Western Nunavut hub’s first voter heads to the NDP
Meet Ron Qamukaq of Cambridge Bay, who was the first to vote Oct. 21 in the western Nunavut community of about 1,800. The former loyal Liberal Party voter said he had decided to switch to the NDP, voting for Mumilaaq Qaqqaq due to his disappointment with the former Liberal MP Hunter Tootoo. Many in Nunavut appear to have made similar decisions, leading the NDP to win the riding with 40 per cent of the votes. For more, see our coverage at Nunatsiaq.com. (Photo by Jane George)
A part of the story that hasn’t been given much attention, but we know to be true is the Hunter Tootoo effect on last nights results. Had the Liberal seat won in 2015 been occupied by an individual who held on successfully and performed well in his cabinet post, Nunavut would likely have remained liberal.
Hunter should have done the honourable thing and resigned when the facts of the scandal were made public. A byelection would have been held and it’s likely that the Liberals would have won. They could have had a fresh face as the incumbent MP with a couple of years as MP to show their worth.
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Instead Hunter decided to stay for the salary and benefits while essentially hiding under a rock for the rest of his term.
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No doubt about it, Hunter was one of the reasons that the Liberals lost the seat. I would be very surprised if Mumilaaq has an inappropriate relationship with a junior staffer!