Hudson Bay MLA Daniel Qavvik resigns from legislature

Daniel Qavvik has resigned from his seat as the MLA for Hudson Bay, leaving the community of Sanikiluaq unrepresented in the Nunavut legislature.

Qavvik made the announcement Monday in his members’ statement to the legislative assembly, saying his resignation would be “effective immediately.”

Qavvik offered some reasons for his sudden departure.

“I have decided to care for my spirituality, my emotional traumas and for my mental health situations,” he said.

After his remarks, Speaker David Joanasie informed the house that a date for a byelection would be announced “in due course.”

Qavvik spent just over four years in the legislature representing Hudson Bay. He was first elected in 2021.

Qavvik spent most of his first term on the regular members’ side of the chamber before being chosen to join cabinet in 2023. He was minister of environment.

Qavvik stepped down from cabinet in November 2024 after he was charged with two counts of assault. He pleaded guilty to one of the counts and the other charge was withdrawn.

Qavvik faced zero opponents in the 2025 territorial election and returned to the assembly on acclamation.

“It has been a privilege, an honour to serve as a member of the legislative assembly,” Qavvik said Monday to his colleagues.

“I have made good memories during my term in office, and also at the same time I have gone through hardship.”