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Passing of Nunavut Speaker Joe Enook

The Honourable Joe Enook, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, passed away on March 29, 2019, following a short illness.

In announcing the passing, Deputy Speaker Simeon Mikkungwak stated that:

“My colleagues and I take comfort in knowing that his beloved wife, Mary, was with him at the end. Speaker Enook served his constituents with passion, and represented our institution with dignity. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and the entire community of Pond Inlet.”

Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq publicly stated that:

“On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I extend our sincere condolences to Joe’s family and constituents. I had the honour of serving with Joe for a number of years and can attest to his commitment and dedication to the well-being of our territory.”

Flags were half-masted at the Legislative Assembly Precinct in honour of the passing of Speaker Enook, and a book of condolences was hosted in the main foyer.

The Legislative Assembly and its Members appreciate the many expressions of sympathy that have been received from across the nation.

Joe Enook was re-elected in the general election held on October 30, 2017, to represent the constituency of Tununiq in the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

Mr. Enook was acclaimed as Speaker during the November 17, 2017, proceedings of the Nunavut Leadership Forum. Mr. Enook formally took the Chair on November 21, 2017, at the commencement of the first sitting of the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

Mr. Enook previously served in the 3rd and 4th Legislative Assemblies. Mr. Enook served as the Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole during the 4th Legislative Assembly.

Prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Enook served as the Nunasi Corporation’s Vice-President of Nunavut Operations from 2000-2011. Mr. Enook previously worked as the Executive Assistant to the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated from 1994-2000. He has also held positions in the travel and tourism sector of the economy. Mr. Enook was a former Chairperson of the Baffin Divisional Board of Education and a member of the Pond Inlet Education Council.

New Clerks in Three Assemblies

Three jurisdictions in the Canadian Region have (or shortly will have) new Clerks.

On November 28, 2018, Joey Jeffrey’s appointment as the new Clerk of Prince Edward Island’s Legislative Assembly was announced in the House. Mr. Jeffrey replaced Charles MacKay upon his retirement on March 31.

Mr. Jeffrey, who has spent the last six years as director of corporate services for the Legislative Assembly, called the Clerk’s position his dream job. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for this place, and to be able to take this position on at the legislature in Prince Edward Island is a huge privilege,” he told reporters.

On February 14, Alberta Speaker Robert E. Wanner, announced Merwan Saher had been appointed to serve as the 8^th Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Mr. Saher replaces Robert H. Reynolds.

Noting his four decades of public service, including an eight-year term as the Auditor General of Alberta, Speaker Wanner stated that Mr. Saher has a history and record of constructive leadership and a commitment to the public service. Mr. Saher received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta in May 2018.

On March 4, Yukon Speaker Nils Clarke announced that the Members’ Services Board of the Yukon Legislative Assembly had selected Dan Cable to become Clerk of the Yukon Legislative Assembly effective May 4, 2019. Mr. Cable will replace Floyd McCormick upon his retirement.

Mr. Cable worked at Yukon’s Department of Justice for the past 17 years, including 13 years as Director of Policy and Communications. During his time in Justice, Mr. Cable led legislative and communications initiatives for the Correctional Redevelopment and the Land Titles Modernization projects.