Coral Harbour (Mar 22/06) - Nanulik MLA Patterk Netser has been appointed to the position of minister of the environment and has also been asked to assume ministerial responsibility for the Worker's Compensation Board.

Premier Paul Okalik made the announcement this past week. The environment portfolio had previously been held by Olayuk Akesuk, who is the new minister for Economic Development and Transportation.

Akesuk will also maintain his responsibilities for the commercial fishery and sealing, as well as the Nunavut Housing Corp.