MLAs choose Iqaluit’s Monica Ell for the Nunavut cabinet

Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell told MLAs May 2 that she wants to strengthen local businesses and Inuit firms, provide services that are not available to people in Iqaluit, and address the affordable housing crisis in Nunavut. (PHOTO BY DAVID MURPHY)

The newest member of Nunavut’s cabinet is Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell.

Nunavut MLAs elected her May 2 at a special leadership forum in just one round of voting over two other candidates — Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk and Pangnirtung MLA Hezakiah Oshutapik — after Akulliq MLA John Ningark nominated her for the position.

“I’ve decided that perhaps I am needed and that with my past experiences I can assist in moving forward with government issues,” Ell said.

Her speech before the legislative assembly vote stressed the importance of strengthening local businesses and Inuit firms, providing services that are not available to people in Iqaluit, and addressing the affordable housing “crisis” in Nunavut.

“I will continue to work and improve the services in these areas,” she said.

One major issue Ell wants to improve is mental health amongst Nunavummiut — an issue has directly affected her because a family member died by suicide years ago.

“I am aware of the variety of mental health issues people face here, and I think that is one of the keys as to why I was voted in,” Ell said.

“It has played a big part in my decision today to move forward with leadership. It’s given me a different perspective in life and not to take advantage of it.”

Ell has a long list of accomplishments on her resume. She’s been Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s director of business and economic development, a director with the Inuit Broadcast Corp. in Iqaluit, she’s worked for CBC North, and owned Arctic Creations, a clothing and fabric store.

“One of the reasons I was voted in was the background that I have in running a small business and the fact that I have been working in the past with Inuit organizations,” said Ell.

Ell now becomes the second woman in the cabinet, joining Premier Eva Aariak. She was elected as an MLA this past Sept. 12 in a byelection and says she is primed for the opportunity to be part of the government.

However, she doesn’t officially have a portfolio yet and there’s only less than a year left in the council’s term.

Aariak is expected to soon announce Ell’s cabinet responsibilities.

“That thought has occurred to me that, yes, what can you do in a year?” Ell said.

“There are many challenges and we need someone in there that can have an open mind and discuss issues that are before us and try to move forward.”