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Securing Canada鈥檚 Arctic

Arctic security was of concern to MLA Joelie Kaernerk in the legislative assembly on May 30.

Kaernerk expressed disappointment to Premier P.J. Akeeagok speak of the announcement that Iqaluit would be the new headquarters under Arctic security and sovereignty, as Kaernerk was advocating for Sanirajak.

鈥淚 would like to know how was this decision made. I know it was done federally, but did the premier at least advocate for my constituents of Amittummiut?鈥� Kaernerk asked.

Akeeagok said the prime minister did not announce the headquarters would be located in Iqaluit, but he did announce a 黑料吃瓜网 operation hub in the capital city 鈥� one of three that was identified, the other two being located in Inuvik and Yellowknife.

鈥淚 will always continue to see investments come to the North. It's great to see the throne speech specifically talk about the North, to talk about the Arctic, in particular to see investments in this,鈥� Akeeagok said. 鈥淚 very much look forward to engaging with the new defence minister, Minister (David) McGuinty.鈥�

Probing public safety in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq

Keeping residents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq safe from the high rate of crime was an issue that Uqqummiut MLA Mary Killiktee raised during the May 29 session of the legislative assembly.

Killiktee questioned the new minister of Justice, Pamela Gross, on what crime prevention initiatives her department is undertaking in collaboration with other key stakeholders, such as the RCMP, and questioned whether harm reduction initiatives, such as restorative and therapeutic justice and spousal abuse counselling programs outlined in the department鈥檚 business plan, would expand into the two communities.

鈥淚 would not be asking too many questions if you would provide the list, or information to the public. At times it seems like there鈥檚 hardly any support programs for violent crimes,鈥� Killiktee told the minister.

Gross responded that she would discuss with her department how to make information more readily available and shared among the communities.

Killiktee also questioned Gross about the status of the firearms safety and education program identified as a priority in the business plan.

Gross responded that activities such as firearm licensing courses, distributing trigger locks, 'Train the Trainer' courses, and safety awareness contests had been accomplished and she would share more details about expanding the program once available.

Protecting vulnerable children in Pond Inlet

Tununiq MLA Karen Nutarak questioned Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk in the legislative assembly on May 26 regarding what steps must be taken to open a children鈥檚 group home in Pond Inlet. She cited two recent hearings on the 鈥渄esperate need of protective services鈥� for Nunavut鈥檚 children and youth.

鈥淭he protection of children and youth is a government responsibility, mandated by legislation. Will the minister commit to reviewing the need for a group home or safe shelter for vulnerable children and youth in Nunavut communities, and will she present the finding of her review to this House before the end of our term?鈥� Nutarak asked.

鈥淲hen the Office of the Auditor General did put the report out, the Department of Family Services had to do a strategic plan, and in the strategic plan we do have a number of things that the department has to do, and a lot of it is of course protecting the children,鈥� Nakashuk responded. 鈥淪o we are working towards the strategic plan on how we can better provide service and programs to the communities to help protect the children in the communities.

鈥淲e will continue to work on this strategic plan to ensure that there鈥檚 more programs and services that the department develops throughout.鈥�

Strengthening infrastructure and empowering communities

John Main, minister Responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC), announced in the May 22 session of the legislative assembly that Qulliq is advancing 30 active capital projects across Nunavut, including five new power plants.

Three design-build contracts have been awarded for new power plants in Cambridge Bay, Iglulik and Gjoa Haven, while a public tender for a new plant in Kugluktuk is in progress and land acquisition efforts are underway for a new power plant in Kugaaruk.

鈥淭hese investments reflect a strong capital plan that supports the needs of Nunavummiut today and creates lasting benefits into the future,鈥� Main said.

To enhance emergency power reliability in the territory, he said emergency generator units were installed in Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq, with more installations coming for Coral Harbour, Grise Fiord, Kugluktuk, and Iglulik.

Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut scholarship programs

To increase the eligible workforce in Nunavut to meet the growing demand for employees with technical professional education in infrastructure, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure David Joanasie announced on May 22 a $260,000 scholarship fund.

鈥淭his strategic investment aims to bolster the technical knowledge available within the territory and reflects my departments commitment to increase Inuit representation in the technical and specialized areas of transportation and infrastructure Nunavut,鈥� Joanasie said.

Minister condemns treatment of social service workers

Margaret Nakashuk, minister of Family Services, raised the issues of violence, harassment, and negativity being directed against front line community social services workers in Nunavut, calling it a 鈥渄irect attack鈥� on dedicated professionals and on the values of Nunavummiut.

鈥淟et us reaffirm our commitment to protecting those people who protect us,鈥� Nakashuk said on May 22.

鈥淲e must work together to create a culture of respect and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of these professionals.鈥�

Improving access to medications for rare diseases in Nunavut

The territory is receiving a federal investment exceeding $7.3 million over three years to improve access to selected new drugs for rare diseases and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening, Health Minister John Main announced on May 22.

Main said the agreement is not only about medication, but about health equity.

鈥淚t is about making sure our people, particularly our children and Elders living with rare conditions, no matter how small the numbers are, are not left behind,鈥� he said.