IQALUIT
Iqaluit residents will soon be voting in a municipal by-election after Megan Pizzo-Lyall resigned Jan. 10 to pursue opportunities outside the capital.

Megan Pizzo-Lyall, who resigned from Iqaluit city council Jan. 10, was, at 27, the youngest member and had the second-most votes in the fall 2015 election. - NNSL file photo

Gideonie Joamie resigned in May of last year and, after a long debate, council decided not to spend an estimated $90,000 to fill the seat.

But with two seats now empty, the remaining members decided to fill those seats.

"There are councils all across the country that actually have only six council positions, we have eight," Mayor Madeleine Redfern told Nunavut News/North.

"It was decided, to ensure that we have quorum and that we can spread out the workload on committees, to proceed with the by-election."

There are quite a few city council committees. In fact, council went through the process Jan. 10 of appointing chairs and vice-chairs for more than two dozen positions for 2017.

However, as Redfern notes some of them are ad hoc.

"Some only meet when required, like the taxi review board or the board of revision. Those are not committees that meet regularly. There are those that do, such as the planning and development committee."

In its strategic planning process, council identified a need to review the committees.

"How many we have, how effective they are, the terms of reference. That review will be happening this year," said Redfern.

Redfern says the $90,000 by-election cost estimate is based on previous elections.

"It's important to note that that amount is based on past actual costs when the city has issued a request for proposals (RFP). Of course, that depends on which businesses choose to respond and whether or not we proceed with issuing an RFP or going with a company we've used in the past, that's something the city administration will come back to the council with."

The normal process includes calling the election, a nomination period, verification of eligibility of candidates, a campaign period, and the election date itself.

Redfern expects the by-election to take place as soon as reasonably possible, something council members expressed to administration.

"I would expect within the next couple of months."

The election campaign period is set out in territorial legislation.

Redfern said Pizzo-Lyall was a valuable member of council.

"She's ensured that there's been healthy, respectful discussion and debate amongst council members on issues, reminded individuals about election promises or commitments, to be fiscally responsible, to ensure that decisions are informed and principled," she said.

"She will be greatly missed. But I'm also sure that wherever she goes she'll be a valuable addition to that organization."

For her part, Pizzo-Lyall expressed her regret at resigning and thanked voters for electing her.

"I'd like to thank Madam Mayor and my fellow councillors for the adventures and very appreciated experiences of the last year."

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