Hudson Bay MLA apologizes for unspecified ‘inappropriate actions’ as legislature resumes
Daniel Qavvik quit cabinet in November, was absent from winter sitting
Hudson Bay MLA Daniel Qavvik, standing in back, walks past Baker Lake MLA Craig Simailak and Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone at the legislative assembly Thursday. He made a statement apologizing for “inappropriate actions” in the fall. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Hudson Bay MLA Daniel Qavvik apologized in the legislative assembly Thursday for “inappropriate actions,” as he returned to his seat following an unexplained absence from the winter sitting.
He did not elaborate on what those actions were, however.
“Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to formally and publicly apologize to you and all of the members of the legislative assembly as well as my constituents and the Nunavut public for my inappropriate actions that occurred last fall,” Qavvik said.
“I especially want to apologize to all of the members of my family.”
Qavvik was last seen in the legislature when the fall sitting ended Nov. 7. At the time, he was the environment minister as well as holding other portfolios.
On Nov. 13, he resigned from cabinet citing personal reasons.
Also on Nov. 13, the RCMP charged a Sanikiluaq resident named Daniel Qavvik with two counts of assault stemming from an incident that same day, according to court documents, including one charge of assault by choking.
At the time, the MLA could not be reached to say if he is the person who was charged. The RCMP and the premier’s office would not confirm or deny that MLA Qavvik was the person who had been charged.
The birthday for the Daniel Qavvik named in court documents matches a birthday message posted on Facebook from someone who tagged the MLA’s personal profile.
The concluded Nunavut court docket lists a guilty plea having been entered on one assault charge on May 8 in Sanikiluaq, followed by a 12-month probation and conditional discharge. An assault by choking charge was withdrawn.
MLA Qavvik was asked by a reporter at the end of Thursday’s legislative sitting if he could provide an update on the status of any criminal charges.
“No, thank you,” he responded, before promptly heading into the MLAs’ office area.
In his statement in the chamber earlier in the afternoon, Qavvik said he considered resigning as an MLA over the past few months, but decided to stay on after being encouraged to not quit by elders in Sanikiluaq.
He stated, “I acknowledge that I make mistakes and there’s no denying that I must learn from my mistakes and move forward. Words cannot describe how truly sorry I am, but they are a start.”
Qavvik’s speech was met with modest table-tapping from some MLAs. He was welcomed back with handshakes from colleagues and some members of the public gallery.
Being a minister is undoubtedly one of the most challenging professions, as the public scrutinizes every move, searching for any minor transgression. One must maintain a flawless image, akin to an angel, but I commend him for acknowledging his humanity and taking responsibility for his mistakes. He acknowledged his shortcomings by admitting that most men are too ashamed to do so. Best of luck from here on, Daniel!
He showed promise with his initial apology, but sadly, he didn’t stop there, and his further comments fell short of true remorse.
It’s not an apology if you can’t acknowledge what you did.
He won’t be required to resign. Although for this upcoming Fall election, it would be very hard pressed for him to be re-elected. Regardless. Personally, Mr. Qavvik has not accomplished anything for Sanikiluaq. I currently live in this community and from the last few years, he has not built any infrastructure, nor secured any funding for the community. This was largely left on the shoulders of the Hamlet to build up the community.