Cambridge Bay elects new mayor

Jeannie Ehaloak, who was elected mayor of Cambridge Bay Dec. 12, used this photo in her campaign materials.

Cambridge Bay voters elected a new mayor Dec. 12: Jeannie Ehaloak.

Ehaloak received 141 votes, or 37 per cent of the votes cast.

James Panioyak received 130 votes, the incumbent mayor Syd Glawson received 81 votes, and Peter Harte, who had thrown his support to Ehaloak, received 25 votes.

Five new councillors will also take their place on the hamlet council: Cindy Analok-Villebrun, Sarah “Olayok” Jancke, Keith Lear Sr., Harry Maksagak and André “Akana” Otokiak.

“I want to thank all my supporters who came out and voted especially my family and friends. I am proud to say I am from Ikaluktutiak, as the people have showed they care for their community by the number of votes who came out. I look forward to serving as your Mayor and intend to work hard for the betterment of the community,” Eholak said Dec. 13 in a message posted on the Cambridge Bay News Facebook page.

Ehaloak, a former hamlet councillor who works in the lands department of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., said she wanted to be mayor because she believes a healthier community will be able to take more advantage of future opportunities.

“I believe in the importance and the need for good community government to ensure opportunities for all,” Ehaloak’s platform said.
” My values come from the strong sense of pride and appreciation I have as a resident of Cambridge Bay.”

Ehaloak’s background also includes experience at the local district education authority, as chairperson of the Kitikmeot Divisional Education board, and, most recently, as chairperson of the Kitikmeot Law Board.

“With the continued support and participation of the community we will take our programs, services and economic opportunities to a higher level. With the help of the community we can make our community a welcoming place to visit and live,” she said.