Two candidates to face off in Hudson Bay MLA by-election

Jason Iqaluq and Nukaja Sala have put their name forward to replace former Hudson Bay MLA Daniel Qavvik ahead of a byelection scheduled for later this month.

Iqaluq has lived in Sanikiluaq — the sole community represented under the constituency — his whole life. He says he decided to run after others encouraged him. 

“There’s quite a few people that look up to me,” Iqaluq said.

Iqaluq works at the Sanikiluaq airport as a station team leader and has served on the board of his local Arctic Co-op for about nine years, contributing to the financial administration of the member-owned business. 

He said his priorities are housing, food security and improving access to health care, adding he’s happy to see that housing construction got underway this summer but that more units are needed.

“The community is growing,” Iqaluq said.

He said the care offered at the local health-care centre can be improved and that he’d also like to see a food bank open. 

Meanwhile, Sala works as an administration assistant at the Qammaq Housing Association. She said through this role she sees first-hand how dire the housing crisis is.

“The conditions are getting worse every year,” she said about overcrowding and the community’s older, dilapidated homes.

Sala also said she wants to improve life for elders in the community by prioritizing them for new housing that fits their needs and starting a transportation service. She would also like to see a women’s shelter set up.

“Not everybody would like to leave their community,” Sala said. “There is no place like home.”

As well, she wants to make it easier for locals to access job training in trades like carpentry, plumbing and oil burning.

The seat for Hudson Bay became vacant this summer after Qavvik announced his resignation on June 1. At the time, the former MLA mentioned wanting to focus on his spirituality and well being.

He spent just over four years in the legislature, after being elected in 2021. 

In 2024, he stepped down from cabinet after being charged with two counts of assault. He pleaded guilty to one of the two counts while the other was dropped. Qavvik then returned to the legislature in 2025 after winning via acclamation. 

Residents in the Hudson Bay riding will be able to vote in person on election day, as well as through mail-in ballots or mobile polls, which must be arranged in advance with Elections Nunavut. 

Residents can also ensure they are on the voter list by calling Elections Nunavut or by visiting its website. Voter registration is possible through their online portal, in person at their office, or by phone or email.

The byelection is scheduled for Sept. 28.