EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I would also like to recognize my Deputy Minister of Environment, Gabriel Nirlungayuk.
He is in the House, but the ADM is not here as he’s busy at work.
Welcome to the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good day” to the people in my community.
My deputy minister is attending the truth and reconciliation conference in Ottawa. I am very pleased that my deputy minister is able to attend that meeting.
Brandon Grant, the Acting Deputy Minister for responsible for social assistance, is here and I would like to welcome him.
>>Applause  Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the gallery.
I would also like to recognize my two deputy ministers and I would like to welcome them.
I will want them to go back to the office very shortly.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to my Deputy Minister of Health, Colleen Stockley, and beside her is Elisabeth Sanderson, my Deputy Minister of Justice.
I would like to recognize an individual who is sitting in the gallery, which I don’t get to do very often.
It is our in-law, David Akeeagok, the husband of my niece.
I am very proud of him and his ability to do his job. He tends to my every need. I am very proud of my in-law.
I would like to recognize my Deputy Minister, Mr. Chris D’Arcy.
Although he’s no stranger to the House, he is in the gallery and I think Chris would be the first to acknowledge that he and I look good to all you guys, doing a good job, because of all the hard-working staff in our finance department across Nunavut.
Through Chris to all our staff, I express our appreciation to all the hard work they do and wish Chris continued success in the Department of Finance.
Before we go back to the orders of the day, before we begin with Item 6, we will take a 20-minute break.
>>House recessed at 14:48 and resumed at 15:16  Speaker (interpretation): Going back to the orders of the day.
Item 6: Oral Questions  Question 001 – 4(3): Medical Travel in the High Arctic (Shooyook)
As I am sure the minister is aware, medical travel in the High Arctic is very difficult.
One of the most significant problems that my constituents face is connecting from Iqaluit to Resolute Bay to Grise Fiord.
In some cases, flight cancellations can result in people having to stay in Resolute Bay for up to a whole week.
Can the minister describe how the recent code-sharing announcement between First Air and Canadian North will affect the government’s medical travel contract for service in the High Arctic?
Each airline is independently run, but we monitor and manage travel through contracts. We have met with First Air and we have to meet with Canadian North. Kenn Borek is not part of this agreement.
We will check what can be done, but to date, I have not heard if we have met with them at all. I will want to find out more and see what, if any, options we have.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): I have received concerns from some constituents that they have had to pay for their own food and accommodation after being stranded in Resolute Bay on their way home to Grise Fiord.
Can the minister explain what process they should follow to be reimbursed for expenses that they incurred as a result of flight cancellations that were not their fault?
We have to provide adequate support for medical patients en route to their destination. If this is a problem, then we will have to see what we can do to reimburse them because they aren’t there at their fault.
If staying over is a problem, let’s look at fixing it in any way that we can.
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): I understand and recognize that the Government of Nunavut does not run the airline industry.
However, the Government of Nunavut does have some leverage with the airlines to achieve service and schedule improvements through its contracts for medical travel and duty travel.
Can the minister describe what efforts the government will make to improve service and schedule improvements in the High Arctic when it next renegotiates the medical travel contract?
We will make sure that we work with the airlines, especially Kenn Borek, which is the airline providing the service in the High Arctic.
I’ll make sure that we have discussions with the airline and see where they can improve their services for medical travel.
It will be a good avenue and we will make sure that we will try to rectify this problem.
Question 002 – 4(3): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Angnakak)
I want to start by joining with the Member for Pangnirtung in paying tribute to everyone who worked so hard to address the recent disaster in the community. I have lots of family and friends in that community.
It is my understanding that QEC’s emergency plan for Iqaluit was last updated in October of 2005, almost a decade ago.
Can the minister indicate if QEC is working to update its emergency plans for communities, especially for communities that have experienced significant population growth in recent years?
Yes, we learned a lot from the Pangnirtung emergency. One of the things I learned is that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has been in the process over the last few years updating what they call power plant emergency plans. They’re still in the process of doing that.
If we respond to emergencies within all the communities, of course, we would have to coordinate with the Emergency Management Office in CGS and there are a number of other committees, the Territorial Emergency Reponse Committee.
I think all that work will be… . Debriefings will occur and we will be in a better position in the future in case these emergencies arise.
I thank the member for his response. That’s encouraging.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, this is the second time since 1999 that a community’s power plant has needed to be replaced due to fire.
For the benefit of Nunavummiut who are following our proceedings today, can the minister provide a clear explanation of whether or not QEC’s insurance covers some or all of the costs of replacing power plants that are destroyed due to fire?
Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding that our insurance policies do cover the replacement of power plants.
In this particular case, I think there are three insurance firms that are involved. There are a primary and two secondary insurance companies, and at least one of them has been on site with the fire marshal. We are tracking all expenses associated with the fire and the insurance company has agreed to cover all those expenses.
Can the minister indicate what actions QEC has taken in the area of fire prevention?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I can’t give Ms. Angnakak’s specific details.
Mr. Speaker, all our staff in the power plants are trained to respond to emergencies during work hours and after hours.
You can’t rule out everything, but our employees work to the highest standards to ensure that our power plants are safe. We realize that they’re vital facilities in our communities and the loss of any power plant can significantly harm the community in the short term, medium term, and long term.
It is our plan to replace that power plant within the next couple of years. We’re working through that process right now.
Question 003 – 4(3): Liquor Licensing Board (Hickes)
My questions today are directed to the Minister responsible for the Liquor Licensing Board.
Mr. Speaker, I noticed with interest that there was a call for board members recently published in some of the newspapers seeking invidiuals, plural.
How many members are currently on the board and how many vacancies are there?
In regard to my colleague’s question, right now, the Liquor Licensing Board consists of four members, three from Iqaluit and one from Arviat. In 2015, three of the board member terms are coming up and one will stay until March 2016.
In the government’s call for board members, it also states that the role of the Liquor Licensing Board is to, and I quote, “provides advice to the Minister on all matters of policy, legislation and administration relating to the sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol in Nunavut.”
Mr. Speaker, obviously, a major change to the sale and distribution of alcohol in Nunavut would be the opening of a beer and wine retail store here in Iqaluit.
Is the minister aware of what decision is taking place by the government in light of the recent plebiscite here in Iqaluit?
Mr. Speaker, what my colleague is asking about in regard to the beer and wine store, I haven’t received much information on that matter yet, so I cannot respond to that today.
I would encourage the minister to have some conversations with his cabinet colleague regarding this topic.
I also noted with interest that the 2012-13 and 2013-14 annual reports tabled this past March 16, within both of those, the financial statements were signed off on the same day of January 19, 2015.
What caused the delays in the financial statements being signed off on?
Mr. Speaker, in regard to the question as to what’s causing the delays in signing off on the financial statements, I don’t have that information in front of me.
I will have to look into the matter and let my colleague know at a later date.
Question 004 – 4(3): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Savikataaq)
As the minister is aware, Arviat suffers from a shortage of many things, including housing.
However, if there’s one thing that we don’t have any shortage of in the Kivalliq and more so in Arviat, it’s wind.
Mr. Speaker, last week, the minister tabled QEC’s response to our standing committee’s recent report on its hearings on QEC.
In its response, QEC indicates that, and I quote, “The Arviat Wind Test Facility was a concept that was discussed in November 2009 at a meeting of Remote Community Wind-Hydrogen Roundtable in Prince Edward Island.
The intent was to investigate the interest in creating a cold weather testing area for wind turbines in Arviat.
The idea was not pursued beyond the initial discussions.”
Can the minister explain why this alternative energy project did any proceed any further than the initial planning stages?
When he mentioned the wind in Arviat, I had another thought there, but I won’t say it.
>>Laughter  Quite often, politicians are accused of many things.
Mr. Speaker, that was in 2009. I had read the response. I have no information on why.
He had indicated that it was not pursued beyond the initial discussions, but on that particular project, what they call the Arviat Wind Test Facility, I do believe that our Alternative Energy Subcommittee has discussed this.
I believe QEC is talking to federal funders, looking at submitting applications to, perhaps, look at alternative energy or wind energy in a number of communities, including Arviat.
As the minister is well aware, I have been a strong advocate for connecting the Kivalliq to Manitoba’s power grid.
However, from the responses that I have been receiving to my questions on this issue, it is clear that this is not going to happen overnight. For that reason, I think that it’s only prudent, as the minister would say, for QEC to continue to look at other options for power generation in Nunavut that do not involve the burning of fossil fuels. The minister indicated that they are looking at it in the broad scheme of things.
I just want to commit this minister there. He doesn’t like commitments, but I’m just asking: will he commit to looking at Arviat as one of the test facilities?
He agreed with me that there’s lots of wind there. It’s consistent, it’s clean, and it’s there.
Will he look at that?
I thank Mr. Savikataaq and informing everybody that I don’t like to make commitments.
I won’t make a commitment, but as I said in my earlier answer, it is one of the communities that we’re looking at.
