Race for the ridings: Learn about the candidates running in Monday’s territorial election

Updated Oct. 23 at 12 p.m. ET

On Oct. 27, Nunavummiut will go to the polls to elect 22 citizens to the legislative assembly to act as MLAs and guide the territory for the next four years.

As members of the Government of Nunavut, they will lead the territory as it addresses ongoing issues such as the severe housing shortage, the need for more and better health care, changes to the education system and Canada’s growing focus on Arctic sovereignty and security.

Not only that, the devolution agreement Nunavut signed with the federal government moves into full effect in April 2027, meaning the territory will be tasked with taking on responsibility for much of its Crown lands.

To help readers better understand the choices they face on election day, Nunatsiaq News has prepared snapshots of each riding and the candidates running there.

Stories on most of the ridings have already appeared online; on our website Monday, watch for profiles of the two ridings where candidates were acclaimed and there is no race — Daniel Qavvik in Hudson Bay, and David Joanasie in South Baffin.

Here are links to published snapshots of all the ridings where voters will choose their next territorial representatives:

Aggu — Two candidates running in Aggu riding race

Aivilik — Housing, mental health and hazardous dust top of mind for Aivilik candidates

Amittuq — Four-way race in Amittuq as Nunavummiut head to the polls

Arviat North-Whale Cove — Infrastructure, language dominate talk in Arviat North-Whale Cove

Arviat South — 2 candidates vie for open seat in Arviat South

Baker Lake — Baker Lake race focuses on new health centre, elder facility

Cambridge Bay — Safety, youth are priorities for Cambridge Bay candidates

Gjoa Haven — Local job training, food security key issues in Gjoa Haven

Iqaluit-Manirajak — Iqaluit-Manirajak candidates talk public safety, youth opportunities

Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu — Transparency, housing are key issues in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, candidates say

Iqaluit-Sinaa — Iqaluit-Sinaa candidates highlight housing, food access

Iqaluit-Tasiluk — Former councillor takes on veteran MLA in Iqaluit-Tasiluk

Kugluktuk — Housing, airline monopoly and ‘unnecessary deaths’: 3 candidates face off in Kugluktuk

Netsilik — Language, housing top priorities in Netsilik

Pangnirtung — Three’s company in Pangnirtung election race

Quttiktuq — Housing, youth and elder care remain focus for Quttiktuq candidate

Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet — Former opponents face off in Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet

Rankin Inlet South — Housing and infrastructure concerns in Rankin Inlet South race

Tununiq — Airstrip, cost of living top of mind for Tununiq candidates

Uqummiut — Elders and housing top priorities in Uqqummiut

Note: This article has been updated to include profiles of Kugluktuk and Pangnirtung ridings