gespeg

No election, says Gespeg council

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The petition asking the Micmac Nation of Gespeg band council to call a new election has close to 400 signatures. However, the band council refuses to resign, according to one of the petition’s initiators. 

The petition was presented on November 24 at the Gespeg’s annual general assembly. 

“The current council could not accept the petition. They indicated that it should be filed with the president. There was an hour and a half of discussion and now we have to go to the election of the president,” says one of the community elders, Mark Sinnett. 

“The council is taking it personally and our petition does not target any specific individual. We are asking the council to be a little serious and understand that we have 379 members of the community who are asking for a new election,” says Mr. Sinnett, who repeats that the electoral process was not done well. 

“Out of 2,200 members, 1,300 do not have an email address. This proves once again that the community was not informed of the election,” maintains Mr. Sinnett. 

“We will continue. We will not give up. This is a community that speaks,” he added. 

“Unfortunately, there are many flaws in the Electoral Code and it has become a code where the president will have to make decisions that are outside the framework because there is nothing written in the code to follow up. It will be his interpretation that will tell us where we are going with the petition and what happens next,” Mr. Sinnett analyzes. 

If an election were to be called, it would be done under the current code. 

“The real problem is that people were not respectfully informed that there was an election in Gespeg. What is urgent is that we go back to the election and we will see to correcting the Electoral Code,” concludes Mr. Sinnett. 

The petition calls for the electoral process to be restarted due to problems that arose during the election of September 8. 

Given the potential conflict of interest, the council has opted not to make a public statement. 

No election, says Gespeg council Read More »

A petition for new elections was presented in Gespeg 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A petition with 314 signatures, collected by Gespeg elders, was presented at a press conference on November 21, calling on the Gespeg band council to resume the electoral process due to problems that occurred during the election on September 8. 

The petition notes that communications, including the notice of nomination and polling relating to the September 2024 election, were transmitted only by email, and that by not mailing the communications by the post deprived several voters of their right to vote. According to the petition, this inadequate communication resulted in a lack of candidates for the positions to be filled. 

“This irregularity in the way electoral information is communicated renders the electoral process invalid and its result revocable,” the document states. 

In a press briefing, Gespeg elders, including two former chiefs and Mark Sinnett, a candidate in the last election, called for the September 2024 election to be invalidated and to mandate an electoral officer to hold a new election as soon as possible. 

“We have nothing against anyone or the council in place. What we are saying is that our elections have not been going well since the beginning and this has caused all the problems we see today and especially community members who did not have their right to vote,” notes Mr. Sinnett. According to organizers, some employees thought about signing the petition but feared reprisals if they did. 

“I have great confidence that most employees would have pointed it out. All we want is a fair election,” insists Mr. Sinnett. 

“A lot of former members who don’t have internet didn’t hear that there was an election. They found out how to vote, receive a ballot by mail and return it. There were some who received their ballot after the election. They weren’t able to vote. That caused a major problem. Normally, in all municipal elections in Quebec or Canada, all voters receive a notice before the election. Here, that didn’t happen,” adds Francis Mainville, especially for members who live outside Gaspé. 

Of the 1,800 eligible voters, only 420 participated in the September election, compared to approximately 600 votes in the previous election, where mail-in ballots were also counted. 

However, everything would have been done according to the Electoral Code. “It depends on the interpretation. Our code is not 100% clear. There has been a lot of interpretation. Our code does not contain all the possibilities. There is a shortcoming: you can contest, but we do not know what to do after the contestation. That is what has led to where we are today,” explains Mr. Sinnett. 

“According to our customs and traditions, everyone was notified by mail,” adds Mr. Mainville. 

“In the Electoral Code, we must find all possible means to reach all members. That is the mandate of the president,” emphasizes Linda Jean, another of the initiators of the petition. 

The petition was filed during Gespeg’s annual general meeting on November 24 (see other text). 

For the time being, recourse to the courts is excluded. “Anything is possible, but we are not there yet. We want the council to understand that their community is speaking out and that we want new elections. That’s all there is to it for now. If there is anything else, we will see in the future. We are asking the council to take this very seriously,” says Mr. Sinnett. 

