Nunavut’s Leona Aglukkaq named Canada’s environment minister

Nunavut, Canada MP Leona Aglukkaq is Canada’s newest environment minister.

Aglukkaq takes over the position from former environment minister Peter Kent. Aglukkaq formerly held the health portfolio. She became the first Inuk to serve on the cabinet when she was appointed in 2008.

Leona Aglukkaq became the first Inuk to serve cabinet when she was appointed in 2008.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a number of changes in his cabinet shuffle Monday morning.

He added eight new faces to his cabinet, including four women.

Harper announced all the appointments via his Twitter account ahead of the official 11 a.m. ET ceremony.

Aglukkaq has previously slammed some activist groups for what she called their negative impact on Inuit lifestyle and traditions.

Terry Audla, president of the national Inuit group Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said he’s pleased at the announcement.

“We worked very well with Minister Aglukkaq when she was Health Minister, and look forward to working with her as Minister of the Environment,” he said.

Audla also welcomed many of the other new or re-appointed ministers, including the new Health Minister Rona Ambrose, returning Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt, and Gail Shea, the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.