FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, Ont. – Peter Collins will have a 10th term leading Fort William First Nation.
Collins, the long-time chief, was re-elected in Monday's band election, defeating challenger Bonnie Pelletier.
"I think they appreciate the work I do in the community," Collins said. "When I get (re-elected), that gives me a passing report card even though it may be close sometimes. When you live a political lifestyle, you're always up for a challenge and I look forward to those challenges."
Collins was first elected in 1998 and served continuously until 2007. He returned in 2009 until 2013, when he decided not to seek re-election. He ran again and was voted back into office in 2015, followed by another successful re-election bid in 2017.
The next four years have a challenging road ahead, Collins said, identifying moving forward with plans for a 96-bed long-term care home in the community as a main priority. The project is undergoing the second stage of the approval process, with a land designation potentially coming in the next few months and the hope of groundbreaking next year.
"It's so important because it creates a lot of jobs, upwards of 60-plus jobs. Those are long-term, sustainable jobs and a great future for all of our folks who want that job," Collins said.
"(The elders) stay close to the community. It's always a challenge when they take them over to (St. Joseph's Care Group) and they go from here to there every day. I think it's very important having them here in the community and close to their family."
Collins said other priorities include resolving an ongoing taxation dispute, addressing opioid abuse and securing sufficient funding for young adults with disabilities to ensure inclusiveness.
While the results haven't been finalized as one council position is subject to an automatic recount, Collins said the preliminary tally has three new councillors joining the table.
The chief and councillors had previously served two-year mandates, but this election marked the first time that successful candidates would be voted into four-year terms.
"It'll be a strong foundation as to where you need to be in four years," Collins said. "You take the first couple of months, educating and learning our roles and the issues we have at hand and jump on those issues and make sure they get dealt with in a timely manner."
Fort William First Nation councillors (2019-2023):
- Jennelle Charlie
- Sherry Lynn Pelletier
- Desiree Morriseau-Shields
- Kyle Maclaurin
- Leo Bannon Jr.
- Sheldon (Shezzy) Bannon
- Yvette A. Greenwald
- Michele B. (Johnson) Solomon
- Philip Pelletier
- Anthony (Tony) Collins
- Leo L. (Jiggs) Bannon
- Tannis Kastern
