The entire band council of Esgenoôpetitj First Nation has been dismissed by a federal cabinet order after an investigation found evidence of vote buying in the 2014 election.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston issued the order on Thursday, on the recommendation of the minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

The federal government says there appears to be 'credible, corroborated evidence' that several Esgenoôpetitj First Nation band council candidates in the 2014 election engaged in vote buying. (iStock) "It appears that there is credible, corroborated evidence that several candidates engaged in vote buying in connection with this election," the order-in-council states.

No information about the nature of the evidence is revealed.

But "following a review of all particulars and documents filed in connection with the appeal, which included a report prepared by an independent investigator," Minister Carolyn Bennett "is satisfied that there was corrupt practice in connection with the election," it states.

As a result, the order sets aside the June 14, 2014 election of Alvery Paul as chief and all 12 councillors in the northeastern Mi'kmaq community, also known as Burnt Church.

It comes just before the end of the band council members' two-year terms. The next election is slated for June 11, with nominations due on April 30.

No one at the band council office could immediately be reached for comment.

Investigations take too long

Curtis Bartibogue, who previously served on the band council for about 10 years, is disappointed.

Band council candidates offering cash in exchange for votes "has been going on for a long time now," said Bartibogue, who filed an appeal of the 2010 election.

That appeal resulted in the chief and three councillors being removed.

Curtis Bartibogue contends vote buying has been a long-standing problem in the community, also known as Burnt Church. (CBC) Bartibogue chose not to reoffer in the 2014 election and has been living off the reserve for about two years.

"I do believe that there should be investigations to keep that transparency and accountability for our communities and making sure election fraud is addressed in all First Nations in our territory," he said.

An investigation that takes nearly the entire length of the band council's term, however, "really doesn't make any sense," said Bartibogue.

Under the Indian Band Election Regulations, the appeal would have been filed within 90 days of the June 2014 election.

"It shouldn't be taking that long," he said.

The minister and department officials failed to respond to questions on Thursday or Friday.

The 12 dismissed councillors include:

Joseph Bartibogue

Joseph Bonnell

Derek Dedam

Mark Simon

Carrie Dedam

Sheila Francis

Pernell Bonnell

Clark Dedam

Calvin Barnaby

Billy Francis

Mary Richardson

Frances Joe

In September 2011, then-chief Wilbur Dedam and three of his band councillors were fired over allegations of vote buying in the 2010 election. Dedam had been in office for more than 30 years.

In 2002, the band council was told to resign so a new election could be held, following an investigation into vote buying and other corruption.

The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs declared the August 2001 election invalid and ordered the Mi'kmaq band to hold a new election for chief and council within 30 days.

The Esgenoôpetitj reserve is located on the Atlantic coast near Miramichi.