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Member’s Statement 024 – 4(3): Healthy Workplaces in the Public Service (Angnakak)
I rise today to speak about the importance of fostering healthy workplaces in the public service.
Mr. Speaker, this is an issue that I have addressed on many occasions in this House, and it is one that has been receiving increasing amounts of public awareness and attention.
Mr. Speaker, as the Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, I have a significant number of constituents who work for our territorial government.
I want to take this time to salute their hard work and dedication to making Nunavut a better place in which to live.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s new Human Resource Strategy was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on November 4, 2014, almost a year ago.
This strategy contains many important goals with which I completely agree: “increasing and enhancing Inuit employment,” “implementing the Ethics Officer function,” and building a “respectful and productive workplace.”
Mr. Speaker, how could anyone disagree with any of these goals? The question is whether or not we are moving in the right direction.
Mr. Speaker, since being elected as the MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, I have been both surprised and disturbed at the number of GN employees who have come directly to me to resolve issues that are happening in their workplaces.
It is my practice to never turn away a person seeking help, so I have spent many hours listening to the concerns that many of them have expressed to me.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me that the structure and system that we have in place for resolving workplace conflicts and employee grievances simply is not working well.
Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues have spoken about such issues as the need to end nepotism and favouritism in the hiring process.
I believe that these things are wrong, wherever they occur and no matter who is involved or whatever their background.
Mr. Speaker, one of the major structural changes that were made before we were elected to the current Legislative Assembly was the dissolution of the standalone Department of Human Resources and the distribution of its functions and personnel to other departments.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement today.
Mr. Speaker, we have to ask ourselves some tough questions. Why was this change made?
Has it accomplished the goals for which it was made?
In solving some problems, has it created new problems that are actually worse?
Mr. Speaker, we remember that one of the main concerns with the previous structure was the length of time that it took to fill vacant positions, I believe almost 300 days.
I’m not convinced that the new structure has fundamentally fixed this problem, and I can see other areas in which things have gone backwards.
Mr. Speaker, by dividing the department’s functions and personnel between different entities, it has lost focus.
Training and development are in one area, but staffing is in another area.
These things are fundamentally linked, and I will continue to push for this matter to be reconsidered before the end of our term.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted earlier, I have spent many hours listening to the concerns and frustrations of individual employees who are involved in situations of workplace bullying, harassment, or other conflict.
As elected legislators, we are told that it is important for us to refrain from trying to directly interfere or meddle in the management of the government’s workforce so as to avoid politicizing human resources matters.
After all, that’s why we hire managers and that’s why we pay them well.
Mr. Speaker, the people who are coming to our offices in increasing numbers tell us that they have nowhere else to go.
Mr. Speaker, I will freely acknowledge that I don’t necessarily have the magic wand to address these issues today.
However, I think that we can make a step in the right direction by not pretending that things are just fine and that anyone who complains is simply a troublemaker.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to make it clear that I am by no way advocating in favour of workplaces with no rules or no consequences for poor performance, absenteeism, or other behaviour that is unacceptable.
What I am saying is that the system and process that we have for resolving disputes, conflicts, and grievances has to have the trust and confidence of its participants, and that trust and confidence is currently lacking.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I asked a lot of questions about the importance of appointing our new ethics officer in a timely manner.
Although I am not yet convinced that the position has all of the necessary tools and authorities to be effective, we will need to look at his first report to our Assembly in a very careful way.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say to my friend across the floor that this is one report that had better be tabled on time.
Mr. Speaker, we can divide our public service into a number of categories. We have unionized employees who pay dues to a union to represent their interests in grievances and other matters.
Although I have heard concerns that this representation may not be as effective as it should be, this is something that people can and should address directly when it comes to electing their representatives.
It’s like being an MLA. If we don’t perform, our voters will find someone else who will.
Mr. Speaker, the bulk of the concerns that have been brought directly to me involves casual employees and excluded employees.
We are told that the government has various conflict resolution directives in place and we are told that the government’s employee relations function will resolve problems that arise. However, it appears clear to me that these approaches are not working well.
Mr. Speaker, I sense a lack of confidence in the people to whom I talk about the effectiveness of the investigative process, and it is my understanding that there are relatively few staff in place to carry out this type of work.
