WHITEFISH RIVER FIRST NATION—Franklin Paibomsai, long-time former chief of the Whitefish River First Nation (WRFN) has been elected to fill the vacant seat on council.
A byelection was held this past Saturday, April 4 to fill the position on council. Franklin Paibomsai received a total of 113 votes to win the election and fill the vacant seat on council (left vacant since the passing of long-time councillor and former chief) Leona Nahwegahbow, earlier this spring. Others in the running for the councillor position included Caralyn McGregor who received 70 votes, Caroline Jacko with 35 votes, Carl Cywink who received 26 votes, Gail Jacko with 23 votes and Valarie McGregor who received 16 votes.
Electoral officer Vaughn Johnston said 283 valid ballots were cast for councillor, with no rejected ballots.
The vacancy was declared on February 24, and an electoral officer was appointed. This was in accordance with First Nation’s election code, that a by-elected must be held within 45 days of a position on council being declared vacant.
