Premier Akeeagok announces senior management changes

News Release

Premier Akeeagok announces senior management changes

Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 28, 2022) – Premier P.J. Akeeagok is pleased to announce the appointment of Jimi Onalik as Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and Secretary to Cabinet. Mr. Onalik will be responsible for overseeing strategic planning and direction for the Government of Nunavut, starting Monday, January 31, 2022.

David Kunuk will take over as Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, beginning on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

The Premier also recommends Eiryn Devereaux for the position of President at the Nunavut Housing Corp. (NHC), pending approval by the Board of Directors.

"I am excited to work closely with Jimi Onalik and David Kunuk," said Premier Akeeagok. “I have had the opportunity to see both individuals in action, they come to the positions with years of experience and valuable insights. I am also pleased to welcome Eiryn Devereaux to lead our work on housing, which is a priority file for our government.”

Since 2020, Jimi Onalik served as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. Previously he was the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Economic Development, including regional operations, minerals, tourism, and cultural industries.

David Kunuk has had an extensive background in senior management with the territorial Government, Designated Inuit Organizations, and Development Corporations within Nunavut. Most recently, Mr. Kunuk was the Chief Operating Officer with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc..

Eiryn Devereaux has over 25 years of experience in the Housing and Infrastructure sectors including work with the Northwest Territory Housing Corporation. In the past, he has held the role of Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure with Community and Government Services as well as Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Housing with the Province of Nova Scotia.

“I want to thank Virginia Mearns for her work as Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and her many years of service and leadership, and wish her all the best moving forward,” said Premier Akeeagok. “I also want to acknowledge and thank outgoing NHC President Terry Audla, for his years of service to the Government of Nunavut.”

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Media Contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi
Press Secretary, Office of Premier Akeeagok
867-975-5058 or 867-222-5344
szerehi6@gov.nu.ca