MNO: Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI): Chief Electoral Officer

Press Release

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is seeking expressions of interest for a Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in accordance with MNO Electoral Codes Part A and Part B.

The Chief Electoral Officer is an independent, nonpartisan entity selected and appointed by the Provisional Council of the MNO (PCMNO) through a vetting process, pursuant to MNO Electoral Code Part A who is charged with operating Elections for the MNO.

The Chief Electoral Officer’s relationship with MNO is not one of employee, but of independent contractor. The MNO encourages and welcomes applications from Metis candidates to fill this dynamic and important role within the MNO’s governance structure.

Objective:

The objective of this Expression of Interest (EOI) is to select a candidate to provide a high quality of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality as the Chief Electoral Officer for the MNO, to over see MNO Community Council Elections as per Métis Nation of Ontario Electoral Code: Part B and Community Council Electoral Codes for a period ending March 31, 2022

Statement of Work:

Within the period to March 31, 2022, sixteen (16) MNO Community Councils are due for elections. Additional Community Council elections could be necessary depending on resignations, issues of quorum, etc.

The Chief Electoral Officer will work with the MNO’s Community Relations team to facilitate the Community Council election process. Due to COVID, the MNO Secretariat, through the Community Relations team, will be working with third party agencies that have the capability to provide electronic and telephone voting options in order to effectively conduct Community Council elections.

The successfully appointed candidate must be able to provide the following functions as per the aforementioned MNO Electoral Codes and related policies:

- - perform all duties assigned pursuant to MNO Electoral Codes Part A and Part B and any policies adopted under them;
  - provide guidance and supervision respecting the conduct of elections;
  - at the request of a Community Council, consult with respect to amendments to a Community Council Electoral Code;
  - provide any necessary interpretation of MNO Electoral Codes;
  - provide Election Officers any information and guidance they consider necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions of Electoral Code;
  - investigate any appeals from candidates in Community Council elections and issue decisions in writing that shall be final and binding;
  - make decisions or provide direction or interpretation that is final and binding for the purposes of Community Council elections;
  - ensure that their conduct and the conduct all Election Officers are guided by the principles of fairness and impartiality;
  - take responsibility for decisions, directions or interpretations that will be final and binding for the purposes of Community Council elections;
  - other duties as required.

Note: The Chief Electoral Officer is not able to vote in a Community Council election even if a member of that community.

To be included in the Expression of Interest

The EOI must include:

1. 1. a statement of professional experience and/or relevant qualifications;
  2. an overview of experience and/or involvement working with Metis Governments and/or communities
  3. a cost breakdown including fees and other expenses; and
  4. the names of two (2) references that may be contacted by MNO staff or members of PCMNO.

Confidentiality

Responses to this EOI will be considered as confidential information by the MNO and will be used solely for the purposes of selecting the successful candidate.

Submissions

If you have questions about the EOI or submission and selection process please contact Jennifer St. Germain, Chief Strategy Officer at 613-858-2284 or jennifers@metisnation.org.

All proposals will be acknowledged. Only those submissions that meet the deadline will be considered.

Responses to this EOI must be received by the close of business (5:00pm ET) on March 19, 2021. Please send submissions to: sarahb@metisnation.org

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