The Tsawwassen First Nation this week announced that the new general election is slated for April 10. The TFN Judicial Council ordered the election after it recently upheld two appeals of last September's election result, which saw Bryce Williams defeat long-time chief Kim Baird.
Photograph by: Delta Optimist , File photo
The Tsawwassen First Nation has set April 10 as the date for its next general election.
The First Nation announced this week the date for the election, which was ordered after the TFN Judicial Council recently upheld appeals following last September's election result.
That race saw Bryce Williams defeat incumbent Kim Baird to become the new chief.
Baird didn't personally launch an appeal but her brother, Mike Baird, was one of the two appellants. The other was Christina Shellar.
They filed appeals regarding election notices, claiming a wrong date on one of the notices impacted the outcome of the election.
Saying she's glad the TFN has a clear process regarding appeals, Kim Baird said it's important "there won't be a cloud hanging over the results." She confirmed she would run in the election.
Williams, a 23-year-old carver, defeated Baird 78 to 69. He was first elected to the TFN government in 2009, having served on the executive council, which is reserved for the top vote getters in an election.
The defeat of Baird, who was acclaimed in 2009 and had been chief since 1999, was seen as a surprise to many.
The ouster of Baird, who negotiated B.C.'s first urban treaty under the B.C. treaty process, came at a critical juncture for the TFN as it embarks on major development projects, which will change the face of South Delta as well as the region.
Saying the vision and mandate of his government would focus on continuing with the TFN economic development projects, along with initiatives to improve the health and wellness of the community, Williams, in an interview following last September's win, noted his victory was due in part to the mood of the community looking for something different.
"They know that I'll be a strong leader in many aspects, especially in culture. I've lived here all my life and I respect all the people down here and they respect me," he said.
He noted an issue people talked to him about was the need for the TFN to maintain its cultural identity. He added another issue was a sense there needed to be better dialogue between government and residents.
April's election will also include the race for seats on the TFN's legislative assembly and executive council.
