The candidates: Netsilik

Taloyoak (pop. 1,146) and Kugaaruk (pop. 1,180) are roughly equal in size. 

Neither community has benefited from the decentralization of government jobs and the majority of people rely on income support. 

Wildlife issues, including the death of several bowhead whales in the vicinity of Boothia Bay, are important in the constituency.

The grounding of the Akademik Ioffe near Kugaaruk in late August 2018 and the near crash of a plane in 2020 have left concerns in the community about its emergency preparedness.

In this constituency, Simon Qingnaqtuq and Inagayuk Joseph Quqqiaq are challenging incumbent Emiliano Qirngnuq.

CBC has reached out to all candidates with a list of questions in Inuktut and English, as well as consulted candidates' own online campaign messages. The available information has been edited for length and clarity.

Simon Qingnaqtuq

Simon Qingnaqtuq was born about 30 kilometres east of Taloyoak.

Now an economic development officer, Qingnaqtuq has filled many positions in the community on its various boards, organizations and also as mayor.

Along other local positions, he was the manager for the co-op and the hunters and trappers organization. 

Qingnaqtuq has served as chair of the Kitikmeot Regional Wildlife Board and the territory-wide Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, an inter-departmental group consisting of IQ coordinators who work for each Government of Nunavut department.

Now he's running for MLA because he said he feels he's capable of representing Netsilik.

The biggest issues in his constituency, he said, are the shortage of housing and the lack of care for elders.

Qingnaqtuq said Nunavut-wide he would like to see improvements to education. He would push for a "made-in-Nunavut" curriculum as well as more counselling assistance to students.

As for being a member of the cabinet, Qingnaqtuq said he would first focus on the election but would consider it.

Emiliano Qirngnuq (incumbent)

Emiliano Qirngnuq was re-elected in the general election in 2017 to represent the constituency of Netsilik in the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. 

Before becoming an MLA in 2013, Qirngnuq served as an elected member of the municipal council of Kugaaruk and the community's hunters and trappers organization. His professional experience includes management positions with the Koomiut Co-operative. 

Qirngnuq has been a long-time volunteer firefighter.

Qirngnuq has also asked for more attention to suicide and suicide prevention efforts.

Inagayuk Joseph Quqqiaq 

Inagayuk Joseph Quqqiaq was born in Yellowknife and raised in Taloyoak where he attended Netsilik School.

He has worked as a community service provider in Taloyoak with Qiniq SSi Micro since 2016.

Quqqiaq was appointed to sit on the board of the Inuit Broadcasting Corp., where, if not elected MLA, he will serve as vice-chairperson until March 31, 2024. He is also a Kitikmeot Inuit Association representative.

Quqqiaq said he is running to help the Nunavut government and residents build more housing and address mental health needs.

In the Netsilik constituency, additional housing and more economic opportunities are needed, he said.

The biggest issues for Nunavut in this election he said include tackling COVID-19 and getting a "great turnout" when voters head to the polls on Oct. 25.