Mr. Speaker, I go back again to structure, and I want to urge all of us to be open to thinking about such ideas as bringing all of the government’s human resources functions into one place in the form of an independent public service commission that can do its work without interference.
Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret that I have been talking publicly about the situation facing casual employees, a lot of whom are single Inuit mothers.
Again, many of my colleagues have spoken on many occasions about the need to address the government’s overreliance on casual staffing.
It’s very clear to me that casuals are the most vulnerable of our employees and that they have relatively few of the protections that unionized or indeterminate employees have.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in my statement, I talked about the issues of nepotism and favouritism. Hardly a day goes past when I don’t hear a concern about how the casual hiring system is still being used to circumvent competitive, merit-based hiring that respects Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and recognizes the contributions of long-term northerners, regardless of their background.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to raise this issue in the House and I thank you and my colleagues for their patience today.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Angnakak.
Member’s Statement 025 – 4(3): Congratulations to Ms. Kaviok (Savikataaq)
I rise today to recognize a resident of my community who recently received a Nunasi scholarship.
Melinda Kaviok is currently enrolled in her third year of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
In addition to being a student, Ms. Kaviok is a mother of six and an active member of our community.
Mr. Speaker, Nunasi scholarships are awarded to Nunavut beneficiaries enrolled in post-secondary education programs to recognize leadership, academic excellence, volunteerism, and community involvement.
Some of Ms. Kaviok’s notable volunteer services to the community include organizing events for youth, organizing fundraisers for families in need, participating in the local recycling program, and dedicating her time to support and mentor youth.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Kaviok is a role model for her family, friends, colleagues, and fellow residents of Arviat.
I commend her for committing her time and dedicated effort to her own studies, her family, and her community.
I believe that this scholarship has been well awarded and I look forward to hearing about Ms. Kaviok’s future accomplishments.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Melinda Kaviok for her many accomplishments.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq.
Member’s Statement 026 – 4(3): Suicide Crisis Deserves Urgent Attention (Akoak)
I don’t have anything written down. I would just like to say “thank you” to the ministers that are starting to battle against suicide.
I, too, have lost a family member, my eldest son, to suicide. It touches home.
It seems like it happened yesterday.
He would have been in his mid-30s.
The government is always looking for funding for departments. The past federal government, if I can say so, Mr. Speaker, has been looking for a man who is no longer walking on the earth and who knows how much money they spent on that.
I am happy that they found the person on behalf of Gjoa Haven, but there is money there that they can give to such a cause as suicide, and maybe they can match the funds that they gave while looking for the boat.
I don’t know what else I can say, but I thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akoak.
Member’s Statement 027 – 4(3): Integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into Government Initiatives (Shooyook)
I rise to say that on November 19, 2013, the first sitting day of this Legislative Assembly, I made a commitment to use my role as an elected representative to lobby the government to integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into its legislation and operations.
Since that date, I have raised concerns that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit has not been integrated into the government’s programs, services, and operations.
I recognize that the government has taken steps to add Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles into a number of its written policies and legislation.
However, in my view, these principles are not reflected in the government’s current day-to-day decisions and actions.
On September 23 of this year, the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts held a televised hearing to review the annual reports of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, which has the mandate to advise departments on the best approaches for integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into government initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking questions on this matter.
Member’s Statement 028 – 4(3): Pangnirtung Search and Rescue Volunteers (Mike)
Good day, Nunavummiut. I say “good day” to my fellow residents of Pangnirtung.
I rise today to state on behalf of the residents of Pangnirtung that this past summer and spring was different because personally, I have never seen that much ice in Pangnirtung before. You could not travel anywhere for a long time.
Today, the multi-year ice is still there.
For that reason, as an MLA for Pangnirtung, I would like to show my appreciation for the hard work of the search and rescue group and their volunteers during extreme ice conditions.
There had to be searches and rescues. Those who take care of such things in Pangnirtung are the search and rescue group and the auxiliary unit, and Peter Kilabuk, former MLA for Pangnirtung, is the coordinator and we thank them all.
They were provided good assistance with icebreakers and sometimes from the army.
When people who are lost are saved, it’s a very happy occasion.
The searchers put themselves in danger, but they perform their duties.
I thank the residents of Pangnirtung who always help out with fundraising for search and rescue operations.
I thank the people of Pangnirtung and I want you to thank them.
