Pangnirtung (Feb 06/06) - Peter Kilabuk, Nunavut cabinet minister since 1999, has been fielding phone calls non-stop since announcing his resignation last Tuesday.

Peter Kilabuk: "I look forward to catching up on lost time with my family, especially my children."- NNSL file photo

It seems the House Leader and Minister of Economic Development and Transportation shocked more than a few people with the news.

"I didn't expect to hear this yesterday," said Akulliq MLA Steven Mapsalak.

Even those in his home community of Pangnirtung were caught off guard.

"Some of us are a bit shocked," admitted Pang's deputy mayor Zacharias Sowdlooapik.

The flood of phone calls, e-mails and radio broadcasted comments Kilabuk has fielded since Tuesday satisfies the now regular MLA that his seven years in cabinet were not for naught.

Kilabuk cited personal reasons for his resignation, but would not go into detail. However, he said health had nothing to do with it. "I've lost over 60 lbs intentionally and feel the best I've ever felt in seven years. I even quit smoking in the New Year," he said.

Kilabuk said his family is in good health as well, but his family does have a lot to do with his decision.

"Without the support of my family I could not have done this for seven years. Also, they were more than willing to continue supporting me. But I felt that it was time for a change. I don't want to say that I have lost seven years, but I look forward to catching up on lost time with my family, especially my children."

Kilabuk has three children - Joseph, 11, Jenn, 12 and Lynn, who's "over 19."

He said his decision to quit was tough.

"My years in cabinet have been very rewarding and educational."

He has been minister for Sustainable Development, Education, Human Resources, Culture Language Elders and Youth, Community Government and Transportation and minister responsible for Sport Nunavut, but named the department of sustainable development as his favourite.

"It was the most thrilling. There was a lot of excitement and I was handling things that I think my background fit well with. There are a number of initiatives that I had started as a minister," said Kilabuk, whose most recent ministerial position was with the Department of Transportation and Economic Development. "But the ones that really stand out are the breakwater proposals for Nunavut communities."

Before the federal election was called in December, Kilabuk was waiting for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan to announce breakwater funding for seven Nunavut communities. The government switch has delayed the announcement and the funding.

Sowdlooapik named many projects as Kilabuk's legacy for Pangnirtung. Among them are reviving the seal and fisheries sector, helping the sewage treatment plant get up and running "to make it safer for marine mammals," looking at getting a new airstrip and a new nursing station in the community, and putting "a lot of energy in trying to help young people and elders."

Kilabuk doesn't know whether or not he will run again for the MLA position of Pang in the next election.

Ed Picco takes over as House Leader while Olayuk Akesuk becomes responsible for the economic development and transportation portfolio.