Pasqua First Nation Opts into First Nations Elections

Summary#

The government has removed Pasqua First Nation #79 from the election rules under the Indian Act and moved its band elections to the First Nations Elections Act. The order was registered on September 23, 2024 and published in the Canada Gazette on October 9, 2024.

What it does#

• Repeals the entry for Pasqua First Nation #79 in the Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Pasqua First Nation #79), so the Indian Act’s election provisions no longer apply to that community.
• Adds the First Nation to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act and fixes the first council election under that Act for March 3, 2025.
• The change took effect on the day the order was registered (September 23, 2024).
• This move followed a council resolution by the First Nation on June 3, 2024 asking to opt into the First Nations Elections Act.

Who's affected#

• Members, voters, candidates and current leaders of Pasqua First Nation #79 are the primary people affected.
• Local election officials and anyone involved in running or overseeing band elections for the community.
• Other governments, funders and partners who work with the band may notice the change because elected terms and procedures will differ.

Why it matters#

• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act are held every four years instead of every two years, which can reduce election costs and give leaders longer terms to plan and carry out projects.
• The change gives the community more control over its electoral rules and is intended to support local governance and continuity.
• The First Nations Elections Act includes enforcement rules and court options for election disputes, which affects how contested elections are handled.