David Joanasie

The Honourable
David Joanasie
MLA
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for South Baffin
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 28, 2013
Preceded byFred Schell
Personal details
Born (1983-06-22) June 22, 1983 (age 41)
Political partynon-partisan
consensus government
Residence(s)Cape Dorset, Nunavut

David Joanasie (born June 22, 1983) is a Canadian Inuk politician from Cape Dorset, Nunavut. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in the 2013 election.[1] He represents the electoral district of South Baffin.

Education

David attended school at Cape Dorset and learned Inuktitut up until third grade. He graduated from Peter Pitseolak High School in 2001, and was interested in mathematics. He eventually earned a certificate in business communication from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax and a diploma from Algonquin College.[2]

Career

Pre-legislative assembly

Prior to his election, he was Communications Manager of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and he worked for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.[3]

Elections

He was elected twice to serve in the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. He was re-elected to represent the constituency of South Baffin. He was also elected to serve in the Executive Council on November 17, 2017. He was sworn into office on November 21, 2017. He currently serves as the Minister of Education, Minister of Culture and Heritage, and Minister of Languages.[3]

Impaired driving incident

In July 2013, David was arrested for drunk driving in Prince Edward Island. He attempted to evade police by fleeing to Charlottetown. He pleaded guilty, and was sent to jail.[4] He was ordered to pay a $1200 fine along with $500 in victim sub-charges.[5]

Personal life

David is married to Emily Joanasie, and together they have five children: Sayri, Cynthia, Qulittalik, Pittaaluk, and Pattu.[3]

References

  1. ^ "2 seats tied, Eva Aariak loses in Nunavut election". CBC News, October 28, 2013.
  2. ^ Neary, Derek (3 July 2019). "My education: 'What you put into it is what you get out of it,' says Minister David Joanasie". Nunavut News. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "The Honorable David Joanasie". Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  4. ^ "David Joanasie, Nunavut MLA, avoids jail after driving drunk". CBC News. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  5. ^ "Nunavut Politician Fired for Failing Breathalyzer". Edmonton Journal. 26 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2020 – via Newspapers.com.