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The direction I provided to amend deputy head contracts is indication to this House that we are indeed delivering on our promises.
Minister’s Statement 126 – 4(2): Status of Corrections in Nunavut (Okalik)
I wish to rise today as yesterday, we received the report of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada regarding their audit of corrections in Nunavut.
I thank their office for their professionalism and diligence.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update the House on actions that are being taken and have been taken.
For urgent issues, such as adherence to fire drills, the department has taken immediate remedial action.
Staff in all correctional facilities received instruction on the requirement and importance of conducting evacuation drills.
These drills have been occurring quarterly, most recently between February 6 and 18, 2015.
Ninety-eight new beds have been opened in the past two years, with the opening of the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility and Makigiarvik.
Today, 24 inmates are being held at BCC, or 40 percent of its capacity.
This space allows for important remediation to be undertaken at BCC.
This work began Monday and will continue for 12 weeks.
Long-term solutions in corrections will be grounded in Inuit values, knowledge, and culture.
During this session, Members of the Legislative Assembly are reviewing amendments to the Corrections Act, beginning with protection of an inmate’s human rights.
In the coming months, the Department of Justice will consult with community justice committees, traditional counsellors, and others to seek out best practices for making the Corrections Act relevant to our territory.
In July 2014, the department met with outpost camp operators.
These camps provide appropriate healing, mental health support, and skills development to our inmates.
We will continue to strengthen the Outpost Camp program and use their experiences to help shape our legislation and policies for our other correctional facilities.
The core of a correctional facility, the programming and staff, will make the difference in an inmate’s rehabilitation.
In addition to our work towards a made-in-Nunavut Corrections Act and update of the policies, the department has undertaken a major initiative to hire Inuit staff for Makigiarvik.
In doing so, programs and services will be delivered in the language of the population and reflect the rehabilitation needed to enable an individual’s full participation in society.
A detailed response to the Office of the Auditor General will be tabled in this House. In the meantime, I assure you that steps are being made and will continue.
Mr. Speaker, as a small jurisdiction, when we speak of corrections in Nunavut, we are speaking about people we know.
Rehabilitation, based on Inuit societal values, will see these individuals reintegrate in our communities as productive members of society.
That’s it for now, Mr. Speaker.
I have no more names on my list. Item 3. Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 259 – 4(2): Employment Readiness Program (Ugyuk)
I wish to welcome our precious students from Nakasuk School to the gallery.
I am quite pleased to see younger students in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share in a piece of good news in Taloyoak, as there is a workshop being offered on arts and crafts as part of the healing process, and the facilitators offering this workshop are from the Cambridge Bay (interpretation ends) wellness centre.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (interpretation) has funded this workshop to pay for the facilitators.
The people are taking this arts and crafts workshop as the skills taught revolve around family relations and community-specific traditions pertinent to the people.
However, part of this course is specific towards job readiness skills.
There are 22 participants in the course.
There are 11 participants who are part of the Career Development Program.
I am gratified that some of my fellow residents in Taloyoak are participating in the training and that they are committed to this course. I am quite pleased with their progression. The teachers for this course are Ermie LeBlanc and Elisabeth Kaosoni from Cambridge Bay is assisting the teacher.
I will say the traditional Inuktitut names of the participants: Taraajjuk, Kanguaq, Napatsikallak, Kakiarniut, Ulliaq, Pauluhi, Pavvinaq, Pimmitsiaq, Maria Otak, Kanngualuk, and Qajuutinnuaq.
Those are the participants of the Career Development Program being held in Gjoa Haven.
Member’s Statement 260 – 4(2): Exhibit Featuring Carvings by Jayko Ishulutak (Mike)
This is one of the few instances where I am one of the first members to make a statement.
I say “good day” to the people of Pangnirtung as well as my children, whom I have left behind.
I rise today to share in acknowledging and congratulating an artist, Jayko Ishulutak, who is a professional carver and well known worldwide in both the north and Canada.
They are showing about 30 pieces of his work in a showcase that opened this winter on January 16 and ran to February 15.
This individual from Pangnirtung is very content when he is carving, especially caribou antlers, tusks, bones, and carving stone.
Usually the subjects he carves relate to people, birds, and wildlife.
I would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts and the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association for an excellent showing of the works of Mr. Jayko Ishulutak.
