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Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago Members of this Assembly had the opportunity to discuss in detail issues relating to the staffing of Nunavut’s health care positions with the Auditor General of Canada.
The situation at the community health centre of Naujaat provides a real-life example of the types of staffing challenges that were noted by the Auditor General in Nunavut’s community health centres.
Mr. Speaker, the Naujaat Community Health Centre has only one full-time indeterminate nurse.
This puts an enormous pressure on that one individual.
Even though relief or casual nurses come in to the community for short periods of time, they are not familiar with the community and its residents.
In some cases questions have been raised regarding whether the temporary nurses have the appropriate training to meet the health needs in the community.
Mr. Speaker, as a number of my colleagues have noted from their own communities, when the nursing staff work late hours or throughout the night, they have to reduce clinic hours so that they can rest.
If they are short-staffed, the problem is worse.
Clients may not be able to get appointments for one or two days.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to work harder to employ full-time indeterminate nurses in our community health centres.
At the appropriate time I will ask questions on this matter.
Member’s Statement 561 – 4(3): 2017 Nunavut Sivuniksavut Graduates (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues, visitors, residents of Cape Dorset and Kimmirut, as well as the listening audience.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the graduates of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut class of 2017.
Mr. Speaker, since 1985 the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program has demonstrated its ongoing dedication to providing Inuit youth with a unique cultural and academic learning experience.
Mr. Speaker, 40 first and second year students completed their course exams a few weeks ago.
I was very happy to join them and many distinguished guests, family members, and friends to celebrate their graduation at Ottawa’s Wabano Centre on May 15.
Mr. Speaker, I was especially pleased and grateful to be able to join in a special celebration for two of my Kimmirut constituents, Jeanina Barrieau and Dustin Joanas. Dustin proposed to Jeanina and they got engaged at the end of the graduation ceremonies.
Mr. Speaker, Jeanina and Dustin will be preparing to return to Ottawa for the second year of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program this fall.
I wish them as well as all the rest of the graduates much success in their futures.
Member’s Statement 562 – 4(3): Early Childhood Education Graduates in Pond Inlet (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, as you and my colleagues here are well aware, I am continually directing this government to provide our communities with opportunities, particularly the smaller communities in various areas, whether that is in education or other initiatives. Communities must be our partners, even the smaller ones, to ensure we are all develop together simultaneously.
I am happy to announce today that Arctic College has partially fulfilled these directives by offering various courses in smaller communities. Although there are very many choices, at the very least these opportunities now exist for people wishing to become teachers in the smaller communities.
The Environmental Technology Program was recently offered in Pond Inlet. The minister recently made an announcement that this program may be considered for Pond Inlet again, but it is under consideration. This includes other programs and courses.
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted that Arctic College provided another opportunity to us by offering this course for the first time outside of Iqaluit, where they taught an (interpretation ends) early childhood education (interpretation) course.
With this program being an integral component, it is very gratifying that a recent two-year program was concluded on May 12 of this year.
As Pond Inlet residents, we appreciate the efforts of the minister and the president of Arctic College for providing this opportunity to the people of Pond Inlet.
When we are given opportunities, it validates the fact that even the smaller communities are capable of accomplishing achievements through these initiatives if they are supported.
I am very pleased today to announce into the public record the names of the graduates who completed this program and received their diplomas. They are:
Fiona Aglak,
Ruth Akpaleapik,
Dina Arreak,
Leah Kippomee,
Samantha Koonoo, and
Charlotte Maktar
As well, the teachers to whom we owe our appreciation are Martha Vosper Fenwick and Jeeteeta Merkosak.
Thank you and I hope you succeed in your chosen career and the skills that you acquired.
Member’s Statement 563 – 4(3): NTEP Graduates in Arviat (Savikataaq)
Hon. Joe Savikataaq (interpretation): I say “good day” to the people of Arviat.
I think you’re just finishing lunch.
Students in Arviat usually complete the school year in May or June.
In Arviat in May Nunavut Arctic College students recently completed the Office Administration Program.
I was at the graduation ceremony and was very happy to be there and celebrate with the graduates.
Today they are also finishing the Nunavut Teacher Education Program at Arctic College in Arviat and they will be receiving their diplomas.
I am proud of them and I celebrate with them. They will become teachers now and I would like to announce the names of the 10 graduates. They are:
Hannah Alagalak,
Daisy Anoee,
Bridgette Aulatjut,
Pauline Copland,
Maria Illungiayok,
Anne-Rose Ishalook,
Jamie Kablutsiak,
Melinda Kaviok,
April Ollie, and
Geraldine Pameolik
Have a good day and celebrate your graduation. They will be getting jobs as teachers, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 564 – 4(3): Happy 103rd Birthday to June Klengenberg (Taptuna)
Again it gives me great pleasure; I have been doing this since 2009, getting up and doing a member’s statement on a very special person from Kugluktuk. That’s my wife’s aunt, June Okalik Klengenberg.
