Okalik sets sights on Ottawa

Paul Okalik speaks with reporters April 6 after announcing he’s stepping down as Iqaluit West MLA to run as the Liberal candidate for Nunavut in the May 2 federal election. The move also means the Iqaluit West seat is vacant and must be filled with a by-election by Oct. 3 (PHOTO BY CHRIS WINDEYER)

Paul Okalik is leaving territorial politics after more than a decade to take a shot at winning the Nunavut riding back for the Liberal Party.

Standing on Iqaluit’s causeway Okalik, with a – 29 C wind chill bringing tears to his eyes, said he’ll step down as speaker of the Legislative Assembly and as MLA for Iqaluit West to run against Conservative incumbent Leona Aglukkaq.

“I know it will be a challenge,” Okalik told reporters. “But it’s something that I haven’t done before, so I’m looking forward to the campaign, and I’m overwhelmed at the support that has been shown to me already.”

Okalik is the only MLA the riding of Iqaluit has ever had since its creation in 1999. He has served as premier, justice minister and most recently as speaker.

Okalik slammed the Conservative government’s record on wildlife, pointing to an attempt by federal government scientists in August, 2010 to undertake seismic testing in Lancaster Sound and a decision to ban the export of polar bear parts.

He also said he chose the causeway to announce his Liberal candidacy to underscore the point that a promised deepwater port for Iqaluit has never materialized.

“We can’t just stand by and take those,” he said. “We have to show the country that… we should have a voice.”

Okalik is the third candidate to enter the Nunavut race. Aglukkaq, the federal health minister is running again for the Conservatives, while researcher Jack Hicks announced April 4 he’s running for the New Democratic Party.

Nunavut MLAs will now have to elect a new speaker when they sit again in June.

There was no immediate word on when a by-election for Iqaluit West would be held, although it’s possible it could be scheduled for Sept. 12, when voters in Pangnirtung will pick a new MLA following Adamee Komoartok’s resignation from the house last month.