NUNAVUT - Comments made to the media are part of the reason Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. unanimously voted to immediately remove its president from office, said the corporation's acting president.

Paul Kaludjak had been serving a 60-day suspension with pay since Aug. 30 for misuse of a corporate credit card after racking up nearly $52,000 in what NTI determined to be questionable charges.

First vice-president James Eetoolook had been acting as president while Kaludjak was serving his suspension, due to end Oct. 30.

"Under ... suspension, Paul Kaludjak ... made some statements to the media regarding NTI policies, operations and circumstances concerning his misuse of the corporate credit card. Those things were misleading," he said.

The land claims organization will not release details of Kaludjak's expenditures, said Franco Buscemi, director

of communications for NTI.

Eetoolok will continue to be the acting president until a byelection is held Dec. 13, the same day the territory's Inuit beneficiaries are set to elect two vicepresidents.

"I want to make it clear I am not going to be running for this NTI president position," he said.

The person elected will fill the remainder of Kaludjak's term, set to expire in December 2012.

The resolution to dismiss Kaludjak states that while under suspension, Kaludjak contravened NTI's code of conduct by placing his own interest ahead of NTI's, failed "to act honestly and loyally to NTI" and failed to conduct himself in a way to maintain the trust and confidence of the Inuit.

The resolution, put forward by Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Okalik Eegeesiak, was voted on during NTI's annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet.

Eetoolook said the dismissal decision will not hinder NTI operations.

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