John Main was first elected in 2017 to serve in the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to represent the constituency of Arviat North-Whale Cove. He was subsequently re-elected in 2021 by acclimation and 2025 to serve in the 6th and 7th Legislative Assemblies.
The Nunavut Leadership Forum elected Mr. Main as the Premier of Nunavut on November 18, 2025. He was formally sworn into office on November 20, 2025. He currently serves as Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for Immigration, Minister responsible of the Utility Rates Review Council, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission and Minister responsible for Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Board.
In November 2021 the Nunavut Leadership Forum elected Mr. Main to serve on the Executive Council. He was formally sworn into office on November 19, 2021. He served as Minister of Health, Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention and Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
As a Member of the 5th Legislative Assembly, Mr. Main served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, Chair of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, and Chair of the Regular Members’ Caucus.
Mr. Main was raised in Arviat. Following graduation from high school, he attended Mount Allison University, graduating in 2002 with a degree in economics. Mr. Main’s international educational experiences include a semester of study in Oslo, Norway, in addition to an internship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France.
Mr. Main has held several professional positions in his career, including positions as a Television Reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Northern bureau, an Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Arviat, and a Regional Business Officer for the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. Prior to his election, Mr. Main was a self-employed economic development consultant.
Mr. Main is a past President of the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the board of directors of the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Mr. Main and his wife, Amanda Hanson, are the proud parents of Augustus Angmaaq, Odin Ihumatanaaq and Maeve Arnahungaaq.