Iqaluit (Mar 08/04) - Paul Okalik will get another five years at the helm of Nunavut. The Iqaluit Centre MLA was elected premier for a second term during the leadership forum, March 5.

Paul Okalik was elected by the MLAs of the second Government of Nunavut for a second term as premier. - Neils Christensen/NNSL photo

Also vying for the position as premier was Tagak Curley, who Okalik said provided some tough competition.

"It's been a long campaign," he said.

Nunavummiut packed the gallery of the legislative assembly to witness the close race between the two MLAs running for leader of the government.

Now that the leadership forum is over Okalik is ready to get back to work.

The second Government of Nunavut will face many challenges over the next five years, said Okalik, adding he is confident they can face those challenges.

During the leadership campaign, MLAs asked questions to the two candidates.

Okalik said the questions showed some problems this government has to address.

The two candidates discussed high unemployment rate, financial restraints of the government, lack of housing, improving the education system and incorporating Inuit traditions and Inuktitut in the government.

"There are many challenges for Nunavut over the next five years. We have to look at IQ in the government, our economy has much to be desired and we face a lot of social problems," said Okalik.

The premier is confident that this new government is ready to tackle those issues.

"The group of people we have in this government is very talented. I look forward to working with them," he said.

Now that he has been elected as premier for a second term, Okalik said his goal is to keep the progress moving.

"The first government came a long way, but there is still more that needs to be done," he said. "I hope the territory will be in a better state of affairs in the next five years."

Although he didn't win the leadership race, Curley is also ready to deal with the issues at hand.

"My role is to be the conscience of the people. I will raise the people's concerns in the government," he said. "I still plan to be involved in the decision making."

Okalik's win will be made official on March 8, after a motion is passed in the legislature.