“We don’t want to make threats. We don’t want to go there. We want to protect our community. We have suffered enough recently. We want to do good for our community. We will follow our customs and traditions and that is the right we want to exercise at Sunday’s meeting,” continues Mr. Sinnett. 

“We have never seen Gespeg so united both internally and externally on one point,” he says. 

The Electoral Code allows a petition to be submitted to the council if it garners signatures from at least 10% of voting members. 

“We are within our rights,” calculates Ms. Jean. 

Having been a candidate for the position of chief, Mr. Sinnett denies having any apparent conflict of interest. 

“Absolutely not. If you remember, my point of view was to say that the election was not done well. I said it from the beginning. I continued until I withdrew for personal reasons. The election was not done well. We did not join our members. This is not revenge. It did not work. We have to do it again so that it works like a world,” Mr. Sinnett responds. 

The elders believe they have the support of the majority of Gespeg members. 

A petition for new elections was presented in Gespeg  Read More »

Céline Cassivi is appointed chief of Gespeg

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Gespeg has a new chief. The election president swore in Céline Cassivi as chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg. Ms. Cassivi finished third in the September election. 

In a November 1 message to the Micmac Nation of Gespeg members, the election president mentioned that the details about the process leading to Ms. Cassivi’s appointment would be shared at a later date, which was done on November 6 (see image). 

In a note to the members, Ms. Cassivi stated she accepted this appointment “with great pride and humility.” 

“I am committed to being a fair leader, listening to your concerns and working tirelessly for the well-being of each of you. Together, we can overcome challenges, celebrate our successes and build a strong future for generations to come,” she wrote in her statement. 

“Your ideas, support and participation are essential for us to grow and prosper together,” the new leader concluded in her communication to members. 

In addition to the statements from the resigning chief, Yan Tapp, citing an environment of tension within the council as his reason for stepping down, the new council indicated that it “understands that this may raise questions among our members. The situation deserves clarification. To this end, we are committed to providing details as soon as possible to ensure fair and transparent information,” the six councillors affirmed. 

“We prefer not to comment on his decision to leave on October 24, 2024. We respect his decision. We recall that Chief Tapp had announced his intention to officially begin his duties on October 11 through his media interviews, which resulted in a very short stint,” they added. 

Yan Tapp was elected chief on September 27 after a series of events following the September 8 election. At that time, the result declared Mark Sinnett the winner with 144 votes to Mr. Tapp’s 143, while Céline Cassivi came in third with 122 votes. After three recounts, the results remained tied at 143 votes each. According to the Nation’s Electoral Code, a draw is required in the case of a tie. With no news from Mark Synnett to participate in the draw, Mr. Tapp was appointed to lead. 

However, it seems that the start of the mandate was not easy and reflects the difficult relationships among the members of the Nation. 

In a message released to announce his departure, he indicated that “Many former members know the routine that accompanies each council mandate for our community: political and personal conflicts, as well as a sometimes toxic work environment.” 

“During my short mandate, I have noticed a flagrant lack of respect for the chief of the Nation within the community itself. (He was asked things like) “I have never had a chief before… What does a chief eat in winter? No comment…,” said the outgoing chief. 

Mr. Tapp expressed hope for a return to harmony within the Nation. His resignation marks the third leadership change in a relatively short time. Former Chief Terry Shaw resigned on January 26, citing family reasons. 

Former Chief Manon Jeannotte left her position in February 2019 for personal and family reasons after three and a half years at the helm of the community. Ms. Jeannotte had also highlighted “an atmosphere of intimidation within the nation,” at the time of her departure. 

Céline Cassivi is appointed chief of Gespeg Read More »

Gespeg finally has a new chief

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

of Gespeg has a new chief: Yan Tapp has been appointed after a deadlock following the vote on September 8. 

Initially, Mark Sinnett won with 144 votes to Mr. Tapp’s 143. A third candidate, Céline Cassivi, received 122 votes. After three recounts, it was determained that the two leading candidates tied at 143 votes each. 

The Nation’s Electoral Code stipulates that in the event of a tie, a draw would determine the winner. However, both candidates contested this procedure, arguing that it was undemocratic and would only create divisions. They wanted a new election. 

“The process was complicated and I can’t wait for it to be over so that the community can move forward. Who expected it to be an equal result between Mark and me? It’s been a long time coming,” says Mr. Tapp as the electoral process continues to be contested. 

