Democratic Rule Restored to Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS)

OTTAWA, March 21, 2014 /CNW/ - President Clément Chartier applauded today's decision of the Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan to nullify actions of MNS President Robert Doucette that had threatened the ouster of twelve democratically elected members of the Provincial Métis Council (PMC).

"President Doucette had made a mockery of the core principle of democratic accountability that has guided the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan since the founding of the MNS close to a century ago", said President Chartier. "There should be no room for illegal meetings, illegal removal of elected representatives, and illegal changes to the Constitution of the Métis people in Saskatchewan."

President Chartier congratulated Gerald Morin, MNS Vice President  and  MNS designate on the MNC Board of Governors, on  spearheading the court action along with other PMC members .

"Mr. Morin has long championed the cause of Métis rights," said Chartier. "Unfortunately this time he and fellow PMC members had to defend these rights from oppressive action from within our nation and that is truly regrettable."

Chartier said the court decision clears the way for the MNC to move on its General Assembly and Constitution Convention that had been delayed until the court decision.

"Those ousted PMC members are also members of the MNC General Assembly and our own bylaws require Assembly members to be democratically elected to provincial boards", said Chartier. "Mr. Doucette not only undermined the governance structure in Saskatchewan; he also disrupted our national General Assembly by trying to select his own delegates."

Chartier said the court decision, while welcomed, highlights a fundamental flaw in Métis governance.

"The fact that three other provincial presidents supported Mr. Doucette in his oppressive action is sad and sobering" said Chartier, "We must move decisively at our assembly and with our new constitution to finally put an end to the "old boys club" mentality of some of our leaders and truly place power in the hands of our people."

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation's homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 - 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

SOURCE: Métis National Council

Ke Ning, 613-297-5193 or [email protected]