Brian Francis re-elected chief of Abegweit First Nation

Residents of Abegweit First Nation on P.E.I. elected Brian Francis to a third consecutive four-year term as chief Thursday.

Francis took 78 of 105 ballots cast.

"The priorities are to continue to look at developing new owned-source revenues, expand our fisheries and providing much-needed jobs to our community members," said Francis.

His main economic focus will be on expanding the biodiversity hatchery on the Scotchfort reserve, he says.

Jacob Jadis and Daren Knockwood were also elected to council.

The new council will take office in August.

The election was open only to band members who live on reserve lands. Francis says the band is exploring legal avenues to open the vote to off-reserve members as well.

"We're hoping to have a result of that decision probably in a year or so," he said.