Community Consultation Survey: Simpcw TḰwem7iple7tn Custom Election Code
November 7 - November 19, 2023
Ballot Counts
| Voting Method | Number of Ballots |
|---|---|
| In person ballots | 0 |
| Electronic ballots | 53 |
CONSULTATION AREA 1 - RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR COUNCILLORS
BACKGROUND: The election code currently has a residency requirement of 150 KM for the away from home TЌwenem7i’ple7. It also has residency requirements for those living within the community – they must reside on the reserve for 6 months prior to a nomination meeting. Having strict residency requirements that reduces the ability for members to run for the away from home TЌwenem7i’ple7 could be considered discriminatory for members living away from home. To ensure the election code would hold up against a legal challenge and in order to ensure the election code is not discriminatory to those members living away from home, we’re consulting on what member’s feel are more reasonable requirements. QUESTION: Should Part III item 1 of the Election Code be amended to change the residency distance requirements? Please choose "Yes," or "No," and provide more information in the "Additional Thoughts" section if you have feedback to share.
| Option | Electronic | Total Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, it should be updated (please provide more information in the "additional thoughts" section if you have more to share) | 45 | 45 |
| No, it should not be updated (please provide more information in the "additional thoughts" section if you have more to share) | 7 | 7 |
| Additional Thoughts | 20 | 20 |
| Spoiled | 1 | 1 |
Custom Answers
Additional Thoughts
- I think with technology we should be considering more off reserve positions and have zoom options for away from home members. I think having more away from home voices will be fair and give opportunity to hear diversity in our council
- Distance shouldn't matter in order to vote.
- The 150 km restriction should be increased. The 6 month residency should remain or be increased.
- I am a band member and have lived in Victoria, naniamo, , williams lake and Vancouver. All more than 150 km from Chuchua.
- With Covid, business used a work from utilizing technology to communicate. 150 kms is discriminating to those living away from the community and should never had been ratified in the first place.
CONSULTATION AREA 2 - CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ADDING ADDITIONAL COUNCILLOR SEATS
BACKGROUND Our Election code doesn’t automatically add councillor seats when our membership increases. QUESTION Should a new section clarifying the circumstances for adding additional Councillor seat(s) be added to the Election Code? Please choose "Yes," or "No," and provide more information in the "Additional Thoughts" section if you have feedback to share.
| Option | Electronic | Total Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, it should be updated (please provide more information in the "additional thoughts" section if you have more to share) | 45 | 45 |
| No, it shouldn't be updated (please provide more information in the "additional thoughts" section if you have more to share) | 7 | 7 |
| Additional Thoughts | 18 | 18 |
| Spoiled | 0 | 0 |
Custom Answers
Additional Thoughts
- I think we should be looking at heads of family and having more family representatives so we hear all voices at the table. I think if we look at out genealogy we could ask family to chose a representative. Get back to basics and have all voices and families recognized
- I believe at this time additional members do not warrant additional councilor seats. But it is something to consider in the future for sure.
- We need to look into the roles and responsibilities of members of Council as to our community priorities. Members of Council participate in activities as Council that they don't need to claim as Council duties. There is too much Band finance spent on Honorariums.
- More off reserve seats since 80% of SFN members live off reserve
- When communities get to a point of more than 7 or 9 councillors, it will be hard to make decisions.