Member’s Statement 261 – 4(2): Happy Birthday to Daughter, Nina (Keyootak)
I rise today to celebrate an occasion and to congratulate my daughter whose birthday is today, Nina. I wish her a wonderful day today as she celebrates her birthday.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to welcome our visitors from Nakasuk School. (interpretation) Let us applaud them.
(interpretation ends) I would also like to welcome Principal Tracey MacMillan.
Along with the teachers, Shontel McInnis.
(interpretation) And Shannon Richardson.
(interpretation ends) As I said, with all their grade 4 students, I think this is a great opportunity for them to actually watch the leaders of Nunavut, and certainly they are our future Nunavut leaders. (interpretation) Please make them feel very welcome to the House.
Speaker: The students of Nakasuk School and the teachers, welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
It is not too often I stand to recognize visitors and I’ll take every opportunity to do that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my niece’s children. There are Paul Hinnanik and Sherry Hinnanik. They are twins, but you wouldn’t think so.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my granddaughter who is sitting behind me, Desiree Taptuna.
Question 431 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Hickes)
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome to all these great students.
Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
As the minister will recall, the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts had a very productive set of hearings last September on the business plan and annual report of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
As chair of the committee, I am very much looking forward to reviewing the government’s responses to our recommendations from this hearing when the minister tables them in the House during the upcoming spring sitting.
Speaking of tabling, QEC’s 2014-18 corporate plan was tabled in the House on June 12, 2014.
When will QEC’s 2015-19 corporate plan be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly?
I don’t have a date. I would hope that I’ll be able to table it as early as this spring.
Mr. Speaker, QEC’s 2012-13 annual report was tabled on March 19 of 2014.
When will QEC’s 2013-14 annual report be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly?
Again I don’t have a firm date. I have reviewed the document. There is some back and forth at QEC and the minister’s office with some clarifications and edits, so I am uncertain of when I would be able to table it.
Just to keep with that theme, QEC’s contracting, procurement and leasing reports for the 2012-13 fiscal year were tabled on October 21, 2014.
My question would be: when will the 2013-14 reports be ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Hickes for the reminders.
We are working on those documents.
I assure Mr. Hickes and all the members that we are reviewing all those documents again. There are some issues with the last document that we are clarifying.
I don’t want to table information that’s potentially misleading or incorrect, so we’re working on the finalization of edits and of course, we would have to get them translated.
Question 432 – 4(2): Kimmirut Airport Relocation (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also, welcome to the visitors.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are directed to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are related to another project that I hope to see completed in my lifetime.
Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, residents of Kimmirut have been raising concerns about the location of the community’s airport.
Kimmirut has the shortest runway in Nunavut, which severely limits the type of aircraft that can take off and land at the airport.
Mr. Speaker, on May 27, 2014, the House was informed that in 2011, “$1 million was spent on the Kimmirut Airport Relocation Study.”
I would like to ask the minister if she can indicate what the Kimmirut Airport Relocation Study concluded and when she will table it in the Legislative Assembly.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for his question on that issue.
The airport issue is a major concern as it provides a vital service for the community and elsewhere, especially in light of the fact that regulations are subject to change related to airport operations and public safety.
The statement I made previously related to the deliberations on the challenges we face in airport operations, especially the external factors that require further review in the future related to airports, airstrips, and how these plans can be implemented. This includes the priorities.
We are aware that the Kimmirut Airport has one of the oldest landing strips still operating. I believe it is about 25 years old.
We are currently deliberating on whether we would need to change the location of the terminal, as we also need to look at the airstrip location.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for her response.
Mr. Speaker, in May of last year, when I raised concerns about the Kimmirut Airport, I noted that I had been told by the government that a “capital project will be submitted for consideration for fiscal year 2015-2016.”
However, the Kimmirut Airport is not included in the 2015-16 capital estimates.
Can the minister indicate where the Kimmirut Airport relocation project is at in her department’s capital planning process?
Minister Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell.
However, I don’t have the particulars related to this single airport at this time.
Once I have information relevant to the member’s question after requesting the information from my officials, I will provide it.
Mr. Speaker, last week, I was pleased to hear the minister assure my colleague representing Baker Lake that her department will address the important airport needs of small communities.
