MLA Karen Nutarak voted into cabinet
Motion nominating Tununiq MLA was introduced March 1
MLA Karen Nutarak was voted into cabinet on Monday after a motion nominating her was put forward on March 1. Nutarak is the MLA of the Tununiq constituency. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Tununiq MLA Karen Nutarak was voted into cabinet Monday.
The motion was put forward by Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok and Aggu MLA Joanna Quassa.
Nutarak will replace Amittuq MLA Joelie Kaernerk, who stepped down from cabinet in January after being stripped of his duties as minister of culture and heritage, minister of languages, and minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok removed Kaernerk’s cabinet responsibilities due to what he said at the time was a code of conduct violation.
In an interview with Nunatsiaq News on March 1, Nutarak said being put into cabinet will allow her to have an impact in the remaining legislative term, which concludes in October 2025.
“I’m excited, I’m scared, I have all sorts of emotions going on right now, but I’m happy to be able to represent my constituents and the whole Nunavut,” she said then.
She added she wants to speak with Akeeagok about which portfolios she can take on.
From Pond Inlet, Nutarak was voted in to be the Tununiq MLA in 2021. She was an educator and founder of Pirurvik Preschool before being elected.
Congratulations Minister.