Election Notebook
Who's running for re-election this round?
Northern News Services
Monday, September 18, 2017
NUNAVUT
Nunavut News/North reached out to the current legislators to see whether they will be running again in next month's territorial election. Here are their responses.
Premier Peter Taptuna MLA for Kugluktuk
- Elected in 2008, acclaimed in 2013.
- Portfolio: Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, Seniors' Advocate, Immigration
- Running in Election 2017: Undecided
Why? Discussing with wife, family and constituents.
Deputy Premier Monica Ell-Kanayuk MLA for Iqaluit-Manirajak
- Elected in 2011 Iqaluit-West by-election, re-elected 2013.
- Portfolio: Economic Development and Transportation, Mines, Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, Nunavut Development Corporation, Utility Rates Review Council, Status of Women
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Why? "I plan to put my name in as a candidate for the Iqaluit-Manirajaq riding because I want to continue to serve the constituency."
George Hickes MLA for Iqaluit-Tasiluk.
- Elected in 2013.
- Portfolio: Health, Suicide Prevention
- Running in Election 2017: Yes
Why? "The amount of support I've received from constituents has been overwhelming and frankly, humbling. Having transitioned from regular member to Minister of Qulliq Energy Corp. and Nunavut Housing Corp., then to Minister of Health and Minister responsible for suicide prevention, the amount of research and commitment is hard to describe. I have never had a more challenging responsibility, but never more rewarding either. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue this path of learning and hope I get the chance to continue what I've started. I feel like I'm just hitting my stride."
George Kuksuk MLA for Arviat North -Whale Cove
- Elected in 2013.
- Portfolio: Culture and Heritage, Languages, Nunavut Housing Corporation
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Johnny Mike MLA for Pangnirtung
- Elected in 2013.
- Portfolio: Family Services, Poverty Reduction, Homelessness, Qulliq Energy Corporation
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Keith Peterson MLA for Cambridge Bay (Cambridge Bay, Bathurst Inlet, Bay Chimo)
- Elected in 2004, acclaimed in 2008, elected in 2013
- Portfolios: Justice, Finance and Chairman of the Financial Management Board, Nunavut Liquor Commission, Liquor Licensing Board, Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, Human Rights Tribunal, Labour Standards Board
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Paul Quassa MLA for Aggu (Iglulik)
- Elected in 2013.
- Portfolios: Education, Nunavut Arctic College, Government House Leader
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
George Qulaut MLA for Ammituq (Hall Beach and Iglulik) Speaker
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Why: "In the last election I was asked by my elders both from Hall Beach and Iglulik to run. Now I am asked by the younger generation to run and get re-elected."
Joe Savikataaq Elected in 2013 Portfolio: Community and Government Services, Hudson Bay Roundtable (Nunavut Chair), Environment, Energy
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Tony Akoak MLA for Gjoa Haven
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: Yes
Why: Akoak said he has managed to get some new housing in Gjoa Haven but he sees a need for more units. He also aspires to have a mental health facility built in the community. "I think my job is not quite done yet," he said.
Pat Angnakak MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu
- Elected in 2013.
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Why? "I have enjoyed my job very much and realize there is much more to do and I feel that with my experience that I bring to the table I would be the best choice for constituents to have as their representative."
Joe Enook MLA for Tununiq (Pond Inlet) Deputy Speaker
- Elected in 2011 by-election, re-elected 2013.
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
David Joanasie MLA for South Baffin (Cape Dorset and Kimmirut)
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Pauloosie Keyootak MLA for Uqqummiut (Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq)
- Elected in 2015 by-election.
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Steve Mapsalak MLA for Aivilik (Naujaat and Coral Harbour)
- Elected in 2004, 2013.
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Simeon Mikkungwak MLA for Baker Lake
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: Yes
Why? "I still have some unfinished business which I have started to address. (These initiatives) are now in future plans and I would like to see them continue. I also intend to keep my constituents informed of all matters relevant to Baker Lake."
Paul Okalik MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaa
- Elected in 1999, 2004, 2008, 2013.
- Premier from 1999 to 2008, stepped down last year as Minister of Justice and Health.
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Why? "The campaign has not started yet. I'll have some ideas that I'll present during the coming campaign. I think it's premature to start campaigning while we still have a bit of business. I don't want to prejudge or predetermine in the last session. I hope to serve a fifth term."
Emiliano Qirngnuq MLA for Netsilik (Taloyoak and Kugaaruk)
- Elected in 2016 byelection
- Running in Election 2017: Yes
Why? "I'd like to finish what I'm doing. A lot of my constituents have asked me to run again."
Allan Rumbolt MLA for Hudson Bay (Sanikiluaq)
- Elected in 2008, 2013.
- Running in Election 2017: Yes.
Why? "I want to continue serving my community and the people of Sanikiluaq. I want to continue ensuring that Sanikiluaq gets its fair share of all future capital budgets. The community is still lacking public and staff housing, lack of office space is still an issue, we have aging infrastructure in need of repair or replacement, such as the community hall and fire hall. I want to ensure that the community's fresh water supply gets a permanent solution.
Tom Sammurtok MLA for Rankin Inlet North (Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet)
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
Isaac Shooyook MLA for Quttiktuq (Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Resolute)
- Elected in 2013
- Running in Election 2017: No response.
