, which is something Inuit keep trying to reiterate on this issue of overpopulation of any species, it is not to allow it to continue to rise, but to decrease the population instead to a manageable level. It seems scientists pick and choose from traditional knowledge as they don’t seem to believe Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Mr. Speaker, with that being the case, the HTOs as well as hunters in our communities require more assistance to prove their observations, to have scientists put more faith in Inuit concerns about polar bear overpopulation, and to not simply fight any quota increase requests.
For that reason, at the appropriate time, I will be directing my questions to the Minister of Environment about polar bear overpopulation concerns.
Earlier, in my role as the minister, I made a Minister’s Statement regarding the parties who were involved in the human anatomy glossary outlining Inuktitut terms for parts of the body.
The relatives of some of the elders who partook in this initiative were able to attend on behalf of their elders, so I want to acknowledge and thank the following individuals who worked on this glossary.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the descendants of Nunngat Idlout. I want to welcome Hagar Idlout-Sudlovenick, Brenda Iqaluk, Jeffery Idlout, Kevin Illuarjuk Idlout; the descendants of Sami Qaumagiaq, Evie Qaumagiaq, Nala Qaumagiaq; and the descendants of a fellow Pauloosie, Pauloosie Kilabuk, Elisapee Kilabuk and Sheila Kilabuk.
I would like to acknowledge my son-in-law, who I am very proud of. He has worked very hard and helped tremendously. I am very proud of him.
I love him. I am very happy about him. I am proud to have him as a son-in-law.
I would like to stand and recognize someone who I met for the first time during my campaigning and I’ve had the opportunity to speak with her on a couple of other occasions. I hope very much that I’m working to her level of expectation. I would like to recognize Elisapee Kilabuk.
I’m sorry, Ms. Ell.
I, too, would like to recognize an individual who has already been recognized, but this individual has been a friend of mine for a very long time. When I had a sewing shop, she used to be my sewer. She is a very capable sewer, Elisapee Kilabuk, and I would like welcome her to the Gallery.
When I was a chair for Nunavut Economic Forum, she would attend the meetings. She is retired now. Hagar Idlout-Sudlovenick and her husband, welcome to the Gallery.
Her husband is not well known, but he is a qualified dentist. He does not practise that.
Welcome to the Gallery to all the visitors.
I have no more names on my list for sure this time. (interpretation ends) Item 6.
Oral Questions. (interpretation) Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Question 242 – 4(2): Communication in Health Care (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s Statement earlier, there are some concerns regarding the quality of health services being provided to residents.
Can the minister describe what steps are taken to ensure the quality control in our health centres, from the technology that is used, to the delivery of services, to the maintaining of accurate and up-to-date patient records?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank my colleague for asking those questions.
The Department of Health has been holding that portfolio for a year and we have a lot of initiatives to include services.
For example, in February, we started using a CT scan. Also, in the communities, we have a telehealth program in the future. We’re planning for digital services.
That’s what we’re planning.
That’s just an example. We are continually working on initiatives to improve the services.
I described the experience of a constituent who was wrongly diagnosed and ended up with a near heart attack.
Can the minister describe what steps are taken to review these kinds of situations and what steps are taken to ensure that this type of thing doesn’t happen again?
Regarding patients who have medical problems or if they would like further information, they could go to the Patient Relations Office to get their problem either rectified or have their concern worked on.
Should you have any problem, you can also talk to the head nurse.
There are three regional establishments where they have directors who can also direct your concerns to those individuals before you approach the Patient Relations Office.
If you exhaust all avenues and you do not get a response to the question, then you can approach other individuals.
When different health professionals visit the community for quick visits and make sudden changes to medications or other treatments that have been prescribed, this can have a very bad effect on a client’s long-term health.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the processes used by health staff to record vital information about a patient’s medication and health history and ensure that it is communicated effectively?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At times, it’s okay to see different doctors to get a second opinion.
However, if the patient goes to the nursing station and if they do not agree with the treatment or the services that are provided, they can approach the Patient Relations Office to post their complaint.
We have head nurses in each of the communities. You can also approach that staff.
That could also rectify the problem.
