Baker Lake plans byelection to select a new mayor
Former mayor Kevin Iksiktaaryuk resigned in December
Baker Lake council has decided to hold a byelection within the next two months to select a new mayor, who will replace former mayor Kevin Iksiktaaryuk. (File photo)
Baker Lake will hold a byelection to replace former mayor Kevin Iksiktaaryuk, who resigned Dec. 10 citing “ongoing responsibilities, high expectations, and stress” as reasons for stepping down.
Under the Nunavut Elections Act, the hamlet council had the option to either appoint one of its members to take over as mayor or hold a byelection to let voters choose.
“Council have decided to hold a byelection and have advised Elections Nunavut, who co-ordinates elections,” said Sheldon Dorey, Baker Lake’s senior administrative officer.
He said council decided at its Jan. 16 meeting that the byelection should be held within the next two months. Deputy Mayor Trevor Attungala is leading council in the interim.
There is no timeline or details yet for how people can put their names forward for the mayoral position.
The Hamlet of Baker Lake also announced a vacancy on its municipal council and is inviting eligible residents to apply to fill the position. Dorey said the vacancy follows the resignation of Coun. Adham Adose, who was elected to council in 2023.
An announcement on the hamlet’s Facebook page notes people interested in the council seat must submit a completed Declaration of Prospective Appointee form by 5 p.m. Friday.
The form is available at the municipal office or through email by contacting Dorey.
Councillors will review the applications and appoint a new member to serve for the rest of council’s term, which ends Oct. 31, 2027.
Good news is that the next mayor probably wont need to worry about ongoing responsibilities, high expectations, and stress.
Have you never tried something new? There are times in life you think you can do something but once you get going you realize you cant. that doesn’t mean your a failure. it means your human. there are a lot more elected officials and people in jobs that cant do it but dont quite. and that is worse.
You’re missing the point. The Baker Lake mayor was probably the most dedicated mayor in Nunavut and actually did Mayoral work. Unfortunately that led to his eventual burnout.