Arvaluk trial postponed

IQALUIT — The trial of James Arvaluk has been delayed again.

Arvaluk, the MLA for the Nanulik riding, was scheduled to stand trial March 15 in Iqaluit on one count of assault and another of assault causing bodily harm.
But one of the defense’s key witnesses could not be contacted and summoned to Iqaluit, and at the last minute Arvaluk’s lawyer, Markus Weber, requested a delay.

Crown prosecutor Bruce Coates protested the request, pointing out that “at great expense to the Crown,” witnesses for the prosecution had already been flown to Iqaluit from Coral Harbour and Ottawa.
After weighing the lawyer’s arguments Justice Mark de Weerdt granted the delay. Arvaluk’s trial was pushed back to April 20.

The MLA is accused of assaulting a woman in Iqaluit last Aug. 22, and then, four days later, assaulting and injuring her in Coral Harbour.

Arvaluk was present at the proceedings but did not speak.