RNC JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY 2019 OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH & VOLUNTEERS

Posted by Qalipu on July 2, 2019

From August 6-9 2019, The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Qalipu Cultural Foundation are partnering to host the Junior Police Academy at Killdevil Camp. This camp is designed to create stronger relationships with youth (ages 10-12 years old) and police as well as with other community partners.

Participants will have an opportunity to take part in this fun filled and educational camping experience, where the RNC and partner organizations will foster stronger and healthier relationships between the participants and the police by breaking down historical barriers. The Junior Police Academy will enhance participant learning on a variety of topics by providing a healthy, active and unplugged environment where they will be educated on the benefits of healthy, responsible decision making. Youth at the camp will receive education on a variety of topics including (but not limited to) healthy eating, decision making and lifestyle choices, bicycle safety, fire safety, environmental sustainability, police investigative techniques and Mi’kmaq cultural awareness.

For youth who attend the camp, transportation will be provided from Corner Brook to Killdevil and return (transportation to and from Corner Brook is the participants responsibility). Transportation can be arranged for pickup and drop off in Deer Lake for those youth and volunteers that are east of Deer Lake (transportation to and from Deer Lake is the participants responsibility). While at the camp, all accommodations and meals will be provided. Participants will be asked to bring their own sleeping bag, or bedding, and their own clothing.

To facilitate this event, we are currently seeking volunteer chaperons. Volunteers will be responsible for general supervision of youth during the camp. All accommodations and meals will be provided to volunteers while at the camp. Volunteers will be asked to bring their own sleeping bag or bedding and their own clothing.

If you are interested in being a volunteer or are seeking additional information, please contact Nicole Travers.

Youth participant click here for the RNC Junior Police Academy 2019 application

Volunteer Chaperons click here for Volunteer Application

Deadline to apply is July 15, 2019

All participant and volunteer application forms can be submitted to Mitch Blanchard, Resource Coordinator at 3 Church Street Corner Brook, NL or faxed to: 709-639-4706 or via email ntravers@qalipu.ca

Sponsored by:
United Way Newfoundland and Labrador
Communities Foundation of Canada – Canada 150

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Communications Committee Seeking Member-at-Large

Posted by Qalipu on February 22, 2019

Qalipu First Nation is pleased to affirm its commitment to community values, openness, transparency and ensuring engagement of all our members regardless of their geographic location by way of establishing a Communications Committee.

The Committee was established following the recent election and consists of Ward Councilors Odelle Pike (Chair) and Ivan J. White along with staff support from the Communications Officer, Alison White and the Communications and Computing Specialist, Ryan Matthews. Together, this team will work toward the development and implementation of communication policies and strategies that enhance community inclusion and engagement, ensure a continued focus on the importance of strong internal and external communications among our staff, Council and communities, and explore new ways of both reaching out and listening to our people.

The Committee is currently seeking a Member-at-Large to join the team. This unique opportunity will give hands-on access and input into the way the Band handles communications now and into the future and will help guide the work of the Communications Committee.

The ideal candidate is a Band member living in the province with a background in marketing and communications and five years’ experience. If you are passionate about communications and want to contribute your knowledge as a volunteer on this committee, please see below for an Expression of Interest and apply by noon on March 15, 2019.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Communications Committee
Member-at-Large
Expression of Interest

Overview

A Communications Committee was established by Qalipu in November 2018 in order to provide enhanced focus on community values, openness, transparency and ensuring engagement of all our members regardless of their geographic location.

The Committee consists of two Ward Councilors and two staff resource people and is seeking to bring one Member-at-Large to the team.

The Committee meets monthly either in person or by video conference.

Our Mandate

Help to ensure Band communications reflect the values of our communities and promote our mission and vision.

Provide support, advice and guidance for Band internal and external communications.

Develop policies that help to ensure consistent, reliable, respectful and inclusive communications.

