By Canadian Press

Nunavut cabinet minister distances himself from duties after integrity ruling

Mar 28, 2022 | 4:24 PM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Nunavut’s integrity commissioner has found a cabinet minister breached his duty to remain objective and impartial when he approved his spouse as an acting deputy minister.

Human Resources and Finance Minister Adam Lightstone is stepping away from his duties while the legislative assembly reviews the commissioner’s report, but he remains in cabinet. 

The commissioner found Lightstone did not follow Nunavut’s Integrity Act when he approved his spouse as acting deputy minister of human resources for a short period in December. 

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok had asked the commissioner to investigate after the situation was brought up in the legislative assembly in early March.

The commissioner found that Lightstone was still at fault, even though it was senior department staff who recommended his spouse for the job.

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The act dictates that the assembly has to review the commissioner’s report within 10 days of its release.

“It is the responsibility of the Minister, not exclusively senior staff, or employees, to identify situations of actual or perceived conflict of interest and to address such situations appropriately,” the commissioner’s report reads. 

“I find that Minister Lightstone … did not perform his duties of office in such a manner as to maintain public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of the member.”

Government house leader Lorne Kusugak, who also heads several portfolios including energy, will temporarily assume responsibility for finance.

Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk will take on duties in Human Resources.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2022. 

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship

The Canadian Press