PBCN Members Head Back to the Polls

PBCN Members Head Back to the Polls

Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 14:04

For the second time in 8 days, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is holding a ratification vote on its proposed election act.

Last week’s vote ended in a tie, despite the fact that over 900 people from 10 different communities participated.

The unexpected result prompted band officials and elders to schedule another vote today to determine once and for all if band members support the proposed changes.

The amendments include stricter ethics guidelines, more powers for the council of elders and longer terms for chief and council.

If approved by the band’s membership, the new election act will take effect in time for the band’s election next April.

Roughly 23 per cent of eligible voters took part in last week’s vote, but band officials are hopeful there will be a greater turnout this time around.

Vote organizers expect to release the results tomorrow morning.