Pat Angnakak resigns from MLA seat to run for Liberals

Angnakak has been an MLA since 2013

Pat Angnakak, pictured here in Oct. 2018, has resigned from her position as Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA and will run for the territory’s federal seat as a Liberal. (File photo)

By Nunatsiaq News

Updated on Aug. 18, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

Pat Angnakak has resigned from her position as Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA and set her sights on Ottawa.

“After much reflection and consultation with family and constituents, I have decided to seek the confidence of Nunavummiut to represent them as their next member of Parliament,” she said in a news release issued by the Legislative Assembly Tuesday afternoon.

The day before, the Liberal party announced she would be its Nunavut candidate.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a federal election on Sunday, and Canadians will go to the polls on Sept. 20.

Angnakak is running against the NDP’s Lori Idlout, an Iqaluit lawyer, and Conservative Laura Mackenzie, former president of Rankin Inlet’s women’s shelter.

Her resignation is effective immediately, the release said. Because it has occurred so close to the next territorial election, there is no requirement to hold a by-election, said legislative assembly clerk John Quirke.

The territorial government will dissolve on Sept. 19 and its election is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Angnakak has served as an MLA since 2013 and was the minister responsible for health, suicide prevention, and senior advocacy from then until 2018.

Correction: This article has been updated from an earlier version to correct the year that Pat Angnakak was elected MLA.

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(21) Comments:

  1. Posted by Aunt and nephew on

    That’s why PJ wants to run for territorial elections, he already knew the aunt was leaving.

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    • Posted by Uvanga on

      So, what’s your point? They are allowed.. petty.

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    • Posted by Yes of course on

      Of course, everyone one who is running for these big positions talk with their families first, I can guarantee everyone one of the ones trying for MLA or MP have talked with their families and close friends before putting their names in, are you really surprised PJ and his aunt would not know?

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  2. Posted by Olsen on

    This was a very good pick by the Liberals, though I just can not bring myself to vote for the party again. Sorry Pat, it is not you and it is not personal.

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  3. Posted by Umingmak on

    Angnakak, with her ethical issues & whatnot, is the perfect candidate for Trudeau’s scandal-plagued government.

    Disappointed that Peter Taptuna isn’t the Conservative candidate. I really thought he was the obvious pick.

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  4. Posted by Exaggerations Unlimited Here on

    Perhaps that was Mr. Taptuna’s CHOICE?? One needs to apply for the positions to be considered.

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  5. Posted by Pain In The Groen on

    Pattikuluk, Pattikuluk baked a plan.
    Will you be the one for Nunavut stans?
    Pat it and prick it and mark it with a “P”,
    Put it in the ballot box for baby and me.

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  6. Posted by Cabinet Confidentiality on

    “Angnakak has served as an MLA since 2017 and was the minister responsible for health, suicide prevention, and senior advocacy from then until 2018.”
    .
    And then what happened, Nunatsiaq?

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    • Posted by Am I Rite? on

      It seems like many (though not all) of our local journalists don’t have a great handle on even our most recent history here.

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  7. Posted by Uvanga on

    I had hoped you would try for anything other than the Liberals and I would have voted for you. Unfortunately, I am not voting for the Liberals again with the true self that Trudeau showed himself to be in the past year. I still wish you the best, despite.

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  8. Posted by Good News on

    Bi-Lingual. Lots of experience and running for the party most likely to form the next government and hence cutting the cheques we need.
    She’ll make a great MP for Nunavut down in Ottawa.

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  9. Posted by Alvin on

    MLA since 2013. Read your own paper.

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  10. Posted by Aputi on

    Make Nunavut great again

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  11. Posted by Janet on

    I voted NDP the last time, so happy Pat is running for Liberals, my vote is for you Pat!

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  12. Posted by Inquiring Minds on

    Pat,
    Inflation rose to 3.7% last month.
    GN employees have been working without a contract and without a pay increase for 3 years now.
    The current Nunavut shows no indication that it cares.
    Until yesterday you were an MLA.
    What did you do about this deplorable situation?
    What do you intend to do about it if you get to Ottawa?
    How will being in Ottawa enable you to help resolve this situation?

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    • Posted by WHo knows? on

      What does Ottawa have to do with this? I can’t see anything, can you enlighten us?

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      • Posted by No Accomplishments on

        I can’t say for sure, but Inquiring Minds might be somewhat sarcastic, like saying, “Hey Pat, you’ve let this go on for years without doing anything, you wanna go work in Ottawa now? You won’t be able to do anything about it from there!”
        .
        Seriously though. The largest workforce in the territory just left hanging for 3 years without a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Minister of Finance George Hickes publicly stating that they may try to implement a wage freeze, meanwhile thanking all the GN staff for working through the ransomware attack and the Covid year+. Major burnout in a lot of the essential staff these days.

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    • Posted by Wants to know on

      You should be asking our Premier this question, after ousting the former Premier who was working to make changes and replacing ministers who wanted improvements and changes done, this question falls on the current Premier.

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  13. Posted by Aputi on

    #LIBERALS make Nunavut great again

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  14. Posted by Angela Friesen on

    I completely trust Pat – her ethical standing is high and carries this with a clear conscience in all her work in public service.

    Pat was instrumental in having Seniors facilities to be built in Nunavut. She opened this concern up………… This concern is still needing to be addressed further, with facilities to become a reality in each community for the elderly.

    it’s a process started. Thank you Pat!!

    Housing, and mental health are huge issues needing to be addressed!

    Pat has the determination, strength and voice that will make these needs heard in Ottawa!!!

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  15. Posted by qikiqtaalummiu on

    great choice listening to the people first step.?

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