There’s still no finality to the NWT Conservative association’s efforts to nominate a candidate for the next federal election.
There’s no election in sight either, which means there’s plenty of time.
Kimberly Fairman was declared the unofficial winner last weekend, though the Western Arctic Conservative Electoral District Association stressed the period until Thursday, July 4 would allow for any appeals to be filed.
The association let Thursday come and go without comment.
Now, Jackie Jacobson – the former Nunakput MLA, who lost to Fairman by 73 votes to 67 according to the unofficial tally – is launching such an appeal, NNSL reports.
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The newspaper states Jacobson has filed a 16-page appeal, not seen by Cabin Radio, alleging he was treated unfairly by party members during the contest.
On Friday evening, after this article was first published, the association told Cabin Radio the complaint had been submitted just before the formal appeal period ended.
A spokesperson suggested Conservative Party headquarters would now decide what to do next, and it wasn’t clear if the complaint would be accepted or formally advanced.
Jacobson isn’t the first candidate whose attempt to become the next Conservative MP has descended into controversy and allegations of unfair treatment.
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Former territorial minister Wally Schumann also tried to enter the race but ultimately wasn’t allowed to appear on the ballot. While Schumann made little public comment, allies of his said no meaningful reason had been given for his disqualification.
Whoever eventually wins the nomination will represent the Conservatives in the NWT during the next federal election, which hasn’t yet been called but must take place on or before October 20, 2025.
The NDP has already nominated Kelvin Kotchilea as its candidate. Liberal MP Michael McLeod, first elected in 2015, hasn’t confirmed whether he will run again.
