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KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET - The mayor of Rankin Inlet is facing charges of sexual and physical assault.

Members of the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP arrested Lorne Kusugak based on the charges this past month. He is scheduled to appear in court in Rankin on Oct. 6.

Lorne Kusugak: "There is absolutely no truth to these allegations brought against me."

While the arrest was made in Rankin, the complaints were lodged in a jurisdiction outside of Nunavut.

A former resident of Rankin Inlet claims the incident took place at a gathering at the mayor's home in May 2001.

A publication ban has been put in place regarding the case, preventing the disclosure of the complainant's name.

The complainant alleges Kusugak used physical force in his attempts to commit sexual assault, and tried to render her incapable of resisting his actions by choking with his hand.

Kusugak vehemently denies the allegations and hasn't ruled out legal action of his own.

He said he's awaiting his day in court to prove his innocence, and the allegations will not prevent him from entering the upcoming territorial election.

Kusugak will be running in the riding of Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove.

"I am running in the next election and will announce my candidacy this week," Kusugak said. "My plans to get elected to the Nunavut government have not changed.

"There is absolutely no truth to these allegations brought against me."

Sgt. Peter Pilgrim of the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP said the police are releasing no further information on the case at this time.

He said the charges were laid a month ago and the force is unwilling to bring any more details of the matter forward .