Member’s Statement 029 – 4(3): Recognition of Tusarvik School’s Staff and Students (Mapsalak)
I rise today to pay tribute to the staff and students of Tusarvik School in Naujaat for taking part in the Embrace Life activities this past month.
Mr. Speaker, National Suicide Prevention Week took place from September 7 to 15 of this year.
During that week, students and staff at the Tusarvik School held and participated in a number of activities to bring the community’s focus to the celebration of life.
Tusarvik School also held a community walk on September 18 to provide all Naujaarmiut with the opportunity to participate in this celebration.
Attendees included representatives from the local RCMP detachment, the community’s justice committee, and the local health centre.
Mr. Speaker, the students and staff of Tusarvik School have been taking this approach for the past four years, signifying the school’s commitment to taking positive approaches to challenging issues.
Over the past few months, the media has highlighted the challenges that the government and various organizations continue to face in relation to suicide prevention.
While it is important for our territory to address this issue at all levels of society, we must not forget the profound influence that each community has within itself.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the organizations and schools that are taking the initiative to promote and celebrate life within their communities, providing inspiration and support amongst their peers and fellow Nunavummiut.
I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the students and staff at Tusarvik School for demonstrating the importance of celebrating life.
Member’s Statement 030 – 4(3): Appreciation of Premier’s Visit (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) First of all, (interpretation) I would like to express my appreciation to (interpretation ends) the cabinet members for coming up with a concrete and tangible action to deal with the issue of suicide.
I thank you for that. I am sure that Nunavummiut are very happy to hear news like that. That is one course of action that I think this House will support wholeheartedly.
(interpretation) I would also like to thank (interpretation ends) Premier Peter Taptuna (interpretation) for being able to come to Chesterfield Inlet in the last few days. He went to Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, and then he went to Chesterfield Inlet.
The Premier and his officials were informed about the concerns and issues of those communities, especially Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet. The residents of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet conversed with our Premier, and he was very open to talk with ordinary residents and to hear their concerns. We were very appreciative of that.
(interpretation ends) On behalf of my two communities, I would like to express my appreciation for the Premier and his party for visiting my constituency, and I would like to thank you for the time that you took to tour the two communities and learn what the concerns and issues are from my constituency. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 031 – 4(3): Opening of New Health Centre in Taloyoak (Ugyuk)
Good day to my community and residents of Kugaaruk, my mother, my siblings, my older sisters, my brothers, and my children.
At the beginning of September, there were visitors from the Department of Health and the Minister of CGS, Minister Mike.
I would like to thank them and we appreciate the high amount of infrastructure being provided to the health centre and being able to provide training for the jobs because we have to start taking care of our fellow residents.
I expect good jobs to come out of that. I know there are Inuit there in lower positions.
They have to be involved in higher positions.
I just wanted to show my appreciation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 032 – 4(3): Waste Drop and Swap in Iqaluit (Hickes)
Welcome to the Speaker’s Chair, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Hickes: I would just like to first start off with a brief… . There is a Waste Reduction Week exercise being held by the City of Iqaluit. It is a paint drop-and-swap where you can drop off all your old cleaning chemicals, electronic waste, and batteries on Saturday, October 24 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the blue city garage at the four corners.
What I would like to stand and recognize today is we’ve got a grade 5 and 6 class from École des Trois-Soleils here in Iqaluit joining us today.
I know we’ve had some serious statements being made today, so I wanted to add a bit of levity where we’ve got some fine students. Most of these children have been born here in Nunavut.
Included in the class is my daughter, Sara. We had our federal and municipal elections recently. My daughter, Sara, ran for class president and was successful at the start of her political career, Mr. Speaker.
I’m sure the House will recognize them as individuals when we get to the appropriate time, but I wanted to really welcome them. We did a tour last week so they could get to know some of the understandings of the House procedures and now they get to see us in action.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation) Welcome to your Legislative Assembly.
Member’s Statement 033 – 4(3): Appreciation for Support for Barrieau Family (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to all the people who are in attendance or listening to the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, a short while ago, a long-time resident of the community of Kimmirut, Mr. Bobby Barrieau, passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those who provided donations and support to enable Bobby’s children to travel to be with him in his final days.
Mr. Speaker, the contributions for Kitty and Bobby Barrieau were many.
A bake sale was held in Iqaluit.
