Nunavut byelection candidates announced

Nine people are vying for three vacant seats in Nunavut's legislative assembly when byelections take place next month.

Elections Nunavut announced on Friday the following candidates in the three byelections, which are all scheduled for Sept. 12:

• Iqaluit West: Kirt Ejesiak, Monica Ell, Tuutalik Boychuck.
• Pangnirtung: Johnny Mike, Hezakiah Oshutapik.
• Tununiq: Joe Enook, Sam Sr. Omik, Brandy Kanayuk, David Qajaakuttuk Qamaniq.

The latest round of byelections is being held because the three seats in Nunavut's 19-member assembly became vacant in the past few months.

James Arvaluk  stepped down in May as the MLA for Tununiq, which includes the community of Pond Inlet, due to health concerns.

Paul Okalik resigned as the MLA for Iqaluit West in April to run as a Liberal candidate  in the federal election. He lost to incumbent Conservative MP Leona Aglukkaq on May 2.

Adamee Komoartok resigned in March as the elected member in Pangnirtung amid controversy about an assault charge he faced at the time. Prosecutors later withdrew that charge  against him.