Today is her birthday and today she turned 103 years old, 103 years young and I’ve got to say… .
I’ve got to acknowledge the people that take care of our seniors in Gjoa Haven and Cambridge Bay, and the family members that are given the opportunity to visit her at these facilities.
It really helps out the family’s concerns and issues that they bring up at times.
Again, to live to be 103 years old is quite the accomplishment. I’ll be happy if I get halfway to that, maybe. Again, my father-in-law who is a younger brother of June Okalik Klengenberg is also getting up there in age.
He is 89 years old. They still communicate together, as usual.
I’ve got to acknowledge the folks that take care of the seniors in Gjoa Haven and Cambridge Bay.
Quyannaini, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 565 – 4(3): Appreciation of Ministerial Visit (Mike)
I say “good day” to the residents of my community and Nunavummiut.
I would like to thank the people who came to Pangnirtung on May 3 for a special occasion, especially the federal (interpretation ends) Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi. (interpretation) He was able to make it to Pangnirtung along with my two colleagues, Ministers Savikataaq and Peterson.
I would like to thank the energy corporation board and staff as well as the hamlet council and staff.
We were there to inspect the newly constructed power plant, the water lake improvements, the sewage lagoon, the (interpretation ends) wastewater (interpretation) treatment plant, as well as the arena and airport.
When the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, (interpretation ends) Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, (interpretation) saw Pangnirtung, he really liked the scenery.
I told him that it could improve if we got a new airport and if the airport was relocated.
He was very welcoming.
My cabinet colleagues were in Pangnirtung along with the federal minister, Minister Sohi, and they were able to inspect the airport. I was happy they came to deal with these matters in Pangnirtung.
It took a lot of work and it cost a lot of money, although it seemed like it was inexpensive.
On behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank the people who went to Pangnirtung.
Member’s Statement 566 – 4(3): Igloolik Fishing Derby (Quassa)
I wish the people of my community and Nunavummiut a good day.
We have heard Members of the House speaking of fishing derbies happening all over Nunavut. It is joyful when people participate in fishing derbies to try to win prizes.
My community had fishing derbies twice. The first fishing derby was on May 19 and I remember all those people who won prizes.
This coming weekend, from June 2 to 5, there is going to be another fishing derby in Igloolik.
I hope they have a wonderful weekend and they practise safety. With the thawing snow and ice in the spring, we have to be careful when we travel.
I wish them all the best starting tomorrow on June 2 until Monday.
I will be proud of the people who are going to be winning prizes.
I again thank you, Mr. Speaker.
During our sitting this afternoon I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some individuals who are sitting in the gallery, but before that I would like to make a brief preamble.
Mr. Speaker, as we always state in the House, my department is one of the departments responsible for the preservation and promotion of the Inuit language and for promoting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Many of you know that that is the main responsibility of our department.
Very briefly I would like to recognize individuals who are sitting here and who have been here in Iqaluit the whole week.
We have the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit who are holding their meetings here this week, and I had an opportunity to see them yesterday.
With their meetings wrapping up and with them leaving for their communities tomorrow, I wish them a safe trip home.
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to recognize all the staff who ensure all the administrative duties are well taken care of.
I will start with the director, Shuvinai Mike, and Oleena Kolola, (interpretation ends) Inuit Societal Values Research Analyst. (interpretation) There is also Elisapee Qupee, (interpretation ends) Special Advisor, (interpretation) and last but not least, Angela Michielsen, (interpretation ends) Policy Advisor (interpretation) at the Department of Culture and Heritage.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, today I would like to welcome the following and I’ll begin with the Chair of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, Simon Qingnaqtuq from Taloyoak. Welcome to the gallery. Vice-chairperson Ejetsiak Zeke Ejetsiak from Cape Dorset, welcome to the gallery.
The members of the board are Kigutikajuk Shappa from Arctic Bay and Mary Kanayuk Voisey from Whale Cove, who was recently appointed in the spring. This is her first attendance at the board meeting.
We also have Annie Napayok from Whale Cove, who has been a board member for a very long time.
Recently elected to the IQ board from Baker Lake is Jean Simailak. Please feel welcome.
We also have Marie Anguti, who is from Kugaaruk, and also from Kugaaruk is Makabe Nartok.
Mr. Speaker, one of the board members wasn’t able to attend the meeting, but I would also like to recognize Annie Tookalook from Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, these are the representatives of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit. I would like to welcome them to the House.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today I stand up and I am very pleased to acknowledge and recognize Anchaleena Mandal. Maybe if you can stand up. She’s right there.
