4 candidates in Pond Inlet byelection

Residents in Pond Inlet, Nunavut will head to the polls on Monday to elect an MLA for the small community of 1,300, located at the northern end of Baffin Island.

The Tunnuniq district has been vacant since October 2010, when long-time politician James Arvaluk suffered a heart attack. After a long absence from the territorial legislature, Arvaluk stepped downin May.

The 700 voters in Pond Inlet will choose from a pool of long-time public servants and relative newcomers.

There are four candidates:

• Joe Enook
• Brandy Kanayuk
• Sam Senior Omik
• David Qamaniq

Enook is from Pond Inlet and has served on several business organizations but this is his first try at territorial politics.

He said the area needs to focus on infrastructure development.

"Pond Inlet is considered to be one of the largest communities in Nunavut, but, you cannot see the evidence of that," he said. "We need a bigger airstrip so that we can be the hub for the area."

This is also the first election for Kanayuk, who works for the Department of Justice in Iqaluit but has lived in Pond Inlet previously.

She said improving the school system in the area is crucial.

"I feel the education department must heighten standards about passing students," Kanayuk said.

2 former mayors running

Omik, a communityelder,used to be the mayor of Pond Inlet and is a regular on several boards and committees.

Speaking in Inuktitut, he told CBC News his experience makes him the best candidate.

Qamaniq has also been mayor and is currently the community liason officer for Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

He said a small craft harbour is critical for growth in the area.

"Pond Inlet needs a breakwater and docking facility to accomodate cruise ships and merchant vessels," Qamaniq said.

The successful candidate will likely be in office when a decision is made on the Mary River iron ore mine project,a potentialboon in terms of jobs and wealth for nearby Pond Inlet.

Two other Nunavut ridings -Iqaluit Westand Pangnirtung - will also hold byelections. The territorial legislature is set to resume Oct. 18.