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BAFFIN
Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) vice-president George Eckalook is suspended without pay after pleading guilty to impaired driving charges Nov. 18. Eckalook's suspension from the QIA executive will last 90 days, the organization said in a news release.

"The executive committee met about the situation Monday morning and decided that Mr. Eckalook had breached our code of conduct, which we carry fully to the letter," QIA president Okalik Eegeesiak said by telephone from the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay. "We agreed that he would be suspended for 90 days without pay, effective immediately."

Eckalook, 65, was charged after being stopped by Iqaluit RCMP Oct. 15. The Resolute resident faced two counts, one of impaired driving, and one of driving with over 80 mg of alcohol in his blood. He pleaded guilty to the first charge, and the second was stayed by Justice of the Peace Nicole Simka.

In addition to his suspension and loss of pay from work, Eckalook was fined $2,200, barred from driving for two years, and placed on probation for a year.

"If he breaches the code of conduct again," Eegeesiak said, "we would make a recommendation to the board for the board to decide (whether he can remain in the position). The executive committee has no authority to dismiss a member. It has to go through the board."

Eckalook's sentencing does not come with a criminal record, she said, which would have precluded him from running for re-election within three years.

"We do have a requirement that for any candidate running for community director or executive position with QIA, we do a criminal records check," Eegeesiak said, "and I understand that this would not constitute a criminal record."

Current QIA secretary-treasurer Joe Attagutaluk will serve as acting vice-president in Eckalook's place.

"Joe Attagutaluk has been on the board a long time, and he has the confidence of the executive to carry out the duty," as well as his current role, Eegeesiak said.

"This was an unfortunate incident and we hope that the expectations of living up to our code of conduct is seen by all Inuit and the QIA board, and we hope it doesn't happen to anyone else."

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