MLA Joelie Kaernerk back in legislature after quitting cabinet
Former minister declines to speak about return as regular member
Amittuq MLA Joelie Kaernerk has returned to his seat in the legislative assembly as a regular member after he resigned from cabinet earlier this year.
Absent for the first two days of the winter sitting, which opened Feb. 22, Kaernerk was back in the chamber Monday when Nunavut’s 2024 budget was unveiled, sitting to the right of cabinet member David Akeeagok.
Kaernerk, who has been the MLA for his Qikiqtani region district since 2017, had a relatively short stint in cabinet.
In September 2023, he and Daniel Qavvik were elected to cabinet during a leadership conference. Kaernerk was later named minister of culture and heritage, minister of languages, and minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corp.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced in January Kaernerk would be stripped of his cabinet roles. Akeeagok cited “code of conduct violations” by Kaernerk, but offered no further explanation for his decision.
Kaernerk voluntarily resigned from cabinet.
Following Tuesday’s proceeding, Nunatsiaq News asked Kaernerk about his return to the legislature but he declined to speak about it.
“I have no comment,” he said, before heading into the legislature’s offices.
In his first two days back in the assembly, Kaernerk spoke during question periods.
Previously, in 2022, Kaernerk was suspended by colleagues, allegedly for being intoxicated in the legislature.
Karens face tho lol
Welcome back, Kotter
Angajaalirama. Urrujaalirama. Quvianaqpakpu. Piqannarijaralu.
As an MLA, it is his obligation to speak to the press when asked questions. He cannot ignore the public’s right to know.
Sadly this is a feature of our dysfunctional political culture in Nunavut. Is it the shallow roots of the democratic traditional here? I suspect that sometimes.
The Incredible Krunk transformed into mild mannered Bruce Kaernerk
Mr. Kaernerk is not shy of his addictions. I can smell his insecurities from a mile a way. Another one that should learn a lesson or two.