Newly-selected Nunavut minister gets justice portfolio

The newest member of Nunavut's cabinet is now the territory's minister of justice.

Tununiq MLA Karen Nutarak, who was sworn into cabinet on March 6, will also be minister of labour, and minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal.

Nutarak takes over the justice portfolio from David Akeeagok.

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced the new cabinet portfolios on Thursday.

"We are at a critical point in our mandate, with less than two years to accomplish our ambitious goals," Akeeagok said in a news release.

"I want to ensure that our collective energy as a cabinet is focused on our mandate priorities and the work that remains to be done."

Premier Akeeagok also made other changes to his cabinet, including adding the ministry of seniors to his portfolio.

Daniel Qavvik will continue as environment minister and will also be minister of culture and heritage.

Nutarak fills the cabinet spot vacated by Joelie Kaernerk, who was stripped of his cabinet portfolios in January over a code of conduct violation.

Nutarak joins a cabinet that has seen the resignation of four ministers since the leadership forum in 2021.