The 2024 Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band Council Elections are underway! After ten days of the call for nominations opening, its closure on October 2nd came with the announcement of twenty Candidates in the running for positions of council, for Chief, Western and Central Vice Chief, and nine Ward Councilors. Voting for membership will take place electronically by phone or website access, at anytime, beginning October 18th 8:00am and ending October 25th 8:00pm. To learn more about the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Election, Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott chats with Qalipu Today host, Lenny Benoit.

Listen to the podcast here: https://www.bayfm.ca/ondemand/qalipu-today1/episode/qalipu-today-october-8-2024/

Click to view the Custom Election Code

 

Nominations have opened for the 2024 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (QMFNB) Election of Chief and Council as of Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:30am. Nominations close on Tuesday, October 2 at 12:00pm.

For anyone considering running for a position on the Qalipu First Nation Band Council, here is information on some frequently asked questions from membership regarding roles and responsibilities on the various positions of the QMFNB Chief & Council.

What does it mean to be an elected member of the QMFNB Council?

All members of the Band Council are expected to:

• always consider the best interests and needs of the membership.
• carry out the business of the nation in a fair, responsible and ethical manner
• show respect for the traditions and values of the nation
• act in good faith, putting the interests of the nation ahead of all other groups
• be accountable to the membership, acting in their role as leaders
• respect and support the final decisions resolved by the council
• be prepared to serve the 4 year term, 2024-2028
• participate in 6 regularly scheduled meetings per fiscal year
• attend special meetings as called on by the Chief
• adhere to the Council Code of Conduct
• abide by the Council Conflict of Interest By-Law and Policy
• respect the clear separation of the roles of Council and staff
• participate in ongoing Council orientation and annual governance training

What does it mean to be elected as Chief?

The Chief:

• represents all members of the Nation and is the spokesperson for Council
• oversees and protects the integrity and interests of the band and ensures those interests are protected
• acts on behalf of the council between regular council meetings
• works with the staff through the Band Manager to ensure that plans and policies are implemented as approved by the Council
• acts as the chairperson for all council meetings
• sets the agenda for all council meetings
• is a member of standing committees and Chairs the executive committee
• represents the Band on all matters of interest to the Band

What does it mean to be Vice- Chief? (Western or Central)

A Vice-Chief:

• in the Chief’s absence, is responsible for the Chief’s duties
• is a members of the Executive Committee
• has a cooperative relationship with the Chief and the Band Manager.
• attends public meetings on behalf of the band
  • attends Ward meetings in their respective region; Central Region: Exploits, Gander Bay, Glenwood and for Western Region: Port au Port, Flat Bay, Stephenville, St. George’s, Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook
• works with the Chief to help ensure that the integrity and interests of the Band are protected.

What does it mean to be elected as a Ward Councilor?

Ward Councilors are expected to:

• hold at least 2 ward meetings per fiscal year for members in their respective ward
• be prepared to serve as Chair or council member of one of the QFN standing committees
• represent the interests of members from their respective wards
• help provide the vision, leadership, and direction for the overall governance of the Band
• help set the long-term goals and objectives for the Band
• review documents and be fully prepared for meetings of council

Suggested links related to QMFNB Chief & Council Roles and Responsibilities on Qalipu.ca

Governance Policy

By Laws

Do you have further questions on accessing, submitting, or sending your Nomination Papers?

Reach Electoral Officer:
Reisha Knott
709-486-2427
rknott@qalipu.ca

Opening September 23, 2024 at 8:30am and Closing October 2, 2024 at 12:00pm.

In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the positions of Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief, and Councilor for the Electoral Wards of: Exploits, Glenwood, Gander Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Benoit’s Cove, Flat Bay, Corner Brook.

Nomination forms are available for printable download below, at Qalipu Election 2024 – Qalipu, or at any of the Qalipu First Nation Offices located in Stephenville, St George’s, Gander, Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook.

Nomination papers are to be submitted with a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, bank draft, cheque, or cash.

Completed nomination forms and fee must be returned and in the possession of:

Qalipu First Nation, 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

No later than 12:00PM on the 2^nd day of October 2024

and will be considered as filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band Election to be held during the voting window, opening October 18^th, 2024 at 12:00PM through to October 25^th, 2024 ending 8:00PM.

Members can view the Electoral Voters List at any Qalipu First Nation Office or on the Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy. All information pertaining to the Qalipu First Nation Election 2024 can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427

 

Nomination Forms

• Chief & Vice Chief
  • Chief
  • Central Region Vice Chief
  • Western Region Vice Chief
• Central Region Wards
  • Exploit’s
  • Gander Bay
  • Glenwood
• Western Region Wards
  • Benoit’s Cove
  • Corner Brook
  • Flat Bay
  • Port au Port
  • St. George’s
  • Stephenville

The dates are set, and preparations are underway for the upcoming Band Council Election. More details including how and where to file nomination papers, appointment of Electoral Officer and information regarding a helpdesk to support voters who may need assistance will be issued in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here is some important information to know:

• Members will have the option to vote electronically or by telephone. To ensure members receive their voter information package, we will need your current mailing address and/or email address. The voter information package will contain a secure PIN that will be needed to submit your ballot. Please register your current information by completing the Voter Registration Form or by updating your KINU membership profile.
• The call for nominations will open on September 23 at 8:30am and close on October 2, 2024 at 12:30pm.
• Election day has been set for October 25, 2024. Voters are reminded that voting takes place over the course of a window of time and votes can be cast online or over the phone between October 18 starting at 8am until October 25 ending at 8pm. All votes will be counted, and the election will end on October 25.
• All the latest election related information will be posted to Qalipu’s Voter Information Hub. Find it here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

With the largest voter participation turn-out to date, 8,384 members of the Qalipu First Nation Mi’kmaq Band signed in to the electronic voting system via online or telephone access to cast their ballots. Welcome your Chief and Council 2021-2024.

Click here to view the 2021 Election End of Polls – Signed by Electoral Officer

Click here to view the 2021 Election End of Polls

Click here to view the 2021 Election End of Polls – Detailed Vote Count

Quick Summary of Chief and Council 2021-2024:

Chief – Brendan Mitchell

Western Vice Chief – Jennifer (Jenny) Brake

Benoit’s Cove Ward – Terri V. Greene

Exploits – No Nominations [ By-election Date TBD ]

Flat Bay – Robert (Bobby) White

Port au Port – Jasen Benwah

Stephenville – Hayward George Young

St. George’s – Ivan J. White

Won by Acclamation:

Central Vice Chief – Andrew (Andy) Barker

Corner Brook Ward – Sharren (Sherry) Dean

Gander Bay Ward – Calvin Francis

Glenwood Ward – Francis (Frank) Skeard

Referendum: Yes

The majority vote is “yes,” to change to a four-year term. These changes will come into effect during the next election in 2024. Which we will then see the 2024 Chief and Council hold a term until 2028.

Following a 30-day appeal period, per the Custom Rules governing Qalipu elections, the new Chief and Council will be sworn in and take office.

Electoral Officer, Carol Lahey 709-630-7678 or clahey@qalipu.ca