Whale Cove council member, Michael Angutetuar, was granted bail on Wednesday following allegations of sexual assault and manslaughter related to the death of a young woman on March 25. An official court order prohibits disclosure of the woman’s identity and details from the bail hearing.
Angutetuar, who was elected to the Whale Cove council for a four-year term in October 2023, intends to maintain his council position unless confronted with uncontrollable circumstances, as stated by his lawyer, Alan Regel. However, the community is exploring options to remove Angutetuar from his council role.
Brian Fleming, the hamlet’s senior administrative officer, mentioned plans to notify Angutetuar of his dismissal from the council due to outstanding debts of around $1,200 owed for tires purchased from the municipality and unpaid, along with repeated absences from council meetings during his time in custody in Iqaluit.
Fleming emphasized the importance of impartiality in addressing the allegations against Angutetuar, noting a general discontent within the council regarding the situation. Angutetuar will remain on house arrest until his trial, scheduled for September 23 in Whale Cove.