A young girl donated two airline tickets to Ottawa that she had won in a draw. And a number of online fundraisers raised significant funds.
Mr. Speaker, it is very heartwarming to see this kind of support and I know that the family appreciated it very much.
Again, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to this worthy cause. We would like to see that when Inuit are going through a hardship.
If we help each other, it is good.
I don’t have any more names on the list. We will move on with our orders of the day. Item 4.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I stand today with some members here again, my colleague, MLA Hickes, briefly mentioned it, but I want to go a little bit further.
The grade 5 and 6 students from École des Trois-Soleils have been studying consensus government this fall and closely following the municipal and federal elections.
I would like to recognize their teacher, Lise Boiteau, and their teaching assistant is Stephanie Bonsaint. The children are very excited to be here today and again, their names are… . Maybe when I call your name, you can stand up for recognition.
Manon Roos-Remillard
Amelia Mike-Mathieu
Cassidy Devereaux
Kara Campbell
Rocco Canil
Felix Moore
Isabelle Rafter, and last but not least,
Sara Hickes.
(interpretation) I wanted to recognize these students.
Welcome to the precinct.
Question 025 – 4(3): Improving Medical Travel Services (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, a constituent family recently approached me with a serious concern regarding an elder travelling on medical travel who became stranded at an airport in the Kivalliq.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, I will not identify them in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that on occasion, flights are delayed or even cancelled and that this is not the fault of the government.
However, our medical travel services must be prepared to look out for the special needs of medical clients, especially elders or others with chronic health issues, when situations such as this arise.
Can the minister describe what procedures are undertaken by the departmental staff to ensure that medical travel clients who become stranded during transit are given the support and assistance that they need?
Minister of Health, Minister Okalik.
Any patient that is going out on medical travel is given a sheet of paper stating that if there are going to be any delays or cancellations, they’re given a number they can call to get help and support, whether they’re going out or returning home from medical travel.
The Department of Health provides that information so that they can provide support to the patients.
I recognize that there is a patient relations office where people can submit their complaints about medical services. However, I also believe that our government should be making an effort to make sure that these types of situations do not occur in the first place.
Can the minister describe what steps are taken to ensure that medical travel clients, especially elders or unilingual Nunavummiut, are provided with clear information regarding who to contact to receive assistance when they become stranded, through no fault of their own, during their medical travel?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Every patient who travels on medical travel is given a sheet of paper with a toll-free number where they can call in the event of any change in their travel plans to call the number so that they can receive some assistance from the Department of Health. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mikkungwak, your final supplementary.
I recognize that changes in airline schedules resulting from the recent codesharing agreement between First Air and Canadian North may also impact medical travel services in Nunavut.
Can the minister provide an update on how his department, which administers the government’s medical travel contracts, is working with the airlines to ensure that the schedule changes do not worsen the risk of passengers becoming stranded during medical travel?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We appreciate the comments that are provided to us and we pass those on to the airlines and explain that these are not acceptable, that the services that are offered in some situations need to improve.
We have ongoing discussions with all airlines to make sure that the services that are being provided to our patients are to the highest standard possible.
Our discussions continue.
My officials met with the airlines in early October to express our concerns on what has been happening so far.
We will continue to work with the airlines to make sure that the services that are being offered are the best they can be to our patients. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 026 – 4(3): Update on Capital Plan for Francophone School (Hickes)
I have a question today for the Minister responsible for Community and Government Services.
It’s an opportune moment as I’m going to be talking about École des Trois-Soleils.
In March earlier this year, we got an update on the $2 million that was approved in last year’s fiscal budget to do preplanning studies.
Included in that preplanning study intended to improve capital project delivery through more comprehensive planning prior to being considered for cabinet approval is an addition to École des Trois-Soleils.
In that correspondence, it had the preplanning phase that would be completed by April of 2016.
I would like to get confirmation from the minister whether that date is still valid. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of Community and Government Services, Minister Mike.
At this time, I’ll take the question as notice because if that’s the case, I’ll be able to get back to the member with clear information.
Question 027 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and the Tuttarviit Committee (Shooyook)
Mr. Speaker, on the day that the government announced the establishment of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, it also announced the establishment of the Tuttarviit committee.
On March 24, 2003, the minister of the day tabled the original terms of reference for Tuttarviit.