Manitok Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manitok Catherine Thompson
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MLA for Aivilik, NT | |
In office 1995–1999 |
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Preceded by | James Arvaluk |
Succeeded by | riding dissolved |
MLA for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove, NU | |
In office 1999–2004 |
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Preceded by | first member |
Succeeded by | Levinia Brown |
Personal details | |
Born | 1955 Coral Harbour, Northwest Territories |
Political party | non-partisan consensus government |
Manitok Catherine Thompson was born in 1955 in Coral Harbour, which is in Nunavut. She is a well-known politician from northern Canada. She has played an important role in the governments of both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
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Manitok Catherine Thompson's Political Journey
Manitok Catherine Thompson began her political career in the Northwest Territories. She later became a key figure in the new territory of Nunavut.
Starting in the Northwest Territories
Manitok Catherine Thompson was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in 1995. This happened during a special election called a by-election. A by-election is held when a seat in the government becomes empty before the next general election.
She served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area called Aivilik. During her time, she also became a minister. A minister is a leader in a specific government department. She was the Minister of Community and Regional Affairs. This role meant she helped manage services and development for communities across the Northwest Territories.
In 1999, a new territory called Nunavut was created. This was a big moment for the Inuit people of Canada. Manitok Catherine Thompson continued her political work in this new territory.
In the first general election for Nunavut in 1999, she was elected again. She became the first MLA for the area known as Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove. She also made history by becoming Nunavut's first female cabinet minister. A cabinet minister is a senior member of the government who leads a department.
Moving to Federal Politics
Manitok Catherine Thompson decided to leave territorial politics in 2004. However, she didn't stop being involved in public service. She chose to run in the 2004 Canadian federal election. This election was for a seat in Canada's national government.
She ran as an independent candidate for the Nunavut area. An independent candidate is someone who does not belong to a political party. She finished second in that election.
Manitok Catherine Thompson's career shows her dedication to serving the people of northern Canada.