A member of the council in Whale Cove, Michael Angutetuar, faced charges of sexual assault and manslaughter and was granted bail on Wednesday. The arrest stemmed from an incident on March 25 that led to the death of a young woman. The court has imposed a ban on revealing the woman’s identity and the details discussed during the bail hearing.
Elected to the Whale Cove council in October 2023 for a four-year term, Angutetuar expressed his intention to continue serving as a councillor unless circumstances prevent him from doing so, according to his lawyer, Alan Regel. Despite his plans, the hamlet is considering options to remove Angutetuar from his position.
Brian Fleming, the hamlet’s senior administrative officer, mentioned that Angutetuar owes approximately $1,200 to the hamlet for tires he acquired but never paid for. Additionally, Angutetuar’s absence from over three consecutive council meetings while detained in Iqaluit could give the council grounds to dismiss him.
Fleming emphasized the importance of impartiality in handling the allegations against Angutetuar, highlighting that the council may not be pleased with the situation. Angutetuar will remain on house arrest until his trial, scheduled for September 23 in Whale Cove.