Leona Aglukkaq to run in upcoming election

Nunavut's Conservative Party has already declared its candidate in the upcoming federal election: Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq will run for the position for the third time.

Though she's faced her share of criticism, the party is giving her their full backing.

In a statement to the CBC, the Conservatives call Aglukkaq "a strong candidate" who works every day to better the lives of northerners.

The Liberals came closest to beating Aglukkaq in the last two elections.

However, Nunavut Liberal riding president Michel Potvin is tight-lipped about potential candidates.

"Well, there's an interesting mix, from all regions," he says. "Obviously it's not just Iqaluit-based. We have got to take into account all three regions in Nunavut."

Nunavut NDP organizer Bethany Scott says food security is the key issue for her party.

"Personally, who I look for in a candidate is someone who's fired up about the way that our current government has been conducting itself, and has some passion to talk about those issues."

Both the Liberals and NDP say they'll be announcing their Nunavut candidates in a few weeks.

The election is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 19.