David Akeeagok might not be retiring from territorial politics
MLA for Quttiktuq clarifies plans for upcoming election
David Akeeagok, Nunavut cabinet minister and MLA for Quttiktuq riding, said July 11 he might not be retiring and will announce his intentions in September. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Nunavut politician David Akeeagok clarified his plans last week for the upcoming territorial election, saying he might not be retiring from territorial politics.
In the legislative assembly on June 3, Akeeagok — the MLA for Quttiktuq riding who holds seven cabinet portfolios, including Community Services and Human Resources — announced, “I want the High Arctic people to be represented properly, so therefore I inform them that I will not be running again.”
Two days later, he posted a similar message on his Facebook page.
“This upcoming election, I feel that I will not be able to represent the Quttiktuq riding and I wanted my constituents to know that I am not planning to put my name forward for Quttiktuq riding for the third time for reasons that I feel there is no more balance between family, MLA duties (three communities) and cabinet duties,” he wrote.
But in a July 11 email to Nunatsiaq News, Akeeagok said he will not run for re-election specifically as an MLA for Quttiktuq – Nunavut’s northernmost riding, which includes the communities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
“In my member’s statement I mentioned [to] stay tuned in September what my intentions are, but in no way did I announce that I am retiring,” Akeeagok said in the email.
His nephew, Premier P.J. Akeeagok, announced July 8 that he will not seek re-election as an MLA in his riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.
The territorial election is scheduled for Oct. 27.
PJ, welcome to becoming Arctic Ambassador….
The best thing he could do for Nunavut is to quit and get a job more in keeping with his lack of education and skills.
He’s never been anything more than a spokesperson for the bureaucrats.
I done heard that Northern Store in Iqaluit need Quik Stop crew at KFC
and Tim Hortons ♥️🎵🎵🤣🤣🤣
Maybe they might hire him there.
Next to the dishwasher, Ms. Qaqqaq🤣🤣🤪🤪🤘🤘😈😈
This current government has been such a disaster that I don’t think any of the cabinet should be re-elected. Think back to how long ago it seems since Lightstone was booted from cabinet, and think of all the dysfunction ever since. This is the worst group of MLA’s that Nunavut has ever had and this government has accomplished the least (and no, Trudeau’s personal vanity to be the PM to sign the devolution agreement is not an accomplishment).
Right on the mark, “clean slate”. This entire government (especially the Premier and Cabinet) Akeeagok included, have all been complicit and participatory in the backsliding of Nunavut over the last 4 years. It is abundantly clear that they knew about serious issues in Health, Education and Housing. That their supposed programs, projects and plans were nothing more than smoke and mirrors. When confronted, they chose to candy coat and pretend like progress was being made. They chose misinformation and to distort the facts. Their “go to” was not action or correction, it was photo ops, or more coverage of the Premier down south, or simply ignoring the problems, reports, recommendations, etc… dismissing them like they did not matter and pretending it was “all good”. When the Premier says, “he did not read ” the Auditor General’s Report (concerning housing) in late May and the housing minister does not even answer questions; that is all one needs to know about this government. Nunavummiut need to inform themselves about how this government has failed them and take that information into the next election and make their vote count.
Absolutely agree with this government has been a disaster, look who they voted as speaker.
The Speaker’s role is unrelated to the Government’s operations. Incidentally, he performs his duties exceptionally well. It appears that someone harbors a personal vendetta against him.
Lightstone? It’s gotten worst since he quit? Excuse me, but he removed himself, Premier’s job but PJ will never admit when he’s wrong and just let it slide with Adam on full ministers’ salary waiting for sitting to start. When asked if PJ read an announcement his reply Yes as soon as I woke up with coffee in my hand, claims the first thing he read. Then the Housing issue, well, I’m pretty darn sure he read it but was not honest about it, Mr Transparent or Mr Photo OP?
Look at past Hansard. Akeeagok has been most likely the best representative of any from every district. Do you want more Kusugaks of the Lorne sort? Maybe a Tootoo or two would fit better? And people will gripe and moan again and more later.
I think it has been proven the Nunavut electorate needs to give its collective head a shake.
How about taking a look at Mr Akeeagok?
I have been following the Hansard and live broadcasts, and it appears that every statement made by the Premier is designed to garner public favor, which creates a positive image but ultimately yields disappointment. It is disconcerting to have a leader who seems unfamiliar with the workings of government. I wish the planned future Inuit organizations success. Farewell.
I will have to call to CBC to request a call in show blizzard show as this crowd has been a none confidence show Main actually never asked for this sitting blow million bux with no plans elders mobile? , housing minister no show to answer governors request answers,
You think this game as elected is at its best leadership,
Hell no No No No ,
Give us a CBC call in. Every 3 months damn…..
NUNAVUTMUIT
Come on David. give it up. I’d vote for anyone else by now, new ideas and more energy needed. Come on new MLA. give it a go.