Honourable David Joanasie

The Honourable David Joanasie was first elected in 2013 to serve in the 4th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut as the Member for South Baffin. He was subsequently re-elected in 2017, 2021 and 2025 to serve in the 5th, 6th and 7th Legislative Assemblies. His 2021 and 2025 re-elections were by acclamation.

Mr. Joanasie was elected as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly during the Nunavut Leadership Forum’s proceedings of November 17, 2021. He took the Chair at the first sitting of the 7th Legislative Assembly on November 20, 2025.

Mr. Joanasie previously sat as a Member of the 4th, 5th and 6th Legislative Assemblies. During the 4th Legislative Assembly, Mr. Joanasie served as Co-Chair of the Regular Members’ Caucus and as a member of the Management and Services Board. During the 5th and 6th Legislative Assemblies, he held a number of Ministerial portfolios, including Government House Leader.

Prior to his election, he held the position of Communications Manager of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. His professional career also includes positions with the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Mr. Joanasie has served on Sport Nunavut’s Mission Staff and participated in the Northern Youth Abroad Program. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik daycare.

Mr. Joanasie holds a certificate in business communication from Saint Mary’s University and a diploma from Algonquin College. He also attended the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa.

David and Emily Joanasie are the proud parents of Sayri, Cynthia, Qulittalik, Pittaaluk, and Pattu. They are the proud grandparents of Isla Nikuttai.

Mr. Joanasie’s personal interests include hunting, fishing, hockey, travelling, traditional land activities and Inuit language multi-media projects.