April 14, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Today, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt welcomed Royal Assent of the First Nations Elections Act, which supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide all Canadians with strong, accountable and transparent government. The Act will provide a robust election framework, improve the capacity of First Nations to select leadership, build prosperous communities, and improve economic development in their communities.
The opt-in First Nations Elections Act is a result of the positive partnership between the Government of Canada and First Nations organizations, and is a testament to what can be achieved by working together. The Act addresses longstanding issues with the current electoral system under the Indian Act. First Nations who opt-in will have access to modern electoral provisions including:
- longer terms of office;
- more robust nomination processes;
- defined penalties;
- a common election day for interested First Nations; and
- removal of the Minister’s role in election appeals.
This stronger election system will provide the foundations that First Nations governments need to attract solid business investments, practice strategic long-term planning, and increase economic development. Now that the legislation has received Royal Assent, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada will be working with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs and other First Nations to develop the Act’s regulations. These regulations will provide the details on the more technical aspects of an election system such as on the posting of notices, the nomination of candidates, and voting by mail-in ballot and in person. The regulations must be in place before a First Nation can hold its election under the First Nations Elections Act.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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