The longest federal election campaign in recent history is officially underway, and the early election call has caught some riding associations in the territories off guard. While candidates have been confirmed for the Conservative, Liberal, and Green parties in Nunavut, the NDP are scrambling to get their affairs in order. The NDP have not yet confirmed a candidate, though Clyde River mayor Jerry Natanine has announced he is seeking the nomination. “Certainly, we didn’t expect [the early call],” said Doug Workman, the vice president of the NDP riding association for Nunavut. “We had heard rumours coming from Ottawa that it might occur, but by no means was our riding association ready for the call.”
Last week, former territorial MLA Hunter Tootoo was confirmed as the Liberal candidate for Nunavut. Conservative MP Leona Aglukkaq is seeking re-election, while Spencer Rocchi will run for the Green Party.
In the Northwest Territories, the Liberal Party has yet to announce a candidate. Last week, candidate Kieron Testart removed himself from the list, saying the party “cannot afford to wait any longer” to select a candidate.
Full Article: Early election call catches some territorial parties off guard – North – CBC News.