Iqaluit issues call for candidates to fill council vacancy
Seat has been empty since Jack Anawak resigned in November; deadline to apply is Feb. 8
While City of Iqaluit administration continues to work on a policy for how to fill a vacancy on Iqaluit city council, a call-out for candidates is out for a member to replace former councillor Jack Anawak. The deadline is Feb. 8. (File photo)
Updated Jan. 29 at 5:10 p.m.
The call has gone out for candidates interested in joining Iqaluit city council.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m., according to a public service announcement released Monday by the City of Iqaluit.
City council will vote to select an appointee at its Feb. 13 meeting and the successful candidate will be informed the following day, the announcement said.
One seat on the eight-member council became vacant 12 weeks ago when newly elected member Jack Anawak resigned Nov. 6 after he was charged with impaired driving.
The Nunavut Elections Act does not permit byelections to fill council vacancies. It does provide two options — council can either choose the unsuccessful candidate with the highest number of votes from the Oct. 23 municipal election, or select one from eligible applicants.
In November, council directed staff to develop a policy for filling vacancies but in December it sent the first version back for more work.
At the time, Coun. Romeyn Stevenson said the policy should be clear that council should always put out a call for candidates rather than choosing the runner-up from the most recent election.
In the October vote, the runner-up was Lewis Falkiner MacKay, who finished ninth with 525 votes compared to Anawak’s 635.
A revised policy proposal was presented to councillors Jan. 23, which still contained the option to select the runner-up.
But that too was sent back for more work when some members said it was too prescriptive in the deadlines it would have set for council to act to fill vacancies.
In the meantime, councillors voted to start the process by issuing a call for candidates.
According to City of Iqaluit spokesperson Aleksey Cameron, on Feb. 13 council will consider applicants’ resumes and their answers to three questions:
- What is your experience related to city council?
- What can you contribute if you are appointed?
- What do you think are the most important qualities of a city councillor and why?
She said prospective candidates can attend the meeting or watch it livestreamed on Facebook. They’re not required to make presentations.
Among the criteria for eligibility to apply for consideration, potential candidates must be 18 or older, be a resident of Iqaluit and have lived in Nunavut for at least one year, not be an employee of the city and be paid up on their municipal taxes as of Dec. 3, 2023.
A full list of the criteria is on the city’s website.
Prospective appointees must complete an application package, which is available by contacting city hall.
Note: This article was updated to include more information on how councillors will appoint a new member.
Follow the election results. Listen to the voters. Appoint #9
Following the results makes too much sense. The old boys club whats to appoint who ever they wish
So enough time has passed that they think it’s OK to call for a new council member instead of offering it to the runner up.
This is shameful.
A slap in the face of democracy.
Why won’t you just appoint Lewis?
They don’t like him.
How did Jack Anawak get elected in the first place? That fact alone is as mind boggling as this debacle.
Shouldn’t there be another question: explain why you think you should be appointed despite not having bothered to run in the election and why the democratic choice of the voters should be ignored?
I choose Trina “Mummillaq” Qaqqaq
She couldn’t even last a full term in a cushy backbench opposition MP job with a huge salary. Also, she doesn’t live in Iqaluit.
I would put my name in and quit on day 1 listing my reason as “a failure of democracy.”
Tired has a great idea. Good example of peaceful and ethical protest. There would be a high personal cost to someone doing that and it would be highly courageous to do so.
You have my vote! Wait a minute, my vote doesn’t count!
Lewis should apply, it would make the entire process as uncomfortable as possible.
I think as many people as possible should do this. Make Council read through 500 resumes and responses to their questions. Then when they decide, turn it down. Next one? Turn it down. Now that would send a message.
or how about the same one over and over and over…. the runner up they won’t select? Everyone send in your choice recommendation vote etc. for Lewis #9
If Iqaluimmiut really respect the democratic process they will boycott this sham and refuse to respond to this so called “call for candidates” . This will hopefully force Council to select the democratically elected runner-up in the last municipal election.
This whole debacle makes council look like a farce and councillors appear like the Keystone Cops. I wonder how anybody in town can take them seriously or have faith in any of their decisions. For all the criticism levelled at the former mayor, this shows the slapstick foolishness wasn’t all on him.
Every day passes, people are seeing through the nonsense blanketing across Nunavut. A hamlet, a city council of clones of each other with no eyes or ears. No desire of free or critical thinking, only a pressing boot on the people. Citizens of Nunavut no longer accepting it.
