Paul Okalik to run for Liberal party in Nunavut

Paul Okalik, currently the MLA for Iqaluit West and speaker of the Nunavut legislative assembly, will declare his candidacy for the Liberal party this afternoon. (FILE PHOTO)

Paul Okalik, the former premier of Nunavut, will announce this afternoon that he will contest the federal riding of Nunavut for the Liberal Party of Canada.

Okalik, a former Nunavut premier who now serves as speaker of the Nunavut legislative assembly, is expected to announce his resignation as speaker, and also as member for Iqaluit West, at a press conference to be held 1:30 p.m.on the causeway, somewhere past the dump.

The incumbent MP for Nunavut, Leona Aglukkaq, has already started her campaign, having wrapped up visits to Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq earlier this week.

The NDP candidate, Jack Hicks, announced his candidacy April 4.

(More to follow)