IQALUIT
Paul Okalik took a stand against alcohol sales in the capital by resigning as minister of health and justice March 3.

Paul Okalik, who resigned from cabinet as health and justice minister March 3, awards a scholarship to nursing student Mishael Gordon of Rankin Inlet with Education Minister Paul Quassa Feb. 24. - Michele LeTourneau/NNSL photo

Introducing himself in the traditional Alcoholics Anonymous fashion by saying, "I'm Paul and I'm an alcoholic," Okalik then stated his case, saying he could not support a beer and wine store while addictions treatment in the territory is not available, and resigned from cabinet. Okalik has reportedly been sober for 25 years.

The Government of Nunavut is a consensus government, where cabinet ministers are expected to vote together on matters before the legislative assembly. The proposed Iqaluit beer and wine store has been pending approval by cabinet for a lengthy period of time.

In a news release from Vancouver where he is attending a First Ministers Meeting, Premier Peter Taptuna accepted Okalik's resignation.

"On Monday, I will make an announcement regarding the portfolios. I want to thank Mr. Okalik for his dedicated service to cabinet on behalf of Nunavummiut and as a member of the executive council," he stated in a news release.

Yasmina Pepa, chief of public affairs for the premier, told Nunavut News/North Taptuna would not be available for further comment until his return to Iqaluit March 7.

This is not the first time Okalik has worn his heart on his sleeve in the legislative assembly. Following an inquest into the high rate of suicide in the territory last September, Okalik delved into his own personal experience with suicide for his fellow members on the second day of the fall sitting.

"As some of you know, I lost my older brother to suicide when I was 13. I was traumatized. Years later, as I contemplated suicide, it was my older sister Ida who saved me with her love," said Okalik at the time.

Following the inquest, Okalik was made responsible for the Quality of Life file, a file that is intended to finally see a co-ordinated effort and government funding attached to actions to reduce the rate of suicide in Nunavut, which is 10 times the national average.

In fact, Okalik was scheduled to release the new one-year suicide prevention action plan - Resiliency Within - on the morning of March 7 with partners Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. vice-president James Eetoolook, RCMP V-Division Insp. Dean Warr and Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council president David Lawson.

Okalik indicated to Nunavut News/North last week that a budget for the action plan would be presented to the legislative assembly at the spring sitting in June, three months later than the April 1 deadline suggested by the inquest jury in its recommendations.

That suicide and crime rates are critical issues in Nunavut is a well-known fact, stated in report after report examining statistical data.

Bootlegging and other issues with alcohol and drugs are repeatedly considered a root cause for these and other social problems.

Okalik, the first Inuk called to the Nunavut Bar, the first premier of Nunavut and a former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, said he will continue to represent his Iqaluit-Sinaa constituents and, as a regular MLA, continue to fight for issues that matter to Nunavummiut.