Makivvik Corp. calls for investigation after voting irregularities in Nunavik

Makivvik Corporation says it’s “deeply disappointed” by the handling of the federal voting process in Nunavik and is calling on Elections Canada to investigate. In a statement issued April 30, the Inuit organization said polling hours were inconsistent across several communities and some “were unable to vote at all.” “This is unacceptable in 2025. In many cases, Nunavimmiut were effectively denied their right to participate in this election,” the statement reads. “Nunavik Inuit, like all Canadians, deserve the right to have their voices heard, and it is the duty of Elections Canada and those who conduct elections in our region to ensure that voting access is equitable—regardless of geography.” Makivvik is an “organization mandated to protect the rights, interests and financial compensation provided by the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement” for Inuit in Nunavik, in sub-Arctic Quebec. Makivvik is urging Elections Canada to every Inuk in Nunavik has equal access to the ballot in future elections. Elections Canada is “an independent, non-partisan agency. It was created by Parliament in 1920 to ensure fairness in federal elections.” According to one post on social media, signs posted at voting stations said they were closed “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Another post said the voting office in Salluit wasn’t open long. “There’s over 1600 in Salluit and it was open for only 2 / 3 hours,” the post said. I saw about 60 people coming to vote. “Inuit are already insecure about how “important” we are to the gouv and this just shows how we don’t matter. Lucky how the rest of Canada gets to vote under no circumstances. Why not Nunavik?” A post on social media outlining one of the issues in Nunavik. Photo: supplied. APTN News reached out to Elections Canada on several occasions regarding the issue but no information was provided. Despite concerns about the voting process, the organization said it was encouraged by the outcome of the election and extended congratulations to Mandy Gull-Masty, the newly elected member of Parliament for the Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou riding. “We are pleased to see an Indigenous woman elected to represent our region in Ottawa,” said Makivvik President Pita Aatami. “Mandy Gull-Masty understands the realities of our communities, and we are thankful that she took the time to visit Nunavik during the campaign. It is important that our voices are represented in Parliament by someone who shares our lived experience. Her election marks a significant step forward for our riding, and we look forward to working closely with her.” Continue Reading