Nunavut Inuit organization offers $100 to all voters in upcoming election for its president

The organization that represents Inuit in Nunavut is giving out $100 vouchers to all eligible people who vote in its upcoming election for president. 

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. says the $100 voucher can be redeemed for a gift card at local Co-op stores by December 31. 

Voters in Arviat and Clyde River, where there is no Co-op store, can redeem their voucher for a gift card to the Northern store. 

Four people are running for president of NTI: Nicole Camphaug, Andrew Nakashuk, Cathy Towtongie and Jeremy Tunraluk. 

Current president Aluki Kotierk is not running again. 

Nunavut Inuit living in locations outside of the territory can also fill out an application to receive a pre-paid Visa worth $100 following the election. The polling stations outside of Nunavut will be in Yellowknife, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg. 

Kilikvak Kabloona, NTI's chief executive officer, said voter turnout has been steadily declining in their elections, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kabloona said the turnout for NTI's election for vice-president in 2022 had an 18 per cent voter turnout. 

"The [NTI] board has tasked us with options to increase voter turnout," she said. 

$2 million set aside for vouchers 

Kabloona said there are approximately 23,000 Inuit who are eligible to vote in NTI elections, meaning if every person voted it would cost the organization $2 million in vouchers. 

"We've put aside that money," she said. 

When asked if the program could make it seem like NTI is bribing voters, Kabloona disagreed. 

"We're encouraging the democratic nature of NTI. We need broad Inuit participation in the election so that we have the senior officers accountable to the public that they serve."

She also said people don't necessarily have to vote to receive the vouchers. Voters will receive their ballots and vouchers at polling stations but what they choose to do with them are up to the voters. 

"People don't have to vote. We want to get them in the door. We hope they will use their ballot to make a choice on the candidate," she said. 

NTI is also providing all candidates for president with $5,000 to travel to communities for campaigning purposes. They will also receive 90 per cent off Calm Air flights and unlimited use of the Ilak fair for beneficiaries on Canadian North. 

The election for president is scheduled for Dec. 9, with advanced polling from December 3 to 6. 

All Nunavut Inuit 16 years and older are eligible to vote.