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Aariak assigns new cabinet portfolios

Karen Mackenzie
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 1, 2008

IQALUIT - Premier Eva Aariak unveiled the portfolios of her new cabinet ministers in the legislative assembly on Nov. 19.

"They bring to the cabinet unique strengths that will enable them to provide leadership in their portfolios.

NNSL Photo/Graphic

Premier Eva Aariak is sworn into the legislative assembly in Iqaluit on Nov. 19. Nunavut Commissioner Ann Hanson and legislative assembly Clerk John Quirke look on. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

They are enthusiastic and will work together to continue to build Nunavut into a territory that recognizes the aspirations and needs of Nunavummiut," she said in Inuktitut.

Kugluktuk MLA Peter Taptuna has been named deputy premier, as well as the minister of economic development and transportation, among other portfolios.

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson will tackle two of the major portfolios, as minister of health and social services and minister of finance, among others.

Government house leader and Amittuq MLA Louis Tapardjuk will maintain his previous posts in Culture, Languages, Elders and Youth and as minister of languages, as well as taking on the Department of Justice.

Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo, known for his previous outspoken role in unofficial opposition, has been appointed minister of education as well as minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, among others.

"I'll continue to do the same thing I've done in the assembly for the last nine years at the cabinet table," he said.

The Department of Community and Government Services has been assigned to Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove MLA Lorne Kusugak, as well as the energy portfolios.

Arviat MLA Daniel Shewchuk will take on the portfolios of Environment and Human Resources.

Aariak said there will be some changes to the portfolios in the new year, with the arrival of the member for Akulliq and the election of one more cabinet minister.

She stressed there will be equal representation of all three regions.

The new premier will also carry the portfolios of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, status of women and immigration.