(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Political unrest

Former chief appeals PAGC decision to call off election

Oct 21, 2019 | 5:00 PM

As Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) prepares to host its annual assembly on Tuesday, some questions linger regarding a recent decision to re-instate the vice-chief.

In statement posted on its Facebook page Sept. 30, PAGC said there would be no need to have an election on Oct. 22 for the vice-chief position, as Chris Jobb was the “only one qualified.”

That comment has not been sitting well with former Chief Justin Burns who has filed an appeal, claiming he was not given a fair opportunity to run.

“I’m a former chief of James Smith so there shouldn’t have been any questions asked when I decided to put my name forward,” Burns said.

Justin Burns submitted his appeal papers last week and is now waiting for an answer from the election tribunal. (submitted photo/Justin Burns)

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Burns explained to paNOW he had all his paperwork completed, including his criminal record check. One month before the election, the election committee told him he needed to include a fingerprint check as well — a request that can take up to three months for processing.

“I told them ‘Where does it state in the Election Act that it requires a fingerprint check?'” he asked.

Despite his frustration with the process, Burns said he tried to best to appease the election committee but continued to encounter more resistance and barriers.

“These kinds of things shouldn’t be happening within our grand council. They cannot pick and choose who their leaders are,” he said.

PAGC has scheduled to have Chris Jobb’s acclamation ceremony at their annual assembly on Tuesday. (File photo/ Chris Jobb)

The election tribunal met to discuss Burns’ appeal but have no comment. Burns said he considered just letting the issue go and walking away, but added he received too much support not to speak up, and wanted to set an example for the younger band members.

“When you have the backing of other First Nations’ chiefs and also elderly people of all of our 12 grand council nations, you know it means something,” he said.

Prior to PAGC’s statement last month, the election for vice-chief was scheduled to take place on Oct. 22.

—
nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell