The Prince Albert Grand Council has elected a new Athabasca Vice-Chief.

Joseph “Smy” Tsannie of the Hatchet Lake First Nation defeated incumbent Don Deranger on the second ballot by a vote count of 124 to 99 at today’s PAGC annual assembly in Prince Albert.

A total of six candidates were in the running for the position, including four from Fond du Lac and one from Black Lake.

Deranger had held the position since 2003 and was seeking his fifth term in office.

Tsannie has been working as the PAGC’s Athabasca Sports, Culture and Recreation coordinator.