Nunavut Leadership Forum elects Speaker, Premier and Cabinet Ministers

IQALUIT, Nunavut (November 18, 2025) - Nunavut’s Speaker, Premier and Members of the Executive Council were chosen today by the Nunavut Leadership Forum. The Forum consists of all MLAs.

Three Members accepted nominations to serve as Speaker. David Joanasie, MLA for South Baffin, was elected as Speaker.

Two Members accepted nominations to serve as Premier. John Main, MLA for Arviat North-Whale Cove, was elected as Premier.

Nine Members accepted nominations to serve on the Executive Council. The following Members were elected: Gwen Healey Akearok, MLA for Iqaluit-Manirajak; David Akeeagok, MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu; Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaa; George Hickes, MLA for Iqaluit-Tasiluk; Brian Koonoo, MLA for Tununiq; Cecile Nelvana Lyall, MLA for Netsilik; Craig Simailak, MLA for Baker Lake and Annie Tattuinee, MLA for Rankin Inlet South.

The Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Premier has the prerogative to assign Ministerial portfolios.

The swearing-in ceremony for Members of the 7^th Legislative Assembly will take place at 10:00am (EST) on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.  Formal motions to confirm the appointments of the Speaker, Premier and Cabinet will be made on the first sitting day of the 7^th Legislative Assembly, which will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1:30pm (EST).

The swearing-in ceremony and first sitting of the 7^th Legislative Assembly will be televised on local community cable stations and direct-to-home satellite service on the Bell (channel 513) and Shaw (channel 181) networks. The swearing-in ceremony and first sitting will be live-streamed at: https://assembly.nu.ca/webcasts. Residents of Iqaluit may also listen to the live radio broadcast of the swearing-in ceremony and first sitting on the following FM channels: Floor: 92.5 / Inuktitut: 94.7 / English: 102.1.

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For more information:
LegInfo@assembly.nu.ca