Alexander Sammurtok, the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, will face restrictions on his duties at the Nunavut legislature while he addresses six historical charges of sexual assault.
According to the clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Stephen Innuksuk, Sammurtok will not participate in any standing committee meetings, caucuses, or legislative sittings until the legal matter is concluded by the Nunavut Court of Justice. The RCMP laid these charges on January 21, 2026, regarding incidents alleged to have occurred between 1982 and 1983.
Despite these changes to his legislative duties, Sammurtok will continue his work for residents in the constituency. Victoria Perrie, the lawyer representing Sammurtok, stated that her client intends to vigorously defend himself against all charges and will remain in his role as an MLA to continue working for his constituents.
Sammurtok, who previously served as the mayor of Whale Cove and as a regional director for the Department of Community and Government Services, has represented the riding since 2021. He was re-elected in the 2025 general election with 52.2 percent of the vote. His next court appearance is set for May 25, 2026.
