Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services
Wednesday, March 05, 2007

IQALUIT - Rankin Inlet Mayor Lorne Kusugak and Iqaluit's Harvard graduate Kirt Ejesiak entered the race for the Nunavut Liberal party nomination last week.

The two join former Circumpolar Ambassador Jack Anawak in a three-way race to replace outgoing MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.

Kusugak can speak both English and Inuktitut, which he sees as vital for any hopeful MP in Nunavut.

"I think that Nunavut Liberals have always had good bilingual candidates," said Kusugak.

"I know I have that ability. I think it is important that a candidate communicate in Inuktitut," he said.

Being Nunavut's voice in Ottawa is a challenge, but one that Kusugak is willing to take on.

"I have had fun as the Mayor, and this would be the same idea, on a much larger scale," said Kusugak.

"We need a good change. Nancy (Karetak-Lindell) has done a fine job, and we can use that as a springboard."

Ejesiak announced his candidacy with a press release on March 2. In the press release, he pointed to his Harvard degree as one of his greatest assets.

He is the youngest person to declare so far, and the only Iqaluit resident.

Ejesiak did not return Nunavut News/North's phone calls prior to deadline.