Latest news with #Akeeagok
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Premier offers condolences to Pond Inlet following 3 deaths
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok offered his condolences to the hamlet of Pond Inlet as Nunavut's coroner investigates three deaths in the community. 'I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the community of Pond Inlet during this incredibly difficult time,' Akeeagok said in a statement Saturday morning. 'Like many Nunavummiut, I am heartbroken by the tragic events that have shaken your community.' Akeeagok's statement did not elaborate about the events he referred to. But the territory's coroner said his office is looking into them. 'I can confirm that we are investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet as coroner's cases,' Dr. Michael Foote, the territory's chief coroner, said in an email. Foote also did not provide additional information about the deaths. He urged sensitivity to the families and the community. 'As these are currently open investigations it would be inappropriate to share details at this time,' he said. Nunavut RCMP referred comment to the Department of Health and the Office of the Coroner. 'We don't feel we are in a position to comment on this matter,' said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. George Henrie. Akeeagok said the Nunavut government is stepping in to support Pond Inlet. 'The Department of Health, under the leadership of the Minister [John] Main, is coordinating the response and working closely with all government departments and local partners on the ground,' he said. 'To the residents of Pond Inlet: please know that the entire territory stands with you. You are not alone. We will walk with you through this tragedy and support your healing in the days and weeks ahead.' Resources are available for people who need to talk with someone: The national Suicide Crisis Helpline is 9-8-8. Kamatsiaqtut Help Line offers services in Inuktitut. Phone: 979-3333 for Iqaluit residents and 1-800-265-3333 for other Nunavummiut. The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at . Healing by Talking Program offers virtual long-term counselling services to Inuit across Nunavut: visit your local Health Centre for more information, or email healing@ , or call toll-free at 1-888-648-0070 or 867-975-5367. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Return of the Arctic ambassador: Here's who might be up for the job
More than six months after the federal government revived the position of Canada's Arctic ambassador, the job remains vacant. The ambassador works with Canada's Arctic allies, Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments to promote the country's domestic and foreign policy agendas, advance Canada's Arctic interests and raise awareness of Indigenous rights in the Arctic, according to Global Affairs Canada. 'Canada's Arctic ambassador will be announced in due course,' Charlotte MacLeod, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, said in a June 25 email, when asked about the vacancy. The ambassador — to be named by the federal cabinet — was one of the key pillars of the federal government's $34.7-million Arctic foreign policy announced in December. The role of an ambassador for circumpolar affairs was created by Jean Chrétien's Liberal government in 1994. Mary Simon, the current governor general, was the first ambassador until 2004 when she was replaced by Jack Anawak, a former Nunavut MP. In 2006, Stephen Harper's Conservative government eliminated the position to save money. To some, the cut was a signal of the federal government's disinterest in Arctic affairs. As the role is brought back, here are some potential candidates who might be up for the gig. P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut premier — A first-time MLA, Akeeagok announced July 8 he won't seek re-election in the Oct. 27 territorial election. Akeeagok said in a social media post he is not 'stepping away for another role.' It's a move to spend more time with his family. He didn't say what his future plans are, but said he will' look at opportunities when that moment hits.' Akeeagok was elected to the legislative assembly in November 2021, winning the Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu riding after seven years as president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. That same month, he was elected premier in a vote by MLAs, succeeding Joe Savikataaq. Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami — Obed's term as president of the national Inuit organization is winding down, with an election scheduled for the third week of September. In 2021, Obed was the only candidate to run and was acclaimed as president for a third term as head of the organization. Before that election, he told Nunatsiaq News he would not seek re-election in 2025. No one has put their name forward as a potential contender in the upcoming election, and Obed hasn't publicly laid out his post-presidency plans. Prior to his time as ITK's president, Obed served at the Labrador Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and chaired ITK's National Inuit Committee on Health. Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. — Aluki Kotierk has had several appointments after stepping down last December as president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the territory's lands claim organization. In February, she was appointed to lead an external review of Nutrition North Canada, a food subsidy program. As well, she was appointed to chair the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Manitok Thompson, retired politician and broadcasting executive —Thompson is only a few days into her retirement from the Inuit Broadcasting Corp., and from Nunavut and Northwest Territories politics. She was the only woman to be elected to the first Nunavut legislative assembly, and in 2004 ran unsuccessfully as an independent to represent Nunavut in Parliament. Although Thompson retired, she said she might 'show up again' and will stay vocal on issues important to Inuit. Lisa Kopperqualak, former president of Inuit Circumpolar Council — Kopperqualak, a longtime Nunavik writer and Inuit advocate, resigned as president of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada in March to 'pursue her next chapter of advocacy work for Inuit interests,' the ICC's statement said. In 2018, she was elected vice-president of international affairs at ICC Canada. Then in 2022, she was appointed as the council's president. David Akeeagok, MLA and minister with seven portfolios — Akeeagok was the first Nunavut MLA to announce he will not run in the fall territorial elections. As a family man, he was having a hard time managing work and personal life, he told reporters at the legislative assembly June 3. As MLA for Quttiktuq, Nunavut's northernmost riding, Akeeagok served as a minister under premiers Paul Quassa, Joe Savikataaq, and his nephew, the current Premier P.J. Akeeagok. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Nunavut premier prioritizes family in decision not to seek re-election in fall
