Senior Management Position Changes
IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 19, 2014) – Premier Taptuna today announced changes to the Government of Nunavut (GN)’s senior management, including the appointment of a new principal secretary, and the retirement of deputy and assistant deputy heads.
Effective Wednesday, June 25, 2014, Mr. Edward Picco is appointed principal secretary to Premier Taptuna. He brings a wealth of political and private sector experience to the position. Mr. Picco replaces outgoing principal secretary, Alain Barriault.
“The appointment of Mr. Picco is a significant addition to my political team, and I’m confident his transition back into the public sector will be smooth given his level of political experience as a former senior minister in Nunavut and member of the legislative assembly in the Northwest Territories,” said Premier Taptuna. “Mr. Barriault has been valuable to our office, and I am optimistic that we can continue to engage his services in another capacity within the public service.”
Mr. Barriault contributed to the success of this new government’s transition and successes within the government. He has worked in public service for Nunavut, the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) and Nova Scotia.
Additional Changes:
• Appointment of Lori Kimball, President of Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), effective immediately. Ms. Kimball has been acting president since November 25, 2013. For the last 4 years, she has held the chief financial officer position and most recently stepped in as acting president for NHC. Ms. Kimball has been an asset in reviewing outstanding issues and implementing changes to tighten reporting structures and fiscal accountability. She brings over eighteen years of financial leadership experience to the position.
• Appointment of Gabriel Nirlungayuk, Deputy Minister, Department of Environment, effective July 21, 2014. For the past 15 years, Mr. Nirlungayuk has worked for Nunavut Tungavik Incorporated (NTI). His current position is Director of Wildlife and Environment, NTI. He is a strong proponent of forging a balance between the environment and resource development. He has lengthy experience working with all levels of government and stakeholders on environmental management throughout his profession at NTI and as Executive Director at Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission.
• Appointment of Pauloosie Suvega, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT), effective June 30, 2014. Mr. Suvega currently serves as Associate Deputy Minister of EDT. He brings a variety of government and corporate knowledge to the department, has worked at the senior government level since 2004, and worked in the private sector for years. Mr. Suvega replaces Mr. Robert Long, the current deputy minister.
• Jim Stevens is officially Assistant Deputy Minister, EDT as of May 12, 2014, upon a successful competitive process. He is responsible for the transportation portfolio of the department. He is the former Director, Mackenzie Valley Highway with the Department of Transportation, N.W.T. He has extensive transportation sector knowledge in both public and private sectors.
• Bernie MacIsaac steps into the role of Assistant Deputy Minister, EDT effective August 5, 2014, after a successful competitive process. Mr. MacIsaac is responsible for the economic development portfolio within the department. He currently serves as Director of Lands and Resource Development at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and has held senior positions within the Government of Nunavut and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and worked in the economic development sector of over 30 years.
“Having the right senior team is critical to delivering on commitments we made in Sivumut Abluqta,” said Premier Taptuna. “We regret loosing key senior members of our government, who have been long-standing northerners, contributors to our territory and very experienced individuals, and I wish them all well in their upcoming retirement.”
Retirement Notices:
• Robert Long, Deputy Minister, Economic Development and Transportation, retires June 30, 2014. Mr. Long has served as deputy minister since 2009, and retires after a 40-year career in business development and community economic development.
• David Lloyd, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education, effective June 27, 2014. Mr. Lloyd was influential in advancing the Pathway to Adult Secondary School graduation program. He leaves the public sector with 28 years of service to the government. He began his career as a teacher and worked throughout the north. He is a long-time educator and community volunteer in support of youth.
• Sandy Teiman, Assistant Deputy Minister, Family Services, effective June 27, 2014. Ms. Teiman has served 33 years with the GN. She was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Department of Family Services, and advancing various labour market agreements between Nunavut and Canada. She was the former Director of Income Support and Labour Market Programs and has spent a lengthy career in Nunavut’s social service sector.
The GN is actively pursuing employment competitions for deputy and assistant deputy positions. Additionally, the government is moving forward to advance competitions for other senior positions using fair and transparent practices.
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Media Contact:
Yasmina Pepa
Press Secretary to Premier Taptuna
Government of Nunavut
Phone: 867-975-5059
Email: ypepa@gov.nu.ca
