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Mumilaaq Qaqqaq

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq is an Inuk Canadian activist and former politician from Nunavut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq is an Inuk Canadian activist and former politician from Nunavut. She served as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Nunavut from 2019 to 2021 and was the first NDP MP to represent the territory since it was created in 1999.

Early life and background

Qaqqaq was born on 4 November 1993 and is from Baker Lake, Nunavut. Sources describe her as Inuk and note that she previously used the name Trina Qaqqaq.

Political career

She was elected MP for Nunavut in 2019 as a New Democrat and served until 2021. She was the only non-Liberal MP from Northern Canada during part of her tenure.

Public advocacy

While in office, Qaqqaq drew attention to housing, clean water, and other northern issues. She also became known for outspoken criticism of Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples.

After Parliament

Qaqqaq announced in 2021 that she would not seek another term. Reporting at the time said she wanted to step back from politics and focus on her own wellbeing.

Key facts

  • Qaqqaq was elected in the 2019 Canadian federal election as MP for Nunavut.
  • She was the first NDP MP to represent Nunavut since the territory was created in 1999.
  • She served in the House of Commons from 21 October 2019 to 19 September 2021.
  • She announced that she would not seek re-election in 2021.
  • During her tenure, she spoke publicly about housing conditions and other issues affecting Nunavut and Inuit communities.
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Canadian context

Qaqqaq represented Nunavut in the House of Commons, making her relevant to Canadian politics, northern affairs, and Indigenous representation in federal Parliament.[1][3][12]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mumilaaq Qaqqaq?
She is an Inuk Canadian activist and former Member of Parliament for Nunavut, elected as an NDP MP in 2019.
When did she serve in Parliament?
She served from 21 October 2019 to 19 September 2021.
What party did she represent?
She represented the New Democratic Party.
What was notable about her election?
She was the first NDP MP to represent Nunavut since the territory was created in 1999.
Did she run again after 2021?
No. She announced that she would not seek re-election in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumilaaq_Qaqqaq
    Supports: Birth date, former name, Inuktitut name, party affiliation, MP tenure, and being the first NDP MP for Nunavut since 1999.
  2. House of Commons of Canada — https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/mumilaaq-qaqqaq(105927)
    Supports: Historical status as a former MP, constituency, and party affiliation.
  3. House of Commons of Canada — https://www.noscommunes.ca/Members/en/mumilaaq-qaqqaq(105927)/roles
    Supports: Exact MP term dates and membership in the 43rd Parliament.
  4. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-the-wednesday-edition-1.6067864/nunavut-mp-mumilaaq-qaqqaq-on-leaving-politics-and-why-she-feels-no-pride-in-canada-1.6068158
    Supports: Her decision not to seek re-election and her advocacy on housing and other northern issues.
  5. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mumilaaq-qaqqaq-focus-north-problems-1.5332711
    Supports: Background from Baker Lake, early political profile, and focus on northern issues.