Legislature split as Anawak turfed from cabinet

"Perhaps all ministers won't agree all the time, but once a decision is made all ministers must publicly support it," he says.

Anawak says he was only standing up for the wishes and expectations of the people of Nunavut. He says people have told him the government's direction has gone astray.

Anawak says he expressed that frustration to his cabinet colleagues.

"I could not stay silent. I did everything I could to speak of these things within cabinet, but some were deaf to my comments or angered by them rather than considering them," he says.

Anawak got support from some MLAs who also felt the government didn't reflect traditional Inuit values.

All of cabinet voted to remove Anawak except for Manitok Thompson, the other MLA from Rankin Inlet.

Thompson says removing Anawak is too harsh a punishment for what he did.

"I cannot, and will not, morally or ethically vote against my colleague, Jack Anawak. I won't do it! I just won't," she said.

It's not known if MLAs will elect another member to replace Anawak on cabinet.

As for Anawak, he says he can be effective as a regular member in the legislative assembly.