Listuguj Band Council Election Update

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, so does the response from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak; on March 16, 2020, Chief and Council approved Order in Council number 2531, Band Elections June 2020. This OIC appointed Michel Poirer as Electoral Officer to conduct the upcoming elections on June 6, 2020, in accordance with Section 2 of the Indian Band Election Regulations C.R.C., c. 952.  On March 24, 2020 an emergency duly convened Chief and Council meeting was called to discuss the June 2020 elections. As a result, and for the safety of the Listuguj community members both on and off reserve, Chief and Council passed an OIC to rescind Order in Council 2531 – Band Elections June 2020, and postpones the June 2020 elections until it is deemed safe to run an election.

On May 13, 2020, after discussions and collaboration with the Director of Health, and the Electoral Officer, Chief and Council passed an OIC (click to download) to specify November 7, 2020 as the new election date. According to the guidelines for cancellation and postponement during COVID-19, an initial extension of the term of office for a maximum of six (6) months after the date the term of office would have normally ended is permitted. In the case of Listuguj the current mandate would have finished on June 2, 2020, however it is now extended until November 7, 2020.

If it is still necessary to postpone the election a second time in order to prevent, mitigate or control the spread of COVID-19 in the community, Chief and Council may set an additional extension period of up to six (6) months after the end of the first extension.

Properly running a safe election is the highest priority for Chief and Council. As the situation further unfolds, Chief and Council will continue to update the community.