Hunter Tootoo

[Indigenous Affairs, November 27th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

The current funding formula for Nunavut falls short, making it difficult for the territorial government to adequately provide basic services. I have raised this concern on numerous occasions, and for good reason. Just look at the stats: only 35% of students graduate high school, the suicide rate is ten times the national average, and the core housing need is three times the national rate, and there are many more.

Will the minister commit to working with the territorial government to adjust the formula to more of a needs-based approach?

[Natural Resources, November 24th, 2017]

Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint.

The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?

[Indigenous Affairs, November 6th, 2017]

[Member spoke in aboriginal language]

[English]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. The government is committed to making real progress on issues most important to indigenous peoples, including education. Targeted investments in first nations education have been made to ensure a brighter future for first nations children.

Nunavut currently has the lowest graduation rate in the country, with only 35% of students graduating. This is 50% lower than the national average. How and when will similar targeted investments be made for Inuit education in Nunavut?

[Nunavut, November 1st, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.

While touring my riding, many constituents expressed concerns about Nunavut's low standard of living. Currently, we are heavily dependent on federal transfers. However, access to own-source revenues would go a long way in improving this standard. The recent moratorium on oil and gas, although beneficial for the Arctic environment, also removes this potential own-source revenue.

How will the Prime Minister work with the new territorial government to improve our standard of living, and achieve a stable and self-sustaining economy in Nunavut?

[Transportation Modernization Act, October 30th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply and will be voting yes.

[Transportation Modernization Act, October 30th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I agree to have the vote applied, and I will be voting no.

[Indigenous Affairs, October 27th, 2017]

Qujannamiik uqaqti.Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. While I was visiting communities in my riding, many constituents expressed concerns about Nunavut's outdated power plants. More than half of Nunavut's power plants have exceeded their operational lifespan, putting communities at high risk. They are also 100% reliant on diesel fuel, outdated, and inefficient.

Given the government's mandate to encourage the use of clean technology and reduce harmful greenhouse gases, how does the minister plan to work with the Government of Nunavut to address this urgent concern?

[Nunavut, October 25th, 2017]

[Member spoke in Inuktitut]

[English]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian national funding formulas must be adjusted to consider Nunavut's unique circumstances. I have and will continue to raise my concerns about per capita funding and how it continues to fail Nunavut.

In the south, Nunavut's population would be served by one easily accessible, full service hospital. However, the reality is that our population is spread out over 25 completely isolated communities separated by thousands of kilometres. This means that the majority of Nunavummiut do not have the same access or service. This is just one example of where the per capita system fails us.

How is the Government of Nunavut expected to provide basic services with this system of allocation? Nunavummiut deserve to have the same standard of living and basic services Canadians in the south enjoy. This can only be achieved by changing the per capita funding system to more of a needs-based approach.

[Indigenous Affairs, October 16th, 2017]

Qujannamiik uqaqti. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Indigenous Services. The government has split Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and designated a minister of indigenous crown relations and northern affairs and a minister of indigenous services. While touring my riding, I heard concerns that this decision will only add another layer of bureaucracy and make it even more difficult to deliver on pressing issues like Nunavut's suicide rate and the lack of mental health services.

How will the split of the department help solve these and other issues that Nunavummiut currently face?

[Air Transportation, October 6th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport. While touring my riding, I heard concerns from many constituents about the high cost of living in Nunavut. Food, equipment, and transportation are all extremely expensive, and we rely heavily on air transport for our goods and services.

Transport Canada has proposed new regulations affecting duty time that could make airline operations and our cost of living even more expensive. When finalizing these regulations, will the minister take into account our unique circumstances and consider the impact these changes will have on northern airlines and Nunavummiut?