Nunavik referendum to follow Quebec rules

Nunavik Regional Government negotiators Harry Tulugak and Minnie Grey say they will “go silent” March 20 to give Nunavimmiut sufficient time to consider the final agreement, as required by Quebec’s director general of elections. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Nunavimmiut must adhere to Quebec’s electoral financing rules during the period leading up to the April 27 referendum, when they will vote on the creation of the Nunavik Regional Government, says regional referendum director Adamie Padlayat.

Between now and March 20, considered to be the pre-referendum period, any organization or individual may incur expenses to promote the content of the NRG’s final agreement as well as their opinions on its adoption.

There is no limit on expenses that can be incurred during this period, but any organization or individual who does incur expenses must file a return listing the amounts of money spent as well as the sources of their financing.

The final agreement’s negotiating team is currently touring the region and hosting information meetings in Nunavik communities.

But on March 21, they will “fall silent” in order to give time to Nunavimmiut to reflect.

The purpose of these rules is to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for all to be heard, according to Quebec’s director general of elections.

The referendum on creation of the Nunavik Regional Government will be held April 27 across the region and in Montreal, with advance polls open April 20.

For more information on the referendum and its financing rules, Nunavimmiut may contact the Chief Electoral Officer at 1-888-870-3320 (English or French.)

Information on financing rules is available in Inuktitut here.