Propose strategic priorities for communications and work to ensure communications are timely, consistent, well co-ordinated and responsive to the diverse needs of our members.

Promote openness and transparency in governance and operations, ensuring that all audiences are well informed of Band activities, programs and services.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Member-at Large Committee Member

Participate in Committee Meetings in person or by video conference.
Maintain engagement and involvement by responding to Committee emails between meetings to weigh in on decisions, communications products and activities.
Work collaboratively with Committee to ensure team-based and positive outcomes.
Represent a membership perspective.
Contribute skills, knowledge and experience toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Communications Committee.
Demonstrate respect for Mi’kmaq community values.
Adhere to a Commitment of Confidentiality.
Work on a volunteer basis with travel and per diems provided.

The Ideal Candidate:

Has marketing and/or communication background with five years’ experience
Is a member of the Band
Is a resident of Newfoundland
Must be able to travel within Newfoundland
Must have a valid driver’s license
Must be willing to sign a Commitment of Confidentiality
Must have an understanding of Indigenous culture and ceremony
Must undergo a code of conduct check

If you are interested in this unique opportunity to work with the Qalipu Band, please send your resume and cover letter to communications@qalipu.ca by noon on March 15, 2019.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Alison White at 709-634-5163
Qalipu First Nation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.

The Qalipu Cultural Foundation Needs Volunteers!

Posted by Qalipu on February 1, 2019

The Qalipu Cultural Foundation is a charitable organization that supports Mi’kmaq culture in our province. Through the Foundation, and the contributions of their partners and sponsors, QCF helps provide cultural experiences, and provides funding to grassroots community groups to host their own cultural workshops, teachings and events.

Are you or someone you know culturally engaged in the community and committed to learning about Mi’kmaq culture from Elders and knowledge keepers?

The Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. Please, click here to learn more and find the application form.

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Notice Self-Identification Reassessment

Posted by Qalipu on January 31, 2019

Letters are being mailed today, January 31^st, 2019 regarding applicant re-assessment on the self-identification criterion of the enrolment process. Here’s what you need to know:
Wells/Wells Court Case Implications

The Wells’ cases challenged the denial of applications for founding membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation based on the self-identification criterion of the enrolment process.

As a result of the federal courts’ decision on these cases, if you were denied founding membership with the Band in 2017 based on the original self-id criterion you will be sent a letter providing you with the opportunity to submit additional self-identification documents or indicate that you have previously submitted such documents as part of your application.

You will have approximately 100 days from the letters’ date to complete the form sent with the letter, gather self-identification documents if needed and mail the form and documents back to the Enrolment Committee.

For more on the Wells/Wells court cases, please click here

What is a self-identification document?

We encourage you to visit the Indigenous Services Canada Website to find information on what types of documents satisfy the self-identification criterion, and other information about the self-identification reassessment.

If You’ve Moved or Changed Address

INAC cannot reach you with your letter if you’ve moved or changed address but you did not let them know.

Update your address by calling the Government of Canada’s Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation line1-800-561-2266.

Alternatively, you can send a signed letter by fax to 1-204-984-3032. Make sure to include:

Your full name
Your date of birth
Your file number from the department, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
Your previous and new mailing addresses
The effective date of your address change
Your phone number

Any other information you would like to update (e.g. name, gender, marital status, etc.)

Qalipu First Nation would like to announce the availability of two Communal Commercial Fishing Licences.

Posted by Qalipu on January 3, 2019

Details are as follows:

Area 13A – One Licence Available

Groundfish except Lumpfish; Lobster; Herring; Mackerel; Capelin; Scallop; Whelk

Area 13B – One Licence Available

Groundfish; Lobster; Bait; Herring; Mackerel; Capelin; Squid

Successful applicant will be designated to fish this licence by paying an annual administration fee to Qalipu First Nation Band. The purchase and maintenance of all fishing gear is the responsibility of the designated fisherperson. This designation may be renewed annually on the basis that the fisherperson remains compliant with QFN’s Fishing Designation Policy and meets the following criteria:

Member of Qalipu First Nation Band
All regulations of governing agencies of these licences are followed
Licences are utilized annually
Administration Fees are paid on time

Any member of the Qalipu First Nation Band interested in such a designation is encouraged to print and complete this application and indicate in which opportunity they are interested. Printed applications are also available at the Corner Brook and St. George’s offices.

