Latest news with #DavidAkeeagok
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
David Akeeagok to bid adieu as MLA
Residents of Nunavut's northernmost riding will have a new MLA this fall. Cabinet minister David Akeeagok will not seek re-election as MLA for Quttiktuq riding in the Oct. 27 territorial election. He made the announcement in a member's statement in the legislative assembly Tuesday, thanking his family, constituents and staff for their support over the years. 'I want the High Arctic people to be represented properly, so therefore I inform them that I will not be running again,' he said. A cabinet member with seven portfolios, Akeeagok's roles include minister of community services, human resources, and mines. 'I'm very proud that I have been selected and elected to represent Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord and Arctic Bay,' Akeeagok said. Speaking to reporters after the assembly's spring sitting closed Tuesday, Akeeagok, 56, said the work-life balance of being a family man, MLA of three communities and cabinet minister has been a challenge. He cited that as his reason for not seeking a third term as MLA. Looking back on the past eight years during which he served numerous cabinet positions under three premiers — Paul Quassa, Joe Savikataaq, and his nephew current Premier P.J. Akeeagok — David Akeeagok said his greatest highlight has been representing his home community of Grise Fiord. 'It's one community that does not get as much attention as it should,' he said, pointing to the high cost of living and transportation challenges faced in the hamlet of around 140 residents, located 1,500 kilometres south of the North Pole. Akeeagok said he wanted to make his decision known so prospective candidates could prepare for the election, which is nearly five months away. Anyone hoping to replace him come October should talk about it with their family first, he suggested. 'When you're an MLA, it's a huge commitment,' he said. Akeeagok has been an MLA and cabinet minister since the 2017 election, when he finished first among eight candidates, unseating incumbent Isaac Shooyook. In 2021, Akeeagok won by acclamation as the only candidate. He wouldn't say what his plans are after he leaves office. He'll provide an update on that in the final sitting in September. However, he said he plans to continue serving as a minister until a new cabinet is formed after the election. Akeeagok is the first MLA to publicly announce he will not seek re-election. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
6 days ago
- General
- CBC
Nunavut MLA and cabinet minister David Akeeagok won't run for re-election
Nunavut cabinet minister David Akeeagok says he won't be running in the next territorial election. Akeeagok holds a number of portfolios in cabinet, including community services and human resources, as well as being the minister responsible for mines, trade, and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. He announced his decision to step away from politics on Tuesday in legislative assembly. Speaking in Inuktitut, he said he made the decision "because I want to be with my family." He also thanked his constituents in his Quttiktuq riding, saying "words are not even enough to express my gratitude." Akeeagok was first elected MLA of Quttiktuq in 2017 and was acclaimed to a second term in 2021. The riding includes the communities of Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, and Grise Fiord, where Akeeagok was raised. Speaking to CBC News, he said that representing the three widely separated communities "has become a challenge." He says he was especially proud to represent his home community of Grise Fiord. "It's one community that does not get as much attention as it should," he said. The next territorial election will happen in October. Akeeagok said he wanted to announce his decision now so that anybody interested in running for the Quttiktuq seat has time to think about it.
CBC
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Pamela Gross named Nunavut justice minister in cabinet shuffle
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok has reassigned some portfolios among his cabinet ministers. In a news release on Monday, the premier said Pamela Gross is now minister of justice, minister responsible for labour and minister responsible for the human rights tribunal. Gross, who's also the deputy premier, will remain as education minister in addition to her new portfolios. The justice, labour and human rights tribunal portfolios were previously held by Minister David Akeeagok. He now takes on two of Gross's previous portfolios, as human resources minister and minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, and also stays on as community services minister. The new assignments are effective immediately, the premier said. The announcement is the latest in a number of cabinet upheavals since P.J. Akeeagok was named premier in 2021. Six people have resigned from cabinet over that time, and the premier also faced a confidence vote in the legislature last fall. The next territorial election is just a few months away, on Oct. 27.
CBC
21-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
MLAs probe Nunavut's 'nation-building' projects as legislature resumes
Social Sharing Two Nunavut MLAs asked questions at the Legislative Assembly this week about infrastructure projects that – amid rising tensions between Canada and the U.S. – the territory's premier has described recently as "nation-building." Speaking on CBC's The Current alongside his fellow territorial premiers on Thursday, P.J. Akeeagok said Nunavut has potential that it could deliver not only to Canada, but to the world. "And it starts with creating these infrastructures so you untap the true potential that's there," he said, going on to define a nation-building project as one that "connects people and brings movement." Akeeagok said the Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port and the Grays Bay Road and Port projects were among the territory's nation-building projects. As the winter sitting at the Nunavut Legislative Assembly got underway on Thursday, two MLAs had questions about both those projects. Uqqummiut MLA Mary Killiktee asked, in Inuktitut, why the estimated cost to complete the Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port project had increased from roughly $50 million to $300 million. Nunavut's Economic Development and Transportation Minister David Akeeagok responded, saying the increase stems from a review of what it would take to finish the project. Killiktee was also interested in knowing what commitments the Nunavut government had received from partners such as the federal government and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. "We haven't seen any indication yet from the federal government as to what they will decide," the economic development minister responded in Inuktitut. "Right now, the federal government is [prorogued] and if they're going to be bringing out any money, then the minister of finance has to come up with the money." The minister added that although it's unknown when the federal government will resume, the Nunavut government has to follow Ottawa's policies regarding such programs and funding. Immediately after Killiktee's questions, Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok spoke about the lack of support for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project from the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO). Their submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) called the project " a road to nowhere" that wouldn't benefit local communities. Anavilok said the HTO's board was concerned about the potential impact on a herd of caribou that's already endangered as well as a "lack of clear benefits" for residents and communities in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. "It is very important that organizations such as the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization are able to fully participate in the NIRB's consideration of the project," Anavilok continued. When asked what resources would be made available to the HTO as well as the hamlet, David Akeeagok encouraged the HTO to pursue funding from the NIRB, who would act as an "intervener". "Those voices are very important to hear because this is a major project that's going to definitely have an impact in the region and [it's] something that needs to be incorporated as part of the decision making process."
