A court injunction keeping Earl Lidguerre as the chief of Fond du Lac First Nation will continue.
The injunction had been issued in October after a leadership dispute arose between Lidguerre and Napoleon Mercredi.
Lidguerre was the undisputed leader until the band’s executive advisory council served him impeachment papers.
Mercredi has said he was sworn in as the new chief after being the sole candidate in a subsequent by-election.
A Queen’s Bench justice then issued the court injunction to keep Lidguerre as chief until the larger issues could be sorted out.
No one from the Mercredi side appeared during a scheduled hearing at a Prince Albert courthouse today, prompting the judge to continue the injunction.
Lidguerre’s lawyer, Anil Pandila, says the band’s electoral officer and advisory council can no longer attempt to remove Lidguerre from his position.
“They have been noted for default of defence and it will be our intention to seek judgment against them,” said Pandila. “They weren’t represented, their lawyer has withdrawn and they didn’t appear today and we will be proceeding accordingly.”
Pandila says he will be discussing with his client about what further action they may take.
“It will probably be in the nature of a permanent order or there may be a monetary judgement, as well, for all damages sustained to Chief Lidgeurre and the Fond du Lac First Nation.”
The judge and Pandila noted that Fond du Lac’s advisory council and election officials were aware of today’s court date.