Nunavut sex offender’s sentencing delayed due to poor health

A 72-year-old Sanirajak man set to be sentenced for sex crimes Tuesday in Iqaluit saw his court date delayed due to medical issues.

Simeonie Issigaitok was medevaced to Ottawa earlier this week after experiencing difficulty breathing, said defence lawyer Alan Regal in court Tuesday.

“I enquired whether or not he was up for a phone call, and I didn’t have a response from that,” Regel said, relaying information he said he received from staff at Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility.

“I’m without instructions, other than to advise the court that he’s not available, and the reason why.”

Issigaitok pleaded guilty in December 2025 to two counts of sexually touching children under the age of 16, which involved two victims.

The first charge occurred in Sanirajak sometime between 1987 and 1989. The second incident occurred in April 2025.

Crown attorney Jessika Withers agreed that Issigaitok should be present for his sentencing.

“It’s probably best that we put it off, figure out what’s going on with him,” Withers said Tuesday in court. “With a decision of this magnitude I think it makes sense to have him here, or at least on the phone.”

Justice Christian Lyons accepted the lawyers’ request, and scheduled Issigaitok’s next appearance for Aug. 4.