Dear Members,

We understand there are questions about the decision to postpone Driftpile Cree Nation’s election originally scheduled for December 18, 2024. This update provides a detailed explanation of why this decision was made and what steps were taken to ensure fairness and transparency.

Reason for Postponement

On November 15, a Canada Post strike disrupted mail services nationwide. Over 1,300 mail-in ballots for off-reserve Members—required to be sent at least 35 days before the election—were caught in this disruption. With no clear end to the strike and holiday season backlogs now compounding delays, it became impossible to ensure these ballots would be delivered, returned, and counted in time for December 18.

This situation posed a significant challenge to the integrity of the election, as it jeopardized the voting rights of over 1,300 Members.

Steps Taken to Address the Issue

1. Exploring Alternatives:

   • DCN immediately requested permission from Indigenous Services Canada to allow electronic voting.
   • Both the initial request and an appeal to the Minister were denied.

2. Proposed Courier Delivery:

   • The Electoral Officer explored sending ballots via paid courier. However, this would cost nearly $50,000 and risk creating duplicate ballots if the strike ended before December 18.

3. Independent Electoral Officer’s Recommendation:

   • On November 25, the Electoral Officer recommended postponing the election as the only viable option to preserve fairness and integrity.

4. Chief & Council Approval:

   • On December 2, the Electoral Officer reaffirmed this recommendation to Chief & Council, who approved the postponement via Band Council Resolutions (BCRs) after thorough deliberation.

Impact of Postponement

• Governance Continuity:
  Measures are in place to ensure services and legal obligations to Members continue uninterrupted.
• Chief & Council Role:
  During the election postponement period, Chief & Council will not receive pay or hold decision-making authority.
• Transparency:
  To address Member concerns, BCRs related to this decision, approved in the presence of the majority of Council, have been authorized for public release.

Why This Decision Matters

Proceeding with the election under these conditions would have risked costly appeals and uncertainty. By postponing, we are ensuring a fair and transparent election process where every Member’s vote is counted.

Next Steps

We remain committed to keeping Members informed as the situation develops and a new election date is set. Please check back here for updates or contact the DCN Administration for more information.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation.