IQALUIT, Nunavut (August 15, 2019) – Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) announced today that Cabinet has approved the appointments of Andrew Nakashuk, Keith Peterson, and Martha Lenio to the corporation’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Cabinet has approved the appointments of Simeonie Akpalialuk as chairperson and Keith Peterson as vice-chairperson of the board. The chairperson and vice-chairperson appointments are in effect until May 2020 and director appointments are for three-year terms.
“I would like to thank Bert Rose, Ronnie Campbell, Nelson Pisco, and Philip Clark for their valuable contributions to the board during their completed terms,” said the Honourable Jeannie Ehaloak, Minister responsible for QEC. “They have been instrumental in developing the corporation’s long-term plans and I am confident Simeonie Akpalialuk, together, with the new and existing board members, will further progress the board’s vision for the corporation.”
Following the end of Bert Rose’s term as chairperson in May 2019, Simeonie Akpalialuk took on the duties of acting chairperson. He served as vice-chairperson since May 2018 and as a board director since May 2017. Cabinet also approved the resignation of board director Juanie Pudluk who was appointed in October 2018, and formally resigned in July 2019.
With the new appointments in effect, the QEC Board of Directors has eight members.
###
Media Contact:
Catherine Whittaker
Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Qulliq Energy Corporation
(867) 979-7513
Backgrounder
Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) is a territorial corporation that is mandated to supply electricity to communities in Nunavut. QEC is wholly owned by the Government of Nunavut, and operates at arm’s length, reporting to the Minister responsible for QEC. The corporation is the only generator and distributor of electrical energy in Nunavut, operating 25 stand-alone diesel plants in 25 communities.
Under the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act, the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the board shall be designated by the Minister, from among the directors. The Board of Directors are appointed by the Minister for a term not exceeding three years, and the board shall be composed of not fewer than six directors and no more than ten directors.
Appointments
Simeonie Akpalialuk
Simeonie Akpalialuk currently resides in Iqaluit and has lived in the Northwest Territories, Ontario and British Columbia during his professional career. He served as a consultant for the Hamlet of Pangnirtung, the Government of Nunavut Department of Economic Development and Transportation, and has worked on community and business development. His long-lived passion for alternative energy makes him a valuable member of the QEC board. Mr. Akpalialuk holds a Business Administration diploma from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in British Columbia.
Keith Peterson
Mr. Keith Peterson is a former cabinet minister in the Government of Nunavut and a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Cambridge Bay. He was responsible for the portfolios of Finance, Justice, and Health and also served as the Minister responsible for QEC. Mr. Peterson was the Mayor of Cambridge Bay for two-terms, and has held various positions with other public and private sector boards. He has considerable experience in leading government departments, territorial corporations, board governance and community relations. His home is in Cambridge Bay.
Andrew Nakashuk
Andrew Nakashuk has been an active member of committees, organizations and boards for many years within Pangnirtung and the Baffin region. He is currently chairperson on the Nunavut Planning Commission. Mr. Nakashuk has extensive experience with the land serving as conservation and fishery officer, bear monitor, and interpretive guide. He has completed training in response to environmental emergencies, search and rescue management training, and various courses through the RCMP. Mr. Nakashuk resides in Pangnirtung.
Martha Lenio
Martha Lenio brings insight into the global renewable energy economy to QEC’s Board of Directors. As a renewable energy specialist with the World Wildlife Fund Canada, Dr. Lenio’s knowledge of renewable energy technologies and power solutions incorporates the arctic environment in which QEC serves. Her ten years of extensive international experience with solar power applications is complemented by her Doctor of Philosophy in Photovoltaic Engineering from the University of New South Wales, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Lenio lives in Iqaluit.