Bill C-9

SUMMARY

This enactment establishes a regime, alternative to the one under the Indian Act, to govern the election of chiefs and councillors of certain First Nations. Among other things, the regime

(a) provides that chiefs and councillors hold office for four years;

(b) provides that the election of a chief or councillor may be contested before a competent court; and

(c) sets out offences and penalties in relation to the election of a chief or councillor.

This enactment also allows First Nations to withdraw from the regime by adopting a written code that sets out the rules regarding the election of the members of their council.