The federal government has re-introduced Bill C-9, the First Nations Elections Act.
The bill died on the order paper when the House of Commons prorogued this summer.
The bill recognizes that well-run electoral systems are key to First Nations governance reform.
Bil C-9 improves First Nations’ nomination process, extends the chief and council terms from two to four, provides penalties for defined offences.
The Frontier Centre has long promoted fair election systems on First Nations as part of our flagship Aboriginal Governance Index.
Our surveys over the years have shown that high performing First Nations tend to have good electoral processes.
Let’s hope this bill finds support from all parties and makes it way easily towards Royal Assent.