Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq to take time off for health reasons
“The doctor has suggested at least eight weeks off to heal”
Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq returned to work Monday after taking a 10-week leave of absence she disclosed this week was to get help with mental health issues she was facing. (File photo)
Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, the New Democratic Party MP for Nunavut, will take at least eight weeks off work for health reasons, she said in a short statement released late Friday afternoon, Oct. 23.
In her statement, Qaqqaq said that recently she’s been struggling with “some personal health issues.”
She did not state the nature of those health issues, but did say they have nothing to do with COVID-19.
“I’d like to assure Nunavummiut that my condition is not COVID-19 related. The doctor has suggested at least eight weeks off to heal. Although it has been a hard decision to make, I feel it is important to follow this advice,” she said.
She noted that about one year has passed since her election to the House of Commons on Oct. 21, 2019, when she took 40.8 per cent of the vote in Nunavut to defeat Liberal candidate Megan Pizzo Lyall, Conservative candidate Leona Aglukkaq and Green party candidate Douglas Roy.
“I started my campaign with a commitment to fight for basic human rights. There is no doubt that Nunavut would see a major drop in deaths by suicide if the federal government would just honour their obligations and provide adequate housing,” her statement said.
She also said that her constituents remain her priority and that her office will remain open so that staff can help her constituents with their needs.
“I am deeply grateful for the support and understanding of my family, friends, colleagues, and everyone else. With sincere gratitude, matna,” she said.
“I will see you again soon.”
Hope you will get well quickly.
We knew you were isolating in our hotel the same as everyone else at the beginning of October.
I’d be curious to hear our MP’s stance on NTI’s suggestion that Nunavut Inuit who collected CERB fraudulently not be held accountable for paybacks.
Be safe and be well. Brace to submit name to run for public office and to try is hard work getting there. Recharge and reflect and all good.
Get rested and get well.
It takes its toil when one is the “only one” and you find yourself defending, silently picking your battles, trying to change the climate, educate colleagues and deal with the challenges that Nunavummiut face daily. Take time to heal and regroup young lady! You cannot save Nunavut alone! Continue to speak and fight for the rights of the people. We see you, we know your struggle/concerns and its should be everyone’s concern here in Nunavut. Stay strong!