Kivalliq (Jan 10/07) - Nunavut's most popular political figure will be stepping away from federal politics when the next national election is called.

Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced her decision not to run in the next election this past month.

Having announced she will not run in the next federal election, Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell, second from left, is looking forward to spending more time with her sons Amauyaq, KV, Jackson and Keenan Lindell, back row from left, her daughter-in-law, Tracey Roach-Lindell, and her granddaughter, Addy Belle Lindell, pictured here at Tracey and Jackson's wedding this past summer. - photo courtesy of Kelly Clark

She has been representing Nunavut in the House of Commons since June 1997 and is the veteran of four election victories. After spending the holidays in Arviat, Karetak-Lindell returned to Ottawa this past week to continue in her role until an election is called.

She said the decision has been on her mind for quite some time now.

"I was thinking of not running in the last election, but that wouldn't have been fair to my party," she said.

"It was too sudden for another candidate to get properly organized. Running in that election also makes me more comfortable in stepping down."

As tiring as it was at times, Karetak-Lindell describes her political career as a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

But the demands of the high-profile position began to take a toll on her health and she knew it was time to go.

A widowed mother of four boys, Karetak-Lindell said it was an honour to represent Nunavut for almost a decade.

"I learned so much more about myself, my people, Nunavut, Canada, international issues and the art of diplomacy," she said.

"I learned how to work with different people and to respect the different opinions and viewpoints you encounter.

"I watched masters of diplomacy at work and learned what to do - and what not to do - when making the people your No. 1 priority."

Karetak-Lindell said she hopes her career prompted more Nunavut youth to get involved with community development.

She said people have to be active if they want their lives to improve.

"You can't just sit back and wait for other people to make your life, or life in your community, better," she said.

"It takes everyone's effort to improve the quality of life in the North.

"If I've made more people aware of that, and helped prevent them from being disillusioned by politics, I've done a good job.

"You can get a lot done in this world with good effort and a positive attitude."

While her election victories were of the landslide variety, there were some colourful moments.

The fiery exchange between Karetak-Lindell and former Nunavut government minister Manitok Thompson, fought through the media in the heat of an election battle, was the stuff of which political lore is made.

But the most trying time for her was during the debate on same-sex marriage.

The pressure on a member of Parliament from one of the more religious communities in the North was enormous.

Yet, she manages to find the silver lining in that dark cloud of controversy.

She said as difficult a time as it was, people debated the issue constructively.

"I knew where I stood, personally, right from the start," she said.

"The challenge was in deciding to stand up for something on principle, as compared to doing what your constituents want.

"Many times you have to take the position your constituents want you to.

"But certain issues come along when you have to set an example, stand for what you believe in and live with that decision.

"I supported same-sex marriage because if you don't fight racism and discrimination when they come along, they keep rearing their ugly heads."

Karetak-Lindell is at peace with her decision to step away from politics.

She said she's not the type of person who can do just enough to get by at their job.

"If I can't give it 100 per cent, then I have to clear the way for someone with lots of energy and a fresh outlook.

"It's time for me to step aside and let someone else pick up the torch.

"I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'm not going to run for any type of elected office for awhile."

Karetak-Lindell expects a federal election to be called within the next six months because she doubts the Liberal Party will be able to support the upcoming Tory budget.

She said if another party joins the Liberals, the government could be defeated on its budget.

"My personal theory is the government wants to be defeated on its budget because it doesn't want to be the one to call another election," she said.

"That way, the Conservatives can show their budget to people and tell them to think of all the things they could do for them with a majority government.

"I could be wrong, but we'll be in election mode by spring."