Local job training, food security key issues in Gjoa Haven
5-way contest shaping up in Kitikmeot hamlet after long-serving MLA steps down
David Akoak, left, Gregory Nahaglulik, David Porter and Megan Porter are four of the five candidates running for MLA in Gjoa Haven in the Oct. 27 territorial election. A photo of the fifth candidate, Sonny Porter, was not available at press time. (Photos courtesy of Elections Nunavut)
Nunatsiaq News is publishing riding profiles ahead of the Oct. 27 territorial election. Keep your eye on our website to learn more about who is running in your area.
Voters in Gjoa Haven will choose a new representative for the first time in more than a decade when they head to the polls this month, with long-serving MLA and speaker Tony Akoak not seeking re-election.
Five candidates are vying to succeed him in the Kitikmeot community of about 1,500 people: Gregory A. Nahaglulik, David Akoak, Megan Porter, David Porter and Sonny Porter.
Nunatsiaq News was unable to reach Megan, David or Sonny Porter for an interview about their campaign priorities.
Nahaglulik, who ran against Akoak in 2021, was born in Yellowknife and raised in Gjoa Haven, where he spent 22 years working for the hamlet including serving as acting economic development officer.
He also served as third vice-president on the Nunavut Employees Union’s executive board.
Nahaglulik said job creation, public safety and food security top his list of concerns.
“Job security for Gjoa Haven community members is something that we are struggling with, such as keeping jobs in the community, especially management positions,” he said in an interview.
“We don’t really have many people trained for some of these positions locally.”
Nahaglulik said he wants to see stronger local training, food bank services, and more transparent support for business development.
“If we can make policies to [improve access] to grants and loans, and make it easier for Nunavummiut to start businesses, that would be a big help,” he said.
Public safety is another priority for Nahaglulik.
“If elected as MLA, I’d like to implement laws to try to stop these street drugs from coming into the communities before it becomes an epidemic,” he said.
David Akoak is emphasizing community-based solutions, such as the new elders’ bus that just hit the road in Gjoa Haven.
Born and raised in Gjoa Haven and currently based in Iqaluit, Akoak has worked with both the N.W.T. and Nunavut governments in housing and liaison programs, and currently serves as director of the Government Liaison Office Program.
Akoak said his current GN leadership role has shown him the importance of building connections to make programs more accessible for Nunavummiut.
“If they do elect me as their MLA, I’ll work hard for them, and I’ll use all the networking opportunities I have outside of the community to allow for closer access to programs at the government or private sector level,” Akoak said.
Other priorities include addressing housing shortages and using infrastructure projects to create local training opportunities.
“Providing adequate shelter should lead to fewer social issues and improve mental well-being,” Akoak said.
Asked if he will move back to Gjoa Haven if he wins, Akoak said he will as “home will always be home.”
Megan Porter, who served as mayor from 2019 to 2023, said on her Facebook that she wants to lobby for better housing, food security, elder care and mental wellness.
David Porter, who worked as a constituency assistant to Tony Akoak, said on Facebook that he would push for more housing, improved health and mental health supports, and more recreation and youth facilities.
No matter where you vote remember that change can be better than re-electing an MLA who has been there for years. Sometimes with no change. Please also vote NEW. Vote CHANGE if you think that is needed.
It is perplexing that 3 out of the 5 candidates could not be “reached” to contribute to this forum provided by Nunatsiaq. No matter what one’s opinion might be regarding this media outlet it must be applauded for offering each candidate a fair chance to express themselves and advise Nunavummiut what they plan to do if elected. It seems lost on some candidates the importance of using every venue provided to them to get their message out to the voters.
This absence, unwillingness, unavailability, brooding or whatever it is; it should serve as a notice to the voters in this constituency regarding how seriously these candidates take the responsibility of being an MLA. Because lets be very honest here. If you are in the midst of an election and cannot make time to, or are unwilling to speak in a forum that is offering to get your message out. Serious questions have to be asked your engagement and commitment to the process.
There was some addressing of local issues and challenges but no definitive plans from those who did speak regarding concrete plans or actions. One candidate mentioned “Implementing laws” to stop drugs. The laws are already there. Working with the local enforcement agency and community leaders on the deeper underlying social issues is where the focus needs to be.
Housing came up but again, nothing solid from any candidate other than “its and issue”. There were some strong points regarding local training, local jobs, and programs such as the Elder’s bus and working on food insecurities. In the end, it will take a focused candidate with strong vision both locally and territorially to address the serious issues facing Nunavummiut’s
So, remember. Ask serious questions and require tangible answers from the candidates (hopefully you can find the other 3). Then regardless of who you choose, get out and vote. Give and Elder a lift, take a friend or family member and GO VOTE!
“Nunatsiaq News was unable to reach Megan, David or Sonny Porter for an interview”
Generally things are coming apart in our day and age. I feel for the young as we leave a legacy of a world gone mad. Where the many are picking up crumbs left by millionaires, billionaires and possibly trillionaires and their minions. A world where peaceful co-existence between nations is not possible with the leadership being controlled by carrot and stick with those who seek ever greater consolidation of power/wealth. Inuit have strenght in community, in sharing, as things get worst it is these values that will get us beyong the difficult time. A great place to start would be taking a break from the colonial masters and open dialogue with our northern neighbours to the East, ITK?
strength
beyond (edit)
MLAs have real influence over food policy and funding
An MLA represents their community in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, where they can: Advocate for territorial funding for local food banks, co-ops, and community freezers.
Push for policy changes that improve shipping subsidies (like the Nutrition North Canada program, which many northern communities rely on).
Support local food programs, such as community gardens, hunting support, or local store regulation to lower food prices.
So, when candidates like Gregory Nahaglulik and Megan Porter make food security a campaign issue, that’s meaningful — because if elected, they could push for real changes through legislation or budget advocacy. LETS GO YOUNG PEOPLE!!
the candidates speak of elders, children, housing. do all MLA hopefuls actually have plans or ideas where if elected can push DMs to do the work of making a “difference”? actually have concreate plans on how Housing is distributed throughout the the 25 communities, how Nutrition North can actually be delivered to those who need the subsidy, what ways “Youth and Elders” can be heard and not used as a platform? All Candidates write and speak of these ongoing issues, where and how are all MLA candidates going to push the Nunavut Government on tackling these “Issues”?
I commend all Candidates for putting their faces, Families and personalities “out there” question is, How, Where and what ideas or there platforms will make a difference in the Legislature.
There are many highly paid people in Nunavut who are supposed to be dealing with issues
like housing, food security, elders, safety of children, etc. .
Why are they not accountable to anyone ?
The MLA,s should be going after them and demanding that they do their jobs !!
Too bad. Leaders are suppose to influence and keep their word for betterment of siciety successfull people dont let garbage affect their decisions a major thing is we the inuit think the ones running are just in for the paycheck. Let those things bounce off of you. Dont let it get in your thoughts but make a good decision for a real change. How many things will make us limited wont make us complain but be greatful to be a voter. The truth is someone would love to be running for a great job to hekp people make nunavut awesome people vote for responsible and truth seeking person for your mla