Nunavut housing minister stripped of portfolio after 'serious breach,' says premier

Pat Angnakakhas been stripped of her duties as the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.

Premier Joe Savikataaqmade the announcement Wednesday after he said there was a "serious breach of cabinet confidentiality" in the legislature on Tuesday.

In an interview,Savikataaqdeclined to say exactly what the breach was, adding he would be repeating the breach himself if he did.

"As a cabinet, we cannot work together effectively if we cannot trust that ourcolleagues are able to maintain their oaths," he said in a news release.

Lorne Kusugak will take over housing, while Jeannie Ehaloak will take over the energy file.

The premier said Angnakak is still a minister, she just doesn't have a portfolio.

Staff housing at issue Tuesday

Angnakak respondedto questions from Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone in the legislature on Tuesday about staff housing for government employees.

"Why does the government continue to provide subsidized staff housing to the employees who least need this benefit, and who can most afford to demonstrate their long-term commitment to the territory by becoming private homeowners?" Arreak Lightstone asked.

Angnakakagreedthe government's staff housing policy is"slanted."

She saidthe government wascommitted to "equalizing" the staff housing policy. She said thatcould include changes to make deputy ministers ineligible for staff housing and household allowances.

Angnakak saidthe proposed policy changes hadbeen reviewed by cabinet, which "supported a lot of the amendments."

Savikataaqhas asked Angnakak to resign. If she doesn't, it's up to the House to pass a motion to remove her from cabinet.

Angnakak declined an interview with CBCNews on Wednesday, saying she would be available Thursday.