NUNAVUT - Adding three MLAs to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly and re-thinking the cross-regional Akulliq riding are some of the recommendations in the Report of the 2011 Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission released June 7.

Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission member Gordon Main, left, chairman Ted Richard and member Kirt Ejesiak released their report in Iqaluit on June 7. The commission recommended increasing the size of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly to 22 constituencies from 19. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

Commission head Justice J. Edward Richard said they are recommending the size of the legislature be increased from 19 to 22 ridings, a recommendation he said he is "comfortable" with.

"I had hoped we could come up with a recommendation that would not increase the size of the legislature. We tried," he said.

"The present configuration of 19 constituencies is unacceptable," stated the report.

The existing 19 constituencies were "very uneven" in terms of population size, said Richard, an issue the commission had to deal with as Arviat, Iglulik and Iqaluit have experienced a "pronounced" increase in population, stated the executive summary. The riding configuration has not changed since 1999.

Arviat, Iglulik and Iqaluit should each get an additional MLA, the commission recommended. In the Kivalliq, this means Whale Cove would be paired with Arviat North in a constituency while Chesterfield Inlet would be part of a new Rankin Inlet North riding.

Whale Cove currently shares a riding with Rankin Inlet South, and Chesterfield Inlet currently shares a riding with Coral Harbour.

Arviat Mayor Bob Leonard said an additional MLA for his community would be a "positive move."

"I think it's a large and growing community," he said. "I think Arviat does have ties with Whale Cove so combining those two together will also work out well."

MLA Louis Tapardjuk, whose riding of Amittuq comprises Iglulik and Hall Beach, said he approves of the recommendation for one more MLA in Iglulik. He added he would support the boundary commission's submission.

"The community has been asking for additional member to the legislature," he said. "I think the boundary still needs to be worked out but I am generally happy with the recommendation from the boundary commission."

Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern said as a result of population growth, Iqaluit now has 7,000 residents.

"This (four MLAs) ensures their equitable representation at the legislative assembly," she said. "The recommendation is along the lines of what city council had suggested to the commission."

The commission also dealt with "widespread dissatisfaction" with the configuration of the Akulliq riding, which comprises Repulse Bay and Kugaaruk, communities from two different regions. To remedy this, the commission recommends Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour be paired in a constituency, while Kugaaruk and Taloyoak would comprise another riding. Gjoa Haven would have its own MLA.

"I think the community (of Gjoa Haven) is big enough to have its own MLA," said mayor Allen Aglukkaq. "I think it would be ideal to have one for Gjoa Haven."

Nanulik MLA Johnny Ningeongan, representing Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, said he leaves it to his constituents to determine what's best for the voters and representation.

Nine constituencies – Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Hudson Bay, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung, Quttiktuq, South Baffin, Tununiq and Uqqumiut – are not recommended to change.

Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott, representing Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute, said he hasn't decided whether he will support the report as he is waiting to see what his constituents think.

"If the government really is wanting to save money, then maybe we should keep the status quo," he said. "From conversations I already had with my other two communities of Grise Fiord and Resolute, I think they would want to see their own. More than likely they might not want me to support this."

The one-time capital costs of renovating the legislative chamber as well as new offices and equipment to accommodate three more MLAs is estimated at $1 million, stated the report. It adds the operational costs of adding one MLA is $300,000 per year.

Richard said they have not yet completed the name changes of new constituencies as they must consult with communities and a toponymist beforehand.

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