Member for Arviat, Mr. Savikataaq.
Question 243 – 4(2): Addressing the Need for Permanent Nursing Staff in Nunavut (Savikataaq)
Mr. Speaker, I am sure we all recognize that there are many challenges in staffing our health professional positions in Nunavut.
Can the minister provide an update on what concrete actions her department has taken to increase the number of permanent nurses in Nunavut and reduce the number of agency and casual nurses?
Mr. Speaker, the question raised by my colleague with respect to hiring more health care professionals in our communities, actually what I can state here is that we have approximately 65 percent (interpretation ends) occupancy rate (interpretation) of permanent nurse positions here in Nunavut.
In trying to meet the challenge of hiring more nurses in Nunavut, we collaborate with Nunavut Arctic College administration to fill positions in the Nursing Program in order to have more nurses from amongst Nunavummiut. Further, we have training courses available to our existing nursing staff.
At this time, we are planning to place the new graduates in either our local health centres or in the Department of Health offices to undertake their practicum, with a supervisor who is not necessarily their trainer.
This is called a (interpretation ends) practicum (interpretation) program that allows the graduates to work with a registered nurse for a set period prior to receiving their nursing certificate.
These are parts of our efforts to meet these challenges facing us. We also have a human resources position in our office who also serves as a recruitment officer for the vacant positions.
The most recent business plan for the Department of Health indicates that the Nunavut Nursing Recruitment and Retention Plan has been evaluated and will be revised.
Can the minister indicate what specific aspects of the plan will be revised?
I also thank my colleague for asking about that plan.
The staff member who serves as the nurse recruitment officer is a permanent position.
This will continue to be a priority here in Nunavut. The work of the officer ever since they took the position has, as I stated earlier, resulted in a 65 percent (interpretation ends) occupancy rate (interpretation) for the positions in our health centres throughout Nunavut.
That is what I can share with the member today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 244 – 4(2): Status of the New Wastewater System for Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
As the minister will recall, I previously asked him a number of questions regarding the new wastewater system for Sanikiluaq, which was approved several years ago.
On March 11 of 2014, the minister indicated that his department is working with the hamlet council to determine a site for the community’s new sewage lagoon.
The minister also indicated that finding an appropriate site may delay the planning and design of this project even further.
Can the minister indicate what progress has been made to initiate the lagoon project and what his department’s timeline is for the completion of it?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Community and Government Services, Hon. Minister Mr. Kuksuk. (interpretation) I’m sorry, Mr. Sammurtok.
I have been called a lot of names.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you for that question from the hon. member.
We have retained consultants to develop a design for the new sewage lagoon and there was some geotechnical investigation done.
However, the selected site at the time revealed unfavourable sewer conditions.
A geotechnical investigation of an alternate site was conducted this last summer of 2014.
That also revealed that it was unfavourable as well.
One of the ongoing reasons for these delays is, like the minister stated, the geotechnical data that’s required.
Now it seems it’s going to be delaying the project yet again.
Can the minister update us today on exactly what geo-tech data the department requires in order for the lagoon project to get started?
Further feasibility studies are being completed so that a decision can be made in February of 2015.
Question 245 – 4(2): Linking Students in Related Fields of Employment (Hickes)
I would like to direct my questions today to the Minister of Family Services, who is responsible for financial assistance for students.
Mr. Speaker, including today and over the last couple of days, there have been a number of Ministers’ Statements talking about scholarships, the Technical Professional Studies Scholarships, as well as the renewal of the Nunavut Job Fund and Job Grant. I know this government is taking the employment levels of our students and residents very seriously.
Earlier this year, I had asked some questions to the minister regarding the link and the strategy to meet up academic field of students with employment opportunities.
At the time, I made a quote from the public service annual report stating, “aimed at providing employment opportunities that will complement the academic programs of students thereby further encouraging students to complete their studies, develop critical skills” and build critical workplace skills that will contribute to full-time employment after graduation.
Mr. Speaker, at that time, the minister responded to me that she would look into it and try and work closely with departments in regard to students.
Mr. Speaker, as the minister responsible for Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students, they’re well aware of every course and every student and what they’re taking.
