Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Oct 30/00) - Olayuk Akesuk's victory was bitter sweet.
The day after the South Baffin MLA was elected by members of the Legislative Assembly to serve on the Executive Council, he learned of his father's death.
A note was passed to him during the afternoon session as he was about to be sworn into office by the Commissioner of Nunavut. Proceedings halted for about 20 minutes and when members re-convened, the session was closed for the day.
Akesuk, 35, won the Oct. 24 election on the first ballot. He was up against Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo and Amittuq MLA Enoki Irqittuq for the seat vacated by former Education Minister James Arvaluk..
"All week I had been talking to my fellow MLAs and to the Ministers telling them of my intentions," he said after he was elected.
"I am surprised I won on the first ballot."
James Arvaluk was the first member to jump from his seat and offer congratulations to Akesuk.
Arvaluk resigmed as Education Minister after being charged with assault causing bodily harm. He has since pleaded not guilty to the charge.
