Amittuq MLA Joelie Kaernerk has resigned from cabinet after Premier P.J. Akeeagok took away his ministerial duties on Tuesday.
“As elected officials leading the Government of Nunavut, ministers are held to the highest standard. Our code of conduct encapsulates our government’s principles and values, and our commitment to serving Nunavummiut with integrity,” Akeeagok stated in a Wednesday news release. “Violations of our code of conduct are taken very seriously. As a result, yesterday afternoon, I removed Minister Joelie Kaernerk’s portfolios.”
Akeeagok added that Kaernerk voluntarily resigned from cabinet after he lost responsibility for his portfolios, which were Culture and Heritage, Languages and overseeing the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Pamela Hakongak Gross will be acting minister of Culture and Heritage and Languages. John Main will act as minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation.
No details of Kaernerk’s violation of the code of conduct were specified.
“When all members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut reconvene for their full caucus meeting, I will bring this matter forward to determine appropriate next steps as a consensus government,” said Akeeagok.
Kaernerk was first elected as MLA for Amittuq — comprising Sanirajak and a portion of Iglulik — in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. In 2022, he was suspended after showing up in the legislative assembly while intoxicated. Kaernerk publicly apologized for that incident and said at the time that he was seeking help.