In a 'family-first' decision, Nunavut's Premier Pauloosie Jamesie (P.J.) Akeeagok will step away from politics during the upcoming fall election. The premier made the surprise announcement on his official government page July 8, one day before the territory celebrates the 32 year of Nunavut Day. 'I am stepping away because this is the right moment to spend more time with my young family—time that public life often demands we set aside,' Akeeagok said in his detailed post addressed to the people of Nunavut. Born in Grise Fiord, Akeeagok attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut and then studied political science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Ottawa, where he met his wife Parniga. Prior to entering the political arena, he was the two-term president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the organization that represents the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit. He also held senior roles at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. At 36-years-old, he was elected as MLA in October, 2021 to represent the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. In November, he was subsequently chosen to represent the territory as its sixth premier by the newly-elected MLAs in the consensus-style government. Achieving goals Akeeagok cited numerous accomplishments in his nearly four years at the helm of Canada's newest territory. When first elected, Akeeagok highlighted a magnitude of issues faced by the territory. He said the territory was in crisis and youth were crying out to be heard. He said solutions were needed for mental health and addictions issues, elder care at home, food insecurity, and affordable childcare. He called for partnerships with other governments to help build much needed housing in the territory. He also highlighted the fisheries industry as an alternative economic opportunity for communities not benefitting from the mining industry or government jobs. In his address, he said negotiating the historic devolution agreement, the national early childhood agreement, the renewal of the Nunavut Agreement implementation contract, and the launch of Nunavut 3000 were among the achievements he felt stood out during his political term. Confidence retained It wasn't always a smooth journey for Akeeagok, however, as he navigated through governing the vast territory. Dissent began growing within the legislature, with workplace culture, staff changes and transparency becoming issues of contention. In 2024, Solomon Malliki, the MLA for Aivilik, became critical of Akeeagok's leadership style for its lack of transparency and a growing 'toxic environment', and put forth a vote of non-confidence. A resulting narrow vote of 10-8 kept Akeeagok in his premier's seat however, and he responded by calling the motion a 'sledgehammer' approach to the allegations. Akeeagok said he anticipates future projects that 'reinforce Canadian sovereignty' and respond to urgent community needs will help build a strong territory and will 'form the backbone of a stronger, more resilient Arctic rooted in Inuit values', leading to a true partnership with Canada. Akeeagok emphasized the reason for his departure from politics in his address, and gave no indication in his message of where the future may lead him. 'I remain deeply committed to public service and to the future of this territory, and I look forward to continuing that service in new and meaningful ways, wherever that path may lead.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok planning to leave politics to spend time with family
IQALUIT – The premier of Nunavut has announced he will not seek re-election when his term as a member of the territorial assembly expires this fall. P.J. Akeeagok says he's leaving politics to spend more time with his family and not for another political position. Akeeagok has served as premier since November 2021, when he was elected for the first time to the territorial assembly. He had previously been president of one of three regional Inuit associations in Nunavut. Akeeagok says in a statement that his decision to leave politics comes after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with his family. He says among the accomplishments that stand out for him is a devolution agreement that returned control of lands and natural resources to Nunavut. 'I am deeply grateful to my fellow premiers — and especially to my fellow Northern premiers — whose leadership has been supportive, inspiring and grounded in shared purpose,' he said Tuesday. 'I am not stepping away for another role. I am stepping away because this is the right moment to spend more time with my young family — time that public life often demands we set aside. I remain deeply committed to public service and to the future of this territory, and I look forward to continuing that service in new and meaningful ways, wherever that path may lead.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.
CBC
08-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Nunavut premier announces he isn't seeking re-election
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says he will not seek re-election when his term comes to a close in the fall. Akeeagok wrote on Facebook Tuesday morning that he is "humbled every day by the trust Nunavummiut" placed in him and is, "deeply proud of what we've achieved together." Akeeagok, who represents the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, wrote that he decided not seek re-election so that he can spend more time with his family. "Time that public life often demands we set aside," he wrote. He highlighted some of the accomplishments that stood out over his term, including the devolution agreement, the national early childhood education agreement and the launch of Nunavut 3,000 — a plan to build 3,000 homes across the territory. Akeeagok also highlighted the "trying times" they have faced in the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the water crisis. "To the municipal leaders and front-line workers who showed resilience and leadership during those moments, your efforts were the backbone of our response." Akeeagok thanked his family and friends for supporting him over his term. Akeeagok, who grew up in Grise Fiord, was voted in as premier by his fellow MLAs in 2021 as part of the territory's consensus government. He won the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu in 2021 with 84 per cent of the vote, according to his profile. He was previously the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. He survived a non-confidence vote in the Legislative Assembly in November 2024, with 10 MLAs voting to keep him as premier and another eight voting to remove him. The Nunavut election will be held on Oct. 27.
