Baker Lake (Dec 10/03) - Baker Lake MLA Glenn McLean will not be seeking re-election in the 2004 Nunavut election on Feb. 16.

McLean made the announcement this past Friday.

"I've got a young family and there's just too much travel involved," said McLean.

"I'm going to stay home with my family and be a dad, although I'm not ruling out a future return to territorial politics."

McLean said he actually made the decision about a year ago, and has been telling his closest friends and supporters of his intentions for the past two months.

He said his constituents are supporting his decision and are appreciative of his efforts as an MLA.

"I would hope people view my performance favourably.

"All I tried to do during the past four years was be a constituency MLA and deal with grassroots issues."

McLean, who will be looking for work in the private sector, said Kivalliq politics will not suffer from the absence of he and Rankin North MLA Jack Anawak.

He said the Kivalliq, historically, always runs strong political candidates.

"I don't see any change in that for next year.

"In my opinion, living here for more than 30 years, the Kivalliq will be well-represented in the 2004 election.

"You're going to see some strong candidates come forward in the region."

Areas need more focus

McLean said the Nunavut government has to focus more on issues affecting the traditional economy (arts and crafts) and youth.

He said the next Nunavut government has some major challenges to overcome, including suicides, education, housing and health.

"I'm disappointed more artists weren't recognized and supported by the government, and I don't think there was nearly enough time spent on youth issues.

"The next group of MLAs are going to have just as hard a job as our first government did."

McLean said he views construction of the new Jonah Amitnaaq high school in his community as one of his biggest accomplishments during his four years as Baker's MLA.

"I have three children in this community and two of them are going to be in that new school when it opens. I'm very proud of that."