David Akeeagok to bid adieu as MLA
Cabinet minister of many portfolios won’t seek re-election in Quttiktuq, encourages constituents to start thinking about running
Cabinet minister David Akeeagok will not seek re-election as the MLA for Quttiktuq in the Oct. 27 territorial election. He made the announcement Tuesday. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Residents of Nunavut’s northernmost riding will have a new MLA this fall.
Cabinet minister David Akeeagok will not seek re-election as MLA for Quttiktuq riding in the Oct. 27 territorial election. He made the announcement in a member’s statement in the legislative assembly Tuesday, thanking his family, constituents and staff for their support over the years.
“I want the High Arctic people to be represented properly, so therefore I inform them that I will not be running again,” he said.
A cabinet member with seven portfolios, Akeeagok’s roles include minister of community services, human resources, and mines.
“I’m very proud that I have been selected and elected to represent Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord and Arctic Bay,” Akeeagok said.
Speaking to reporters after the assembly’s spring sitting closed Tuesday, Akeeagok, 56, said the work-life balance of being a family man, MLA of three communities and cabinet minister has been a challenge. He cited that as his reason for not seeking a third term as MLA.
Looking back on the past eight years during which he served numerous cabinet positions under three premiers — Paul Quassa, Joe Savikataaq, and his nephew current Premier P.J. Akeeagok — David Akeeagok said his greatest highlight has been representing his home community of Grise Fiord.
“It’s one community that does not get as much attention as it should,” he said, pointing to the high cost of living and transportation challenges faced in the hamlet of around 140 residents, located 1,500 kilometres south of the North Pole.
Akeeagok said he wanted to make his decision known so prospective candidates could prepare for the election, which is nearly five months away.
Anyone hoping to replace him come October should talk about it with their family first, he suggested.
“When you’re an MLA, it’s a huge commitment,” he said.
Akeeagok has been an MLA and cabinet minister since the 2017 election, when he finished first among eight candidates, unseating incumbent Isaac Shooyook.
In 2021, Akeeagok won by acclamation as the only candidate.
He wouldn’t say what his plans are after he leaves office. He’ll provide an update on that in the final sitting in September.
However, he said he plans to continue serving as a minister until a new cabinet is formed after the election.
Akeeagok is the first MLA to publicly announce he will not seek re-election.
Will Akeeagok not seek re-election? I highly doubt it. Not in Quttiktuq riding, my prediction is he’ll still run for MLA where he has resided in Iqaluit for several years. Good luck, Mr. David Akeeagok! Change is beneficial where it’s necessary.
Any chance of taking his nephew with him?
Any chance he’ll take his nephew and best friend. Government needs them out as currently it’s the trios way as they please. No accountability, zero. Laughing all the way into the deep deep seaport.
Akeeagok voiced his agreement, noting “he couldn’t agree more”. Meanwhile, there is a noticeable similarity between our new NTI president’s communication style and that of the Premier. Our territorial is at its best and couldn’t get any worse. Welcome to 2025 NTI Government.
ᑕᒪᕐᒥᒃᓗ ᑕᓐᓇ ᐊᐱᖁᑎᑎᐊᕚᓚᔪᐊᓗᑐᐃᓐᓇᒃ ᐊᒻᒪ ᐋᑯᓗᒃ
Thanks david
One of the better serving MLAs. Oh, and is it “an MLA” or “a MLA”?
I would say write “a MLA” but say “an emmellay”…
It’s sad that this is the state of our education…
It’s “an MLA”. MLA is pronounced “em-ell-eh”, therefore the proper article is “an”.
The same way you wouldn’t say, “I saw a NHL player” or, “I’m a honest person”, you don’t say, “Akeeagok has been a MLA”.
“I saw an NHL player”
“I’m an honest person”
“Akeeagok has been an MLA”
No matter what criticism David got, his welcoming attitude never changed towards anyone. NTI President needs to learn that from him, and so other young politicians wanna bees.
Nice guy.
Terrible Minister.