April 22, 2014 - Moncton, NB - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
On hand for the Bill C-9 celebration in Moncton, NB were, from left to right, Chief Dean Vicaire, Listuguj First Nation and co-chair, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APCFNC); Chief Ron Evans, Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba; Hon. Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada; AFN Regional Chief Morley Googoo; APC executive Director, John G. Paul; and Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen.
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Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt was joined by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APC) and Chief Ron Evans (Norway House Cree Nation) in recognising the passing into law of the First Nations Elections Act with a celebratory event in New Brunswick. The new Act will provide a robust election framework that will help develop the stable First Nation governance necessary to improve economic development opportunities and build prosperous communities.
The First Nations Elections Act was drafted based on recommendations from the APC and other First Nation organizations; it will provide a strong legislated alternative for First Nations elections.
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.
Minister Valcourt also re-affirmed the Government of Canada and the APC will work together on the development of regulations, which is the next step in the implementation of 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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