Questions remain about Nunavut Senator's residency

Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson is among the latest senators to face questions about their residency.

They are supposed to live in the province or territory they represent. They also must have a primary residence outside of the Ottawa area if they are claiming up to about $22,000 a year in living allowances.

That has some in Nunavut wondering about their representative in the Senate.

Questions about Senator Pattersons residency arose when he was named to the Senate in 2009. At the time of his appointment he had been living in British Columbia for many years.

Patterson said then he owns a home in Iqaluit, but he doesn't live there. He said he has an apartment he uses when hes in the city.

People in Iqaluit are torn as to whether they consider Patterson a resident of the territory. Some say hes worked hard for the territory and deserves his Senate position. Others say nevertheless, hes not a resident.

In a statement, Patterson says he provided a Senate committee looking into the matter the information it has requested. He adds hes confident he has conducted his affairs in a way that respects the rules.