A former First Nations band councillor facing sex-related charges pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.
Cyrus John Bernard, 52, was facing six counts each of sexual interference and sexual assault in relation to incidents between 2014 and 2015, but three of each were withdrawn in January.
Bernard, who was previously released from custody on conditions, had an arraignment hearing in Wagmatcook Provincial Court in January.
His case was adjourned in February, March, May, July and August.
At Wednesday’s election and plea hearing, Bernard opted to be tried by a judge, in supreme court; he’s scheduled to to court on Oct. 8 for a hearing to set a trial date.
Bernard was re-elected to We’koqma’q council in October, 2020; in a December letter to residents, Annie Bernard-Daisley, the band’s chief, said Bernard resigned effective immediately.
Bernard-Daisley said band officials were not required to fill the vacant seat, and they wouldn’t hold a byelection due to rising COVID-19 cases provincially.
