Peter Collins re-elected in Fort William

Fort William Chief Peter Collins is looking develop more economic opportunities, regional partnerships and energy projects after being re-elected April 7.
“We’re hoping to build a day care and an Elders centre,” Collins said after being elected to his seventh term as chief with about 200 of the 676 votes cast for chief. “All these things have to go to our council first.”
Collins is also looking forward to a debt-free status for his community due to two recently negotiated land claim agreements with the provincial and federal governments, the $154 million Fort William First Nation Boundary Claim and the $22 million Neebing Surrender Specific Claim.
“Once the Boundary Claim has been paid out in this community, our community will be debt free totally,” Collins said.
Collins said the eight candidates for chief were the largest number he has faced during his election campaigns.
“For me, it’s a great honour to serve this community,” Collins said. “I love the job I am doing, I love the people I work for. Albeit, at certain times during any year or at any give time, you face some criticism and some backlash from the people, but at the end of the day you make a decision and you stick to that decision and keep moving forward.”
Collins also noted the four women elected as councillors.
“There were two just short by a few votes so it looks like a women’s movement in the future for this community,” Collins said.
Councillors Ian Bannon, Tony Collins, Walter Bannon, Guy Collins, Phil Pelletier, Cathy Rogers, Leo Bannon Jr., Sherry Pelletier and Leo Bannon Sr. were re-elected while Mike Pelletier Sr., Georjann Morriseau and Valerie Chapman are newly elected councillors.