Nunavut premier-elect says MLAs must work together to fix issues in territory

A day after being elected as Nunavut’s first non-Inuk premier, John Main says that the government must work together to solve the territory’s many problems. “As a legislature, as a government, we have to develop our priorities together, through developing our mandate,” Main told reporters. “There’s no shortage of issues that need addressing in terms of which ones are going to be at the top of the list. That’s a group exercise that we will be going through.” Main has represented the people in Arviat North three times and was the territory’s Health minister in the last government. He takes over from PJ Akeeagok who did not seek re-election. Nunavut is a concensus government, meaning there are no parties. The premier and cabinet are chosen by elected Members of the Legislative Assembly, or MLAs who all ran independently. South Baffin MLA David Joanasie secured an executive seat as Speaker of the legislature. Joanasie said he plans to use his 12 years of experience to balance the assembly. “We’ll have to work together as a team, and I’m going to be supporting their endeavours in the house as well,” he said. “Every member has a constituency office that will have to get them sorted, and set up to have their best foot forward in their constituents, and having a good impact for Nunavut as a whole.” The legislature also chose MLAs who will be in cabinet. Nine were nominated but only eight received enough support to secure a seat. One of them is David Akeeagok who lost his bid for the premier’s job to Main. Also chosen for cabinet are Annie Tattuinee, Brian Koonoo, Cecile Nelvana, Craig Simailak, George Hickes, Gwen Healey Akearok and Janet Brewster. Main will appoint the eight cabinet members to their portfolios in the coming days. Continue Reading