Nunavut MLA mum about reasons for trying to remove Paul Quassa as premier

Arviat North-Whale Cove MLA John Main says he will introduce a motion to do this on Thursday.

MLA John Main to introduce non-confidence motion Thursday

Sara Frizzell · CBC News ·
Paul Quassa was selected as premier last year. (Nunavut Department of Education)

Some Nunavut MLAs are trying to have Premier Paul Quassa removed from cabinet.

Arviat North-Whale Cove MLA John Main says he will introduce a motion to do this on Thursday.

Main is the chair of the regular members caucus and said, as chair, it was his role to introduce the non-confidence motion.

When asked by CBC why the motion is being introduced, he said: "It's [a] non-confidence motion and I think that should speak for itself."

Main would not give specifics, saying he couldn't speak for all 13 of regular MLAs, as each of them could have their own opinions.

The motion will be seconded by Gjoa Haven MLA Tony Akoak.

In the Nunavut Legislature, MLAs are required to give 48 hours notice before introducing a motion. On Thursday, the motion will be debated and MLAs will vote on it.

If they get a majority, it would mean Quassa would be removed from cabinet and also as premier.

A first in Nunavut

This has never happened to a premier in Nunavut, according to an official from the legislature.

There is no legislation governing the removal of a premier, but the convention in Nunavut's consensus-style government is that any member, at any time when the Legislative Assembly is sitting, may make a non-confidence motion. 

If Quassa is ousted, Thursday will be a long day. A new leadership forum will be triggered because Nunavut can't be without a leader.

Leadership forums are unique to the consensus-style governments in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories where there are no political parties. MLAs choose the Speaker, premier and cabinet ministers through a secret ballot.

This government currently has seven cabinet members, 13 regular members, a Speaker and premier. 

Quassa has been the premier for about seven months. He has recently faced several questions in the Legislature on spending for the Northern Lights Conference and the decision to pull out of the Grays Bay Road and Port Project. 

    There has been one previous non-confidence vote for a member of cabinet in Nunavut's history. Jack Anawak was removed from cabinet and made a regular MLA during the first Legislative Assembly. 

    Premier Paul Quassa has declined an interview request from CBC. 

    With files from Nick Murray