Lennox Island First Nation holds election Saturday
13 candidates for council, 3 for chief
The race for chief on Lennox Island has turned into a sprint as the band's 695 voters head to the polls Saturday.
Incumbent chief Matilda Ramjattan is being challenged by band members Stevie Bernard and Tim Bernard.
In addition to the three-way contest for chief, 10 candidates are vying for the two on-reserve council seats. Three people are seeking the off-reserve council position.
Matilda Ramjattan
"It's a positive thing that more and more people are putting their name forward," said Ramjattan. "It shows people are interested in the community."
Ramjattan is in her inaugural three-year term as chief. As she seeks re-election, she's asking voters for a renewed mandate to complete projects on the go.
"We have blueberry fields coming into production. We want to work on housing for our elders. We want the fish plant on the reserve be more successful," she said.
Stevie Bernard
Stevie Bernard's campaign for chief includes an emphasis on youth, seniors, and what he calls "fairness" in band management.
Bernard is a volunteer fire fighter and employee of the band's health centre.
"Our seniors need more help with their heat and utility bills in winter," Bernard said.
"Our young people need more to do, more opportunities and more jobs. As chief, I want to make sure everyone is treated fairly."
Tim Bernard
Fisheries officer Tim Bernard is focusing on economic development and management of band affairs in his campaign for chief.
"I have spent hours with people in their home during this campaign," said Tim Bernard.
"People are telling me it's time for change."
Saturday vote
About 90 Lennox Island band members voted in an advance polling June 3 at the Murphy Centre in Charlottetown.
Saturday's vote will be held in the gynmasium of John J. Sark Memorial School on Lennox Island.
The candidates for on-reserve band council member are Robert Augustine, Janet Banks, Debbie Bernard, Emily Bernard, Jimmy Bernard, Angus Coutts, Patsy Gavin, Richard Guimond, Gerry Thomas and Randy Thomas.
Kent Matthews, Mary Moor-Phillips and Andrew Sark are running for off-reserve band council member.