Nunavut's first legislative clerk, John Quirke, retires after 25 years

John Quirke was appointed as the first clerk of Nunavut's Legislative Assembly back in 1999, the same year the territory itself was created. 

He stayed in the job for 25 years — with a front row seat to Nunavut's politics as he managed the operations of the assembly and acted as the principal adviser for MLAs on parliamentary procedure, among other things. 

Last Thursday was his last day on the job. 

"For me it was very emotional because I knew it was the last," Quirke told CBC News. 

"It was a roller-coaster … I knew this was the last time we'd be at the table," he said. 

Quirke first came to Iqaluit in the late 1960s, working for the government of the Northwest Territories. 

He said he has fond memories looking back at every session, but it was that first sitting that he says he'll never forget. 

In 1999, the first-ever sitting of Nunavut Legislative Assembly travelled to Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Pangnirtung to tour communities. 

"The members of that assembly really stand out," Quirke said. "It was quite the challenge in those days." 

Quirke also remembers welcoming various visitors to the assembly over the years, including late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles, before he was king. 

Thursday's sitting ended with tributes from MLAs who spoke glowingly about Quirke and his work in the assembly. 

Quirke called the tributes "very humbling" and "very touching."

From cups flying to 'near fist fights'

Nunavut Commissioner Eva Aariak called Quirke "an iconic leader in this Legislative Assembly" who ensured that the consensus-style government followed the rules. 

Lorne Kusugak, a longtime minister and MLA, said Quirke witnessed every moment in Nunavut politics, including "near fist fights" in the assembly itself. 

'We've seen cups fly across the room, from one member to a minister," Kusugak said. 

"We've seen whole days of bells ringing because the regular members refuse to enter the house, back in the day," he added. 

Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, a first-time MLA, told the assembly on Thursday she felt "especially privileged" to be sitting next to Quirke.

"We've had a lot of fun. And, Mr. Clerk, you've also stopped me from doing things that might have gotten me in trouble, and I appreciate that," she said.

David Joanasie, MLA for South Baffin for 11 years, said he was also grateful for Quirke's guidance.

"When I first became a member for South Baffin, many people probably thought, 'is he gonna sink or swim?' But I want to thank John for his advice ... not just to myself but my colleagues over the last three assemblies."

MLAs also spoke about how Quirke picked up every new MLA from the airport in Iqaluit — a task that wasn't part of his job but one that he chose to do. 

"That was a personal decision," Quirke said. "I wanted to make them feel like this is your home."

He said for now, he won't be leaving the territory anytime soon. He and his wife are staying in Iqaluit for at least the next two years, "maybe longer."

Quirke will officially leave his job at the end of December and will be replaced by current deputy clerk Stephen Innuksuk.