A Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Councillor has been removed from office and barred from running for office in the Band’s upcoming election, following an investigation by an independent third party. Spence Coutlee served as a Councillor from first being elected in 2019, until his removal from office by a majority vote of Council in October 2022.
According to a statement released by LNIB’s Chief and Council, Coutlee breached the duties of his office in the months immediately following his 2019 election. While the nature of the breach was not made public, a full 54 page report from an independent investigator details the incident. The report is only available to LNIB members, at the Band’s administration hall. Coutlee did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment.
“In early 2020, Council became aware of allegations that Councillor Spence Coutlee had breached his duties and obligations as a LNIB Councillor as a result of a series of actions taken by him between November 2019 and July 2020,” said LNIB’s Chief and Council in a statement.
“After careful consideration, Council, by way of a 4-3 majority vote, has concluded that Councillor Coutlee violated the Chief and Council Policy, the Oath of Office, and the LNIB Financial Administration Law, and that he engaged in a conflict of interest and breached his fiduciary duties.”
The statement details that LNIB Chief and Council retained an independent investigator to protect the interests of the Band and Coutlee, with the investigator concluding in her final report that Coutlee had violated several LNIB policies. LNIB says that the report’s June 30, 2022 release date was delayed by, among other things, Coutlee’s refusal to participate in the investigation.
Coutlee had announced his intention to run for Chief, and was declared an official candidate up until he was declared ineligible. While the period of ineligibility is unclear, the press release states that Coutlee will be unable to run in the upcoming election. That leaves LNIB with three options for Chief, and 18 for council.
“Council also determined that given the serious potential harm that those breaches could have caused to the LNIB community, it is necessary to remove Councillor Coutlee from office effective immediately, and to declare him ineligible to run for LNIB Chief or Council in the upcoming election,” added the statement.
“This is a very difficult decision, and it is one that we are reluctant to make. However it is necessary to take these steps in order to protect the interests of the LNIB community.”
LNIB is currently holding its general election. Band members can vote online, in person, or by mail-in ballot. General election day is October 22, 2022. For more information, visit www.lnib.net/elections.
