Women's council hopes Arvaluk has turned over new leaf

The Nunavut Status of Women's Council will be keeping a close eye on newly-elected Tunnuniq MLA James Arvaluk, president Kathy Hanson says.

Arvaluk, who had to resign asan MLA twice before due to criminal charges,won Monday's byelection to represent the Pond Inlet riding.

First elected in the 1990s when Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories, Arvaluk stepped down in 1995 when a sexual assault charge sent him to jailfor2½ years.

Hewas re-elected to the first Nunavut government and became the minister of education. However, heresigned in 2003 after being convicted of assaulting his girlfriend.

Hansonwas surprised to hear Arvaluk had been elected again but she said she respects the choice the voters made.

"I hope that Mr. Arvaluk does do a good job," said Hanson. "We'll be watching at the house."

Arvaluk says he has moved on since his convictions and shown leadership in his home community of Pond Inlet.

"I feel better about my past now," he told CBC News after his victory. "I was put on the hamlet council, the co-op board and Hunters and Trappers Council here since returning."

He said his political experience will benefit the people of his riding.

Arvaluk replaces Jobie Nutarak who died in a snowmobile accident in April.