CBC North is reporting that Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut's health minister, will quit that post to become the Conservative candidate in Nunavut, a riding currently held by retiring Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.
From the CBC report:
A longtime Nunavut civil servant from Gjoa Haven, Aglukkaq was elected as MLA for Nattilik in the 2004 territorial election, making her one of two women elected to the 19-person assembly that year.
She was named health and social services minister shortly thereafter, a position she held until Wednesday's announcement, which ended days of speculation in Nunavut over her political future.
The Conservatives have not officially revealed their candidate in the Nunavut riding, but the party's website shows a biography of Aglukkaq as of Wednesday afternoon.
“The eyes of Canada and the world are fixed on the North, and it is essential that we are properly represented during this important time,” the biography reads in part.
“As your Conservative candidate, I am ready to bring my experience and understanding of our region’s unique culture and needs to Ottawa and to work as part of the Conservative team during this important time in our region’s history.”
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