Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says he will not seek re-election when his term comes to a close in the fall.
Akeeagok wrote on Facebook Tuesday morning that he is “humbled every day by the trust Nunavummiut” placed in him and is, “deeply proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Akeeagok, who represents the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, wrote that he decided not seek re-election so that he can spend more time with his family.
“Time that public life often demands we set aside,” he wrote.
He highlighted some of the accomplishments that stood out over his term, including the devolution agreement, the national early childhood education agreement and the launch of Nunavut 3,000 — a plan to build 3,000 homes across the territory.
Akeeagok also highlighted the “trying times” they have faced in the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the water crisis.
“To the municipal leaders and front-line workers who showed resilience and leadership during those moments, your efforts were the backbone of our response.”
Akeeagok thanked his family and friends for supporting him over his term.
Akeeagok, who grew up in Grise Fiord, was voted in as premier by his fellow MLAs in 2021 as part of the territory’s consensus government.
He won the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu in 2021 with 84 per cent of the vote, according to his profile. He was previously the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
He survived a non-confidence vote in the Legislative Assembly in November 2024, with 10 MLAs voting to keep him as premier and another eight voting to remove him.
The Nunavut election will be held on Oct. 27.
