Report to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut by the Chief Electoral Officer 9 Elections Nunavut - Laying Groundwork 9 Conduct of the 2nd General Election – February 16, 2004 9 Next Steps Printed by Elections Nunavut © 2004. For more information or to obtain copies of this report in any of Nunavut’s official languages, contact: Elections Nunavut Box 39 43-4 Sivulliq Ave. Rankin Inlet, NU X0C 0G0 § 800.267.4394 ¨ 800.269.1125 You can obtain electronic copies of this report at our website www.elections.nu.ca or by e-mail –
[email protected] Foreword In November of 2002 Deputy Commissioner Lena Metuq signed the Nunavut Elections Act, signaling a new stage in Nunavut’s development. The new Act incorporated recommendations of the Ajauqtiit Committee brought forward following the 1999 election. Nunavut benefited as well from the experience of federal, provincial and territorial elections offices across Canada and adaptations being made in those jurisdictions as a result of technological advancement. Between the time our office was ready for occupation in March 2003 and Nunavut’s second general election in February 2004, Elections Nunavut was challenged to acquire staff, establish administration procedures, obtain furniture and equipment and election materials as well as develop manuals, forms and public education documents, appoint and train election officials and register voters. In addition we conducted a by-election and four liquor plebiscites. Currently a full time staff of two, during the run-up to the election Elections Nunavut headquarters employed nine people – creating documents, providing support to election officials and candidates, processing special ballots, packing and shipping materials, entering data for the permanent voters list and answering questions from voters.