Aariak makes pre-Xmas cabinet moves

Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo is now minister responsible for the Department of Human Resources, the lead department in negotiations with the territorial government’s unions. (FILE PHOTO)

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak announced more changes to her cabinet Dec. 8.

Hunter Tootoo takes over as Minister of Human Resources, a position formerly held by Arviat MLA Dan Shewchuk, who still holds the Environment portfolio.

Tootoo retains responsibility for the Department of Education.

Lorne Kusugak, the Community and Government Services minister, becomes Government House Leader, while new cabinet minister James Arreak becomes the minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council.

Arreak, selected by MLAs last month to join cabinet, is already minister of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth and Minister of Languages.

Kusugak and Arreak take over portfolios vacated by former minister Louis Tapardjuk, who resigned last month to sit as a regular MLA.