Despite being elected after his opponent withdrew, Mr. Tapp believes that he has all the legitimacy to lead the Nation. 

“In my opinion, ‘yes’. A lot of people voted and I think I have some support from Mark as well. I’m hoping that the members who voted for him will join me,” he says. 

“With everything I’ve done in my community over the last few years, I’ve worked in a number of departments. It was time to be chief,” says the elected candidate.

“We have to move forward to amend the Electoral Code. The code, when amended during the last mandate, had not been reviewed for a long time. There has always been the aspect of contestation in each mandate. This year, it will have to be reviewed as it should be,” says Mr. Tapp. 

“I have an idea to clarify a lot of things, such as the means of contesting and, when there is a contest, to define the consequences,” says the new chief. 

The principle of a draw, recognized by other levels of government, also needs to be reviewed. “Is it still relevant? From what I understand from a community lawyer, it’s still customary. We’ll have to see if it’s still current,” adds the chief. 

The two tied candidates said that the draw “was a strange process”, but Mr. Sinnett made his choice by not contacting the returning officer to confirm his participation in the draw. Mark Sinnettr has kept a low profile since withdrawing from the process leading to Yan Tapp’s victory. 

Gespeg finally has a new chief Read More »

 Gespeg marks Truth and Reconciliation Day

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

 people marched through the streets of downtown Gaspé on September 30 as part of Truth and Reconciliation Day, aimed at honouring the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and the children who never returned home. 

This was the fourth such march in Gaspé, which has become a tradition. “Since the first announcement of the 215 little tombstones, (found near a residential school) we’ve done it every year,” says Jessica Jean-Morin, Cultural Officer for the Micmac Nation of Gespeg. 

Ms. Jean-Morin is referring to the discovery on May 27, 2021, of 215 unmarked children’s graves in the orchard of the former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia, run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. 

“This day is to honour and support the children who never returned to their families or those who returned with traumas from this genocide. We support the communities,” says Ms. Jean-Morin. 

“We don’t want people to forget. The last school closed in 1997. It hasn’t been that long,” notes Ms. Jean-Morin. 

Yan Tapp, the new chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, made his first public appearance at the event. “I’m very proud to be here with the members of the community, and it gives me a chance to share my vision with the people of the Gaspé community,” says Mr. Tapp. 

He notes that more and more people are taking part in the day. 

I see this reconciliation in the community. You can see it in the steps we take. We see new people joining in every year. It’s very interesting,” says the chief. 

The mayor and several Gaspé municipal councillors were also keen to take part in the event. 

“For us, harmony between peoples is a priority. It’s important to work towards reconciliation,” notes the mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté. The mayor intends to make contact with the new chief of Gespeg. They met for the first time on Monday morning at the march. “Our hand is outstretched. If we can lend a hand, we’ll always be happy to do so,” says Mr. Côté, whopoints out that the two communities have been working well together for a long time. 

Since 2017, the two councils had held a joint meeting to take this collaboration further, citing partnerships with Berceau du Canada in a video or Rivière-au-Renard, Capitale des pêches. 

“We were perhaps less aware of this reality. When you see the number of people who turned out for this walk for truth and reconciliation, it bodes well for the future,” says the mayor. 

In addition to members of the Gespeg Nation and the non-Aboriginal population, students from English-language schools in the Gaspé region took part in the march. 

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to pay tribute to the children who were never able to return home, to the survivors of residential schools and to their families and communities. 

Orange Shirt Day is a day of commemoration organised by Aboriginal communities to raise awareness of the intergenerational impact of residential schools on individuals, families and communities, and to promote the concept of Every Child Matters. 

The shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem that Aboriginal children suffered for generations. 

An estimated 6,000 children died while attending these residential schools.

 Gespeg marks Truth and Reconciliation Day Read More »

Gespeg’s September 8 election to be contested

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI journalist

GASPÉ: – Two candidates who finished neck and neck in the September 8 election for Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg are contesting the results. 

Initially, Mark Sinnett received 144 votes, Yan Tapp received 143, and Céline Cassivi received 122 votes. 

After three recounts, the result was established at 143 votes for each of the top two candidates. 

