A long-time member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly has been removed from the Labrador Inuit Enrolment Register.

Edward Blake Rudkowski was an Ordinary Member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly representing the Constituency of Canada. He also served as Speaker.

Rudkowski’s membership was revoked following a review.

Blake Rudkowski, a member of the Labrador Inuit Association for over three decades, called the turn of events “distressing.”

He says never in the three decades was his membership called into question until recently.

The Labrador Inuit Constitution states that only Labrador Inuit may be members of the Nunastiavut Assembly, and that a person automatically loses their membership if he or she ceases to be eligible.

First Minister Tyler Edmunds says the Nunatsiavut Government plays no role in determining membership, a process that is independent of government.

A byelection date has yet to be set.