Nunavut premier shuffles cabinet, just 4 months into his term

Nunavut's premier, Paul Quassa, has shuffled his cabinet just four months after ministers were first sworn into their new jobs.

• Nunavut's fifth Legislative Assembly sworn in, cabinet portfolios assigned

The shuffle is mainly a switch of portfolios between two ministers Joe Savikataaq and Elisapee Sheutiapik.

Savikataaq who was sworn in as the minister of family services and minister responsible for homelessness back in November will now be the minister of economic development and transportation.

He will also take on responsibility for:

• Nunavut Business Credit Corporation
• Nunavut Development Corporation
• Minister of environment,energy, mines

Savikataaqwill remain the deputy premier.

Sheutiapikis no longer be responsible for environment, economic development and transportation.

She will now be take the portfolios of:

• Minister of family services
• Minister responsible for homelessness, immigration and poverty reduction

Sheutiapik will remain the government house leader.

Quassasaid the switch of portfolios is to best "draw on the ministers' strengths and past experience," in a news release.

Quassais also adding a new portfolio to his roster of roles the minister responsible for seniors' advocate.

"Elders are the pillars of our society ... I will ensure that Elders' concerns will be heard and have a voice at the highest level of our government," said the premier in a news release.

• Nunavut seniors advocacy society up and running in Iqaluit

The new roles are effective immediately.