Can the minister assure my constituents that the Kimmirut Airport relocation project is clearly on her department’s radar?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank the member.
It was back in 1976 that the airport in Kimmirut was constructed. Its possible relocation or replacement is currently under review by our officials.
As I stated earlier, I will look into it and once I get more information, I’ll provide it to my colleague.
Question 433 – 4(2): Support for Apprentices (Sammurtok)
I would like to direct my question to the minister whose department is responsible for supporting apprentices in completing their training, the Minister of Education or the Minister of Family Services, as both ministers’ departments look after this program.
Mr. Speaker, in order for an apprentice to finish their training, they need to work under a qualified journeyman. It has come to my attention that career development officers are telling apprentices to look for their own employment opportunities to complete their training.
Can the minister clarify what steps should be taken by his or her departmental staff to provide support to apprentices as they try to obtain employment that will allow them to work towards their certification?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Please identify which minister you are directing your question to, Mr. Sammurtok.
I’ll try the Minister of Education.
Hon. Paul Quassa: Mr. Speaker, I believe the member is asking for the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for asking that question. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I believe apprenticeship is very important to us. In Rankin Inlet, the training is ongoing and it is successful.
No matter which Arctic College you’re going to, we look for certified (interpretation ends) journeymen (interpretation) who could take on apprentices in the communities. I apologize that I don’t have a term in Inuktitut for journeyman.
We urge and encourage journeymen to take on apprentices.
In having said that, there aren’t too many journeymen around in Nunavut available to apprentices in the communities.
We look at local housing organizations and those who carry out work on government projects. We constantly encourage them to work with apprentices when they are not taking their courses.
We do want that hands-on learning to take place, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the Minister of Nunavut Arctic College just indicated, or Education, whichever the case may be, their priority is education.
Mr. Speaker, our government has stated that education is its number one priority.
However, the lack of support or assistance to individuals who are trying to complete their education to get a career makes it appear that it is not a priority.
Can the minister explain why the departmental staff are unwilling to provide assistance to apprentices who need to find positions where they can work towards completing their apprenticeship?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for voicing his concern about this matter.
There will be an announcement forthcoming later on when Nunavut Arctic College is on the agenda, later on hopefully today. The Nunavut Arctic College presentation will include details on this issue that the member referenced in his question, Mr. Speaker.
I recognize that there is some shared responsibility between the departments of Family Services and Education with respect to the apprenticeship program and career development opportunities.
Will the minister commit to looking into this matter with the assistance of his or her colleague to ensure that apprentices receive the support they need as they work towards completing their certification?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa. (intepretation) I apologize...(interpretation ends)...responsible for Nunavut Arctic College.
Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) We do collaborate with the family services department as well as others.
I just want to inform the member that there is a committee that looks at these issues and (interpretation ends) apprenticeship and trade certification board (interpretation) is the title of this committee.
I have been informed that there are currently vacancies in the committee looking after the apprenticeship file, but that is something we want to restart.
I will work with my colleague, obviously the Minister of Family Services, as this is an important matter.
Further, the objectives laid out in Sivumut Abluqta speak to the need to make this a priority and this will be looked after carefully. I want my colleague to know that this will be a priority.
Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunguu, Ms.Angnakak.
Question 434 – 4(2): Addressing Mental Health across Nunavut (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, during the sitting, we had a number of discussions on the impact that poor mental health, addictions, and other societal pressures have on our health and well-being.
Can the minister describe what steps his department has taken to study and evalulate the range and extent of mental health issues that plague our population and what resources are allocated to address these issues?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first start with my expression of gratitude to my colleagues for approving the operations budget.
This will provide assistance and a good starting point for people suffering from mental health. These programs will now be funded properly for all communities in Nunavut through the local health centres that will look after the mental health cases. This initiative will now commence.
Further, for Iqaluit, we have been running more programs to see if we can look at the places where people suffering from mental health will be assisted.
I believe this program is improving and the focus is starting to shift more towards youth.
We believe that early detection for younger people can make a significant and positive difference in their lives.
This early diagnostic process is continuing.
We will always try different ways of finding out how we can help people with mental health challenges.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for his answer.
He made reference to the recently approved Department of Health’s proposed budget for 2015-16. That included a significant investment in hiring more staff to work in the mental health field.
