By-election Region 5 Councillor
Notice to all Métis citizens in Region 5
In the MNO election held in May 2012, there was only a one vote difference between the two candidates running for Councillor Region 5. Based on the fact that a number of electors were inadvertently deleted from the Final List of Electors, I as the Chief Electoral Officer ruled that a by-election should be held for this office involving the two original candidates, Ms. Juliette Denis and Mr. Maurice Sarrazin. This ruling was subsequently appealed to an Independent Investigator, Mr. Douglas Sanderson. Mr. Sanderson has now released his report (click here to view his report) and has ruled that a by-election should be held for this office, involving the original two candidates.
In organizing this by-election I am following the recommendation of Mr. Sanderson to have all electors vote through a mail-in ballot rather than have a mix of polling stations and mail-in ballots. This appears to be the best way to proceed for two reasons: first, participation rates for mail-in ballots are almost three times those of polling stations. And second, a single method of voting is less confusing to electors and candidates and subsequently reduces the risk of voting irregularities leading to objections and appeals.
All eligible citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario residing in Region 5, who were citizens as of July 15, 2012 and at least 16 years of age by October 10, 2012 when the ballots will be counted, are entitled to vote in this by-election. It is imperative that eligible voters ensure that their addresses are up to date on the List of Electors. A Preliminary List of Electors has been posted in each of the three Community Offices in Region 5. Click here to view a list of the principal cities, towns and villages in Region 5.
The mail-in ballot packages will be posted during the first week of September. The return envelope addressed to me must be delivered in Ottawa to me no later than Tuesday October 9. Otherwise your ballot will not be counted.
If you have any questions on how to proceed, please get in touch with me or my Deputy, John Graham, at the following: by telephone at 613 798-1488 or toll free at 1 800 263-4889 or by e-mail at mnoelection@Métisnation.org.
Both candidates in the by-election have provided my office with one page résumés that they are willing to share with interested voters wishing to know more about the candidates. Please contact my office if you would like to receive copies of these.
Yours sincerely,
Paul DeVillers
Chief Electoral Officer
Métis Nation of Ontario
Declaration for the office of Secretary-Treasurer
Pursuant to Article 48 of the MNO Electoral Code: Part A, I hereby declare Mr. Tim Pile as being formally elected to the Office of Secretary-Treasurer of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO). During Election 2012, Mr. Pile received the most votes for this Office. Mr. Roger Giroux, a candidate for that Office, appealed my decision to declare Mr. Pile the winner. An independent investigator, Mr. Douglas Sanderson, has now ruled on this appeal (see link) and has upheld my decision to declare Mr. Pile the winner.
Paul DeVillers
Chief Electoral Officer
Métis Nation of Ontario