Pauquachin switches to First Nations Elections Act

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Pauquachin) removes the Pauquachin First Nation from the Indian Act election rules and places the band under the First Nations Elections Act. Their first election under the new law was set for October 20, 2022; the Order came into force on registration (June 10, 2022).

What it does#

• Repeals the entry for the Pauquachin First Nation in the federal list that makes band elections follow the Indian Act.
• Adds the Pauquachin First Nation to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act, so future chief-and-council elections use that law and its regulations.
• Fixes the first election date under the First Nations Elections Act at October 20, 2022.
• The Order took effect on the day it was registered (June 10, 2022).

Who's affected#

• Members of the Pauquachin First Nation are the main people affected.
• People who run for chief or council, and the band’s electoral officer, will follow the First Nations Elections Act rules instead of those in the Indian Act.
• The change was requested by the band council and implemented by the Minister of Indigenous Services at the band’s request.
• This Order only applies to the Pauquachin First Nation; it does not change election rules for other First Nations.

Why it matters#

• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act run on a four‑year cycle instead of the typical two‑year cycle under older Indian Act rules. That means fewer elections, which can lower costs and give elected leaders more time for longer-term projects.
• It shifts more control over how local elections are run to the band and to the electoral rules in the newer Act. That can affect community governance, planning and the way residents take part in leadership choices.
• The change was made at the band’s request, so it reflects a local decision about how the community wants to run its elections.