Kaernerk named Nunavut heritage minister, Qavvik takes environment portfolio

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok has announced porfolios for new cabinetministers Daniel Qavvik and Joelie Kaernerk.

Kaernerk becomes the minister of Culture and Heritage, Languages, and responsible the Qulliq Energy Corporation, while Qavvik is now the minister of Environment, and responsible for both energy and the Nunavut Arctic College.

The two were electedto the territory's executive council by their fellow MLAs on Saturday during the latest Nunavut Leadership Forum. It was called after Joanna Quassa andCraig Simailakresigned from the executive council, both due to personal reasons.

Kaernerkwas expected to be in the hot seat right away on Mondaymorning, speaking at a committee hearing into Nunavut's official languages legislation. Those hearings will continue until Thursday.

Nunavut's other executive council portfolios remainlargely the same as before.