Speaker, finance minister, former premier among Nunavut MLAs who say farewell

Arviat South MLA Joe Savikataaq said “it’s been a good run” in office, as he and six other members who also won’t seek re-election ended their final sitting Thursday in the legislative assembly.

“Twelve years is long, but it seems short at the same time too,” said Savikataaq, who served as premier from 2018 to 2021, in his member’s statement.

“Lots of elders in Arviat have gone and have passed on since I first got elected. A lot of new babies have been born that I don’t even know who they are, but there’s lots of them.”

All 20 MLAs who were present in the legislature used their members’ statements to thank their families, constituents, staff and colleagues for their support over the past four years.

The MLAs, including those who hadn’t yet revealed their election plans, used the final session to discuss them.

Finance Minister Lorne Kusugak, who represents Rankin Inlet South and, like Savikataaq, is nearing the end of his third term in office, announced he will not run again.

“It was always fun, always challenging, and as many times as we’ve disagreed it was always with mutual respect from everybody in this room,” Kusugak said, adding later, “I think it’s time for me to step aside from politics for a while.”

Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk, in announcing she won’t seek another term in Pangnirtung, praised her department’s staff.

She said they worked tirelessly to address issues raised by the Office of the Auditor General in two reports, which found her department was failing to protect vulnerable children and youth in the territory.

“I have been most fortunate to be able to be the minister for that department,” she said.

In addition to Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who announced in July he won’t seek re-election in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Karen Nutarak, the MLA for Tununiq, and Amittuq MLA Joelie Kaernerk also said their goodbyes Thursday.

“If you think you can be a good MLA, go for the position,” Kaernerk advised would-be candidates.

Speaker Tony Akoak, who is MLA for Gjoa Haven, announced he will not seek re-election.

“It is time to move on,” he said in his closing remarks in the legislature.

These MLAs have said they will seek re-election:

• Joanna Quassa, Aggu;
• John Main, Arviat North-Whale Cove;
• Craig Simailak, Baker Lake;
• Pamela Hakongak Gross, Cambridge Bay;
• Daniel Qavvik, Hudson Bay;
• Adam Arreak Lightstone, Iqaluit-Manirajak;
• Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Iqaluit-Sinaa;
• George Hickes, Iqaluit-Tasiluk;
• Bobby Anavilok, Kugluktuk;
• Joseph Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Netsilik;
• Alexander Sammurtok, Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet;
• David Joanasie, South Baffin;
• Mary Killiktee, Uqqummiut.

David Akeeagok, who represents Quttiktuq, has said he will run again, but in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu where he currently lives.

Aivilik MLA Solomon Malliki has not made his election plans clear and declined to comment when asked by a reporter.

With the territorial election set for Oct. 27, Main wished all candidates good luck as they prepare for the campaign cycle.

“I hope we have a clean election in Nunavut. We can’t take democracy for granted,” he said.

“Let’s all embrace hope and optimism for Nunavummiut.”