Nunavut MLAs to debate whether to oust minister; premier confident motion will pass

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Members of the legislature in Nunavut will debate a motion to remove a minister from cabinet over a social media post criticizing Black women for having abortions.

Premier Joe Savikataaq stripped Patterk Netser of his housing and Nunavut Arctic College portfolios Oct. 8 after he made a Facebook post that said “All lives matter” and questioned why Black women have abortions.

Today, Savikataaq asked Nunavut’s legislative assembly for unanimous consent for a notice of motion to remove Netser from cabinet.

One person, Netser, said no.

Because there wasn’t unanimous consent for the motion, it will be debated on Friday.

Savikataaq says he is confident the motion to remove Netser will pass.

Under Nunavut’s consensus government, the premier does not have the power to remove a minister from cabinet without the support of the caucus.

The Canadian Press