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IQALUIT
After cancelling the March 27 Iqaluit city council meeting to mourn deputy mayor David Ell's death, the subsequent April 10 meeting was postponed a week because not enough councillors were present.

The required quorum is five, Mayor Madeleine Redfern stated in an e-mail, and to her that means the mayor and four councillors.

Council consists of eight councillors, and Ell's passing dropped that number to seven, meaning no more than three councillors can be absent to meet quorum.

"One councillor left town to get married, another took time off during school break to be out at their cabin, another travelled south to attend and comfort a sick family member and another councillor was sick in town," Redfern wrote, noting this was the first time in her 16-month tenure that quorum was not met.

"Our councillors are very committed and take their responsibilities seriously, such as diligently attending council meetings except when their personal circumstances do not permit."

Council meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesday, and is rarely cancelled or rescheduled. The postponement means council will meet tomorrow.

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