News Release
Premier Akeeagok announces key appointments
Iqaluit, Nunavut (November 22, 2021) – Premier PJ Akeeagok is pleased to announce the appointments of Joe Kunuk as Principal Secretary and Virginia Mearns as Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (EIA) and Cabinet Secretary, effective immediately.
“I am very thankful to have Mr. Kunuk help guide me in my new role. His perspective and experience will be great assets,” said Premier Akeeagok. “Ms. Mearns did an exemplary job in her previous position, and I am excited she will now be my link to the public service and administration.”
Mr. Kunuk has served in many high profile roles, including several senior management roles within the Government of Nunavut (GN), as Executive Director with the Inuit Circumpolar Council and most recently as Chief Negotiator with the Qikiqtani Inuit
Association. Since 2018, Ms. Mearns served as Principal Secretary to Premier Savikataaq, and was previously Associate Deputy Minister of EIA, responsible for overseeing strategic planning and direction for the GN.
Jeff Chown has returned to the position of Deputy Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Financial Management Board, after serving as Deputy Minister of EIA and Cabinet Secretary since September.
“I want to thank Mr. Chown for his great work leading up to and during this transition. He has been invaluable as I start my new role, and I wish him well in his return to Finance,” said Premier Akeeagok.
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Media Contact:
Cate Macleod
Interim Press Secretary
Office of Premier Akeeagok
867-975-5059
cmacleod6@gov.nu.ca