SASKATOON – Saying it could “provide Shakespeare with inspiration for a new tragedy,” a judge has order the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS) to hold a provincial council meeting. Court of Queen’s Bench Judge Brian Scherman made the ruling on Dec. 22, stating the meeting must be held by Jan. 23, 2015.
“It is clear that within MNS there are profoundly differing political and personal views as to what is in the best interests of the MNS,” stated Scherman in his ruling. “The court must be diligent in ensuring that the relief it grants does not compromise the ability of the factions and individuals to advance their policy and political agendas.”
At issue between two factions was the agenda for a provincial council meeting (PCM). One side, led by MNS vice-president Gerald Morin, wants a review of the executive’s administration of the MNS’s financial affairs included on the agenda.
The other faction, led by president Robert Doucette, wants the meeting to be held with an agenda drawn up only by him, or only by the executive, with only one item up for discussion – the calling of a legislative assembly.
Scherman settled the issue by ordering Doucette to call a two-day PCM by Jan. 23, 2015, and that “no one shall attach any conditions restricting the agenda of the meeting.” He also stated the “agenda of the meeting of the PMC shall be settled by a majority vote of the members of the PMC present.”
Doucette has called for a PCM to be held in Saskatoon on Jan. 16-17, 2015. The last PCM was held in February 2013 and the last legislative assembly was held in November 2010. Under the MNS constitution, two legislative assemblies and one general assembly are to be held yearly.
The infighting has stopped the flow of federal money to the organization. On Nov. 1, 2014, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt halted funding as MNS failed to hold an assembly by the end of September 2014 due to “ongoing internal governance issues.”
MORE: Feds to stop funding Metis Nation-Saskatchewan
At the time, Valcourt stated he hoped the MNS would find a way to give Metis people in the province the governance they deserved. Doucette says without the federal money, the MNS might have to close its doors on March 31, 2015 “due to a lack of funding.”
In 2013, the two sides squared off outside the Saskatoon MNS offices as protestors called for Doucette’s resignation. At the time, Morin said there were concerns about an overhaul of the group’s governance structure and Doucette was acting secretive.
MORE: Sides square off at Saskatoon Metis Nation building
Documents obtained earlier this year by The Canadian Press revealed that the Saskatchewan group was audited in 2012 after questions arose about their management and finances.
The Saskatchewan audit raised questions about executive compensation and travel. The organization said they have since dealt with the issues raised in the audits.
With files from The Canadian Press
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