Meeting of Chief and Council

Chief and Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, May 21 in the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy

Council brought forward the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy for adoption. This policy aligns with the Canada Labour Code and reflects the national standard. It will form part of the ongoing review and update of the Human Resources Policies.

Motion was carried.

Standing Committee – Appointment of Members-at-Large

Qalipu First Nation’s standing committees include staff, Ward Councilors, and member-at-large who provide independent oversight and support. Appointments were made for several committees with reference checks ongoing for others. The call for members-are-large for the Environment & Natural Resources Committee has closed and applications are being reviewed.

Motion was carried.

Housing Wellness Counsellor

The Department of Health and Wellness proposed a new Housing Wellness Counsellor role to assist members facing housing and mental health challenges.

Motion was carried.

Amendments to Council Policy

The Finance and Audit Committee proposed changes to update the Council Policy to better suit the growing duties of Ward Councilors.

The first change allows Councilors to hold ward meetings in communities at least 60 km away from their home base. This aims to improve representation and community engagement in remote areas.

The second change revises the per diem policy. It increases the rate and introduces tiered compensation for Councilors attending multiple meetings in one day, up to three meetings.

Motion was carried.

Financial updates

An update was provided on the 2023-2024 financial statements. Review and approval of the April 1, 2023, opening balances are pending as part of regular oversight. Statements will then be brought to council for approval. Once approved, the 2024-2025 audit can begin, with completion expected by end of July.

Once this process is complete, all outstanding audits will be fully up to date. This marks a significant step forward in maintaining strong financial reporting and transparency.

Service member agreement update

Chief Jenny reported that Canada has reached out post-federal election to resume discussions. She emphasized that Qalipu remains eager to finalize the agreement, a sentiment that was strongly supported by Councillors.

Band manger update

Wigwam Point

The Town of Peterview has officially approved moving forward. Planned work in the area includes site cleanup, the creation of walking trails, and capturing drone footage to assist in identifying potential grave sites, some of which may include buried or underground headstones.

Performance Review tool

A new system is being developed to better monitor employee performance and support continuous improvement.

New Director of Finance

A new Director of Finance has been hired and is quickly getting up to speed. He has contributed valuable insight into the financial audit process. Charles and Council offered a warm welcome and expressed their confidence in his abilities.

Council remarks

All members of council have been actively engaged in their roles, including Chief Jenny and our Vice Chiefs, who have been attending various meetings and conferences regionally and nationally. Participation helps build relationships, keeps us informed on emerging developments, and ensures Qalipu has a voice at key decision-making tables where the interests of our members can be represented.

You can look forward to seeing your Councilors at events throughout the summer, as well as at upcoming Ward Councilor meetings. Councilor Holly Muise will be holding a meeting in the St. George’s Ward on June 26, and we encourage members in her ward to attend and take part in the conversation.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held virtually on July 30, 2025.