A sentencing hearing in Iqaluit for Simeonie Issigaitok, a 72-year-old man from Sanirajak who pleaded guilty to sexually touching two children under the age of 16, was postponed this week after the accused was airlifted to Ottawa for medical care.
Medical emergency delays sentencing
Issigaitok was to be sentenced Tuesday in Iqaluit but did not appear. Defence counsel Alan Regal told the court the elder had been medevaced to Ottawa earlier in the week after experiencing difficulty breathing. Regal said he had tried to contact Issigaitok by phone through staff at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility, but received no response.
“I’m without instructions, other than to advise the court that he’s not available, and the reason why,”
The Crown, represented by Jessika Withers, agreed that Issigaitok should be present for sentencing, either in person or by phone, given the seriousness of the decision the court must make. Justice Christian Lyons accepted the request from both lawyers to delay sentencing and scheduled the next appearance for Aug. 4.
Convictions span decades
Issigaitok pleaded guilty in December 2025 to two counts of sexually touching children under the age of 16. The charge list involves two separate victims and incidents occurring years apart. According to court records presented at the last appearances, one incident occurred in Sanirajak sometime between 1987 and 1989; the other took place in April 2025.
| Incident | Location | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| First offence | Sanirajak | Between 1987–1989 |
| Second offence | Sanirajak | April 2025 |
| Next court appearance | Iqaluit | Aug. 4, 2026 |
Why presence matters
Sentencing hearings in sexual offence cases often require the accused to be present so the judge can weigh victim impact statements, hearsay and submissions from both Crown and defence. The Crown told the court it was appropriate for Issigaitok to take part in the hearing, at least by telephone, to ensure his input and to allow the judge to assess matters of remorse, insight and personal circumstances tied to sentencing.
Regal told the court he had not been able to obtain instructions from his client because of the medical situation at the correctional facility. Aaqqigiarvik is the primary correctional and healing facility serving Nunavut, and medevacs for serious medical issues are sometimes necessary when advanced care is required off-island.
Community context and next steps
The delay means victims and their families must wait longer for final court decisions and any sentence to be handed down. Under Canadian law, sentences for sexual offences involving minors are determined by considering a range of factors, including the gravity of the offence, the degree of responsibility, the harm to victims, and the offender’s background. Judges can impose custodial sentences, community-based sanctions, or a combination, depending on those factors.
- Accused: Simeonie Issigaitok, 72, of Sanirajak
- Convictions: Two counts of sexually touching children under 16
- Original incidents: one between 1987–1989, one in April 2025
- Next scheduled court date: Aug. 4, 2026 in Iqaluit
The court record shows that the accused was escorted into Iqaluit court in December 2025 while using a walker. No further medical details were provided in open court on Tuesday. The judge did not set a tentative sentencing range or suggest outcomes at the adjournment; that consideration will occur once the hearing proceeds and all parties, including victims, have their chance to address the court.
For those following the case, the next scheduled date — Aug. 4 — is when the matter will return before Justice Lyons. The court will likely confirm whether Issigaitok can participate remotely or must be physically present, depending on his medical condition and the availability of secure means for remote attendance.
This case underscores the intersection of elder health care, corrections logistics and the administration of justice in Nunavut, where remote communities and limited on-site medical resources can complicate courtroom timetables. The adjournment allows time for medical clarification while preserving the right of victims to have a full sentencing process when the accused is able to participate.
More details will be reported after the Aug. 4 appearance.
