SASKATOON – The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MNS) must hold a legislative assembly this summer, according to a judge’s ruling Monday. Judge Brian Scherman ruled that an assembly must be held on or before June 19, 2015.
The case was brought to court after the Provincial Métis Council (PMC) set a date for an assembly to occur in September.
An assembly last occurred in 2010, despite the organization’s constitution stating two are to be held each year. The group’s federal funding has been cut and may only be reinstated once an assembly is held.
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The decision comes amid political in-fighting between MNS President Robert Doucette and other members of the group.
“Our people told us to go out and defend their right to have a meeting,” said Doucette in an interview after the decision was released.
“Justice Sherman agreed with us and you know what, it’s a great day for all of us, not just Robert Doucette, but all Métis people across this country,” he added.
READ MORE: Métis Nation of Saskatchewan in jeopardy
Members of PMC argued that the assembly should be held “later rather than sooner” as the group needed enough time to prepare for an assembly and pass a budget before it could be held.
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