Members of Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly have elected John Main as the upcoming premier of Nunavut. Main, aged 45, is a three-term MLA from Arviat with fluency in Inuktitut. He previously served as Nunavut’s health minister. Main won over David Akeeagok for the premier position through a secret ballot vote on Tuesday, marking the first time Nunavut will have a non-Inuk leader.
During a four-hour session, Main and Akeeagok fielded questions from colleagues, discussing their relevant experiences and outlining their priorities for the upcoming four-year term. Main emphasized a focus on building partnerships, intending to collaborate closely with various entities such as governments, Indigenous organizations, regional Inuit associations, and private companies. He highlighted the importance of forging strong relationships, citing it as a significant achievement from his political tenure.
Main proposed plans to diversify the territory’s revenue streams, including exploring opportunities in natural gas. He also aimed to introduce a virtual-first approach to healthcare, establish an elder van program, and implement on-the-land treatment initiatives across all communities. Addressing the unemployment challenge, Main expressed his commitment to enhancing education for Nunavummiut and generating employment opportunities within communities.
Main, who represents Arviat North-Whale Cove, was initially elected in 2017 and has held positions such as minister of health, minister responsible for suicide prevention, and minister in charge of the Qulliq Energy Corporation. Additionally, eight MLAs were selected to join the cabinet, including representatives from various constituencies.
David Joanasie, the MLA for South Baffin, was elected as the Speaker. Main will soon allocate cabinet portfolios among the other members. This practice is exclusive to Nunavut and the N.W.T., both of which function as consensus governments.
The Nunavut Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday did not have representation from one of the 22 electorates. The Aggu riding, encompassing the northern segment of Igloolik, will have a new election on December 15 due to a tie between two candidates. The swearing-in ceremony for the new premier and cabinet ministers is scheduled for Thursday at Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly.