PBCN Chief Welcomes Accountability Measures

PBCN Chief Welcomes Accountability Measures

Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 14:13

The leadership selection process of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation will be coming under scrutiny over the next several months.

The band has been given 60-thousand dollars by the federal government to update its codes of conduct, as well as a number of other issues — like how to settle disputes over conflicts of interest.

Chief Ron Michel says he sees the situation as a positive one, and doesn’t share a view held among other

First Nations leaders that this federal initiative designed by Robert Nault is simply a replacement for Bill C-7.

Michel says it’s important band members feel their administration is accountable and that’s why a complaints process will also be examined.

Any amendments to current governance procedures will be voted on by the band through a referendum or at a series of community meetings.

Michel expects everything to be in place for the band’s next election in 2005.