Pearl Lorentzen
For South Peace News
Northland School Division has a new chair but it took a draw from a hat to determine the chair after three consecutive tie votes.
Former vice-chair Tanya Fayant’s name was drawn over incumbent Robin Guild at the organizational meeting at Wabasca Sept. 28.
Northland has eight trustees, which resulted in the three tie votes. Seven of the trustees were present in person while Marianne Moberly, Susa Creek trustee, appeared via video.
Guild is the trustee for Wabasca and Chipewyan Lake, north of Slave Lake. Fayant represents Elizabeth Métis Settlement and Fishing Lake Métis Settlements, in the Cold Lake area.
“I think Robin’s done a great job,” Fayant starting during her opening remarks.
However, she added, she thinks her skill set would be beneficial in the chair position, especially regarding advocacy.
“We have some places that we need to go,” she said.
Guild’s comments focused on continuity.
“I just want to thank everyone for the faith in me for the last 10 months,” he said, also mentioning his over 20 years on the Northland board.
The trustees voted which resulted in a tie.
Aimee McCamon represents Anzac, Janvier, and is Conklin trustee, in the Fort McMurray area. She mentioned that the role of chair has a lot of meetings and public engagements. Guild is also an M.D. of Opportunity councillor and Fayant has returned to school.
“Do you feel you had the time for that?” she asked.
“There’s very few events I missed as chair,” Guild replied.
Fayant said she had been attending events as vice-chair and had the time to continue.
“I don’t think either of us would put our name in if we weren’t able to give 110 per cent,” she added.
Wally Rude, Calling Lake (south of Wabasca) trustee, said he hadn’t really thought about the chair decision before the meeting because, “I’ve been so happy and pleased with this configuration (Guild as chair and Fayant as vice chair). I feel like there’s a stability there.”
“I’ve enjoyed being the vice-chair,” said Fayant.
However, she added that the times she got to speak with the MLAs were good, but she’d feel like she had more clout as the chair.
“It’s hard to have the authority as the vice chair,” she said.
“I’m still going to do it (advocate), if I’m chair, vice-chair, or sitting in that chair.
“I think we are stable,” she added. “I think we need to advocate for our needs, and I feel that’s my strength.”
“Me and Tanya have really worked well together,” said Guild.
“In all honesty, either one of us would be good.”
He added they just had slightly different mindsets.
Jesse Lamouche, trustee for East Prairie Métis Settlement by High Prairie, spoke next.
His comment was that last year the board and administration did community engagement in each community served by Northland and this should be a priority this year as well.
“Community engagement is huge,” agreed Guild.
“We’ve got to go back soon,” agreed Fayant. “I’m usually the one making pushes for change.”
The board voted again, which resulted in a second tie. No one had anything more to say, so it went directly into a third vote, which was also a tie.
Administration gave Guild and Fayant the option leaving the room and having a discussion between the two of them who would be chair. Or to have a draw. They chose a draw.
Guild put his name forward for vice-chair and elected by acclamation.