We’koma’q First Nation announces band elections this fall
WE’KOMA’Q — We’koma’q First Nation announced band elections for chief and council will happen Oct. 7 after previously postponing elections until February 2021. Ballots will be cast at the new Community Centre on Reservation Road.
“Our elections officer will be working with the health department and the health authority to see how we will proceed,” said Chief Rod Googoo of We’koqma’q First Nation.
He said the previous postponement was due to health and safety reasons and fears about the COVID-19 pandemic, so under the power of the First Nations Election Act, they decided to postpone the original election date. Now, with more information about the virus and with no active cases in Cape Breton the team feels safe moving forward.
Chris LaPorte is the electoral officer for We’koqma’q and Membertou First Nations. He says the elections will follow all provincial health guidelines.
“Social distancing and wearing of masks will be mandatory and we will only let in so many people at a time for the nomination meeting and for the elections,’ said LaPorte.
LaPorte hopes to keep the elections as normal as possible to ensure the comfort of the voters. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 7. He said those wishing to use a mail-in ballot must submit a request, either directly from him or Sue Evans. The election will elect one chief and 10 councillor positions.
Googoo believes the pandemic may affect how constituents interact with the candidates.
“I feel it will affect campaigning quite a bit we’re not out of this pandemic yet and I think a lot of people, especially the elderly won’t be too keen on letting people come into their homes,” said Googoo.
He feels the campaigns may move to online through social media and phone calls but knows it’s all about keeping people safe.
Googoo has been chief for 19 years, in two different stints. The first one was a decade long starting in 1982 and his current one started in 2011. He hopes to get the people’s confidence again.
“We just hope we get a clear mandate so we can continue the work that we’re doing here,” said Googoo.
A nomination meeting will take place Sept. 7 from 6-9 p.m. at the community centre and social distancing must be followed then too. Masks are required. The candidate forms require a $250 fee and must be submitted by 6 p.m. on Sept. 10.
LaPorte says he will be meeting with the Membertou Chief and council team and expects an announcement of their election date in the coming weeks.