Nunavut government honours longest-serving workers

John Quirke, the clerk of the legislative assembly, gives instructions to pages at the opening of the assembly’s second session in October, 2010. Quirke, with more than four decades of public service, leads the list of long-serving territorial employees who the Nunavut government honoured last week. (FILE PHOTO)

The Nunavut government paid homage last week to its longest-serving employees, some of whom have toiled within the territorial civil service for more than 30 years.

They include John Quirke, the clerk of the legislative assembly, whose record of service extends for 40 years.

Premier Peter Taptuna, Finance Minister Keith Peterson and other ministers and MLAs attended a reception March 10 to honour workers who have racked up more than 20 years of service with the Government of the Northwest Territories and, since 1999, the Government of Nunavut.

“These long-term employees were here to see the creation of Nunavut and they continue to contribute to the growth of our territory,” Peterson said March 11 minister’s statements about the long-term service awards.

“This long-term service of our employees is an example of strong leadership from within our own workforce,” he said.

“As our government matures and continues to expand our training and mentorship programs, I am confident that we are going to continue seeing positive results and a growing workforce that is committed to growing with us.”

Those who worked for more than 25 years for the NWT, and now Nunavut, include:

• David Akoak (Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs);

• Meeka Alivaktak (Education);

• Christopher Clarke (Community and Government Services);

• Claudette Girouard-Qamanirq (Health);

• Mark Gordon (CGS);

• Patty Greenley (CGS);

• Rebecca Kudloo (Education);

• Rosie Kudlualik (Health);

• Scott Marriott (Finance);

• Darlene Nuqingaq (Education);

• Eva Ohokak (Finance);

• Judith Paradis-Pastori (Nunavut Arctic College); and,

• Michael Shouldice (NAC)

Those with more than 30 years:

• Tommy Akavak (Environment);

• Annie Buchan (Health);

• Saa Pitsiulak (NAC);

• Marie Tiktak (Health);

• Nancy Tupik (Office of the Legislative Assembly); and,

• Joe Savikataaq (formally Environment).

Those with more than 35 years:

• Alice Barrieau (Finance); and,

• Sam Willy Killiktee (CGS.)