Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services
The QIA board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Alikatuktuk to the top job during a conference call held Oct. 5, said Terry Audla, the association's executive director.
Alikatuktuk formerly held the position of QIA executive member-at-large for Panniqtuuq. He is also a former chair of the Ulu Board.
The QIA board fired former president Meeka Kilabuk at a special board meeting in Iqaluit Sept. 19, citing "numerous violations and breaches of QIA's bylaws, code of conduct and policies."
The board appointed Alikatuktuk interim president following Kilabuk's dismissal.
Audla said the QIA board chose to let Alikatuktuk finish out the term mostly to save money.
"It's more cost-effective and at the same time the term would only be for one year," forcing the association to hold two elections in two years.
Alikatuktuk could not be reached for comment, but said in a report to beneficiaries that "QIA has responded well to the challenges of the last year."
Audla said the new president has indicated that he wants to ensure that QIA has a full complement of staff, and expects to confront a host of issues during his term.
"We're carrying on with our mandate," said Audla.
