Members of the General Government Committee voted on Dec. 5 to pass NDP MPP France Gélinas’ amendment to include Wahnapitae First Nation in the provincial riding of Nickel Belt. The committee was considering Bill 45, the Election Statute Law Amendment Act.
“This is fabulous news for the members of Wahnapitae First Nation and I am thrilled the committee agreed with my amendment to make this important change happen,” said Gélinas. “Last year, a similar attempt was voted down by the Liberal government.”
“After waiting 10 years for the provincial government to correct a past mistake in riding boundaries, Wahnapitae First Nation is very happy that the General Government committee today passed MPP Gelinas’ amendment to include us in the riding of Nickel Belt,” said Wahnapitae FN Chief Ted Roque.
“We recognize the tremendous work done by MPP Gélinas over several years to make this change happen and we commend her on her fine work on our behalf."
On Nov. 23, Gélinas and Chief Ted Roque held a press conference at Queen’s Park to put pressure on the Liberal government to include the First Nation in Nickel Belt.
The First Nation is also included in the federal riding of Nickel Belt.
Bill 45 is scheduled for third reading on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The provision to include Wahnapitae First Nation in the riding of Nickel Belt would go into effect for the 2018 provincial election.