Eva Ariak Becomes First Female Premier of Nunavut

Eva Ariak, the only woman in the Nunavut legislature, was elected by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut yesterday to be the new premier, defeating incumbent premier Paul Okalik. She becomes the second premier of Nunavut, and the first female Premier of the territory.

I confess to not knowing much about Ariak's policies, but it is always good to see more members of historically disadvantaged groups, such as women, attaining high office. I do wonder to what extent Nunavut's consensus-style government eases the way for this to happen. After all, Ms. Ariak did not did not have gain the leadership of a political party as would be the case in any of the provinces or in the Yukon. Party structures have traditionally militated against female party leaders, particularly at the federal level but at the provincial level as well.

I wish Ms. Ariak well, and I hope that her election will lead to more women running for and winning seats in legislature both in Nunavut and the across the country. Good luck Ms. Ariak!

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