Netser joins cabinet

Nanulik MLA Patterk Netser was elected into cabinet this past Monday, when members of the legislative assembly held a vote to replace Peter Kilabuk.

Netser was chosen over Uqqummiut MLA James Arreak, the only other nominee for the job.

In his five-minute speech to members right before the vote, Netser, who represents Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, said he wished to represent the non-decentralized communities in cabinet, as well as single parents who need jobs.

He said the government should “not be afraid” to look at a decentralized trades school or Heritage Centre, and said that small communities needed more support for sports hunting and commercial fishing opportunities.

He also mentioned that he and his wife had celebrated their 28th anniversary just the day before.

Netser is scheduled to be sworn in today. After that, which portfolio he gets, or whether he even gets one before the end of this sitting, is up to Premier Paul Okalik.