Days after Elections Canada published its findings on the events in Nunavik during the federal election, Russ Johnson remains upset and dissatisfied. According to him, the report only offered partial truths and acknowledgments. The report highlighted various deficiencies that caused polling stations in half of Nunavik’s villages to close prematurely on election day, with two villages, Akulivik and Ivujivik, not having any voting services available at all.
Among the issues identified were a flawed plan that lacked meaningful engagement with local communities, approved by Elections Canada headquarters, and a failure by the returning officer to conduct necessary community outreach before election day. Johnson, who volunteered for Liberal MP Mandy Gull-Masty’s campaign in Nunavik, continues to seek answers. He questions why polling staff were allowed to leave early due to adverse weather conditions, despite having secured accommodations, and why the required community outreach was not carried out.
Johnson believes that many problems arose due to operations being overseen by individuals from southern regions. He emphasized the need for better local engagement and consultation in Nunavik’s electoral processes. Ivujivik Mayor Adamie Kalingo expressed disappointment at feeling neglected by Elections Canada representatives, emphasizing the importance of being understood and included in the democratic process.
Moving forward, Elections Canada plans to collaborate with each community to recruit and train local staff who understand the language and community context. The organization aims to enhance early and meaningful engagement to ensure better election processes in the future. The report also proposes recommendations for improving communication, accountability, and implementing formal protocols, including dedicated teams with knowledge of Indigenous and northern community realities.
Johnson dismissed the recommendation for dedicated teams, emphasizing the need for an independent audit of the election handling in Nunavik. Elections Canada clarified its authority to conduct independent audits and inquiries under its charter, noting that they opted for an inquiry in Nunavik’s case. Following the election, MP Mandy Gull-Masty expressed her commitment to introducing legislation in response to the Elections Canada report to address identified shortcomings and hold the organization accountable for necessary changes.