Uqqummiut MLA candidate Sandy Kautuq's eligibility questioned
RCMP investigating complaint that Kautuq did not resign government job before running
Nunavut RCMP are investigating a complaint about the eligibility of one of the candidates in the upcoming by-election to choose an MLA for Uqqummiut.
Patrick Orr, legal counsel for Elections Nunavut, says two other candidates complained that Sandy Kautuq did not resign his government job before he ran for the position.
"Our preliminary facts show there is some evidence to support the complaints," Orr said. "The RCMP is doing an official investigation. In the meantime, in order to preserve the integrity of the vote we've asked Mr. Kautuq not to campaign."
Kautuq has stopped campaigning and Elections Nunavut will decide whether or not he will be able to run in the campaign once the investigation is completed on Thursday evening.
Orr says everyone involved has been co-operative so far. If Kautuq is removed from the campaign, the election will still be held on Feb. 9.
The other three candidates running for Uqqummiut MLA are James Arreak, Niore Iqalukjuak, and Pauloosie Keyootak.