Photo: Ugyuk to face vote of non-confidence

“The leadership review forum has expressed non-confidence in the following members of the executive council: Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.” Those words, from speaker George Qulaut, came shortly after 8 p.m. Nov. 7 near the end of the legislative assembly’s leadership review exercise in which MLAs pitched questions at Premier Peter Taptuna and the other seven cabinet members. Family Services Minister and Netsilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk was the last minister to face questions. When asked about her priorities, Ugyuk said she wants a new women’s shelter in Iqaluit, money for a homeless facility in Nunavut and to help elders enter care facilities. After Qulaut announced that MLAs had expressed non-confidence in her work as minister, a motion was introduced to remove her from cabinet. Members recessed until 9 p.m. When they returned, Ugyuk denied unanimous consent to waive a 48-hour waiting period that is required before the motion can proceed and MLAs adjourned until 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9. Read more later on Nunatsiaqonline.ca. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MAATALII OKALIK)