Constituents not surprised by Uqqummiut MLA's suspension

Constituents of Uqqummiut MLA SamuelNuqingaqsay they are disappointed but not surprisedthat he has been suspended from the Nunavut legislature.

The constituency includes the communities of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.

No reason has been given for Nuqingaq's suspension,which will last until the legislature's spring sitting.

Nuqingaq did not show up the morning MLAs met to select the new premier and cabinet last falland missed two days of orientation.

Niore Iqalukjuaqof Clyde River lost the October election to Nuqingaq by twovotes in a judicial recount.

He said he isn't shocked by the suspensiongiven some of Nuqingaq's behaviour.Iqalukjuaqsays the MLA has not yet paid a visit to Clyde River constituents.

"Although I think he goes to Qikiqtarjuaq, we have yet to see him here," he said. "So I'm pretty sure some of the people here will not be too happy with the news that he has been suspended until springtime."

MLAs will decide this spring whether to extend the suspension, end it or take other action.