Directors at the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) have chosen Erwin Elias, the former mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., as their new chairperson. The selection process commenced with a gathering in Inuvik, where seven candidates presented their qualifications for the position.
Voting took place in multiple rounds, requiring a candidate to secure at least 50% of the votes to win. The 42 directors of the corporation participated in the voting process. In case no candidate reached the 50% threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated for the subsequent round.
Initially, seven candidates vied for the position, including Kurt Wainman, Lawrence Ruben, Hans Lennie, the incumbent Duane Smith, Brian Wade, N.W.T. MLA Lucy Kuptana, and Erwin Elias. Following the first round of voting, both Wainman and Ruben were eliminated from contention. Subsequent rounds saw Lennie, Smith, and Wade eliminated, leaving Kuptana and Elias as the final two candidates.
Elias emerged victorious and expressed gratitude for the support during a brief emotional speech. Throughout his campaign, Elias engaged with the communities in the Inuvialuit region through meetings, feasts, and musical events to establish connections with the residents.
The election proceedings were conducted privately but broadcast live, attracting an audience of 600 viewers. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, established in 1984 after the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, represents the political, economic, and land-claim interests of the Inuvialuit in the Western Arctic region.
Premier R.J. Simpson congratulated Elias in a statement and anticipated collaborating on mutual priorities. Additionally, Lucy Kuptana, who participated in the election, will resume her role as housing minister and minister responsible for the status of women after previously being stripped of her portfolios upon announcing her candidacy for IRC chair.