If ever there were grounds to recall an entire City council, this disgrace to the democratic process would be it.
As I understand a Mayor cannot make a motion but can recommend, why isn’t he doing so when someone made a motion and had a seconder?
City of Iqaluit is a s&/! Show!!! Embarrassment to the other communities of Nunavut, First the Mayor resigned last year with no reasons given to the public and now this? Calling for interest?
For all I know they will appoint Weeman 🙄🙄
Lewis Falkiner MacKay here is your submission.
What is your experience related to city council?
– Was voted for by 525 people and the largest number of Iqaluingmiut behind Jack.
What can you contribute if you are appointed?
– provide a voice for 525 Iqaluingmiut that voted for me
What do you think are the most important qualities of a city councilor and why?
-Being elected and not chosen by your friends.
The same dozen commenter whinging in the comments, wondering why no one listens to them…
Lewis Falkiner-McKay: The Right Choice for Iqaluit City Council
Iqaluit is a vibrant and diverse community that deserves strong and capable leadership. With the recent vacancy on the city council, it is crucial to appoint a candidate who will uphold the democratic principles that form the foundation of our society. Lewis Falkiner-McKay, as the runner up in the previous election, embodies these principles and is the ideal choice to represent the interests of Iqaluit’s residents.
Having emerged as the first runner-up candidate in the previous election, Lewis Falkiner-McKay has already demonstrated strong community support and a deep understanding of the issues facing Iqaluit. His candidacy has been validated by the trust put in him by a significant portion of the electorate, making his appointment a logical and democratic choice.
Lewis Falkiner-McKay possesses the necessary qualities to excel in public service and effectively address the concerns of Iqaluit’s residents. With a commitment to transparency, open dialogue, and inclusivity, he will ensure that every voice from our diverse community is heard and considered. His track record of community engagement and his proven dedication to improving the lives of Iqaluit’s residents make him the right candidate to fill this vacant seat.
Furthermore, Lewis Falkiner-McKay’s experience and dedication to public service will enable him to hit the ground running in his new role. He has a comprehensive understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities, gained through his campaign experience, interactions with constituents, and deep involvement with local organizations. This expertise will allow him to make informed decisions and act as a strong advocate for positive change within Iqaluit.
In this time of transition, it is paramount to uphold the democratic principles Iqaluit holds dear. Appointing Lewis Falkiner-McKay to the city council not only ensures continuity but also respects the voice of the residents who overwhelmingly supported him during the election. By doing so, we will establish a council that mirrors the values of fairness, representation, and inclusivity, benefiting Iqaluit’s current population and future generations alike.
As we move forward, let us entrust the vacant city council seat to Lewis Falkiner-McKay, a committed individual whose vision aligns with the needs and aspirations of our community. With his proven track record, inclusive approach, and passion for community service, he is the right choice to guide Iqaluit towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.
– Tommy
This decision is so appalling, it has been so universally lampooned by everyone and is so undemocratic that the Minister of Community Government should be writing to the council seeking an explanation as to what is going on here. There has to be some accountability as to why the option in the legislation of selecting the next ranked candidate isn’t being followed. I think that the GN Minister has a responsibility of holding the council to account on this!!
Why not read that act that governs hamlets and the city , It is being followed!!!!! If you don’t like the act lobby the people that can change it……………… the GN-MLAs….. but most important arm yourself with facts and knowledge, ps you won’t find that on social media or here in this comment section
While it is correct that the city of Iqaluit can legally choose to appoint someone or use the next runner up from an election, and your comment corrects one incorrect statement from someone, I am not aware of any other factually incorrect information in people’s comments here; I just see frustration and disappointment at the council’s choice for the legal but undemocratic option.
It could be argued that the city is not following the “as soon as reasonably practicable” porting of the following part of the Elections Act: “If the office of a councillor becomes vacant for any reason before the next general election, the municipal council shall fill the vacancy as soon as reasonably practicable by appointing a person who is eligible to be a candidate for that office.”
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As mentioned in the article, 12 weeks went by before they did anything, and it is still not filled.
The territory gave the municipality alot of flexibility when added this call-out option in 2017. The territory has certainly not endorsed this appalling use of that flexibility.
It is very fair for the community to ask why one option was picked over the other.
It is also fair for the territory to reevaluate how much flexibility municipalities should have here.
L nominate PolarMan as councilor for the Hamlet of Iqaluit.
All in favour, say aye!