Tsawwassen First Nation Results: New Chief Elected

TSAWWASSEN, BC, Sept. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Members of B.C.'s first urban First Nations government elected their second Legislative Assembly this evening.  The polls for the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) election closed tonight at 8:00 p.m., and the vote count was complete by 10:00 p.m.

(260 Members were eligible to vote, of a population of 439 Members.  148 Members voted, for a voter turnout rate of 57%.)

These are the results.

Chief:

• Bryce Williams

Legislature:

• Tony Jacobs (also on Executive Council)
• Karl Morgan (also on Executive Council)
• Sheila Williams (also on Executive Council)
• Ken Baird (also on Executive Council)
• Jessica Adams
• Louise Ahlm
• Laura Cassidy
• Melinda Cassidy
• Andrea Jacobs
• Nikki Jacobs
• Marvin Joe
• Steven Stark

Tsawwassen Government is entering its second mandate as the elected representatives of Tsawwassen First Nation, a self-governing First Nation under the terms of a 2009 Final Agreement with British Columbia and Canada.

Under Tsawwassen Law, separate votes are held for the Chief and the Legislature.  The role of the Chief is to provide on-going, strategic advice and input to the government and chairs meetings of Executive Council, among a host of other duties.

The Legislature comprises 12 members, in addition to the Chief.  Legislators are elected for a 3-year term.  The Legislature usually meets twice a week over a one to two-month session, which are held once or twice a year.  Specific responsibilities include meeting to debate and consider enacting Tsawwassen Laws and to pass the annual budget.

The four Legislators who get the most votes in the election are appointed to the Executive Council, as is the Chief.  The Executive Council meets weekly to manage the Government's day-to-day operations, debate proposed regulations under Tsawwassen Laws and other responsibilities of the Tsawwassen Government.

The Chief, Legislators and Executive Council will be sworn in on September 22, 2012, at TFN's Annual General Meeting.

SOURCE: Tsawwassen First Nation

Tanya Corbet:  604-928-0879