New Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

On November 4, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Hunter Tootoo as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Hunter Tootoo was born in Rankin Inlet and has spent his career serving his community.

First elected as the member of the Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit Centre in 1999, he was the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly until 2013. Mr. Tootoo also held numerous Cabinet positions, including Minister Responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Homelessness, the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and Minister of Education.

Hunter Tootoo has extensive experience in public administration, having held positions such as Recreation Coordinator for the Hamlet of Arviat, Administration Officer for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, and Assistant Director of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation in Iqaluit. Prior to his work in the public sector, Mr. Tootoo was a businessman and co-founder of the Iqaluit branch of Arctic Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Passionate about supporting local business and sport, Mr. Tootoo previously served on the Northwest Territories Co-op Business Development Board and the Sport North Board of Directors. In his downtime, he enjoys watching hockey and hunting, and is an avid competitive curler.