Nunavut premier names two top non-elected officials

David Akeeagok, the Nunavut government’s deputy minister of Environment, will succeed Dan Vandermuelen as cabinet secretary and deputy minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs as of Dec. 16, Premier Peter Taptuna announced Nov. 25.

The appointment means Akeeagok will become the top non-elected official at the GN.

“Mr. Akeeagok has nine years experience in the public service as a deputy minister in several assignments and will provide great leadership to the cabinet process and the deputy ministers. His commitment to the public service has prepared him well for this leadership role,” Taptuna said.

“I would like to thank Daniel Vandermeulen for his contribution to Nunavut as president of Arctic College and as deputy minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Akeeagok has also served for the past two years as the GN’s devolution negotiator.

Alain Barriault, who until now has served as president of the Nunavut Housing Corp., will become the top political official inside Taptuna’s office.

As of, Nov. 25, Barriault will serve as Taptuna’s principal secretary.

“Mr. Barriault brings a great deal of experience to the Office of the Premier. I am very pleased that he has agreed to join our team and is willing to use his skills and knowledge to advance the work of this government,” Taptuna said.