Nunavut women’s body wants accused MLA removed for good

The Qullit Status of Women’s Council said March 11 that Pangnirtung MLA Adamee Komoartok, seen here in a file photo from 2009, should be permanently removed from the Nunavut legislature. (FILE PHOTO)

Donna Adams, the president of the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, said in a statement issued March 11 that Adamee Komoartok, the MLA for Pangnirtung, should be permanently removed from the legislative assembly.

In the statement, the council said Adams hopes MLAs will “not allow Komoartok to continue to represent his Pangnirtung riding when they reconvene in the spring session.”

On March 10, the assembly voted unanimously to suspend Komoartok as MLA until their spring session, when they will revisit the issue.

Komoartok stands accused of an assault against his wife in an incident alleged to have occurred in Iqaluit on or about March 6.

The women’s council wants MLAs to turn his temporary suspension into a permanent removal, saying Pangnirtung needs a chance to choose another MLA.

“There are many community members — men and women both, who are more than able take on this leadership role immediately, and this is what Pangnirtung needs and deserves of its MLA” Adams said.

The council also said violence against women in Nunavut should not be swept under the rug.

“People who hold a public office should be leading lives of positive example to the young people especially, and should not be in any spotlight where they are facing charges dealing with the issue of violence against women” Adams said.