MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET - Tununiq MLA James Arvaluk announced his immediate resignation from the Nunavut legislative assembly on May 16, citing health reasons.

The 63-year-old had been representing Pond Inlet since 2006.

"It has been an honour to serve the people of Pond Inlet in the legislative assembly and I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement that I have received during my recent health challenges," he stated in a press release. "Following consultation with family, constituents and colleagues, I have determined that the needs of my constituents would be best served by affording them the opportunity to elect a new member to serve in the legislative assembly."

Arvaluk's resignation means three seats will be vacant at the legislative assembly when it reconvenes later this month.

John Quirke, the clerk of the legislative assembly, said he has recommended Sept. 12 as the byelection date to replace Arvaluk, a decision cabinet will ultimately make. If approved, it would coincide with two other byelections -- one in Pangnirtung to replace Adamee Komoartok. The second byelection is in Iqaluit West to replace Paul Okalik, who unsuccessfully ran for the Liberal party in the May 2 federal election.

Quirke said it would make sense to have all three at the same time.

Arvaluk was elected to the Northwest Territories legislature in 1991, and served as a MLA until his resignation in 1995 following a sexual assault charge, a charge of which he was later convicted. In 1999, he was elected in the Nanulik riding to represent Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour and was Nunavut's first education minister. He resigned that seat in 2003 after being convicted of assault causing bodily harm.

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