Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jan 14/02) - The Qikiqtaaluk Corporation has lost another leader.

New president Abe Tagalik was suspended without pay Dec. 11. He said he was told his suspension was a result of not keeping his board of directors informed. He added, however, that he was never told what it was he kept to himself.

"I don't know. They didn't say precisely," said Tagalik.

But he said suspects that his suspension is related to a contract awarded for the construction, management and architectural engineering for the new hospital in Iqaluit.

Specifically, an invitational tender was sent to six firms requesting they submit bids for the design of the new medical facility.

"It came down to whether (the Nunavut Construction Corporation) got it or not," said Tagalik. "They didn't win."

Tagalik said he was suspended without pay until Jan. 14, but chose to resign because he didn't like the manner in which the board handled the matter. He said that he was told if he didn't resign, he would be terminated.

"They did this behind closed doors without my involvement ... they said if you don't resign, we'll fire you," he said.

QC vice-chair Johnny Mike is now serving as acting president.

Tagalik said Mike should not have been involved in any aspect of the awarding of the hospital contract because of a conflict of interest. As well as serving on the QC board, Mike sits on Nunavut Construction's board of directors.

When contacted about Tagalik Thursday afternoon, Mike would not confirm if Tagalik was employed or suspended. He said the matter is being handled by the organization's chief executive officer, Harry Flaherty, who was expected to provide him with details by the end of the day.

Tagalik was hired as president Sept. 24. He replaced Jerry Ell, who resigned following allegations of fraud.