Cabinet minister David Akeeagok to switch ridings, run in Iqaluit
Community services minister announced in June he would not seek re-election in Quttiktuq riding
Community Services Minister David Akeeagok speaks at a conference in Iqaluit in June. At the legislative assembly Monday, he announced plans to run as an MLA in Iqaluit. With the Oct. 27 territorial election approaching, MLAs and other candidates are beginning to announce their plans to run for office. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
After previously announcing he wouldn’t seek re-election as MLA for Quttiktuq, Community Services Minister David Akeeagok says he does plan to run again but this time in an Iqaluit riding.
Akeeagok made the announcement Monday as the final sitting of the sixth Nunavut legislative assembly began.
“I would like to let everyone know that I will be running for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu,” Akeeagok said in his member’s statement in Inuktitut, noting that he lives in Apex, which is part of the riding.
“That’s a heads-up for the people of Iqaluit.”
The territorial election is scheduled for Oct. 27.
In June, Akeeagok cited the challenge of balancing his duties as a minister, being a family man, and representing three communities in the Quttiktuq riding — Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay and his home hamlet of Grise Fiord — for his decision to not seek re-election in the High Arctic.
At the time, he said he would provide an update on his plans in September.
In July, Premier P.J. Akeeagok — the current MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu and nephew of David Akeeagok — announced he would not seek re-election, meaning the riding will have a new representative.
After the premier’s announcement, Minister Akeeagok told Nunatsiaq News that “in no way did I announce that I am retiring.”
Some of Iqaluit’s other MLAs have also said they will run again.
Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster said in a Facebook post on the weekend that she will seek re-election. Adam Arreak Lightstone, representing Iqaluit-Manirajak, announced his bid for re-election last week.
Lightstone is expected to be challenged for his seat by Gwen Healey Akearok, the executive and scientific director of the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Iqaluit, who has announced her intention to run against him.
Sept. 22 is the first day candidates can file their declarations of candidacy with Elections Nunavut. The cut-off to file as a candidate is 2 p.m. local time on Sept. 26, according to the Elections Nunavut website.
We are not made out for second choice Mr. Akeeagok and don’t want you. You served for two too many terms already and we want people who will get things done. Should. Have stayed in your old riding as you are not getting this riding!
I can’t agree more, this guy does not get anything done but he sure likes getting his photo taken,
We need someone that will work hard for the people anot for himself.
I sure hope we get a better choice than the status quo, we need change,
We need change and David running in his nephews riding isnt change. It’s more of the same. With the same people, same script.
If you are honest, hard working and in it for the right reasons. This is your time to step up.
Just about anybody, but David can have my vote. We need real change.
Lets hope Nunatsiaq will give the other candidates free advertising like they are here.
Weak media are missing the real story, once again.
LOL!!.
I see Nunavut is fueled by nepotism.
Nunavut is FUBAR 🤡🤪
That is unlikely. Nunatsiaq exists to support the LPC. They want their own man in the big chair just like they’ve had for the past few years.
This is not new, this is a longstanding trend going back decades. Go look at some of the archives.
David has been in the Legislative Assembly for close to twenty years or longer. You’ll see his picture in the encyclopedia under the term “ Professional politician”. If you are completely happy with Nunavut’s governance over the years, he’s definitely your man!!
Please run against him! Please! Do not let David win or win that easily. Run!
Wasn’t there a resident requirement
If he is a MLA for another region
How can he run for Iqaluit apex
I