I believe there is more detailed work required to go into whether a community is suitable or not for a wind turbine.
I have been to Arviat and I have been there when it’s windy. I can certainly attest to what Mr. Savikataaq has said. When you’re bent walking into wind, tears come from your eyes and it’s only May.
I can well imagine what it’s like the rest of the year.
When I get additional information, I’ll be in a better position to tell Mr. Arviat and the community how we’re going to proceed.
Question 005 – 4(3): Concerns about Tammaativvik Boarding Home (Keyootak)  Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, as I described in my Member’s Statement yesterday, my constituents have raised a number of concerns regarding the Tammaativvik Boarding Home in Iqaluit.
Can the minister clarify how he works with the contractor who provides services at the Tammaativvik Boarding Home to address concerns that have been raised by medical clients?
The officials from the Department of Health meet with the people who run the boarding homes. I would like to thank my colleague for raising his concern about the carpeting during the winter session.
Right now, one room has no more carpeting and it’s used for people who are allergic to carpets.
I would like to thank my colleague for bringing that up and it has been corrected.
Sometimes medical clients need support and counselling as they deal with serious medical issues while away from their home.
Can the minister explain what counselling services are available to medical clients who stay at the boarding home and, if there are none, would he consider establishing a counsellor position at the Tammaativvik Boarding Home?
During our recent winter session, we were able to approve, along with my colleagues, to have the interpreters be present there and I am grateful for that.
Also, I’ll find out what other support we can provide.
I know that there is a mental health facility very close to the boarding home that can be used if necessary.
We do have that on hand. If there are areas that need improvement, I would like to hear it from my colleagues.
I would just like to thank the minister because he already answered one of the questions I was going to ask.
All the rooms being carpeted has been a major concern for my constituents. I’m grateful that they have started to address the issue.
Member for Rankin Inlet, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok.  Question 006 – 4(3): Update on Business Case for Rankin Inlet Boarding Home (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, as the minister is aware, I have brought forward many good arguments for the establishment of a medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet.
In February, the minister indicated that his department would be working to scope out and develop a business case in consultation with Health Canada.
Can the minister provide an update on what progress has been achieved on the development of a business case for the Rankin Inlet Medical Boarding Home?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for the question.
In terms of the proposed boarding home in Rankin Inlet, the federal government is responsible and we have to work further with them on this.
We know our agreement with the federal government for Non-Insured Health Benefits will end in 2016, so we plan on including this as part of those discussions.
I understand that the Department of Health must work closely with Health Canada, especially in regard to the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Can the minister indicate what discussions his officials have had with Health Canada on this issue to date and what the next steps are?
We have a new agreement we have to negotiate and the discussions are about to start.
Part of the discussions will include the proposed boarding home in Rankin Inlet and also for Cambridge Bay.
These negotiations will start very soon.
A group in Rankin Inlet has already developed a proposal to establish a Rankin Inlet boarding home. The need has been identified and the solution has been proposed.
Will the minister commit to completing his business case for the Rankin Inlet Medical Boarding Home as soon as possible and, if so, when does he anticipate bringing it forward?
There seemed to be two questions, so I will pick one to answer.
As I stated before, this will be part of the negotiations.
I already support this idea and hope the federal government will approve this.
We will face them and try to get them to approve it.
Negotiations have not started yet, but we will push this from our side.
Question 007 – 4(3): Need for Improved Adult Basic Education (Akoak)  Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, in February of 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced funding of over $11 million from 2011 to 2016 to improve adult basic education programming across Nunavut.
Can the minister provide an overview of what these funds have been spent on to date and specifically how adult upgrading programs have been improved as a result of this spending?
We don’t have anything specific right now and I cannot answer your question right now, but I will take it as notice and I will come back to you with an answer, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) It’s taken as notice. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 008 – 4(3): The Shortage of Health Professionals (Mikkungwak)  Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there has been much discussion in this House about the shortage of nurses across Nunavut. However, we rarely hear of the employment status of doctors and physicians who are based in Nunavut.
Can the minister provide an update on how many physicians are currently employed full time by our government, how many are here on a casual basis, and how many vacancies have yet to be filled by either full-time or part-time doctors?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The doctors that we employ in our territory are contractors, so they’re not actual employees. They work on a contract basis.
