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INUVIK - Robert McLeod can now add another accomplishment to his growing political career.

On Monday the Twin Lakes MLA was voted into cabinet by members of the 16th legislative assembly of the NWT, filling posts left vacant by Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya who was voted out last week.

NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford signs the order elevating Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Robert McLeod into the territorial cabinet in the legislative assembly chamber. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

The vote for McLeod took place by secret ballot on Monday afternoon. The MLA was officially sworn in on Tuesday morning.

McLeod was first elected MLA of Twin Lakes in a 2003 by-election. He was re-elected in 2007.

During an interview with the Inuvik Drum after his re-election, McLeod said he was not seeking a cabinet position and was happy with his seat as a regular member of the assembly.

"I have never wanted a position on cabinet," he told the Inuvik Drum last year. "I think I'm down there doing what people want me to do. If it was offered, I'd have to think about it, but it's not something I'm seeking."

This week McLeod said strong support from his constituents led him to accept the cabinet post.

"I made a commitment to pound the table and bring the issues forward," he said.

Without the blessing of his constituents, he said. "I doubt I would have put my name forward."

On the first day of session, McLeod said he talked with some of the other members of the assembly about being on cabinet.

"We talked it over and I decided to take the step at that time," he said.

McLeod reassured his constituents he will still bring the issues forward but in a different way now.

"I'll still be the public voice for Inuvik, I can still deal with member issues, but I'll be doing it in a different form," he said.

McLeod said everyone in cabinet has their own favoured portfolio.

"I expect to inherit the vacant portfolios at first," he said.

McLeod said he is happy and eager to see what awaits in his new role.

"This is definitely a new stage in my political career," he said.

McLeod will be back in Inuvik Oct. 10 to 14.

When he spoke to the Inuvik Drum on Monday afternoon, he was in the middle of moving his office into the Minister's wing of the Legislative Hall.

Premier and Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland extended his congratulations to the newest member of the cabinet.

"I know Robert has done a good job in his role to date," Roland said on Tuesday morning.

"He's carried himself well and as of noon today, he will be assigned his portfolios."

McLeod was given three vacant portfolios: Municipal and Community Affairs, Youth, and the Workers' Safety Compensation Commission dossier.

Roland took on the vacant Power Corporation portfolio.