In a 鈥榝amily-first鈥� decision, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced he will step away from politics during the upcoming fall election.
Akeeagok made the surprise announcement on his official government page Tuesday morning, just one day before the territory celebrated the 32nd year of Nunavut Day.
鈥淚 am stepping away because this is the right moment to spend more time with my young family 鈥� time that public life often demands we set aside,鈥� Akeeagok said in his detailed post addressed to the people of Nunavut.
Born in Grise Fiord, Akeeagok attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut and then studied political science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Ottawa, where he met his wife Parniga.
Prior to entering the political arena, he was the two-term president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the organization that represents the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit.
He also held senior roles at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
At 36 years of age, he was elected as MLA in October 2021 to represent the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. In November, he was subsequently chosen to serve as premier by the newly-elected MLAs in the consensus-style government.
Achieving goals
Akeeagok cited numerous accomplishments in his nearly four years at the helm of Canada鈥檚 newest territory.
When first elected, Akeeagok highlighted a magnitude of issues faced by the territory. He said the territory was in crisis and youth were crying out to be heard. He said solutions were needed for mental health and addictions issues, elder care at home, food insecurity, and affordable childcare. He called for partnerships with other governments to help build much needed housing in the territory. He also highlighted the fisheries industry as an alternative economic opportunity for communities not benefitting from the mining industry or government jobs.
In his address, he said negotiating the historic devolution agreement, the national early childhood agreement, the renewal of the Nunavut Agreement implementation contract, and the launch of Nunavut 3000 were among the achievements he felt stood out during his political term.
Confidence retained
It wasn鈥檛 always a smooth journey for Akeeagok, however, as he navigated through governing the vast territory. Dissent began growing within the legislature, with workplace culture, staff changes and transparency becoming issues of contention.
In 2024, Aivilik MLA Solomon Malliki became critical of Akeeagok鈥檚 leadership style for its lack of transparency along with what he called a growing 鈥渢oxic environment鈥�, and put forth a vote of non-confidence. A resulting narrow vote of 10-8 kept Akeeagok in his premier鈥檚 seat however, and he responded by calling the motion a 鈥渟ledgehammer鈥� approach to the allegations.
Akeeagok said he anticipates future projects that 鈥漴einforce Canadian sovereignty鈥� and respond to urgent community needs will help build a strong territory and will 鈥渇orm the backbone of a stronger, more resilient Arctic rooted in Inuit values鈥�, leading to a true partnership with Canada.
Akeeagok emphasized the reason for his departure from politics in his address, and gave no indication in his message of where the future may lead him.
鈥淚 remain deeply committed to public service and to the future of this territory, and I look forward to continuing that service in new and meaningful ways, wherever that path may lead.鈥�
