Nunavut MLA candidate gets full-time job, quits election race

After landing a full-time job with the Qulliq Energy Corp., Gjoa Haven candidate Andrew Mitqut Porter says he doesn’t want to run for MLA anymore.

“I was running for MLA but then I got a job offer yesterday with Qulliq Energy so today I made up my mind to take the job and withdraw from the race for MLA…” Porter said Oct. 10 on his Facebook timeline, which is open to the public.

Porter said he had just landed a job as an assistant plant operator with the QEC and wishes to withdraw from the election.

But on Oct. 28, and in advance votes, Gjoa Haven voters will still see Andrew Porter’s name on the ballot.

That’s because declared candidates who change their minds and want their names removed from the ballot must deliver a signed letter to the local returning officer no later than 31 days before election day, at 5 p.m.

That letter must be signed by two other voters in the constituency, who must take an oath.

Porter did not makes his withdrawal decision until about 18 or 19 days prior to election day.

“If a candidate withdraws after the deadline, their name stays on the ballot — even if they send the RO a signed letter,” the Elections Nunavut guide for candidates said.

Tony Akoak, Linda Hunter and George Sonny Porter are also contesting the Gjoa Haven seat.