Fist bumps, hugs as Nunavut’s MLAs officially sworn in

Nunavut’s MLAs officially took their seats Thursday after being sworn in to their roles by Commissioner Eva Aariak.

“It brings back the memories from the first time,” said veteran Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickes.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be elected four times, which is a very rare occasion.”

Only two other MLAs have been elected to four consecutive terms: former Iqaluit MLA and premier Paul Okalik, and newly elected Speaker David Joanasie.

For Hickes, this fourth term marks his return to cabinet. Portfolios had not yet been announced as of early Thursday afternoon.

“I think it’s a great group of people that are around the cabinet table right now,” he said.

“I’ve had the experience on both sides of the house, and I’m going to bring all that experience to bear in this fourth term.”

Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony began with a prayer, followed by an Inuktitut rendition of O Canada performed by the Inuksuk Drum Dancers. After that, all 21 MLAs recited their oaths of office.

There was an empty seat in the assembly due to the tie result in Aggu. Voters in that riding head back to the polls Dec. 15 with six candidates running.

Premier-elect John Main fist-bumped his new cabinet colleagues as they were called on to be sworn in, while Aariak congratulated some members with a hug after completing their oaths.

From left, Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA David Akeeagok takes a photo of RCMP Staff Sgt. Maj. Pauline Melanson, Quttiktuq MLA Steven Taqtu, two-month-old Tuukku Piujuq Taqtu and April Taqtu. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)

The proceedings concluded with Aariak summoning them back to the chamber to meet in the afternoon.

Quttiktuq’s rookie MLA Steven Taqtu described being sworn in as “exciting” and “scary.”

Accompanied by his wife April Taqtu and their two-month-old son Tuukku Piujuq Taqtu, he said he looks forward to the next four years.

“There’s a lot of issues,” he said, prioritizing housing, youth and the cost of living.

For Cecile Nelvana Lyall, Netsilik’s MLA and a newly elected cabinet minister, one of her next steps is getting ready to move to Iqaluit.

“I’ve lived in Taloyoak my whole life other than when I was going to school, so it’ll be a change, but I’m excited,” she said.

“I still would like to spend time within my constituency, within Taloyoak and Kugaaruk, so I’ll be back and forth.”