Angela enrolled in our school system when she was in grade 4 and she is completing grade 12 at Inuksuk High School this year.
She’s one of the 10 students across Canada who was offered admission to the Queen’s University Accelerated Route to Medical School.
I would also like to recognize Anchaleena’s parents, who are also here in the gallery, and if you can stand up, Sanchita and Arnab Mandal.
They commended the education that Anchaleena received that paved the way for her achievements. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Members’ Statements.
First of all I would like to send my condolences to my community of Gjoa Haven.
I have just been advised that we have lost an elder this morning. My condolences.
I would like to recognize people, although they are not my constituents, but constituents of the Netsilik MLA. I will recognize them on behalf of him. The Mayor of Taloyoak, Simon Qingnaqtuq, and a member from Kugaaruk, Makabe Nartok, and also Marie Anguti, welcome to the House.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday some of my colleagues were starting to follow my statement.
I would like to welcome (interpretation ends) from beautiful Baker Lake… .
(interpretation) From Baker Lake, I would like to welcome Jean Simailak to the gallery. I wish her a warm welcome.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize a person and to give you a little background of an individual from my community who is also my future son-in-law.
He is the son of someone who was very well known, the late Joanasie Kooneeliusie and also was his grandson.
Joanasie Kooneeliusie accomplished numerous achievements.
I would like to recognize his son and granddaughter, my future son in-law, Aimo Kooneeliusie, and my grandchild, the loveliest Alisa Keyootak.
I would like to welcome all the people who are here in Iqaluit from the Manirajak riding.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize two individuals so that I won’t get scolded.
My aunts are here. Isiriniq Annie Napayok, welcome to the House, and my other aunt, Ms. Kanayuk Voisey, was already introduced.
I would like to welcome them to Iqaluit.
Also, my neighbour, Oleena Kolola, was also introduced, but she used to be Oleena Nowyook when we used to live in Apex.
She is also a singer, although she was recognized as an employee.
You probably know the Uvagut Band that she was a part of.
Her son has now taken over the vocal section, so it looks like it’s a singing and artistic family.
From Baker Lake, I have known Jean Simailak for a very long time. Welcome. She has been a member of various boards for quite a long time, including the Qulliit Status of Women Council.
She is an elder and I am very proud of her.
This individual who was not introduced is from George Hickes’ riding. I grew up with Shuvinai Mike in Apex, and I would like to welcome her.
Also, I just recently heard and I am very proud of Anchaleena and her parents who are here.
Welcome to the gallery, everyone.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the board members and staff of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
I would like to recognize and welcome my two sisters, Annie Napayok, who was recognized already, and Mary Kanayuk Voisey. To all the other board members in the gallery, including Makabe, welcome to the House.
I’m sorry. Member for South Baffin, Mr. David Joanasie.
I would also like to recognize an individual from Cape Dorset. I would like to welcome to the House Zeke Ejetsiak, who is my paternal uncle. I would also like to welcome all the visitors in the gallery.
Question 737 – 4(3): Addressing Tuberculosis in Nunavut (Keyootak)
Mr. Speaker, in recent months there have been reports in the media about Nunavut residents who have died from tuberculosis.
In fact, just after Christmas a young person from Qikiqtarjuaq tragically passed away from this disease.
Can the minister provide an update on the current rates of tuberculosis in Nunavut and what specific initiatives are in place to control the spread of tuberculosis across the territory?
My sincerest condolences to the family and the community of the person who did pass away.
With regard to tuberculosis rates, I don’t have specific data on the actual rates.
I know we’ve got the numbers of cases by year, but I only have a portion of it broken down by region.
In 2017 so far there have been 39 cases diagnosed with tuberculosis.
What I would like to highlight is that when we have outbreaks in a community, we obviously coordinate concerted efforts in that area to make sure that we’re tracking familial contacts and contacts in the community to reduce the impact of an outbreak.
I also want to highlight that just this month, this being June 1, we’re putting out a Nunavut tuberculosis manual that is being printed and will be distributed later this month.
This will help staff by providing them support in caring for TB clients.
It was reported in the media that a medevac was ordered for the young patient in Qikiqtarjuaq who was suffering from tuberculosis, but the medevac was then cancelled.
It is not clear to me what process is followed when a health professional, such as a community health centre nurse, requests an emergency flight to transport a sick patient to a location where they can get specialized care.
Can the minister clearly explain who has the final say on whether a medevac is provided for an emergency health situation and why that individual has the authority to override the decision of the health professional who is actually looking after the patient?
When a medevac is requested by a community, the decision is made by health care professionals.
With regard to the specific circumstances in this case, I can’t speak to the details out of respect for the family and for the staff involved.
If the member has any specific questions about that case, I would welcome him to come see me outside of the public.
Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there will be a coroner’s inquest as well as an internal review of the critical incident in Qikiqtarjuaq where a person with tuberculosis died.
Will the minister commit to making the results of those reviews public and announce what suggested steps will be followed to prevent another tuberculosis tragedy?
Whenever a terrible situation like this happens and there is an investigation and an inquest, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that information goes public.
I can assure everybody out there that the information that is gathered by those investigations is utilized by the Department of Health to improve our primary care.
With regard to the specifics on making public the investigation or any type inquest data, my first priority is to the family.
That will be my first point of contact when these results are finalized and the discussions there will dictate how I proceed further.
Question 738 – 4(3): Public Housing (Sammurtok, A)
My questions are to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
In July of 2016 the Nunavut Housing Corporation issued a request for proposals for mould remediation and assessment.
The request for proposal indicated that 16 units in Rankin Inlet would be inspected.
Can the minister indicate when work will begin in Rankin Inlet to clean up mould-infested public housing units?
Mr. Speaker, regarding (interpretation ends) mould (interpretation) in Nunavut communities, there were assessments done on units to determine which ones need to be prioritized and which ones will be dealt with by the local housing organization staff.
Once the assessments were done, we indicated that there are many units in Nunavut that need mould remediation work done and some of the units will be handled by the local housing organizations.
However, some of the work requires (interpretation ends) special equipment (interpretation) to remove the mould. A contractor has to be hired from outside of Nunavut by the housing corporation to clean up the mould.
Remediation of mould in our housing units in Nunavut is progressing well.
As the minister is aware, there was a fire earlier this week in Rankin Inlet that damaged a number of apartment units in Rankin Inlet.
It is my understanding that these units were owned by the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Can the minister assure me that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be fully repairing or replacing these units within the next year?
I didn’t clearly understand the member’s question, so I would like him to clarify it. Is he asking about repairing or replacing the units that were infested with mould, or is he talking about replacing units that were damaged by fire?
I would like to ask the member which question he is asking to me, with your permission, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Please clarify your question, Mr. Sammurtok.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, there was a fire earlier this week in Rankin Inlet that damaged a number of apartment units in Rankin Inlet.
It is my understanding that these units were owned by the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Can the minister assure me that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will be fully repairing or replacing these units within the next year?
I also thank you for clarifying your question.
Mr. Speaker, as the member stated, just recently there was a fire in Rankin Inlet and it is currently being investigated by various organizations, such as the fire marshal’s office.
We haven’t identified how many units were damaged by the fire and we don’t know if there are other units available.
Mr. Speaker, I am unable to respond to the question at this time, but the housing corporation will be working with the RCMP and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Once the investigation has been completed and we find out how many units need to be repaired or replaced, I will be able to provide that information.
Since this incident only occurred recently and we are still waiting to find out all the details, I will provide the information to the member once I have it.
As the minister will recall, $286,000 in Government of Nunavut funds were included in the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2017-18 capital estimates for modernization and improvement or retrofit of housing units in Rankin Inlet.
As the minister is aware, I have expressed numerous concerns in the Legislative Assembly regarding the lack of new housing unit construction in Rankin Inlet.
Given that no new public housing units are scheduled to be funded for construction during the upcoming 2018-19 fiscal year, will the minister commit to increasing the amount allocated for modernization and improvement of existing public housing units in Rankin Inlet in the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2018-19 capital estimates?
We have explained in the past the expenditures that will be used for housing projects, whether it be for renovations, and there will be new units constructed among those projects for renovations that we provide to the communities.
Mr. Speaker, the funds that we have provided to the communities will proceed.
However, my department and the local housing organizations have to determine if there is enough funding available for maintenance and repair projects.
For example, the Rankin Inlet Housing Association will take part in that and they have received proper funding to do that. It will be dealt with locally by the local housing association because they get funded to do that.
That’s the response I can give at this point.
Question 739 – 4(3): Inuit Curriculum Materials for Nunavut Schools (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, recent news media articles have published stories on the topic of curriculum development. In one specific article from Nunatsiaq News May 26, 2017 a former Government of Nunavut curriculum development consultant states that and I quote, “There were a number of materials developed in the mid-2000s and they never saw the light of day.”
I would like to ask the minister if he can confirm if this statement is true.
I also thank my colleague for asking a question on that.
I heard about that same article in the news and I looked into that as well. I’m not quite sure what that person is talking about, Mr. Speaker.
We’re not quite sure. That person was a teacher quite some time ago. We couldn’t understand what they were talking about.
I can personally assure my colleague that I don’t know.
The curriculum that will be used in schools has been developed accordingly and is comprised of requisite strands that have been created and are available.
For example, there is Inuktitut curriculum starting from kindergarten to grade 6, which is what we’re planning to introduce.