Can the minister provide an update on exactly how many mental health staff, including mental health workers and psychiatric nurses, would be employed by the government in 2015-16?
We already have sent some mental health professionals into a few communities, especially the mental health nurses. We already have staff positions filled in Iqaluit.
We are not quite finished in this area, so I will see how we can actually further help every community. We will continue to look for new options and put together a solid plan this year.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank once again the minister for his response.
Mr. Speaker, given the mental health issues faced by so many Nunavummiut, it was very surprising that the Department of Health cancelled the mental health counsellor training program at Nunavut Arctic College.
Will the minister commit to reconsidering the need for a program to train and certify mental health counsellors in Nunavut?
As I said at Committee of the Whole, this was a pilot project with funding from the federal government.
We did not stop that program, but because the funding arrangement with the federal government expired, we had no choice but to end that pilot project.
I stated that I will be speaking with the minister responsible for the college to see how we can set up something similar.
Question 435 – 4(2): Review of Harvester Support Programs (Savikataaq)
As the minister will recall, I have asked him questions on his department’s hunter support program in the past.
Mr. Speaker, Arviat has many fur harvesters and hunters and they appreciate the hunter support programs that are offered by his department, but these programs have not been changed or updated since we were still the Northwest Territories.
The last time I asked the minister about the hunter support program, his response was that they were under review.
Can the minister give us an update on the review and if the review process is being done in-house or with outside agencies?
The current hunter support program has been in place within government since 2005.
It was never reviewed since that time.
Last summer, we wanted to start a review of that hunter support program.
It is of utmost importance to this government to provide assistance to our hunters as the reason.
When questions were raised about this review, I had responded previously that our expectations were for this winter.
To date, the report was submitted to my attention on the review, but I felt that it required further work, so I tasked our officials to conduct more consultation to ensure that this review was more consistent.
With respect to your second question, yes, this issue is currently being worked on outside of the government.
They are conducting the review of this program.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for the response.
I understand that the review process was done but sent back for more review.
I didn’t hear it, but can the minister indicate when the second review process might be done and completed and the program updates, if there are any updates done, when will the new program with the updates be ready for us to see?
The harvester support review is a very important file and initiative, and my department is totally committed to a comprehensive and useful review.
Therefore, I can say now that I feel that further consultation was required on the conclusion and recommendations with the Nunavut HTOs and communities.
I’m hoping that the final product can be here in the early spring or before the spring session.
The Fur Pricing Program, which is one of the programs under the hunter support program, I assume, is being reviewed too.
I would just like to point out to the minister that in 2013-14 on the main estimates, the budget for the Fur Pricing Program was $70,000.
In the 2013-14 Annual Report on Grants and Contributions, which was tabled in November of 2014, indicated that only $33,735 of the budget was used.
Roughly half of the budget of the Fur Pricing Program was used.
Mr. Speaker, this suggests to me that there is room to increase the amount that is currently paid for long fur, such as wolves, wolverines, and foxes, and short furs such as sealskins.
Mr. Speaker, I have also asked the minister on many occasions about his department’s paying for the shipping costs of fur harvested in Nunavut by Nunavut hunters and trappers.
Currently, the Department of Environment only pays for the shipping of fur to one fur buyer in Canada.
I’m asking the minister, because the minister’s staff would put the parameters on the review, I would think, as part of the review, to start paying for the shipping of fur harvested in Nunavut to any fur buyer in Canada, not just one.
As per my previous response, I personally wanted it back so I can hear from hunters and community members that support harvesters and when they access programs for hunters. As I stated, I have directed my staff do more work in this area.
This spring, I want to bring the findings of this work to the House. I will be able to provide a better answer at that time.
Question 436 – 4(2): Medical Travel Contracts (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, up until a short while ago, the residents of Repulse Bay had airline services from both First Air and Calm Air.
However, it seemed that the majority of medical travel bookings were made on Calm Air, which had an effect on First Air’s decision to stop airline service to the community.
Can the minister explain how medical travel contracts are allocated so that one airline does not have a distinct business advantage over another?
These contracts have different conditions depending on the community and the airline in Nunavut.
Following these, medical travel is spelled out as to the breakdown of patients, each airline getting about half the travellers.
The agreements are set to follow this model and we follow this today.
Now that Calm Air is the only airline flying into Repulse Bay, there are often extensive delays.