Beausoleil First Nation election system change

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Beausoleil First Nation) (SOR/2023-10) removes the Beausoleil First Nation from the election rules under the Indian Act. This lets the community use the First Nations Elections Act for choosing its Chief and council; the first election under that Act was set for June 1, 2023, and the order was registered on January 26, 2023.

What it does#

• Ends the application of the Indian Act election provisions to the Beausoleil First Nation by repealing the relevant item in the Indian Bands Council Elections Order.
• Enables the First Nation to be added to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act, so its council will be elected under that federal law.
• Fixes the community’s first election under the First Nations Elections Act for June 1, 2023 (this date appears in the related order).
• Records that the Beausoleil Council asked for this change by resolution on August 10, 2022.

Who's affected#

• Primarily members of the Beausoleil First Nation — voters, candidates, and local election officials.
• The change is limited in scope; the federal government says it is of interest only to this First Nation.
• Election administration may involve staff or contractors working for the community and relevant officials at Indigenous Services Canada.

Why it matters#

• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act are held every four years instead of every two years, which can reduce the number of elections and related costs.
• Fewer, longer terms can make it easier for local leaders to plan and carry out longer-term projects and could help attract partnerships or investment.
• The First Nations Elections Act includes rules about contesting elections in court and penalties for offences like bribery or voter intimidation; those rules will now apply to Beausoleil elections.
• The change reflects a move by the community toward more local control over how it chooses leaders.