Deadline to apply is: Friday, January 25, 2018 @ 4pm

Please submit applications by e-mail, fax, mail, or hand-delivery to:

Email: mmacdonald@qalipudevelopment.com
Fax: (709) 639-3997

Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4
Attn: Mabel MacDonald

Two Seats Saved for Indigenous Students, College of Law program at the University of Saskatchewan

Posted by Qalipu on December 14, 2018

In June 2018, the Department of Justice and Public Safety announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will partner with Indigenous governments and organizations in NL and the University of Saskatchewan to help send Indigenous students from this province to law school. The trilateral partnership will improve access to legal education and create new employment opportunities for members of Indigenous governments and organizations.

The University of Saskatchewan has committed to reserve two seats in the College of Law program annually for Indigenous students from Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will allocate and fund two articling positions with the Department of Justice and Public Safety for those students upon graduation. Indigenous governments and organizations will encourage applicants to apply to law school and fund/identify funding opportunities for educational expenses.

In 2019, will we see the first two Indigenous students enter the program under this partnership?

Applications to the University of Saskatchewan’s law program are being accepted until February 1, 2019. Please click here for more information on admission requirements and deadlines.

Note: The last LSAT test date for applicants is January 2019!

Please help share the word so that Indigenous students have the chance to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Canada to reassess nearly 58,000 applicants for Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and commits to exploratory discussions on membership for veterans, military members, RCMP and FNI members

Posted by Qalipu on November 16, 2018

November 15, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Canada remains committed to renewing the nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, along with Brendan Mitchell, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) announced the next steps in the implementation of the Wells/Wells decision.

Canada and the FNI will be moving forward with reassessing approximately 58,000 individuals who were denied Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. In addition, parties have committed to enter into exploratory discussions to address outstanding concerns regarding members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, RCMP and FNI members or members of other Mi’kmaq organizations who were named in the 2008 agreement and denied Founding Membership. Individuals affected by the exploratory discussions will be contacted once further information becomes available.

The review of the Enrolment Process is a result of the May 8, 2018 Federal Court decision on the David Wells and Sandra Wells case, which deemed the requirement for proof of self-identification to the Mi’kmaq community pre-dating 2008 to be unreasonable and unenforceable. Therefore, these individuals will have the right to request reassessment of their application and to submit additional documentation for the self-identification criterion.

Individuals affected by the Wells decision will be contacted by mail in January 2019 with information on how to submit additional documents to have their application reassessed. Those who wish to have their applications reviewed will be asked to submit the form and documents with a postmark no later than 100 days after receipt of their letter.

Quick Facts on the Wells Decision

On May 8, 2018, Federal Court released its decision in the David Wells and Sandra Wells case, stipulating that it was unreasonable to require applicants to provide proof of self-identification to the Mi’kmaq community pre-dating the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band.
This decision means that the approximate 58,000 individuals whose application for Founding Membership to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation was denied based on the self-identification criterion of the Enrolment Process, now have the right to request reassessment of their application and to submit additional documentation.
In January 2019 (TBD), the Government of Canada and Federation of Newfoundland Indians will notify the 58,000 applicants eligible for re-assessment as a result of the Wells decision on next steps for the reassessment of their application.
Those affected should ensure their mailing address is up to date by contacting the Qalipu toll-free telephone line (1-800-561-2266). Individuals whose mailing address has not changed since their initial application are not required to provide updated information.
Additional information on the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process and the process through which the Wells decision will be implemented can be found online.

