M’CHIGEENG—Although the M’Chigeeng First Nation election appeals committee and Linda Debassige, the successful candidate in the challenged September 9, 2017 band election, have come to an accommodation that would see the September 9 election reinstated, the judge hearing the amendment to the order calling for a new election has yet to rule. Nominations for an election to be held on April 21 should the judge not set aside the order for a new election have gone forward.
“As you may know, the process may be unnecessary as the court may agree with the motion to reinstate the September election results,” noted Electoral Office Dan Simon. “However, it is still not known when the court will decide on this so we are trying to be proactive in case an election is still needed.”
Nominations were called for on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10.
The 13 nominees for chief are: Albert Beaudin, Michael Bebonang, Elvis Debassige, Lewis Debassige, Linda Debassige, Neil Debassige, Sam Debassige, Terrence Debassige, Glen T. Hare Sr., Joseph Hare, Morgan F. Hare, Thomas Hare and Henry Panamick.
Those nominated as candidates for band council include: Albert Beadin, Cassidy Beaudin, Charles Beaudin, Jesse Beaudin, Jeff Bebonang, Joey Beboning, Brian Bisson, Andrew M. Corbiere, Dennis Corbiere, Justice Corbiere, Melvina Corbiere, Patrick Corbiere, Ray Corbiere, Travis Corbiere, Adam Debassige, Elvis Debassige, Grace Debassige, Howie Debassige, Jessie Debassige, Lewis Debassige, Mark Debassige, Martin Debassige, Neil Debassige, Sam Debassige, Terrence Debassige, Floyd Ense, Whitney Ense, Curtis Hare, Eric Hare, Forry Hare, Glen T. Hare Sr., Joseph Hare, Tom Hare, Melissa Kasunich, Henry Panamick Sr., Tiffany Recollet and Bev Roy-Carter.
“All candidates must declare candidacy by 4 pm Monday, March 19,” said Mr. Simon. “Those that are nominated for both positions must decide on one or the other on the deadline date of March 19. Criminal record checks must be filed by 4 pm Friday, March 23. Failure to do so will mean removal from the ballot.”
In the contested September 9 election, incumbent Linda Debassige was re-elected with a total of 325 votes, easily outdistancing her opponent Martin Debassige. There were also 10 candidates elected to the band council. They included incumbent councillor Ray Corbiere with 291 votes, Dennis Corbiere with 236 votes, Grace Debassige with 233 votes, incumbent Henry Panamick Sr. with 226 votes, incumbent Howard Debassige with 225 votes, Jesse Beaudin with 213 votes, incumbent Thomas Hare with 206 votes, Albert Beaudin with 217 votes, Daughness Migwans with a total of 204 votes, and incumbent Forry Hare with 204 votes.
