Mumilaaq Qaqqaq facts for kids

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq (Inuktitut: ᒧᒥᓛᖅ ᖃᖅᖃᖅ; born 4 November 1993) is a Canadian activist and former politician. She was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nunavut. She served in the House of Commons from 2019 to 2021.

Qaqqaq was elected in the 2019 Canadian federal election. She was the first person from the New Democratic Party (NDP) to represent Nunavut. This was since Nunavut became a territory in 1999. She was also the only MP from Northern Canada who was not a Liberal.

About Mumilaaq Qaqqaq

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq was born in Baker Lake, which was then part of the Northwest Territories. Later, she moved to Iqaluit. Her birth name was Trina Qaqqaq. She later chose to use Mumilaaq, a name her father gave her.

Mumilaaq means "dancing little one" in Inuktitut. Qaqqaq said she adopted this name to connect more with her culture.

Before Politics

Before becoming an MP, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq was a speaker and volunteer. She was known for a speech she gave in 2017. This speech was in the House of Commons on International Women's Day.

Her speech was part of "Daughters of the Vote." This program brings young women to Parliament. They share their ideas for Canada and their home communities. Qaqqaq's speech was very powerful and received two standing ovations.

She also worked as an employment officer for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. She was a wellness program specialist for the Government of Nunavut's health department. Qaqqaq also worked with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Arctic Rose Foundation. She also helped with Northern Youth Abroad.

In October 2020, Qaqqaq announced she would take a break for her health. She returned in January 2021. She shared that she experienced "extreme burnout, depression, and anxiety." Before her break, she toured Nunavut to see the housing situation.

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq's Time in Politics

The NDP asked Mumilaaq Qaqqaq to run in the 2019 Canadian federal election. She accepted in September 2019. She ran against Leona Aglukkaq from the Conservative Party. Aglukkaq had been an MP for Nunavut from 2008 to 2015.

The Liberal candidate was Megan Pizzo Lyall. The previous Liberal MP, Hunter Tootoo, chose not to run again. This election was special because all three main candidates were Inuit women.

Priorities as an MP

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq was 25 when she was elected. This was close to the average age in Nunavut, which is 24.7. Many saw her youth as a strength. She highlighted that she was new to federal politics.

During her campaign, Qaqqaq focused on important issues for Nunavut. Her main goals were to improve access to housing. She also wanted to make sure people had enough food, which is called food security.

Qaqqaq also spoke a lot about the effects of climate change. She mentioned how unpredictable temperatures affect animals. They also make hunting dangerous for people. She was also a critic for Northern affairs. This meant she watched over the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). CanNor helps develop businesses and communities in the North.

Leaving Politics

In April 2021, Qaqqaq made some comments about another MP, Yvonne Jones. Qaqqaq later apologized for how she handled the situation.

On May 20, 2021, Qaqqaq announced she would not run for re-election. She gave a farewell speech on June 15. She explained her frustrations. She felt her concerns about serious social problems in Nunavut were not being taken seriously. She believed the government was doing the bare minimum.

In July, Qaqqaq and fellow NDP MP Charlie Angus called for an investigation. They asked the Justice Minister to look into serious issues affecting children.

Lori Idlout succeeded Mumilaaq Qaqqaq in the 2021 election.