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NUNAVUT - Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet selection Oct. 30 put Nunavut's new MP among those at the top.

At a ceremony on Thursday, Leona Aglukkaq was sworn in as Canada's minister of health, making her the first Inuk to hold a top cabinet position.

Nunavut's MP Leona Aglukkaq was appointed federal minister of health during last Thursday's cabinet selection, making her the first Inuk to hold a senior cabinet portfolio. - Carolyn Sloan/NNSL photo

The MP's appointment to cabinet followed shortly after her victory over Nunavut Liberal candidate Kirt Ejesiak for the federal seat on Oct. 14.

Aglukkaq, who was elected as MLA for Nattilik in 2004, served as Nunavut's minister of health and social services up until she resigned to run in the federal election. She previously held the territorial portfolio on the Status of Women and had also served as minister of finance.

Premier Paul Okalik was full of praise for his former cabinet minister upon hearing of her federal appointment.

"I was very pleased and proud of Leona this morning," he said. "I must say, she's a very hard-working individual and she worked very hard for Nunavummiut and also for her constituents. I'm sure that the federal government has gained on our loss."

Having a strong voice in cabinet will be an advantage for Nunavummiut as well, Okalik added.

"I'm very pleased that she will be doing her service to all of Canada, but at the same time, having a seat at the cabinet table for us Nunavummiut."

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson served with Aglukkaq when she was a member of Cambridge Bay's hamlet council as well as in the legislative assembly.

"We're all quite proud of her," he said on behalf of the MP's Kitikmeot constituents. "I think Leona's a very knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate person with an interest in health. As the minister of health in Nunavut, she worked very hard to help people. She understands the health issues."

Aglukkaq also received praise and congratulations from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Mary Simon.

"This day is a proud one for Inuit in Canada," she said in a statement. "It is historic and should be highlighted and celebrated by Inuit and all Canadians."

Simon also extended her commendations to Chuck Strahl, who was reappointed as minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"I have a good working relationship with Chuck Strahl and I hope to strengthen that relationship going forward," she said.