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IQALUIT
Monica Ell is the newest member of cabinet.

Iqaluit West MLA Monica Ell is the newest member of cabinet following a leadership forum at the Legislative Assembly on May 2. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

The Iqaluit West MLA was selected to sit on the executive council following a leadership forum at the legislature on May 2. Premier Eva Aariak will assign ministerial portfolios at a later date.

She got more votes on the first ballot than Pangnirtung MLA Hezakiah Oshutapik and Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk, the other two candidates vying for a cabinet seat. Ell was nominated by Akulliq MLA John Ningark.

"I was very happy I was chosen. I don't think I had an expectation of whether I would lose or not," said Ell. "I am feeling very good. I'm happy and I'm up to the challenge that's ahead of me."

Ell, who was elected during a by-election in September 2011, said the recent death of her brother David Ell has played a "big part" on her decision to seek a cabinet post and has given her a new perspective on life.

"We don't know our future and I was hoping I could just move along and just be a regular MLA," said Monica. "But I have decided, perhaps, I am needed and I could, with my past experiences, assist in moving forward with government issues."

She added she will put to the table issues she focused on during her campaign last year, namely affordable housing, homelessness and mental health issues.

Ningark, as chairman of the full caucus of the legislative assembly, stated in a press release they chose to select a new minister after considering the current workloads facing ministers and regular members. Cabinet has lost two ministers in the past year – Rankin Inlet North MLA Tagak Curley resigned last November, and South Baffin MLA Fred Schell was stripped of his portfolios in March in the wake of abuse-of-authority and conflict-of-interest allegations.

A territorial election is expected in the fall of 2013.

"Yes, that thought has occurred to me – 'what can you do in a year?'" said Monica. "But I think there is many challenges and we need someone in there that can have an open mind and discuss issues before us and try to move forward."

The legislative assembly will convene as scheduled on May 29 at 1:30 p.m for its spring sitting.

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