Jeannie Ugyuk, Nunavut minister of Family Services, resigns
Ugyuk failed a confidence vote at mid-term leadership review on Saturday
Jeannie Ugyuk, Nunavut's minister of Family Services and MLA for Netsilik, resigned today following a no-confidence vote on Saturday.
Ugyuk formally resigned her seat as MLA as of 5 p.m. ET, via a letter to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
"In light of Saturday's deliberations of the Nunavut Leadership Forum, I have determined that the needs of my constituents in Taloyoak and Kugaaruk would be best served by affording them the opportunity to elect a new member to serve in the Legislative Assembly," the letter read.
The no-confidence vote took place during the mid-term leadership review in Iqaluit, when all members of Nunavut's legislative assembly cast ballots on the performances of the seven cabinet ministers and the premier.
Following the vote, a motion was brought forward Saturday to remove Ugyuk from cabinet, and MLAs attempted to waive the required 48 hours notice needed for motions. But Ugyuk said no, and the proceedings were rescheduled for tonight.
A leadership forum will be held tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the legislative assembly to select a new cabinet minister. MLAs may also decide to expand cabinet and select two new ministers.
There is no word yet on when a byelection will be held to elect a new MLA for Netsilik, though the rules state it has to be within six months.