Premier Joe Savikataaq was selected by his colleagues in the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to lead Nunavut on June 14, 2018.
Prior to that, Premier Savikataaq was first elected in the general election held on October 28, 2013, to represent the constituency of Arviat South in the 4th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. He became the Minister of Environment and Minister of Community and Government Services in November 2015. In November 2017, he was appointed to the role of Deputy Premier and Minister of Family Services; in March 2018 he was reassigned to Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and Minister of Environment.
As a regular member, Mr. Savikataaq was Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislation, a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development and the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, as well as an alternate on the standing committees on Rules, Procedures, and Privileges and on Social Wellness.
Prior to his political career, Premier Savikataaq was a Conservation Officer for close to 30 years. He holds a diploma in environmental and renewable resources management and has 20 years of service as an elected member of Arviat’s municipal council.
Premier Savikataaq is married to his best friend Susan, and the two have three children: Jamie, Joe Jr. and Wendy, and nine grandchildren. Premier Savikataaq’s personal interests include hunting, fishing, small aircraft piloting, boating, and scuba diving. Premier Savikataaq has been an active volunteer with community search and rescue activities.