Lax Kw'alaams moves forward with proposed amendments to Band Election Code

Residents of Lax Kw'alaams may soon have a new election code in place, as the Band Council for the community north of Prince Rupert moves forward with its process to amend Custom Code document.

A notice for residents was issued earlier this month outlining the changes that will be made should there be no objections issued in writing to the Band Administrator by March 27th.

A summary of the proposed amendments includes:

Using independent arbitrators for electoral and conduct disputes

Implementing a progressive discipline process for all Council members

Offering electronic voting

Requiring criminal record checks for councillors

Changes in both quorum and the starting point referendums.

As part of their review and consultation process, the Band Council has decided that there will be no change to the size of the council membership, which currently features 13 members.

Mayor John Helin and twelve council members make up the elected body.

As we outlined back in October, the update to the Custom Election Code came through membership consultation, with the document now up for review the one that received unanimous approval from the Band Council.

The process now awaits the March deadline for written objections, if no written concerns are filed the Band will adopt the proposed amendments.

Should there be written objections from an eligible elector, the Band will then arrange for a referendum to poll all of the community's eligible voters by a simple majority vote, before they proceed with the proposed amendments.

Notices of objection can be forwarded to the Band Office at 206 Shashaak Street in Lax Kw'alaams

The advisory of the amendments to the Custom Code can be found here

The complete copy of the Lax Kw'alaams Band Election Code can be examined here.

For more notes related to Lax Kw'alaams see our archive page here.


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