Sask. MP questions lack of advance polls on First Nations in byelection

MP Sheri Benson wants to know why there were no advance polls placed on First Nations for the federal byelection to replace a Saskatchewan MP.

The Battlefords-Lloydminster byelection was called after long-time MP Gerry Ritz stepped down in October. The byelection will take place on Dec. 11, but advance voting took place Dec. 1-4. 

Elections Canada confirmed Friday none of the advance polls were on reserves in the area. 

In question period Friday, Benson — the member of Parliament for Saskatoon-West — said it's unfair that some people in the riding of Battlefords-Lloydminster had to drive 45 minutes to vote in an advance poll.

"How can we encourage better election participation from Indigenous people if we don't have advance polls anywhere near Indigenous communities?" she said. "And how is this part of a nation-to-nation relationship?"

• Battlefords-Lloydminster byelection required as Gerry Ritz vacates seat
• Upcoming byelections to provide glimpse of 2019's decisive battlegrounds

MP Andy Fillmore, the parliamentary secretary to Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould, promised to look into the matter.

An Elections Canada spokesperson said while there were no advance polls on First Nations, there was consultation with the various First Nations communities in the area. 

"Electors living on reserves were allowed to vote in advance polling locations so everybody did have an advance polling location. However, at the advance polling days they were not on reserve," said Matthew McKenna, a spokesperson from Elections Canada. 

McKenna said the returning officer in the area did reach out to the nine reserves in the area.

On Monday's beyelection day, there will be polling stations open for voting on six First Nations: Onion Lake, Poundmaker, Red Pheasant, Little Pine, Sweetgrass and Saulteaux First Nations.

Five candidates are running to replace Ritz.