Aariak gives ministerial responsibility for Nunavut power utility to Monica Ell

Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell will serve as minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corp., effective immediately, Premier Eva Aariak announced Nov. 30.

Until now Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove MLA Lorne Kusugak had handled the QEC job.

Kusugak retains responsibility for Community Government and Services and the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. He’ll also remain as government house leader.

At the same time, Ell will continue to hold the Human Resources portfolio.

“This move helps to better balance workloads between ministers,” Aariak said in a statement.

“Minister Ell is looking forward to taking on this new challenge, while Minister Kusugak will continue to focus on CGS, including the recently incorporated Sport and Recreation,” she said.

The QEC recently announced a temporary six-month rate increase of 4.13 cents a kilowatt-hour on all Nunavut customers that will take effect Dec. 1, pending a review by the Utilities Rate Review Council.