Northern Quebec Cree voters left behind despite promise of access

Elections Canada has made a promise that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, should have the opportunity to vote during advance polls. However, recent reports from Northern Quebec Cree communities have revealed that polling stations were closed, preventing residents from casting their ballots.

This issue is just the latest in a series of stories coming out of northern Quebec, where community members have faced challenges when trying to vote. On election day, some Nunavik communities experienced early closures or a complete lack of polling stations.

Guy Beaulieu, a resident of Whapmagoostui, was one of the individuals who encountered difficulties while attempting to vote during the advance polls. Despite receiving a voter information card stating that advance polls would be open from April 18 to 21, Beaulieu arrived at the local sports complex to find the doors locked. This left him unable to cast his ballot before he had to leave for medical travel on election day.

Beaulieu’s experience is not an isolated incident. Other Cree communities, such as Chisasibi, also faced delays and obstacles during the advance polls. Norman A. Wapachee, interim grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, has been vocal about these longstanding issues in northern communities, particularly in Nunavik.

Wapachee has emphasized the need for Elections Canada to uphold its promises and ensure that all Canadians have equal access to voting opportunities. He has called for better support and resources to be allocated to northern communities to prevent situations like the one experienced during the recent election.

With the election of Mandy Gull-Masty, a Cree from Waswanipi, as the new representative for the riding, there is hope for positive change. Wapachee believes that having an Indigenous voice in government will lead to improvements in various areas, including voting accessibility for northern communities.

Following the outcry from residents and calls for an investigation by Inuit organizations in Nunavik, Elections Canada issued an apology and committed to reviewing the circumstances surrounding the voting challenges. It is crucial for individuals to speak out and use their voices to hold officials accountable and drive change.

As Beaulieu and others continue to advocate for improved voting opportunities in remote communities like Whapmagoostui, the importance of honoring promises and ensuring equal access to the democratic process remains paramount. It is essential for Elections Canada to learn from these experiences and take concrete steps to address the systemic barriers faced by northern residents when exercising their right to vote.