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Bertrand gets another shot

Former sub-chief Eva Hope disappointed in turn of events

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (July 25/03) - Floyd Bertrand has survived a political hurricane.

Over the past year, the 32-year-old rookie politician was attempting to lead a council that lacked any sense of cohesion.

NNSL Photo

After calling an early election due to constant infighting at band council meetings, Chief Floyd Bertrand is still the people's choice in Fort Liard. Last week, he garnered 107 to hold off challenges from former chiefs Harry Deneron, 71 votes, and Judy Kotchea 32 votes. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo


He said some councillors failed to show him any respect as chair of the meetings.

"We had some strong-minded people in our previous council... they overstepped their boundaries," said Bertrand.

"We really weren't doing anything for the (band) membership, we were spending too much time fighting."

As a result of all the bickering, Bertrand said he considered resigning. Then, after talking to some band members and reflecting on all the support he received in the last election, he said he and a majority of councillor agreed to call another election instead.

The voters returned him as chief and elected three of five new band councillors and a new youth councillor.

"Ultimately the membership has spoken and said who should continue and who should be the leader," Bertrand said, noting that he had cleaned out his office prior to the election just in case.

Eva Hope, sub-chief on the previous council, admitted that there were disagreements at council meetings but she maintains that they could have been overcome.

She feels she and councillor Joanne Deneron were vilified for being outspoken, she said.

As managers of local businesses, Hope said she and Deneron had economic expertise to share.

"We wanted policies and procedures to be followed so that the band could run effectively, and accountably. But they don't like that," said Hope, who did not run again last week.

"I'm a band member. I was born and raised here. If they treated me this way, who are they really representing? Are they going to represent me now or am I going to be just left on the side?"

Bertrand expressed confidence that he'll be able to make progress with the new council.

"I'm sure we can work collectively and positively together 'till our term is done," he said.

"I don't think that will be an issue from now on."