Iqaluit (Apr 17/00) - After five ballots, Peter Kattuk, who represents Hudson Bay, was elected as Nunavut's new minister.

Kattuk, who currently does not have a portfolio, will be filling the seat left vacant by former CLEY minister Donald Havioyak.

The race to elect the new minister began with four candidates -- Tunnuniq MLA Jobie Nutarak, Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo, South Baffin MLA Olayuk Akesuk and Kattuk.

Tootoo and Nutarak were the first to be knocked out of the race that saw both ministers and regular members voting for the candidates.

After a fifth ballot, Kattuk was elected.

"As a minister the door doesn't close, we can deal with our constituents by talking to them or by talking to other ministers or by letters," said Kattuk, explaining how he will continue to effectively represent his riding.

"I've been doing that since my election to my riding, that's my goal, to represent my constituency by meeting with ministers or talking to ministers."

Havioyak resigned late last month, stating he wanted to better represent his constituents in Kugluktuk and could do that through his work as an MLA, not a minister.