In order to encourage voter participation in the Dec. 9 presidential election, land claims organization Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) is running multiple incentive programs, which include providing $100 vouchers to all participating eligible voters, hosting an all-candidates debate and providing a $5,000 Canadian North credit to each candidate to support their travel to communities for campaigning purposes.
All eligible voters who cast ballots at polling stations during advance polls on Dec. 2, mobile polls between Dec. 3SA国际影视传媒�6, or on election day on Dec. 9 will receive a voucher worth $100, which may be redeemed for a gift card or charge on account at voters' local Co-op store by Dec. 31, 2024.
Eligible voters in two Nunavut communities without a Co-op SA国际影视传媒� Arviat and Clyde River SA国际影视传媒� can redeem their voucher for a gift card at their local Northern store.
Voters at poll locations outside Nunavut will fill out a voucher application form to receive a mailed-out $100 Visa pre-paid card following the election.
Polling stations outside the territory include Yellowknife, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Any eligible voter who votes by proxy or uses a mail ballot will also receive their $100 Visa cards in the mail after the election period.
All-candidates debate
NTI is partnering with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Uvagut TV to organize an all-candidates debate in Iqaluit.
The live-streamed event will take place on Nov. 30 at the Tisi in Inukshuk High School from 7SA国际影视传媒�9 p.m. NTI invites Nunavut Inuit to submit questions for consideration during the designated public question period.
Campaigning in communities
In order to provide candidates with a level playing field in regards to reaching as many Nunavummiut as possible during the campaign period, NTI and Canadian North are providing each candidate with a $5,000 travel allowance to be used for the campaign.
Canadian North has provided all candidates unlimited use of the beneficiary rate to travel to Nunavut communities. Calm Air is giving all candidates a discount of 90 per cent off regular fares to reach Kivalliq communities.
Nicole Camphaug, Andrew Nakashuk, Cathy Towtongie and Jeremy Tunraluk are the candidates for NTI president. One of them will replace outgoing president Aluki Kotierk.
NTI pointed out that Article 39 of the Nunavut Agreement states that the land claims organization SA国际影视传媒渟hall SA国际影视传媒� operate with accountability to, and democratic control by Inuit.SA国际影视传媒� NTI, like many other public organizations, has experienced low voter turnouts in recent elections. Nunavut Tunngavik stated that it believes that Inuit participation in NTI elections is the first step towards accountability to and democratic control by Inuit.
NTI's board of directors previously approved the above measures in October 2024 to encourage Inuit participation in the upcoming presidential election. All Nunavut Inuit, 16 years and older as of Dec. 9, 2024, are eligible to vote.
