Statement on NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq's Political Future

Earlier today, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, Nunavut MP, made the following statement:

“After weeks of reflection and consultation with friends and family, I’ve decided not to seek re-election.

“When I first decided to run to be the Member of Parliament for Nunavut, I wanted to do my best to advocate for Inuit and Nunavummiut. It was a long-shot campaign but with a lot of support from across the territory, we were able to surprise people.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many who have been kind and open to sharing their stories of resilience. From the first day of the campaign until today, I could not have done it without all the support and encouragement. Together, we have been able to show the reality we face in the North - the rates of death by suicide, the low availability of housing, and the struggles people face every day just for their own basic human rights - to the rest of Canada.

“As we know, federal institutions like the House of Commons, aren’t easily changed and governments don’t help Indigenous peoples without an immense amount of pressure. From raising awareness with my housing tour to raising issues in the House of Commons in question period, and in committees, I have taken every chance I could to fight and speak out.

“I was so proud when Jagmeet Singh agreed to come and not just visit but actually stay and share our experiences. Jagmeet is a leader who understands the importance of meeting with people face-to-face and finding solutions by engaging directly. It’s not just Jagmeet. Change is hard but Jagmeet is a leader and the NDP is a party that wants to make the changes we need. My voice has been listened to and I know people in the party are committed to making life better for people across Canada, including Inuit and Nunavummiut.

“And, even though I will not be running again, for the remainder of my term, I will continue to fight for Nunavummiut. I will continue to focus on basic human rights and work with leadership to ensure that the expansion of the Mary River Mine respects all stakeholders and that the COVID assistance provided is what is needed in Nunavut. I will also be tabling legislation to get Indigenous languages on federal ballots. In Nunavut, 64.5% of individuals' first language is Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun. As a step toward reconciliation and to ensure democracy, Indigenous languages should be included on election ballots.

“I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity to be able to bring a voice to the House of Commons that speaks truth and reality. And, just because I have decided that this institution is not the place for me right now, all Inuit, youth, and Nunavummiut should know that change is possible and our voices matter. You can do anything you set your mind to, and if you have room in your life to try to help others, please do so.

“My passion for advancing the rights of Inuit and Nunavummiut does not end here. We still have a lot of time together and I will continue to advocate for Nunavummiut to the best of my ability.

“As always, stay tuned, stay with me, stay updated.

“Mat’na, Quana, Nakurmiik, Qujannamiik, Merci, Thank you.“

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, MP for Nunavut”