PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte addresses the assembly following his election win on Tuesday. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Election season

Hardlotte re-elected to third term as PAGC Grand Chief

Oct 3, 2023 | 5:28 PM

When asked how it feels to be re-elected to a third term as Grand Chief of Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Brian Hardlotte openly admitted it was overwhelming.

He provided the comment to paNOW following Tuesday’s election and the conclusion of the PAGC’s Fall Assembly at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

“It’s always overwhelming to win an election of any kind, but especially as the Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council,” he said. “It means a lot.”

Hardlotte received 168 votes, which was 68 more than challenger Greg Ermine.

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One of the first questions posed to Hardlotte was his take on Prince Albert’s homeless situation and the need for a homeless shelter. Noting the PAGC has a good relationship with the city as well as its police service and local MLAs, Hardlotte encouraged all agencies to make the time to come sit down at the table and discuss a solution.

Explaining it breaks his heart to see so many people living on the streets, Hardlotte also called on the provincial government to do more to support land-based industries such as trapping, wild rice harvesting, and commercial fishing.

“At one time I recognized some of these people and they were proud land people,” he said.

With respect to priorities, Hardlotte mentioned that first and foremost his mandate has always been to serve the individual First Nations and help them with the challenges they face.

“I’ve always said the solutions have to come from the community. They are there, it’s just a matter of finding them,” he said.

Hardlotte added he’s also committed to making sure the PAGC remains a strong governance structure.

“So if our young people want the opportunity to run for Grand Chief in the future, it has to be a strong organization and it has to be there for them,” he said.

– with files from Derek Craddock

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell