“When I was growing up, I always assumed that I would work for the government of Nunavut, I just didn't know exactly how or where or when,” recalls Adam Lightstone. He is an MLA who has represented Manirajak for eight years. “It's been probably the most exciting eight years of my life,” he beams, talking about how much fun his job is but that it’s also a bit of a roller coaster. Originally from Rankin inlet, he left when he was young, spent a few years down south before coming to Iqaluit where he’s been for most of his life.

Before getting into politics, Lightstone worked for the government of Nunavut in the Department of Finance. He graduated from Inuksuk High School in 2005 and worked for a few years before continuing his education.  He went to Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa, a post secondary program that teaches Inuit studies for Inuit students and provides cultural learning opportunities. He received a three-year Advanced Accounting diploma from Saint Lawrence College, then a Bachelor of Business Administration degree through Laurentian University.

Because of his aspirations to work in government, Lightstone decided to study business and focus on accounting because every department has human resources, finance and communications. He enjoyed working for the government and his career accelerated given how few people had accounting backgrounds. He put together budgets, reviewed financial requests and provided recommendations to cabinet on financial matters. He also really loved using Excel.

His experience leaving home to pursue his education was positive. Taking on adult responsibilities like paying bills and grocery shopping was eye opening. The support Lightstone had from Nunavut Sivuniksavut was helpful for integrating in the city. The school he went to next was a small college with small class sizes which was helpful for creating strong bonds with his classmates. He believes there are a lot of benefits to attending smaller colleges.

When it comes to obstacles, Lightstone struggled, given financial assistance for post secondary wasn’t as generous when he was going to school as it is today. He was able to obtain some additional funding to help but the textbook allowance he received didn’t even cover one textbook. Applying for scholarships helped him get through and by the end he was very good at writing compelling essays for scholarship applications that would bring in extra dollars. The other thing he struggled with was sticking to his study habits. Having study groups was a great support system to get him through.

If Lightstone could give his younger self advice it would be about the importance of having a plan and set goals. “If you never have a target, you won't be able to celebrate achieving those accomplishments. A basic life plan is, finish school, continue or join the workforce, buying your first car, getting your first apartment, saving up and buying your first home, making marriage proposal or getting married, that's a very significant milestone that people really should include in their life plans, having your first kid and or having your third kid, however many that you would like to have. I wish I had put together a life plan so that I'd have a better idea of what I wanted to do and what I would need to do to get there,” he reflects.

With such an overwhelming career, Lightstone says, “the only thing that I could really do is just focus on one thing at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time, and eventually I would get over those hurdles, those challenges, and back into a more comfortable place.” His biggest function as an MLA is reviewing and passing laws, debating budgets, and policy. He also represents and advocates for constituents. He attends a lot of events and meetings and he’s conscious that he’s always under the microscope, cautious of what he says and does every minute of the day. 

He recalls going to Parliament when he was in Nunavut Sivuniksavut and seeing all the politicians bickering. It turned him off politics at a young age. It’s something he’s observed at provincial assemblies as well, when party politics and heckling take over sessions and disrespect is overwhelming. It makes him proud of Nunavut’s assembly because their behaviour isn’t like that. While there are heated debates, people are treated with respect.

When it comes to inspiration, Lightstone looks to his aunt Eva who was the second premier of Nunavut. He also looks to his boys and to everyone living in the territory. “A lot of my work that I do is to try and focus on improving the quality of life and standard of living for all those Nunavumiut that are not in the haves yet,” he shares. He is focused on youth initiatives, food programs in schools, and enhancing support for post secondary students. He’s also proud of amendments made to the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students act, providing wraparound support including funding for daycare for the children of students, for tutoring and other initiatives.

In closing, Lightstone reinforces the importance of youth gaining part-time work before finishing high school. He’s also pushing for a youth trades program designed into the curriculum. He would like to see the Government of Nunavut hiring as many youth as possible during the summer and year round for after school opportunities. He also raised awareness that 30% of the population is dependent on income support and 40% of youth age into income support. He encourages youth to seek employment early on.

As for Lightstone, he knew he would work for the government of Nunavut, he just didn’t know how or when or where and it turned out he would work for the Department of Finance and then become an MLA. Inspired by his aunt who was a premier, his children and all people of Nunavut, he does what he can to represent his constituents and be a good leader. His job might be a rollercoaster but he loves it and has fun, even if it’s overwhelming at times.

Thanks to Alison Tedford Seaweed for authoring this article.