Quick Facts on the Exploratory Discussions

In the signature of the 2008 and 2013 Agreements and the Indemnity Agreement, the Government of Canada, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation all agreed to the eligibility criteria individuals were required to meet in order to register under the Band.
In accordance with the 2008 and 2013 Agreements, and with the Enrolment and Appeals Processes, no exemptions or exceptions were granted to Veterans or members of other distinctive groups. However, Canada has heard the concerns regarding Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, veterans, as well as members of FNI, who believe their applications were unfairly denied and will be entering into discussions with the FNI on this matter.
The Government of Canada recognizes and deeply values the meaningful contributions of Indigenous Veterans, RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces and other members of the military, to the development of our nation, and honours the sacrifices they have made in the defense of freedom and the pursuit of world peace.

Quotes

“The creation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation is an important step towards reconciliation and the recognition of Newfoundland’s Mi’kmaq People. Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will continue to work in close collaboration throughout the implementation of the Federal Court’s decision, in the spirit of upholding the integrity of founding membership.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“I encourage all those who are eligible to submit additional documentation regarding the self-id criteria to do so. Letters will be mailed to impacted individuals in the near future so I encourage you to ensure that your mailing address is up-to-date. If you’ve moved or changed address, please contact 1-800-561-2266. Let’s all look out for one another by sharing this news among our communities.”

Brendan Mitchell
President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians

The Deadline to Request Mail-in Ballots is Fast Approaching!

Posted by Qalipu on October 3, 2018

If you intend to vote by mail-in ballot in the upcoming election, request your ballot now!

The latest date by which you can request the ballot is October 9, and you must have your ballot mailed back and received by the Electoral Officer by 4:00 PM on October 21 in order to have your vote counted.

We have made it easier than ever to request your mail-in ballot. Simply click this link to access the application, complete all the required fields and then click send. Your mail-in ballot will then arrive in the mail at the address you have provided.

For more on the Qalipu Election 2018, including details on the Amendment Vote, Polling Locations and Candidates, please visit our website www.qalipu.ca and explore the menu item called “Election 2018”.

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ANNOUNCEMENT: QALIPU UPDATED MEMBERSHIP

Posted by Qalipu on September 6, 2018

New Membership List

We wish to advise our membership that the updated Membership List has now been provided to us by INAC. There are 22,251 members on this list which reflects the current membership in the Qalipu First Nation.

Removals from Indian Register

On August 31, 2018 individuals who did not meet the criteria for founding membership had their names deleted from the Indian Register.

Of the 10,400 individuals who were removed from the Founding Members list:

7,658 individuals have been removed from the Indian Register

If you were removed, a letter from the Indian Register dated August 31, 2018 was sent to you advising of the deletion of your name from the Indian Register, which means:

You have lost your Indian Status
You are no longer eligible for services and benefits available to registered Indians
Your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card is no longer valid

Category Amendments in the Indian Register

2,742 individuals who were notified they were not eligible for Founding Membership have maintained registration via an automatic category amendment if they were card holders with a parent on the updated Founding Members list. The letter dated August 31, 2018 confirms:

You have retained your registered Indian Status under a different provision of the Indian Act
You remain eligible for services and benefits available to registered Indians
Your Secure Certificate of Indian Status card remains valid

Letters Mailed on August 31, 2018

Letters regarding removals from the register and category amendments were mailed on August 31, 2018. Individuals who remained on the updated Founding Members List will not receive confirmation in writing of such.

If you do not receive your letter by September 14, please contact the INAC Qalipu line at 1-800-561-2266 and let them know.

Protesting the Decision

If you do not agree with the decision rendered in your letter, you can submit a protest. Protests must be submitted within three (3) years of the date of your decision letter. The notice of protest must be submitted in writing to the Indian Registrar:

Protest Unit
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
10, rue Wellington
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0H4

It is the responsibility of the protester to firmly establish the grounds on which their protest is based and must clearly indicate how they believe the Indian Act was misinterpreted, or what evidence they believe the Registrar overlooked in reaching the decision.

