Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 29/01) - The Nunavut Liquor Commission is headless, at least for a few weeks.

Goo Arlooktoo, the commission's chair, chose not to remain in the top spot for another two-year term.

"I was interested in creating more time for myself for other things," said Arlooktoo. Asked if one of those things was running for a position on the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. executive, Arlooktoo said, "Winning a seat in politics is one of them, yes."

All positions on the commission expired at the end of September, following an extensive review of the territorial Liquor Act.

Two other members, Iqaluit's Pat Angnakak and Baker Lake's Thomas Kudloo, declined when asked if they wished to sit on the commission for another term. Angnakak has taken a job with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and cannot sit on outside agencies, while Kudloo cited "personal reasons" according to Finance Minister Kelvin Ng.

Thomasie Alikatuktuk, recently appointed president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association has not yet indicated whether he will stay on for another term.

However, a familiar face is returning to the commission. Raymond Kamookak, a former member from Gjoa Haven, had to resign when he took a position with the Nunavut Finance Department last February.

Finance is responsible for administering the Liquor Act, which would have placed Kamookak in a conflict of interest.

However, Kamookak recently assumed his old job as senior administrative officer in Gjoa Haven, and was asked to return to the commission. Ng said Kamookak will be the commission's new chair.

Kamookak, praised by Arlooktoo for his knowledge of liquor issues in the territory, said he was, "happy" to return to the board.

Ng said he "regrets the loss" of the outgoing commission members' experience. He is expected to formally name a new chair and board members when the legislative assembly resumes sitting in mid-November.