Long-time tradesman gets DM job

Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik has appointed Robert Gunn, a long-time tradesman in the department of public works, to serve as the department’s deputy minister.

Gunn replaces Ross Mrazek, a veteran civil servant who retired this past summer.

Gunn, a plumber and gasfitter, has worked as a facilities manager, a trades foreman, a maintenance officer, and as a plumber foreman.

His most recent job was as an assistant deputy minister in the department. He became acting deputy minister after Mrazek’s retirement and will start his new job immediately.

Under Nunavut’s system of government administration, the premier’s office has the final say in the appointment of deputy ministers, even though the premier has no say in who is chosen to serve in cabinet.