Two candidates running in Aggu riding race
Two former mayors of Igloolik are seeking a seat in the legislative assembly
Joanna Quassa and Erasmus Ivvalu are running to become MLA for the constituency of Aggu in the upcoming territorial election on Oct. 27. (File photos)
This story was updated on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
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.
There are two candidates running for the constituency of Aggu, the riding that encompasses the northern part of Igloolik.
Neither Joanna Quassa nor Erasmus Ivvalu could be reached for an interview.
Quassa, the incumbent, was first elected to the legislative assembly in 2021. As an MLA, she has advocated for a new school to replace the aging Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Igloolik. The move came after Nunatsiaq News published a report about the crumbling state of the decades-old school.
Most recently, she called on the territorial government to help the Hamlet of Igloolik fund a new arena after the old one was destroyed by fire in February.
Quassa was voted by her peers into cabinet in 2021, at the beginning of the sixth legislative assembly of Nunavut. She served as minister of environment, minister of energy, and minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. Quassa resigned from cabinet in September 2023, citing family reasons.
She is the sister-in-law of former premier Paul Quassa. She has also served as mayor of Igloolik, a teacher and worked in the governments of Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
No information about Quassa’s current platform could be obtained.
Ivvalu is also running to be MLA for Aggu. He is the former mayor of Igloolik. He could not be reached for an interview. No information about his election platform could be obtained.
Correction: This story was updated to correct which assembly Quassa served in cabinet for.
“Neither Joanna Quassa nor Erasmus Ivvalu could be reached for an interview.”
Unbelievably pathetic and shameful!
Igloolik in a “nut shell”
Amd still they each got 50% chance to get highest paying jobs in nunavut 🙄
More MIA Candidates. All Nunavummiut deserve so much better than this! Sad for all Nunavummiut and the voters of this constituency not to hear from the candidates through this venue. It does not matter what their opinion is of this media outlet. It remains a legitimate media outlet for sharing important information to ALL Nunavummiut. Hopefully their constituents are hearing directly from them within the community. One must remember however, that candidates are not just running to represent their constituency but ALL Nunavummiut. This is NOT a race for Mayor.
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, in the Legislature for the last 4 years. During this dumpster-fire government?
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, in government for the first 2023 AG Report and follow up Report 2025 on the Social Services Disaster?’
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, in the government during the health crisis and suicide emergency?
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, in the government during questionable fiscal reporting and actions by Ministers and the Premier?
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, in government for the last 3 years (since Oct 2022) which are comprised of the NHC and NU 3000 failure?
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, a Minister that resigned from her position?
Wasn’t Mrs. Quassa, a member of the Standing Committee On Oversight Of Government Operations and Public Accounts?
Where were her tough questions during the 4 year sitting of the Legislative Assembly about all of the above? More importantly as a Committee member. Where were her tough questions during hearings on NHC & NU 3000 on Sept 4th & 5th? All you will see when you watch those hearings is simple questions, similar to all her other colleagues. You get the impression they were trying to decide what to have for dinner. Instead of trying to understand and determine why NHC and the NU 3000 (worth billions of dollars) was failing so miserably. More importantly what actions needed to be taken to fix it. Her questions had no impact on exposing or discovering how NHC was in the situation it was. Why it was unable to deliver the services to Nunavummiut for which it is responsible. And how the NU 3000 has become such a disaster. Who was accountable and what was being done to correct it. You will see none of that. You will see, “going through the motions”.
Maybe Mrs. Quassa’s constituents can ask her what exactly she plans to do if reelected to address and take action on the issues mentioned above.
As for candidate Ivvalu. If you can find him, voters can ask the questions which are most important to them. Perhaps being a past mayor the constituents can decide what he can offer or proposes given the current circumstances and general lack of a platform or information. Perhaps he is well enough known as a past Mayor and has a track record in dealing with issues and this will be sufficient for voters to decide.
If you get the chance. And you can find them. Maybe you can ask them some tough questions and expect tangible answers. Then make the decision you feel is best. Remember, give a lift to and Elder, grab a friend or family member and GO VOTE!