Arvaluk victorious in Nunavut byelection

Residents of Nunavut's Tunnuniq riding chose James Arvaluk as their new MLA in a byelection Monday.

The byelection was called to replace Jobie Nutarak, who died in a snowmbile accident in April while on a hunting trip.

Arvaluk received 206 votes, defeating his closest rival, Rhonda Cunningham, who garnered 150.

Joseph Krimmerdjuar received 68 votes andSam Omik53.

Seventy-three per cent of eligible voters in the riding's only settlement, Pond Inlet, turned out to vote.

Arvaluk said he wasecstatic about the victory and eager to get down to business.

One of the main issues during the campaign was getting the government to build a breakwater for Pond Inlet,a community of 1,200.

Strengthening the education system and improving medical travel were also on the minds of voters.

Tunnuniq, one of thesmallest of Nunavut's 19 ridings,takes in northeastern Baffin Island as well as Bylot Island.