The opportunity to link up with employment opportunities is there. I would just like an update on the status of those discussions.
I thank my colleague for that question about the placement of students in positions.
The student work placement program is something we cooperatively manage with Nunavut Arctic College on vacant positions that students can work towards. We also have (interpretation ends) career development officers (interpretation) that work closely with the students who wish to work towards that.
While I recognize that there are agencies and professionals within the employment field that they work closely with, what I’m looking for is: are they making progress on actually linking student academic studies to job placements?
The students at Arctic College go through the career development officer to receive placements.
They can approach the career development officer.
That’s the only way I can respond to you.
I know Nunavut Arctic College works very closely with their students to try and match employment with their studies. Some of their courses are specifically tailored to individual roles.
I’m looking at, as just one example, the Technical Professional Studies Scholarship.
It links a number of different students that are taking a number of different professional studies that I know are not all at Nunavut Arctic College.
What is the minister’s department doing to link employment opportunities with students that are studying outside the territory taking professional diploma courses?
In wanting to develop a better understanding, the Department of Family Services is moving forward in developing job career opportunities.
I basically can only answer in that manner.
Question 246 – 4(2): The Need for an Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s statement, the need for an elders care facility in Rankin Inlet is growing.
I have heard from a number of sources that a proposal or blueprint for a 24-hour elders facility was prepared some time in the past couple of years and presented to the government.
Can the minister indicate if she is aware of the plan or proposal for a 24-hour elders care facility in Rankin Inlet and, if she is, can she tell us what its current status is?
Health is planning to repurpose eight underutilized beds in the Cambridge Bay Community Health Centre from acute care to long-term residential care.
The unit, we are hoping, would be converted to a fully equipped [facility], but at this time, renovations are not required and this would be a good stewardship of an existing government resource.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) That wasn’t the answer I was looking for, but I’ll go on to my second question.
Mr. Speaker, on March 6 of this year, the minister noted that elders over the age of 65 make up 3.5 percent of our population and that the number is growing. She further indicated that a needs assessment would be conducted to determine the long-term needs of Nunavutmiut.
Can the minister provide an update on the progress of the needs assessment she committed to?
Yes, Health has committed to a long-term needs assessment of elder care in Nunavut. This is our process that is taking place currently. We hope to have more information by the end of the year and have a report in the new year.
Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no doubt that the need for a 24-hour elders care facility in Rankin Inlet is becoming more and more critical.
It is very sad when elders are sent away to live down south because there is no place to care for them at home.
Will the minister commit to bringing home those elders who are being cared for in other jurisdictions as soon as an elders care facility is opened in Rankin Inlet?
We are always looking at how to bring elders to continuing care.
Part of that process is, as I stated in the House before, moving forward with new health facilities, trying to have respite care areas in new health facilities, as an example. The current idea to reuse the Cambridge Bay facility would open beds for those who are in facilities in the other regions once that would be opened.
Question 247 – 4(2): Generator Sets at Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, I have asked the minister about the replacement plans for the new Cape Dorset Power Plant. Today, I would like some information on what the current plant capacity is at.
Can the minister indicate how many power generators or gen. sets are currently in use at the Cape Dorset Power Plant and what is the total kilowatt output?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Okalik.
What is in use today is very dated and old. It is said that the first one can generate 540 kilowatts, the second one can generate 720 kilowatts, and the third one can have an output of 1,000 kilowatts. However, they also have an emergency generator in the event that any one of those fails.
Can the minister identify what the power usage peaks have been for the community in the last three years?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik.
It is stated that the present generation output of the power plant is just sufficient for the current population and will need more capacity very soon.
I understand that there are one or two smaller backup generators in place in case they need to be used in emergency cases so that there could be a backup generator.
Can the minister indicate if those backup generators have had to be used in the last three years?
Last year, the Qulliq Energy Corporation brought in two generators by sealift that could be utilized in case any one of the generators fails. They have not yet been used.
Question 248 – 4(2): Foxe Basin Polar Bear Population (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have raised concerns regarding polar bear populations in their regions.