The Registrar will not consider protests if there is no clear indication that the registration provisions of the Indian Act were incorrectly applied or interpreted.

Please see the protest page on the department website for more information.

Address Change-Instructions

If your address has changed, please call the INAC Qalipu Line at 1-800-561-2266. You can also send a signed letter by fax to 1-204-984-3032. Make sure to include:

Your full name
Your date of birth
Your registration number or file number from INAC, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
Your previous and new mailing address
The effective date of your address change
Phone number
Any other information you would like to update (e.g., name, gender, marital status, typos etc.)

New Members-Additions to the Indian Register

5,096 new Founding Members were added to the Indian Registry. Letters regarding new membership were mailed on July 31, 2018.

All new members will be added to the ginu membership database in the near future. We will notify you when this has been completed.

Please see below for information on applying for you Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Children of Founding Members

Children of Founding Members are eligible to apply for Indian Status under the Indian Act.

Please note, if you were registered previously and your parent remains a Founding Member, you will not have to reapply. You will automatically receive a category amendment and maintain your active Indian Status under a different provision of the Indian Act. Letters regarding category amendments were mailed on August 31, 2018.

Applying for your Card (Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or SCIS)

The application forms can be found on the INAC website here: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1462806841047/1462806896945

You may also seek assistance at any of our office locations by calling the Indian Registration Administrator Charmaine Bath (appointments in Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor offices), or SCIS Clerk Jody Davis (Corner Brook, St. George’s and Stephenville Offices).

Charmaine Bath: cbath@qalipu.ca or call (709) 679-2142, toll free (NL only) 1-855-263-6440

Jody Davis: jdavis@qalipu.ca or call (709) 634-4010

Please Note: We are experiencing a high demand for the application of SCIS cards. For instance, appointment times in Corner Brook, Stephenville and St. George’s are booked up through September, and we are making appointments for October.

We kindly ask that callers not leave more than one voicemail and be patient as Charmaine and Jody make their way through hundreds of voicemails and return your call.

Remember, you do not need your card to access services and benefits. Your letter confirming registration can be used for up to 12 months from the date that it was issued.

Electors List

We have used the updated membership list to generate our electors list for the upcoming Qalipu election. If you are or will be 18 on the date of the election (October 23, 2018), you are a new member, a member who received a category amendment or a continuing Founding Member, you are eligible to vote in the election.

It is possible that some errors could have occurred with a large membership list, and with category amendments. Please let us know if you feel your name should be on the voters list but isn’t.

We are working on adding Wards to the Electors List so that members can confirm they are listed in the correct Electoral Ward. If you are not listed in the correct Electoral Ward, we can update that before the election. We will post the Electors List with Wards added in the near future.

Email the Electoral Officer at election@qalipu.ca

Find the Elector’s List here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Voters-List.pdf

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Notice of Referendum Vote to Change the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections

Posted by Qalipu on July 20, 2018

Per Section 34 of the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, we wish to advise our members that a referendum vote to amend the Custom Rules will be held on October 23, 2018 at polling locations in each of our nine Wards, and at an advance poll to be held on October 16. Amendment voting ballots will also be included in mail-out voting packages provided in the 2018 Qalipu general election.

A summary of the proposed changes can be found below in the Q & A

NEW! A full copy of the Custom Rules with amendments is now available to membership please click here to view.

Referendum Vote Q & A

Is Qalipu having a referendum vote to change the way it runs elections?

Yes. To change the Custom Rules that govern our elections, the Council may direct that a referendum (amendment vote) be held to obtain the consent of membership.

Council has indicated that a referendum will occur in harmony with the 2018 election. Meaning, with mail-in ballots, at the advance poll, and on polling day, membership will have an additional question included in their ballot package to change the way we administer elections.