I can’t pinpoint exactly all the positions, as some of them are specialists and they travel to our territory for a short amount of time, but there are currently 29.5 positions identified for doctors in our territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It has recently come to my attention that the department’s policy with respect to hiring visiting or locum doctors in Nunavut has changed. Can the minister clarify what changes have been made to the policy and what assurances can be made that these changes have not created any disincentives for doctors to come and work in Nunavut?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As contracting for physicians is very competitive, we try and stay competitive with other jurisdictions and we try and do our hardest to recruit and retain as many physicians as possible because we know that medical history is very valuable and useful for physicians.
We will continue to do our utmost to maintain that competitive edge with other jurisdictions.
We’re also supporting students to pursue careers in medicine, and I recently met with a school from northern Ontario to try and find ways to get more Inuit and Nunavummiut to study medicine and pursue it as a career in our territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Until Nunavut has a full complement of health professionals, such as doctors and specialists, many Nunavummiut will have to travel south for treatment or diagnosis at great expense to the government. Can the minister describe his department’s current strategy to recruit and retain health professionals, such as doctors, dentists, and other medical specialists?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We maintain a website for physicians that want to pursue a career in our territory.
As I said, we are providing very good assistance for those from Nunavut who are pursuing a career in medicine.
I am very proud to say that so far, we have one Inuk that is close to graduating from a medical school.
I would like to see a lot more of those wonderful stories come out of territory. I encourage students to pursue a career in medicine because it’s a very good career and a lot more stable than our careers, mind you. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 009 – 4(3): Regulatory Processes in Nunavut (Enook)
I have a question for the Hon. Premier.
I would like to go back to the Minister’s Statement.
As we were dealing with agreements, when there were negotiations for our land claims, Inuit were asked where they had traditionally hunted and lived.
This was part of land selections of Nuluujaat, which is Inuit owned land, PI-17/37G, and this is Inuit owned land selected by the people of Pond Inlet.
As you know, when we are dealing with Nuluujaat (Mary River), Pond Inlet is going to be impacted the most by that mine since it started to today.
As the Premier has stated in some parts, there have been a lot of correspondance back and forth between his office and the federal government regarding our institutions of public government, especially the Nunavut Planning Commission and Baffinland.
As I stated, Pond Inlet will be impacted by the mine.
I would first like to ask the Premier: why did you feel you had to write that letter?
Mr. Speaker, it’s quite clear in my ministerial statement that I did today and as a government, we do have jurisdictional rights in improving the regulatory process and we are within our rights to ensure that IPGs have a path going forward.
One of the paths going forward, of course, is the ability to do their mandate.
Through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, they’re obligated to do the necessary reviews, evaluation, and assesment of any development.
With this letter going to Minister Valcourt, I indicated that the IPGs have to be able to fulfill their mandate.
If there is dysfunction happening there because of the chronic shortage of funding for the IPGs, that’s one of things that I want to change where Inuit can get the most benefits out of any kind of development and we do not slow this process down for any development in Nunavut.
As the member has indicated, the reason why I wrote the letter is for administrative purposes. If an IPG cannot function, we have to take a good, hard look at that and do our best efforts to make sure that the IPG, in this case, the Nunavut Planning Commission, is able to fulfill their duties and their mandate.
As I stated before, Pond Inlet is the closest and most impacted community, and it has already been the impacted community of the Mary River mine.
Ever since, we have been saying that we want to be involved as we proceed with the development and we want to be involved with anything.
Pond Inlet residents have to be involved with this and to remind members that they had selected Mary River as Inuit owned land, as a land parcel, and just remember the land parcel number.
Inuit of Pond Inlet selected that land parcel as Inuit owned land, but when we talk about this, they seem to set this aside.
I would like to ask the Premier in regard to the correspondence that we have never seen; my fellow residents of Pond Inlet have never seen the correspondence.
I would like to ask the Premier if he can table that letter in the House.
I have no problem tabling the letter, which is already in wide circulation throughout Nunavut. I have no problem doing that.
Question 010 – 4(3): Update on the New School for Coral Harbour (Mapsalak)  Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, although I have asked this question before in regard to when Coral Harbour’s new proposed school would be constructed, I would like to ask the minister what the status is of the new proposed school in Coral Harbour.
At this time, we are now holding discussions with the Department of Community and Government Services as to how we can improve this, but we are reviewing with our department and the Department of Community and Government Services. We are looking at ways of how we can improve or address this.
Can the minister elaborate or did I understand that you still have no idea when the new proposed school in Coral Harbour will be constructed?
Does the minister know what year it will be constructed?
At this time, as I stated before, the Department of Community and Government Services and our Department of Education are now discussing ways of how it would be better set up and we’re looking at different options.