As outlined in the Electoral Code, a random draw will determine who will be elected Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, however, both candidates described that method as nonsense, during an interview on September 18. 

“We don’t want to participate in a draw to become the chief to represent our community. I don’t think that’s being well received, I don’t think it’s credible for our community. We want to unite our community and not divide it,” explains Mark Sinnett. 

According to the two candidates, the members didn’t all receive the pertinent information regarding the election.  “There was a serious failure, and the turnout shows that people weren’t even aware that there was an election in Gespeg,” adds Mr. Sinnett. 

“In all transparency, we discussed the election and the process and, at one point, we decided that enough was enough and that we had to contest the election as a whole. We believe that all members should have been informed at the outset of the election process to have an election that reflects the community,” adds Yan Tapp. 

Distrust had been circulating around the election since June when members of the Nation questioned a proposed amendment to the Electoral Code suggesting that, in addition to the chief, seven of the eight councillors remain in Gaspé. 

Confidence was shaken as several members had questioned a lack of transparency on the part of the Council in the last few months, and maybe even years. 

“We lost our chief about eight or nine months ago. It’s not a lack of intention on the part of the council, but when there is no leader, there are a lot of questions from our members about the leadership of the council at the moment,” explains Mr. Sinnett, referring to Terry Shaw’s resignation for personal and professional reasons in January. 

The Electoral Code provides that, in the event of a dispute, a committee of three individuals must make the decision. 

“We’d like to start over. We know it won’t necessarily unfold the same way. We know there will be a lot of contestation. Yan and I didn’t make this decision lightly. We talked to each other and decided it was the best decision for the community’s future,” continues Mr. Sinnett. 

Mr. Tapp also says it’s “for the good of the community. We are two people who are not there for our personal gain, but for the benefit of the community.” 

The returning officer will need to notify Gespeg’s administrator regarding the next step concerning the election. “We’re going to do what we must do to have a new, complete election,” says Mr. Sinnett. 

Out of the approximately 2,200 members of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, only about 420 participated in the election. 

SPEC attempted to reach the president of the election but was unsuccessful. 

Gespeg’s September 8 election to be contested Read More »

Ian Lafrenière visits the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GESGAPEGIAG – The Minister responsible for relations with First Nations admits that there is still a lot of work to be done before trust can be reestablished with the government.

While visiting Gesgapegiag and Listuguj on August 15, Ian Lafrenière indicated that efforts are ongoing to improve relations with these communities.

“It’s obvious that these are difficult relationships. Why? We are talking about 400 years of history, punctuated by moments that have not been glorious as Canadians and Quebecers. There is certainly mistrust. I am not comfortable telling you that everything is fine, but I am comfortable telling you that we are moving forward. We are gaining trust one file at a time. It will take time,” says the Minister.
In Gesgapegiag, the first subject that was discussed between the minister and the community was the salmon fishing conflict that escalated in late spring.

An agreement that had provided compensation to members of Gesgapegiag for 16 years expired on March 31. “The Wildlife file was transferred from the ministry, and it was more complex. Together, we agreed that we need to reach a medium and long-term agreement to avoid this type of situation that creates uncertainty and tension. We want to reach an agreement to provide more predictability,” the Minister explained.
Given the difficulties in capturing other species, alternative possibilities were also discussed. Additionally, several other priorities were mentioned.

The Minister also took the opportunity to visit the memorial dedicated to Aboriginal Veterans, a significant moment for him as a veteran, and a project in which the Quebec government contributed.
In Listuguj, Mr. Lafrenière reviewed completed projects. “In all cases, these are projects that have respected both the budget and the deadline. I am thinking of the school and the police station. There is a lot of movement and it is very positive,” the Minister mentions.

However, Mr. Lafrenière did not visit Gespeg due to a tight schedule but also for another factor.
“We know that there is a pre-election period in Gespeg. That is why I did not continue my trip. I would say that in terms of schedule and geography, I couldn’t do it. And in addition to this pre-election period, I refrain from visiting the communities. It will be soon,” he says, adding that he has visited the 55 communities in Quebec.

“It’s important to see the communities. That’s where we learn things. It’s not in our office,” maintains Mr. Lafrenière.

Ian Lafrenière visits the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

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