Nunavut Planning Commission names Andrew Nakashuk new chair

The Nunavut Planning Commission has named Andrew Nakashuk its new chairperson, in time for final consultations on its draft land use plan.

Nakashuk has worked as a commissioner with the commission since May 2013. He will be serving a three-year term.

"I am thankful for this appointment and look forward to the continued progress that is being made by the Nunavut Planning Commission," stated Nakushuk in a release.

The planning commission has been without a chair since last July when Hunter Tootoo resigned to run as MP.

• New draft Nunavut land use plan protects core caribou habitat

The commission is developing, implementing and monitoring the Nunavut land use plan, which will dictate how the land and waterways in the territory are used.

Last month the final draft was released.

Now regional consultations with planning partners are being organized with hopes of holding a public hearing in March, subject to funding.

In 2014, the public hearings were cancelled because the commission said it hadn't received enough money from the federal government.

The plan will ultimately have to be approved by the federal government, territorial government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.