Prior to the creation of Nunavut as a Canadian territory on 1 April 1999, the 1999 Nunavut general election was held on 15 February to determine the 1st Nunavut Legislature. The Legislative Assembly was opened by Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on 7 October 2002, during her Golden Jubilee tour of Canada. In her speech the Queen stated: "I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory."[1]
Prior to the opening of the Legislative Building in October 1999 the members met in the gymnasium of the Inuksuk High School.
The territory operates by consensus government; there are no political parties. Approximately two weeks after an election, the newly elected legislature meets in a special session called the Nunavut Leadership Forum to select the Executive Council, or cabinet.
There are currently 22 seats in the legislature. The current assembly is the sixth in the territory's history, and had its membership selected in the 2021 election.[6] Two electoral districts did not have their results finalized on election night, due to margin of less than two percent between two candidates, necessitating a judicial recount. The results of the recount were confirmed by 2 November.[7]
Minister of Culture and Heritage, Minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation, Minister responsible for Languages, Minister responsible for Seniors
Minister of Finance, Minister of Human Resources, Minister responsible for Workers Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister responsible for the Liquor Licensing Board
Premier, Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Minister responsible for Immigration, Minister responsible for the Utility Rate Review Council
Minister of Family Services, Minister responsible for Status of Women, Minister responsible for Homelessness, Minister responsible for Poverty Reduction
Minister of Environment, Minister of Justice, Minister responsible for Labour, Minister responsible for Democratic Institutions, Minister responsible for Human Rights Tribunal
G7 finance ministers met at the Legislative Building in February 2010 for a two-day meeting.[10] Security at the summit was provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).