Darell Greer
Northern News Services

Coral Harbour (Aug 30/00) - Nunavut Education Minister James Arvaluk resigned Monday after being charged with assault causing bodily harm following a disturbance in Coral Harbour Saturday morning.

James Arvaluk

Cpl. Harvey L. Seddon, a member of the RCMP's Nunavut General Investigation Section in Iqaluit, said the Coral Harbour detachment of the RCMP received a complaint at about 6:30 a.m., Aug. 26, that a woman had been assaulted at a private residence in the community.

"The assault was reported to have taken place immediately prior to the police being called," said Seddon.

"As a result of the ensuing police investigation, James Arvaluk, 52, of Iqaluit, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm."

Arvaluk was released after agreeing to keep the peace and have no contact with the victim.

He is scheduled to appear in court in Coral Harbour, Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. If convicted, Arvaluk could face up to 10 years imprisonment.

Seddon would not release any details regarding the victim's relationship to the accused or events surrounding the incident.

"The investigation is still ongoing so we can't comment on any aspects of the case right now," he said.

This is the second time in his career that assault charges have led to Arvaluk resigning a political post.

Arvaluk resigned his seat in the NWT legislature in February 1995, after being charged with sexual assault in Yellowknife.

He was MLA for Aivilik at the time and had represented Coral Harbour, Repulse Bay and Chesterfield Inlet in the NWT legislature from 1991 until his '95 resignation.

Premier Paul Okalik, who has taken over the education portfolio for the time being, accepted the minister's resignation from the executive council Monday.

"Mr. Arvaluk's insight and knowledge have been instrumental in what the Government of Nunavut has been able to accomplish so far and we will miss his input during our cabinet deliberations," the release stated.