Sammurtok stripped of his cabinet duties
Minister charged with DUI
Northern News Services
Monday, April 20, 2015
IQALUIT
Premier Peter Taptuna stripped Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet MLA Tom Sammurtok of his Community and Government Services portfolio April 14 after Sammurtok was charged with driving under the influence the previous day.
Taptuna, in Quebec City for a summit on climate change, said Environment Minister Johnny Mike will assume all of Sammurtok's ministerial duties, including the Community and Government Services file.
"Pending Minister Sammurtok's court appearance, he remains minister without portfolio," stated Taptuna.
In the Nunavut legislative assembly, unlike in other jurisdictions, a member can only be removed by consensus vote.
Sammurtok released his own statement later that day, in which he apologized to his family, his colleagues and to all Nunavummiut for his poor judgment.
"I will not make any excuses or place the blame elsewhere, as I am fully responsible for my actions. When the legislative assembly reconvenes in May for our spring sitting, I will accept whatever discipline my colleagues deem appropriate," he said. Sammurtok also said he will be seeking professional help.
"I realize that as an elected official, I am accountable to my constituents and the electorate of Nunavut.
"As public figures, we are responsible to uphold certain values. I realize that a breach of trust is a hard thing to overcome and as an MLA I will do whatever it takes to rebuild the trust."
Elected in October 2013 and sworn in the next month, Sammurtok was a senior public servant before retiring and entering politics, including serving as assistant deputy minister of Community and Government Services. He has six children.
Sammurtok is scheduled to appear in the Nunavut Court of Justice on May 21.
