Nunavut MLA Brian Koonoo resigns from cabinet
Territorial leader who held 4 portfolios cites ‘personal reasons’ for decision
Tununiq MLA Brian Koonoo is no longer a cabinet minister. He resigned for “personal reasons,” Nunavut Premier John Main announced Monday. (Photo courtesy of Brian Koonoo)
Brian Koonoo has resigned as a Nunavut cabinet minister.
He is walking away from his post for personal reasons, Premier John Main announced Monday evening in a short statement. The resignation is effective immediately.
Koonoo previously held three portfolios, including environment, energy, languages, and culture and heritage.
Cecile Nelvana Lyall, the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, will take on environment and energy.
The languages and culture and heritage posts will go to Human Resources Minister Annie Tattuinee, who is also the minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.
This is Koonoo’s first term in the legislative assembly after being elected in the 2025 territorial election. He represents the Tununiq riding that consists of Pond Inlet. Koonoo a hunter, and children’s book author and former Parks Canada employee.
Koonoo was not present for Monday’s sitting of the legislative assembly.
David Akeeagok needs to resign too. The educationall system is broken. My son is 16 years old and hardly reads and writes as there are no qualified teachers to teach him. Most substitue teachers here in Clyde River can’t also read and write english. He doesn’t bother going to the school now as it’s not an educational anymore.