The Council of Frog Lake First Nation (“Council”) advises that the Frog Lake First Nation Election Appeal Committee (the “Appeal Committee”) has issued its final written decision, dated September 29, 2026, regarding a Removal Complaint concerning Chief Gregory Desjarlais.

Council previously became aware of serious concerns regarding a payment of Nation funds made to Mr. Desjarlais. In response, and consistent with its responsibility to protect the interests of the Nation and ensure accountability in the use of Nation funds, Council retained MNP LLP to conduct an independent investigation and placed Mr. Desjarlais on administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Following Council’s decision to place Mr. Desjarlais on administrative leave, Mr. Desjarlais commenced a judicial review application in the Federal Court challenging Council’s actions and sought injunctive relief. The Federal Court dismissed the injunction application. The dismissal allowed the investigation, the Removal Complaint process, and the Appeal Committee hearing to proceed in accordance with Frog Lake First Nation law.

During the course of the investigation, Council received a Removal Complaint under the Frog Lake First Nation Election Code (the “Election Code”). Consistent with its obligations under the Election Code and the governance processes established by Frog Lake First Nation law, Council referred the complaint to the Appeal Committee for an independent hearing and determination.

The Appeal Committee is an independent body constituted under the Election Code. Following a hearing held at Frog Lake First Nation on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and after considering the evidence and submissions of the parties, the Appeal Committee granted the Removal Complaint. Accordingly, Gregory Desjarlais has been removed from the Office of Chief, effective immediately.

The matter before the Appeal Committee concerned a payment of Nation funds to Mr. Desjarlais that was recorded in the Nation’s financial records as a travel advance. The Appeal Committee found that the funds were applied toward the purchase of a residential property and were not for the benefit of Frog Lake First Nation or its membership. The Appeal Committee therefore determined that the use of funds was improper within the meaning of section 11.1(a)(ii) of the Election Code and inconsistent with the obligations of the Oath of Office.

The Appeal Committee exercised its discretion not to order a by-election. The Election Code requires a by-election only where more than twelve months remain before the next General Election, which is scheduled for April 2027. The Appeal Committee concluded that the expense and administrative burden of a by-election were not warranted, given the short period remaining in the current term.

Council identified these concerns, retained MNP LLP to conduct an independent investigation, referred the Removal Complaint to the Appeal Committee, and ensured that the matter was addressed through the independent processes established under Frog Lake First Nation law. Council respects the independence and integrity of those processes and accepts the decision of the Appeal Committee.

Council recognizes that this matter has been difficult for many members of the Nation. Council’s immediate priority is to maintain stable governance and to ensure the continued, uninterrupted delivery of programs, services, and operations to members.

The Appeal Committee’s decision also sets out recommendations intended to strengthen the Nation’s financial governance, including:

• the development of financial policies governing advances, loans, travel, and remuneration for Chief and Council;
• measures to ensure accountability, transparency, disclosure, and the documentation of expenses; and
• professional development for finance personnel in the application of those policies.

Council will carefully review these recommendations and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and sound governance.

Council respectfully asks members and the public to respect the integrity of the Appeal Committee’s process and decision, and asks that all individuals involved be treated with dignity and respect. As related proceedings may be ongoing, Council will not be offering further comment at this time.

Frog Lake First Nations #121 & #122 Council:

Councillor Wanda Stanley
Councillor Adrianna Waskahat
Councillor Jason Quinney
Councillor Colin Quinney
Councillor Dallas Waskahat
Councillor Cliffton Cross