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Cash and drugs allegedly used to buy votes on Mosquito FN

Dec 14, 2017 | 11:00 AM

For the second time in six years, there is alledged evidence of vote buying in a Mosquito First Nation election, but this time it reportedly involves drugs being used to buy votes.

The last time vote buying came to light on the First Nation, was during the April, 2011 band election where it was proven mail-in ballots were being bought.

This time the allegations of voter fraud stem from the April 2017 election on the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation. According to a release from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) an investigation under the Indian Band Election Regulations was conducted recently to gather more information on allegations from the election appeal.

The ISC appointed an investigator to complete a field investigation, which was submitted to the department on Nov. 7. The report was sent to all candidates and to the Electoral Officer on Nov. 10, 2017.

According to CBC, the report states there is irrefutable evidence marijuana, cocaine and over $70,000 was used to buy votes.

When approached by battlefordsNOW about acquiring the report and questions pertaining to it, spokespersons for the ISC refused to provide the document, or answer any follow-up questions. They did release a brief statement though.

“Although the report was shared with all the candidates and the Electoral Officer for their review and comment, the department is not mandated to distribute the report more widely.”

Stephanie Palma, a spokesperson for the Department of Indigenous Services, also refused to provide the original election appeal documents, or answer any further questions, including questions on who conducted the investigation, or answer when the report would be reviewed. The public relations department of the ministry also refused to make Jane Philpott, the minister responsible for the department,  available for interview.

The Mosquito First Nation and the Battlefords Agency of Tribal Chiefs have also not returned any calls for comment on the allegations.

Also, in the ISC’s a statement, it said the organization will now review the report before making a final decision on what actions need to be taken.

“The Department takes all allegations of election fraud seriously. Under the Indian Act, the Government has the power to set aside elections when fraud has taken place,” said the ministry spokesperson. 

The CBC story didn’t release the names of those accused, but if they are charged and found guilty they could serve jail time. In 2008, there was also a ruling where the former chief of Red Pheasant First Nation, Charles Meechance, received eight months in prison for vote-buying. That situation didn’t involve drugs though.

The results of that election were nullified by the federal government, which could happen in this case as well.

 

greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @realgreghiggins