Monica Ell to take charge of Nunavut’s new family services department: Aariak

Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell will serve as minister responsible for the new Department of Family Services effective April 1, Premier Eva Aariak announced March 28.

Ell, who will continue as minister responsible for homelessness, the Qulliq Energy Corp. and the Status of Women, said she looked forward to the “new challenge.”

“Over the past nine months, our government has restructured to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, while improving our made-in Nunavut approach,” Aariak said in a Nunavut government news release.

“I am pleased to announce that on April 1, all social services will be focused and housed within the new Department of Family Services under the strong leadership of Minister Monica Ell.”

Nunavut first announced it was considering changes to the structure of government operations in the 2011 budget, the news release said.

The changes reflect a report tabled by the Auditor General of Canada at the Legislative Assembly in 2011 called, “Child, Youth and Family Programs and Services in Nunavut,” the release said.

That report identified the need to improve programs and services for children, youth and families, it said.

Among the other changes slated for April 1: the operations of the human resources department, where Ell previously served as minister, moves into the Finance and Executive departments.

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson will continue to serve as minister of Nunavut’s health and finance departments.

“I would like to thank Minister Peterson for his leadership and oversight that led to the creation of the new family services department,” Aariak sad. “We now require Minister Peterson’s experience and knowledge to focus on leading the two key departments of finance and health.”