Nunavut premier announces cabinet shuffle
New minister Margaret Nakashuk to head culture and heritage, as well as housing corporation
Nunavut’s culture and heritage minister, Margaret Nakashuk, announced the newly appointed members to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit on Tuesday. (File photo)
Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq has announced a cabinet shuffle, days after swearing in a new member of cabinet.
Pangnirtung MLA Margaret Nakashuk was voted into cabinet during an Oct. 30 leadership forum, replacing outgoing minister Patterk Netser, who was stripped of his portfolio for making controversial comments.
Savikataaq has now appointed Nakashuk as minister of culture and heritage as well as minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corp., the premier announced in a news release on Friday, Nov. 6.
The premier also announced other changes to cabinet:
- Lorne Kusugak becomes minister of health and minister responsible for seniors.
- David Akeeagok becomes minister of human resources and remains deputy premier and minister of economic development and transportation.
- George Hickes becomes minister of justice and remains minister of finance.
- Jeannie Ehaloak becomes minister of community and government services and remains minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corp.
- David Joanasie becomes minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College and remains minister of education.
The cabinet changes come into effect as of Nov. 9.
“These are major changes within the executive council, but I am confident in this renewed direction and we remain determined and dedicated to our priorities,” Savikataaq said.
“The Government of Nunavut continues working hard and our team is excited to come together, more committed than ever, to help Nunavummiut.”
Savikataaq also thanked the outgoing deputy minister of economic development and transportation, Bernie MacIsaac, for his service as he enters retirement, while welcoming Jimi Onalik as the department’s new deputy minister.
Too much bad press lately for the GN. Let us change a few things up as a distraction?
Here is what I think:
Lorne gets health as frustrations over the issolation hubs grow and cases of covid are finally here. It was just a matter of time. It appears nobody is prepared internally to deal with it after months of stroking their egos in the press and burning $ like there is no tomorrow.
David A gets HR as GN employee tension grows over issolation hubs/ leave credits and after some sort of weak coverup at QEC that results in their HR functions removed and their president replaced. Keep digging Pat!
To be frank, Lorne lost me on his proud to be Eskimo comments. Yuck.
George gets Justice. For the sake of all the children in Nunavut and future generations let us hope he does something on the results of that recent CYR report. I am outraged by the lack of outrage and that Jeanie used covid as an excuse. Then you have CGS. Rules needed to be tighted in that department for a long time as they seem to make their own rules . I dont expect change there but it’s a swinging door and so maybe some senior staff will swing out with it.
I am surprised that David J keeps Education given the outcry of teachers and their treatment after covid closures in March. With the recent education act passing and language bill he should be praying for an out. Education and NAC being combined makes sense.
Maybe they will all be out next election.
I hope the Minister of Health will handle the job and as the past 8 -9 months too many complaints arise regarding payments and mistakes after mistakes. Minister Hickes did very well and should have been kept with Health
Looks like George escaped Health just in time.
Let us hope that Lorne is more on top of things then he was with HR or CGS.
David I would suggest you let the cats out of the bag now while you are still new to HR then get on with fixing things.