About Paul Okalik:
After teen years of alcohol use and a brief sentence for breaking and entering, Paul Okalik turned his life around. Work with the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN) gave Paul Okalik the confidence to enter rehab and resume his education. He earned a law degree in Ottawa and returned to the north where he entered politics. Paul Okalik was called to the bar just three days before he won a seat in the first Nunavut election. His peers selected him as the first Premier of Nunavut. Paul Okalik remained Premier of Nunavut until 2008 when he was replaced by Eva Aariak.
Premier of Nunavut:
1999 to 2008
Birth:
May 26, 1964 in Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories
Education:
- B.A. in Political Science and Canadian Studies - Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
- LL.B. - University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
Professions:
- mine mechanic
- land claims researcher
- lawyer
Political Affiliation:
The Nunavut Legislative Assembly operates on a consensus system, rather than by party politics.
Riding:
Iqaluit West
Political Career of Paul Okalik:
- Paul Okalik was elected to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly in Nunavut's first election in 1999.
- Paul Okalik was selected by his peers as the first Premier of Nunavut in 1999.
- Paul Okalik was sworn in as the first Premier of Nunavut, April 1, 1999, the day Nunavut became a Territory of Canada.
- In 2008 Paul Okalik was re-elected as the MLA for Iqaluit West but was replaced as Premier of Nunavut by Eva Aariak.
