Brendan Mitchell re-elected as Qalipu chief

Brendan Mitchell will continue to lead the Qalipu Mi'kmaqFirst Nation Band for the next three years, after being re-electedas chief Tuesday night.

"Ireally appreciate the tremendous support," he saidthe morning after his win, crediting the work he did in his previous term as helping him secure his next one.

Mitchell secured 2,500 votes for the win, almost double the total for the first runner-up, Hayward Young. Mitchell became chief in 2015,and is the second person to hold the title since the band's inception in 2011.

He also acknowledged that the 2018 election process was far from smooth, with large crowds causing long waits at polling stations Tuesdayand problems withmail-in ballots.

"We have some homework to dowith respect to the next election," he said

• Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation celebrates acceptance into Assembly of First Nations

A referendum ballot included in the election passed,meaning the next election will include telephone andinternetballoting.

Enrolment controversy

Mitchellacknowledged in his term ahead, he has a lot of work left to do on the most contentious issue facing Canada's youngest First Nation:enrolment.

• Who belongs in Canada's newest and possibly largest First Nation?

After years of controversy, the enrolment process ended on April 30. The final list of people belonging to the band was completed in July, and those who lost their statusnotified by the end of August.

But Mitchell said there are repercussionsfrom that he'll needto deal with.

"There are a lot of outstanding issues, anumber of court cases outstanding, and a lot of conversation yet to be had with the government of Canada, regarding our people and those that had been displaced," he told CBCRadio's Corner Brook Morning Show.

We have to get back to the table with the government of Canada.- Brendan Mitchell

Mitchell hinted at the possibility of of re-examiningthe enrolmentprocess, and "maybe taking control of our own membership," he said.

"We have to get back to the table with the government of Canada."

Incumbents and newcomers

Newwcomers Randy Drover and Keith Cormierwere elected vice-chiefs of the central and western regions, respectively.

The nine ward councillors elected are:

• Ivan J. White, St. George's.
  
• Odelle Pike, Stephenville.
  
• Ivan White, Flat Bay (acclaimed).
  
• Jasen Benwah, Port au Port.
  
• Bern White, Benoit's Cove.
  
• Brian Dicks, Corner Brook.
  
• Andy Barker, Exploits.
  
• Frank Skeard, Glenwood (acclaimed).
  
• Calvin Francis, Gander Bay (acclaimed).

Voter turnout for the election was 25.3 per cent, according to a Qalipupress release.

The new council will be sworn in after a 30-day appeal period.

With files from The Corner Brook Morning Show

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