Saint Mary’s Opts into First Nations Elections Act

Summary#

The federal government issued the Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Saint Mary’s) to remove Saint Mary’s First Nation (New Brunswick) from the list of bands whose councils are chosen under the Indian Act. The change took effect on September 12, 2025, and a separate order adds the community to the First Nations Elections Act with the first election under that Act set for October 7, 2026.

What it does#

• Repeals the listing that made Saint Mary’s subject to the election rules of the Indian Act.
• Puts Saint Mary’s under the First Nations Elections Act (this is done by a companion order).
• Sets the first council election under the First Nations Elections Act for October 7, 2026.
• Implements the change at the request of Saint Mary’s (their council adopted a resolution on June 24, 2025 asking for this).

Who's affected#

• Members of Saint Mary’s First Nation in New Brunswick.
• People who run the community’s elections, such as the local electoral officer.
• Parties who work with the band government (for example, potential partners or funders) may notice differences in how long elected officials serve.

Why it matters#

• The move shifts election rules from the federal Indian Act system to the First Nations Elections Act, giving the community a different, community-requested legal framework for elections.
• Under the First Nations Elections Act terms are longer — generally four years instead of two years — which the government says can reduce election costs and help councils plan longer-term projects.
• The change is presented as increasing local control over governance and making elections more accessible and stable for the community.