Iqaluit (Sep 22/03) - The candidates in the 2003 Iqaluit Municipal Elections are off and running.

The 13 candidates running for the eight council seats are: Robert Billard, Brad Hall, Nancy Gillis, Annie Gordon, Lynda Gunn, Stu Kennedy, Simanuk Kilabuk, Claude Martel, Goola Nakasook, Simon Nattaq, Theresa Rodrigue, Glen Williams and Chris Wilson.

The four candidates running for mayor are: Keith Irving, Jimmy Kilabuk, John Matthews and Elisapee Sheutiapik. So far there are three big issues that all the candidates will have to addressing during the campaign leading to election day, Oct. 20.

The top priority on everyone's list in Iqaluit is more housing. "Housing is the major problem in Iqaluit," said Sylvian Bouchard. "It's impossible to find a house in this place."

Jarloo Nowdluk said the homelessness leads to other problems like more crime.

"There needs to be more housing," he said.

A close second in this election is the issue with infrastructure in the city.

"Infrastructure is a big issue with council," said Becky Lonsdale.

"It's taking up most of the budget this year."

"The roads definitely need improvement,"added Bouchard. The third issue residents want addressed is public safety. With all the accidents in town, safety is a hot topic.

"The streets need to be safer for everyone," said Lonsdale.