Fresh face in cabinet expected to receive portfolio Monday

Fred Pedersen, the newest appointee to Nunavut’s cabinet, will receive his portfolio assignments on Monday, says Joanna Awa, press secretary for Premier John Main.

The Cambridge Bay MLA was selected by his colleagues on Nov. 5 to replace Brian Koonoo, who resigned from his ministerial duties on Nov. 2.

“I just want to thank the members again for putting their trust in me by selecting me to sit on the executive council,” Pedersen said in his Nov. 5 members statement to the legislative assembly.

“I want to assure my constituents in Cambridge Bay that I will continue to advocate on your behalf.”

He said as well that he’s looking forward to “in-depth” conversations with the premier, and finding out what portfolio he’d receive.

Koonoo was minister of environment, energy, languages and culture and heritage.

Cecile Nelvana Lyall, the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corp., took on environment and energy in Koonoo’s absence. Human Resources Minister Annie Tattuinee took on the languages and culture and heritage assignments.

Koonoo, the Tununiq MLA, listed a number of personal reasons for his resignation, including that he missed his family and hunting.