Frog Lake switches to custom election code

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Frog Lake) removes the Frog Lake First Nations from the federal election rules under the Indian Act. That lets the community run future chief-and-councillor elections under its own custom election code, with the first election set for April 26, 2023.

What it does#

• Removes the Frog Lake First Nations from the part of the federal election order that applied to them (it repeals the listed item in the Indian Bands Council Elections Order).
• Confirms that future elections for chief and council will use the community’s own rules (the community’s custom election code).
• Fixes the first election date as April 26, 2023.
• The order was registered on January 27, 2023 and was signed by Patricia Hajdu on January 26, 2023.

Who's affected#

• Members of the Frog Lake First Nations are directly affected. They will vote and run under the community’s custom election code instead of the federal rules.
• Indigenous Services Canada will no longer run or supervise these elections. The federal government will not interpret or decide disputes about the community code.
• If there are election disputes, they must be handled according to the community’s code or through the courts.

Why it matters#

• This change gives the Frog Lake community more control over how it chooses leaders. That can allow rules that better fit local traditions and practical needs.
• The community held a ratification vote where 309 electors voted, with 223 in favour and 86 opposed, showing local support for the switch.
• The department reviewed the custom code to ensure it meets basic requirements (like secret ballots and Charter standards), so the change replaces federal oversight with local responsibility for running and resolving election issues.