Elections Canada says review to improve services for First Nations after 2021 mishaps will take 'a few years'
CBC
Months after 2021 voting problems in remote northwestern Ontario communities, Elections Canada says it's planning a comprehensive review of its relationship with First Nations, but the work will take "a few years."
The electoral agency aims to expand advance polling options and to offer an election-day poll in all First Nations that request one, an official said during a Monday media briefing before the agency tabled its report on the Sept. 20 election.
That work is happening now, so Elections Canada can be ready for the next federal election, something that could happen sooner than later with a minority Liberal government in power.
"That's the bare minimum standard for those communities that want those polling locations," said Susan Torosian, the electoral agency's executive director of public affairs and civic education.The agency will be more flexible in the options it offers for advance polls in First Nations, Torosian added, something that wasn't possible until changes to the Canada Elections Act in 2019.
Elections Canada is also in the process of assembling a team that will undertake a comprehensive review of the agency's relationship with First Nations, Torosian told Monday's briefing.
"The expectations of First Nations communities are changing, and we need to adapt to meet those."
The intention of that work, Torosian added, is to draft an action plan to improve engagement and the delivery of public education and election services to First Nations and remote communities.
That initiative will be launched soon, but Torosian said it would take "a few years" to complete.
An emailed statement from Elections Canada added that the "long-term effort … will include First Nations staff, stakeholders and experts who are knowledgable and have lived experience to lead and support the exercise."
Otherwise, details on the review were scarce.
CBC News contacted the Assembly of First Nations for comment on Elections Canada's plans.
The AFN called on the agency to ensure all First Nations that participate in federal elections to be given the same opportunities.
"Polling stations should be available to anyone choosing to vote," the statement said. "Ensuring First Nations have polling stations in their communities is part of our work with Elections Canada to remove barriers to voting."
Chad Cowie of Pamadashkodayang (Hiawatha First Nation) was left with many questions when contacted to discuss the latest information from Elections Canada.
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