MLAs mum on eve of vote to remove Akeeagok as premier
Solomon Malliki says he still plans to make motion Wednesday to oust premier
MLA Solomon Malliki, left, and Premier P.J. Akeeagok pass each other Monday between conversations with reporters at the legislative assembly. Minutes earlier, Malliki had announced plans to table a motion Wednesday to oust Akeeagok as premier. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Nunavut’s MLAs are keeping mum on a potential vote to oust Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
Aivilik MLA Solomon Malliki announced Monday his intention to make a motion Wednesday to remove Akeeagok as premier.
Malliki decried a lack of “transparency” from the government — an assertion Akeeagok called “false.”
Before Tuesday’s proceedings, Malliki told a reporter his view had not changed since the previous day.
He declined to comment on the timing of the notice of motion, coming as three members — Minister Margaret Nakashuk and regular MLAs Karen Nutarak and Mary Killiktee — are absent from the legislature.
Nunatsiaq News emailed the offices of all MLAs Tuesday — except those of the premier and Speaker Tony Akoak — to ask each how they plan to vote. Legislative rules prohibit the speaker from voting unless it’s to break a tie.
Just two MLAs replied.
Killiktee responded by phone, saying she’s in Ottawa and will do an interview after the vote. Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickes, the only member to reply by email, declined to comment.
At the legislative assembly, a reporter attempted to ask all present ministers and MLAs as they entered the chamber for their thoughts on the vote.
Most did not answer.
“I’m neutral right now,” said Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok, the only MLA who did not ignore or respond “no comment” at the door.
Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone posted on Facebook, asking for residents’ input on the possible vote.
“I cannot speak broadly on how this came about, as this was news to me as of [Monday] morning,” Lightstone said in his post on Iqaluit Community Events.
Akeeagok, in an interview Tuesday, again said he has been a transparent premier by, for example, answering questions and sharing his ministers’ mandate letters publicly — the latter of which was a Nunavut first.
At the same time, he spoke on some of the “transformative” changes his government has accomplished, including implementing $10-a-day childcare and kick-starting housing construction in every community.
“When I look back on all the great things we’ve done, have there been challenges? Absolutely. Will there be more challenges? Absolutely,” said Akeeagok, who has been Nunavut’s premier since 2021.
“That’s what I’ll be looking back on: how privileged I’ve been to be able to serve in this capacity, how honourable it has been, in terms of the work and the trust that I have received.”
In 2018, MLAs ousted Paul Quassa as premier. Sixteen MLAs voted in favour of his removal, three were against, and two abstained.
When asked if he wanted to comment about this week’s confidence vote process, Quassa — who is no longer in politics — declined.
Almost there. Many might see this and shock. This is what this MLA is complaining about false is true. Even the minister of health. If there is a public meetings in kivallik there is alot of mosunderstanding you will see. About Health worker complaint never read, KIA about inuit about complaint to mine.
Do you know that health workers do not report directly to the Minister of Health? If you want to complain about such an employee, contact their Manager or Patient Relations at Toll-Free: 1-855-438-3003. The Minister of Health only has one employee, the Deputy Minister of Health.
Didn’t Solomon already try this a year or so ago?
USA elections and in Nunavut they trying to remove premier all in one week? What a time to be alive
Maliki speaks to bullying eh…….interesting that he is being bullied into this path manipulated by the JJJs. Joe, Jorge and Janet.
Paul, George and the Ole Boys Club using Solomon to do their work.
Classic power struggle between the NS Crew and Ole School. See how this plays out
John Main should have a talk with Solomon, John got used that time when Joe wanted to be premier and they oust Paul Q for really nothing, just a power grab for Joe.
I’m sure John would have some good advice for Solomon.
Came to see who’s Mother was commenting. Was guessing Craig’s.
The old boys verses new blood narrative would work better if PJ’s number one advisor wasn’t Joe Kunuk and his Finance Minister wasn’t Lorne Kusugak.
Well, well, well. The ministers do not even reply to complaints and emails. We do need a change. Time to remove Pamela and Rebecca too…
‘Quana for the question’ never answers any questions or concerns from her constituents. Very incompetent individual.
Hey, goals for 2025:
– New ITK President
– New NTI President
– New NU Premier
– New non-complaining Inuit Beneficiaries
– New Government of Nunavut
– New Republican President
– New Conservative Prime Minister
– New you and me
– New Year!
I mean it’s all right there: vying to oust Akeeagok due to ‘transparency’, when just about no one in Nunavut politics has interest in being transparent. This is an issue across the territory, not just in politics. Obviously nothing will change regardless of the outcome of this vote.
Joe and George made a fool of themselves, unfortunately Solomon too for being used by them.
Let this be a lesson, stop listening to power hungry politicians that are in it for themselves.
I am glad the motion was defeated. What a waste of time.
Stop voting for these people as they do little for Nunavut but think of themselves.
It is glaringly obvious who the powers that be are in this assembly. It is time for change and if anyone knows about change it is the regular member, former Minister George Hickes. The best outcome of this democratic exercise would be for George to be nominated for Premier. During the Quassa shuffle he showed that he has the tact, charisma and know-how to get things done in government. That would be my choice, should Premier Akeeagok lose in this vote.
Maliki, you need to proof read your stuff before you start. Be more prepared. Quit being used by power hungry other MLA’s. Think for yourself.
Who else notices Ministers do not answer questions when asked. One Minister mentioned short staffed that is a whole conversation in it’s self, if we can not rely on the leaders to provide answers when they state they have open door policy… Who can we the people of Nunavut rely on to get some answers. Perhaps officials DM’s, ADM’s and Director’s should be in the seats and Minister’s in the office doing day to day monitoring and get full training on processes and MLA’s regularly visit offices.