Nunavut MLAs punished for alleged drunken acts

Two Nunavut MLAs have been disciplined one suspended, another removed from a standing committee in response to two alleged alcohol-related incidents this week.

MLAs unanimously voted Thursday to suspend Pangnirtung MLA Adamee Komoartok until the spring session, after he was charged with assault causing bodily harm inconnection with an allegedattack on his wife Sundayin Iqaluit.

Komoartok's spouse, Penena Mosesee, has also been charged with assaulting Komoartok the same day.

Both Komoartok and Mosesee have been ordered to abstain from consuming alcohol or drugs until their charges are heard, according to court documents.

MLAs said they willdecide at the next legislative session in Mayif Komoartok should be allowed to return to the assembly or if he should remain suspended.

Nanulik MLA Johnny Ningeongan, who introduced the motion to suspend Komoartok, said members want to make a strong statement that violence will not be tolerated.

MLAs also want to ensure the dignity and reputation of Nunavut's legislative assembly is upheld, he added.

Aupaluktuq urged to get help

Members alsoagreed on Thursday to oust Baker Lake MLA Moses Aupaluktuq as chairman of the legislature's standing committee on social wellness, following an alleged drunken incident over the weekend in the territorial capital.

Komoartok and Aupaluktuq have not been presentin the legislature so far this week. Legislative assembly officials told CBC News that Aupaluktuq has returned to Baker Lake, with a doctor's note, for personal reasons.

The decision to reprimand both members came after MLAs met behind closed doors on Thursday morning to discuss the situation.

Non-cabinet MLAs said they have sent a note to Aupaluktuq, expressing their concerns about him and encouraging him to get help.

The MLAs said they are disappointed in Aupaluktuq's conduct but recognize that unlike Komoartok, he has not been charged with a criminal offence.

Aupaluktuq was charged in October with unlawful possession of liquor in Baker Lake. A court hearing has been scheduled for May 17.

Aupaluktuq had also been charged with impaired driving in 2009, but those charges were dropped in December.

Meanwhile, things could get worse for Komoartok if he is found guilty of assault, since that could possibly lead to his expulsion from the legislature.

The alleged assault marks the second time Komoartok has been in trouble since he was elected in 2008.

In November 2009, Komoartok was censured in the legislature after he admitted to drunk, inappropriate behaviour at a medical boarding home in Ottawa.