Laughter, tears as MLAs honour retiring clerk
John Quirke calls it a career after 25 years with Nunavut legislative assembly
MLAs applaud John Quirke on his final day in the legislative assembly. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
John Quirke’s first day as clerk of the Nunavut legislative assembly was April 1, 1999 — the same day the territory itself was born.
A quarter century, six premiers, 85 MLAs and more than 500 bills later, the longtime public servant is calling it a career.
“Inside of me was a roller-coaster because I knew this was the last time I’d be here at the table,” Quirke told reporters after the end of the fall sitting Thursday afternoon.
Past and current MLAs, legislature staff and public servants packed the Nunavut legislature chamber to bear witness to Quirke’s final sitting day ahead of his retirement later this year.
Quirke, whose job involves assisting MLAs and serving as a liaison between the executive and legislative branches of the Nunavut government, looked back fondly on his career.
After arriving in Iqaluit in the late 1960s, he worked as a public servant in the Government of the Northwest Territories.
In 1999, Quirke was appointed clerk of Nunavut’s first legislative assembly — a position he has held ever since.
Quirke looked back on several memories of the job, including welcoming leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II to the legislature and taking the first legislative assembly on tour to communities outside Iqaluit.
He also talked about taking it upon himself to pick up new MLAs from the airport.
“[I] wanted to make them feel welcome, especially when you’re a new member,” he said.
As legislative proceedings came to a close, Commissioner Eva Aariak and Speaker Tony Akoak led tributes, thanking Quirke for his service.
“John has always been a rock of calm during our assembly’s most turbulent moments,” Akoak said.
Most MLAs offered their tributes as well, describing the lessons and laughter they shared together.
“Thank you for your amazing service,” Premier P.J. Akeeagok said, extending his thanks to Quirke’s family.
Netsilik MLA Joseph Quqqiaq was one of a few MLAs who became emotional looking back on his memories with Quirke.
MLAs and audience members film John Quirke’s final reading of the orders of the day as legislative clerk. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Speaking about times of laughter and being cared for, Quqqiaq said he’s going to miss Quirke’s smile.
“Mr. Quirke saying the orders of the day was always the best,” he added.
Following the tributes, MLAs and audience members pulled out their phones to film Quirke reading the orders of the day for when the legislative assembly returns on Feb. 20, 2025.
When that day comes, Stephen Innuksuk will be sitting in Quirke’s seat as the new clerk of the assembly – an appointment that was confirmed Thursday.
Quirke said he was humbled to hear MLAs’ words about him and to be joined by friends on his final sitting day.
MLAs left the chamber after Quirke emphasized to them the importance of trust.
“It was important to me that at the end of the day, the members could look at me and say, ‘I trust the clerk,’” he said.
John Quirke is a legislative rock star. All the best John.
Congratulations on a fabulous run, both in Nunavut and the former Northwest Territories, John. Few will ever provide your level of public service.
Mr. Quirke once casually told reporters how he skipped his own child’s wedding to make sure the Assembly ran smooth during the Covid sessions.
I respect him. Well done.
I wish John Quirke the very best in his retirement! Congratulations on serving both Nunavut and the Northwest Territory as Clerk of the legislative Assembly. Nunavut and Northwest Territory were fortunate to have a very committed servant like John Quirke! Thank you, John!
John wqas the rock that kept the GN together singlehandly by his deep knowledge of what the MLAs and the assembly can and cannot do.
Precious knowledge that will be hard to replace.
Thank you John Quirke
Enjoy your retirement
I happened to see him at the airport on my way home after cataract surgery and he told me he was retiring. I stated my amazement at his longevity and always being unperturbed even when chaos reigned in the House.
Wish you the best Mr. Quirke and I have always enjoyed our working together as we both began April 1, 1999 at the first session. I moved to transcribing their work for 20+ years, and still on occasion, would do a spell at the booth.
I always loved trying to keep up with Mr. Quirke’s Orders of the Day…hard indeed. Some kind of plaque or commemorative measure would be awesome.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement John….the longest serving Clerk in Canada! Since our first meeting in 1999, I’ve been so very impressed with your sincere, kind and genuine nature while always maintaining the firm resolve needed to do the job so well! Your service at the Table is legendary and your friendship deeply cherished. All the very best to you in your retirement!