Mr. Speaker, last year, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board held public hearings concerning the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board’s proposal to increase the total allowable harvest for the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation.
(interpretation ends) On August 24, 2014, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board signed a letter which indicated that its initial decision concerning the total allowable harvest was disallowed by the Department of Environment and that a new decision would be submitted to the department shortly after September 16, 2014.
Can the minister indicate if he has received a decision concerning the total allowable harvest of the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I will take the questions as notice.
Question 249 – 4(2): Designating a Minister for Elders’ Issues (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, last June, I asked the Premier whether he would consider designating a Minister responsible for Elders’ Issues.
Can the Premier indicate whether or not a decision has been made and, if not, can he explain why it is taking so long?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Taptuna.
I thank the member for the two questions.
No, we haven’t decided whether we are going to designate a minister specifically for that.
Mr. Speaker, I attended the Council of the Federation meeting in August in PEI. There were five major agenda items and aging was one of them.
Elders and aging is a concern throughout the nation, not just in Nunavut.
The population of elders is growing throughout our nation. At that time, premiers agreed that there would be a task force set up to investigate some of the impacts and how to best deal with it nationally.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier of Prince Edward Island is the lead on this. There is a task force formed and there will be consultations throughout the nation specifically on aging.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for your answer.
I hope the task force certainly does come up here and that we all have a chance to hear them out.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have made very passionate statements and persuasive arguments about the issues facing elders.
Many of my colleagues have tried to push the elder agenda forward only to have their questions deflected, as it is never clear which department has the lead in addressing the concerns that are raised.
Can the Premier clearly describe what is the long-term plan of this government with regard to elder issues?
(Interpretation ends) Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Taptuna.
Mr. Speaker, dealing with a situation like that, long-term plans for dealing with our elders, is not necessarily relegated to one department; it’s a whole number of departments.
As the member will note, there are a lot of factors that come into play, housing, income or retirement income, and a number of factors in long-term care that is necessary.
As my hon. colleague, the Minister of Health, has indicated, there is a needs assessment that is currently taking place at this level, at this time.
As my colleague had indicated, once the consultations are done, I know in fact that there has been contact with a couple of communities and a number of mayors and SAOs.
Hopefully, by the new year, we will have a needs assessment done for the better care of our elders.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, this is a national concern, so I look forward to speaking with my colleagues throughout the other jurisdictions to get a better understanding of what type of impacts we’ve got to deal with up north here.
In light of your response in regard to the program and service review, will the Premier to commit to this Assembly that we will have adequate programs and services in place for our growing population of elders before the end of our term?
It’s very difficult making these commitments because it does take some effort and a lot of partners are going to be involved, but certainly, we will do our best to make sure that we follow up on some of these on the plans that we have set forth.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, this is of national concern and we will certainly work with the other premiers and other jurisdictions, including the Government of Canada, to address these impacts.
Certainly, we will do our best efforts to make sure that programs are being put in place for elders.
In my rush to submit the document, I inadvertently made a mistake and I apologize for my mistake as that wasn’t intentional.
Mr. Speaker, I want to table this photograph that highlights the dilapidated conditions of the GN office in Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, my expectations are that our government officials will review this photograph and investigate the office conditions in that community at their earliest convenience.
Speaker (interpretation): We’re on Oral Questions.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): My apologies.
Speaker (interpretation): Let me try again.
Do you have an oral question?
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): No.
Question 250 – 4(2): Impact of Baker Lake School Closure (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, the project for a new school in Baker Lake has been pushed back in his department’s latest capital plan.
This is a big disappointment.
The school population in Baker Lake is growing very fast and when there is a school closure, such as the one caused recently by a fuel leak, the DEA has to find a space big enough to accommodate the number of school children.
Can the minister clarify how his department will reimburse the costs incurred by the local DEA to find an alternative location to deliver education services in Baker Lake while the school was closed down?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from Baker Lake for that question. I can, indeed, respond on this matter.
It is a pleasure to hear that the students in Baker Lake have returned to their school in the community.
Our expectations were that the issue would be resolved and that they would eventually return. Furthermore, I have been advised of their return.