Lack of representation worries Constituents
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Oct 30/00) - Residents in the High Arctic communities are concerned about being left out by the territorial government .
Voters in Arctic Bay, Nanisivik, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord and at the Polaris Mine site are anxiously awaiting for the Dec. 4 byelection to fill the vacant seat left open when MLA Levi Barnabas pleaded guilty to sexual assault last summer.
"I wouldn't say we are being completely neglected, but not having an MLA definitely makes it harder to have our wishes heard," said Ralph Alexander, the senior administrative officer for the Hamlet of Resolute Bay.
"Right now it's almost like our mayor and council are doing the work of an MLA -- people are going to them expecting them to find someone to get in touch with.
"People feel as though they have no one to contact."
Other MLAs have stepped up to the plate and offered assistance to people in the Qittiktuq region.
On the first day the Assembly reconvened, Olayuk Akesuk, South Baffin MLA and newly-elected Education Minister, reassured Quttiktuq constituents that they would be looked after.
"I want to tell the people in those communities, as a member of this assembly, that we would like to assist them," said Akesuk.
"Should they have any questions during this session, they can fax anyone and be assisted by any of the members."
An enumeration was completed in the High Arctic on Oct. 24 forthe byelection. Candidate nominations close on Oct. 30.
Returning officer, Cecil Marshall, said the enumeration process went smoothly.
Also the SAO for Arctic Bay, Marshall said that although the hamlet is doing everything possible to ensure the constituents are looked after, they are not the Government of Nunavut.
"We can't play the role of an MLA, we are doing what is required of us, but we are a hamlet office, not the (territorial government)," said Marshall.
Similar feelings were echoed in Grise Fiord and Nanisivik. Voters are also concerned about electing someone who they are confident can abide by the law.
Barnabas was charged with sexual assault last summer, sparking outrage among women's groups and residents alike.
He later pleaded guilty and stepped down..A week later, Barnabas announced that he was considering running in the byelection.
Last week he was unavailable for comment on whether he plans to run again.
The Legislative Assembly is currently working on legislation that will prevent people with criminal records for running for public office.