The referendum will take place by advance poll on October 16 and at polling stations throughout the nine Wards on October 23, 2018.

Why does Qalipu want to change the way we do elections?

Following the election in 2015, Qalipu realized several issues that need to be resolved to make our elections more effective in the future.

Some voters reported arriving at their polling station to find that they had been incorrectly listed in a different voting location.
Others found that the distance they had to travel to their designated poll was unreasonable, which is not surprising considering Qalipu is made up of 67 geographically spread out communities in nine different Wards.
In some areas where there is a high concentration of voters, some voters were stuck waiting in line for several hours just to cast their vote.
Most people agreed that the time frame on returning mail-in ballots was too short. The 2015 election also saw a low voter turnout (approximately 23%) and this is something else that we can do better.
The polling station election format is expensive, time consuming and inaccessible.

So, what election change will voters be asked to decide on?

Membership will be asked whether they are in favour of moving to a mail, telephone and internet voting solution.

What does that mean?

It means that every eligible voter will receive voting details in the mail without having to request it. Voters will be given a personal identification number to cast their vote using either the internet, wireless devices and mobile or landline telephones. A helpline would be available for anyone who has trouble with the process, and Qalipu is looking at making several polling stations available regionally to provide in-person support should voters feel they need to vote in person.

Why would we change to this way of voting?

There are many benefits to this voting method:

Every eligible voter will be engaged in the election. They will receive a Personal Identification Number and Voter Instruction Letter in the mail via Canada Post.
Voters will be given a 5-10-day period to vote from the comfort of their home via the internet, wireless devices OR mobile or landline telephones. Voters may also choose to visit one of several regional polling stations to receive in person voting support.
Voters will be provided with the contact number for a Voter HelpLine so that they have someone to contact if they have any trouble casting their vote.
Inclusion: ability for everyone to vote regardless of their mobility or location.
Automatic: voters will not have to request their ballot. All voters will receive everything they need to vote in the mail through Canada Post.
Greater participation: Since every voter will receive their voting details in the mail, and they can vote from the comfort of their own home, we expect a much higher engagement from our membership during election time.
Voting is private, secure and anonymous. PIN security and event auditability are paramount in the design and delivery of this voting solution which is delivered by an experienced and trusted company.
Financial savings. E-voting will cost less than half of our current method of voting, money that can be put back into community development, and cultural initiatives.
Results will be clear and timely.

Can we trust a company to deliver our election?

Intelivote Systems Inc. (ISI), the company with whom we have been working, is a recognized leader in the successful implementation of this type of election. The company has extensive subject matter expertise in Union voting events, Municipal elections, Aboriginal voting events, Leadership Elections and Association Elections.

All the election services are provided through Intelivote software are secured by encryption, digital certificates and login IDs and passwords.

Voter anonymity, PIN security and event auditability are paramount in the design and delivery of the eVoting solutions they provide.

ISI maintains a hosted data centre environment in Halifax through Bell Canada, which also hosts some of the most sensitive government and financial applications running in Atlantic Canada.

ISI delivers elections with a team of information systems professionals and electronic voting experts.

Who will be eligible to vote to change the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band elections?

Only those members 18 years of age or over on the date of the Qalipu election, whether Founding Members on the updated list, former Founding Members who have remained members through a category change or have become members through an application seeking registration under the Indian Act, will be eligible to vote.

An updated Founding Members list has been passed through Order in Council and came into effect on June 25, 2018. Qalipu expects to have a copy of this list on August 31, 2018.

Won’t the recent court rulings change this?

With the recent court rulings, regarding the right to appeal for applicants denied on the self-identification criterion, for instance, we could see more people added to the Band. At this time however, we can only work with what’s in front of us. We expect to have an established Band list by August 31, and this will determine not only who our eligible voters are but also, who can run for Council.

If the membership accepts these proposed changes to the Custom Rules, when will the changes come into effect?

Changes to the Custom Rules would come into effect for the next general election in 2021.