IQALUIT - Iqaluit West MLA Paul Okalik apologized in the legislative assembly on Nov. 30 in response to a report that found Okalik had violated Nunavut's Integrity Act during his re-election campaign in 2008.

MLA Paul Okalik: "I did my job so I consider the matter closed and it's done." - NNSL file photo

"It was not intentional for not abiding by the law and I apologize to all the members, to all my constituents, and the rest of the people of Nunavut," Okalik said.

In his report, Integrity Commissioner Norman Pickell suggested Okalik be reprimanded in the legislature and apologize for his actions within five days of the report being accepted by his fellow MLAs. Eleven members voted to accept the report on Nov. 30.

Pickell found Okalik's campaign team had solicited donations from deputy ministers while Okalik was running for re-election for Iqaluit West. Okalik was still premier at the time and requesting funds from deputy ministers was considered a violation of Nunavut's Integrity Act, the report said.

Deputy ministers are hired by the premier and the premier has the power to decide whether they receive performance bonuses, the report also said.

Okalik said he did not intend to break the law and said he hopes his experience will serve as an example to other MLAs.

"I apologize to you especially because we had to go through this unfortunately," he said. "So I will make sure that this does not happen again in the future and that I don't want this to be experienced by any other members."

In an interview with News/North after his apology, Okalik said he has put the matter behind him.

"I did my job so I consider the matter closed and it's done," he said. "I have other business to deal with."

MLAs discussed making Nunavut's Election Act clearer to prevent future problems.

"I will be asking, probably writing a letter to Elections Nunavut, that they clarify the rules so that we do not have to ask one year later to try and judge an MLA who is no longer premier, in this case," said Rankin Inlet North MLA Tagak Curley, one of three MLAs who voted against accepting the report.