Citing health reasons, Nunavut's languages commissioner resigns

Nunavut's languages commissioner has resigned from her post, citing health reasons.

Sandra Inutiq's resignation wasannouncedon Monday in the Nunavut legislature. Inutiq, who has been in the role since 2013, had one year left on her term.

"For me, it's rather disappointing," said NunavutPremierPeter Taptuna. "We expected her to carry on with her term, finish off her term. But, according to her wishes, it's something we've got to live with.

"I'm sure she's done a very good job in moving the files forward when it comes to languages, and the issues we face in Nunavut."

Inutiq was known to be outspoken, and her resignation comes on the heels of a report from her office slamming the lack of translation services at Iqaluit'sQikiqtaniGeneral Hospital.

• Language barriers threaten patient safety at Iqaluit hospital, says report

Taptuna says that he'll be looking for those qualities as the legislative assemblyseeks a new languages commissioner.

"That's what we're looking for," he said."We're looking for outspoken people who will assist us and get things moving on important files and issues that we face in Nunavut."

Inutiq declined to comment to CBC on her resignation. Her last day in the position will be Friday, June 3.