Nunavimmiut vote heavily in Nov. 4 municipal elections

Voters in Kangiqsujuaq cast ballots in the Nov. 4 municipal election at a polling station set up in the local co-op store. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

A high turnout characterized the Nov. 4 municipal elections in Nunavik, with turn-out exceeding 60 per cent in nearly every community.

The final election results from Kuujjuaq were not in until past midnight.

But when they were finally counted, Kuujjuaq had a new mayor, Paul Parsons, as well as a nearly-all new council, which includes two former chairmen of the Kativik Regional Government, Johnny N. Adams and Jean Dupuis, the former head of Nunavik’s Saputiit Youth Association, Jennifer Watkins, and the president of Nunavik’s elders association, Bobby Snowball Sr.

Parsons won the mayoralty with 287 votes, followed by Betsy Berthe who received 212 votes and Johnny Gordon Sr. who received 208 votes.

Kuujjuaq’s six council seats will be filled by Adams, Dupuis, Watkins, Snowball, Jason Berthe, and Claude Gadbois.

The list of new mayors in Nunavik, which includes a new mayors for Kuujjuaraapik, where long-time mayor Lucassie Inukpuk was not returned to his position, and for Umiujaq, where incumbent mayor Robbie Tookalook went down in defeat, follows:

Kangiqsualujjuaq: Kitty Annanack
Voter turnout: 53%

Kuujjuaq: Paul Parsons
Voter turnout: n/a

Tasiujaq: Peter Angnatuk (acclaimed)
Voter turnout: 59%

Aupaluk: no candidate.
Special election to be held on Nov. 13 for the mayor and 6th councillor position.

Kangirsuk:Tommy Nassak
Voter turnout: 63%

Quaqtaq: Bobby Putulik
Voter turnout: 62%

Kangiqsujuaq: Mary A. Pilurtuut (acclaimed)
Voter turnout: 63%

Salluit: Qalingo Angutigirk
Voter turnout: 68%

Ivujivik: Charlie Paningajak
Voter turnout: 61%

Akulivik: Markusi Anautak
Voter turnout: 69%

Puvirnituq: Aisara Kenuajuak
Voter turnout: 60%

Inukjuak: Sarollie Weetaluktuk
Voter turnout: n/a

Umiujaq: Davidee Sappa
Voter turnout: 68%

Kuujjuaraapik: Raymond Mickpegak
Voter turnout: 62%

For complete results, go to www.krg.ca