Nunavut MLAs to choose cabinet minister May 2

Nunavut MLAs will elect a new cabinet minister May 2, in a special vote to be held 9:30 a.m. at the Nunavut legislature in Iqaluit.

The new minister will fill the spot on cabinet left vacant by the resignation this past Nov. 16 of Rankin Inlet North MLA Tagak Curley.

In a special gathering called the “Nunavut Leadership Forum” Nunavut MLAs will pick the new member from among themselves.

At 11:00 a.m., the assembly will re-convene to pass a formal motion to confirm their choice.

Currently, seven MLAs serve on the eight member cabinet.

One of them, Fred Schell, sits without portfolio. This past March, Premier Eva Aariak stripped him of all cabinet responsibilities following allegations that Schell abused his authority and acted in conflict of interest.

Late last week, CBC North reported that Schell faces an assault charge, related to an incident alleged to have occurred in Iqaluit April 10.

The Nunavut Integrity Commissioner, Norman Pickell, is now looking into those allegations.

This means that, effectively, there are only six active members of cabinet, one of whom is Eva Aariak who handles the premier’s job along with with six portfolios.

“After careful consideration of the current workloads facing ministers and regular members, we have agreed that it is desirable to select a new minister at this time,” caucus chairperson John Ningark, the MLA for Nattilik, said in a May 1 news release.

Under Nunavut’s non-partisan system, the premier and cabinet are chosen MLAs after a territorial election. Ministerial portfolios are assigned by the premier.

The May 2 proceedings are open to the public.