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NUNAVUT - David Simailak apologized in front of the legislative assembly for violating the Integrity Act throughout a two-year period while he served as finance minister.

"It is appropriate that I take this opportunity to acknowledge my wrongful conduct and formally apologize to you, to my colleagues, and to the people of Baker Lake, and indeed, all Nunavummiut," Simailak, MLA for Baker Lake, said to the Speaker. "I did what I was not supposed to do."

David Simailak, MLA for Baker Lake and former minister of Economic Development and Finance, was questioned last November about the Nunavut Business Development Corporation. Last week Simailak admitted to the legislative assembly he acted wrongfully in abusing his influence. - NNSL file photo

Simailak issued the apology immediately after MLAs voted 14-1 to approve the integrity commissioner's report that found Simailak was in contravention of four provisions within the Integrity Act and accept its recommendations on Wednesday afternoon.

Simailak is now ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. As well, if he wishes to run in the upcoming territorial election, he will have to send a letter to the household of each of his constituents apologizing for his behaviour and letting them know where they can find a copy of the integrity commissioner's report online.

Simailak had not made his intentions to run for re-election known as of press time Thursday.

The report outlined several instances where Simailak kept in contact with business partners when cabinet ministers are expected to keep their business interests at arm's length.

Along with abusing the blind trust agreement, the report also found Simailak misused his influence as an elected official by scheduling meetings between government and business partners and by referring friends to government for contracts.

Hunter Tootoo, MLA for Iqaluit Centre, and chair of the standing committee of government operations and accountability, raised the motion to accept the report in the house.

"When we developed and passed the Integrity Act, one of our concerns was to achieve the goal of ensuring that elected officials do not use their positions for personal gain," he said.

Tootoo praised the thorough work of Integrity Commissioner Norman Pickell and said the report "speaks for itself."

Simailak turned towards Tootoo and watched with interest as his colleague read the allegations made in the report.

As Tootoo weighed in with his opinion, Simailak nodded at times.

"I believe that the recommendations and sanctions contained in the report are clear, firm and appropriate as they relate to this matter," Tootoo said.

Tootoo hoped the motion would be passed unanimously.

It almost did, with only Peter Kattuk, MLA for Hudson Bay, voting to reject the report.

Kattuk suggested the fine of $5,000 was too high and said the report did not conform to Inuit tradition.

"Anyone in the Inuit custom is not to go against another individual," he said "Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit must be used by this government."

Premier Paul Okalik said cabinet discussed the issue and would vote as a block to approve the recommendations made in the report.

"We will be voting in favour of the motion to maintain the integrity of our government and that we do hope that we never have to go through this for future governments," he said.

Tagak Curley, MLA for Rankin Inlet North, supported the motion, although he levied some criticism at the government for not making it explicitly clear what cabinet ministers are, and are not, allowed to do.

"There has to be a policy or a regulation," he said. "It has to be something in writing."

David Alagalak, MLA for Arviat, acknowledged Kattuk's argument but said supporting the motion would show youth the need to respect legislation and law.

The debate lasted 33 minutes.

In speaking to the motion, Tootoo also raised concerns about the integrity of a number of decisions made during the first legislative assembly such as the awarding of certain major contracts and leases.