MNC Asserts Accountability and Transparency in Trial with MMF

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OTTAWA, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today marks the first day of a nine-week trial related to the lawsuit brought by the Métis National Council (MNC). At its core, this necessary litigation is about ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance within the Métis Nation.

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The lawsuit, filed against former MNC officials, the Manitoba Metis Federation and others, arises from findings revealed during an internal review conducted after former MNC president Cassidy Caron was elected in September 2021. That election itself followed years of political gridlock resulting from previous elections. Explicit refusal of the MNC leadership to hold meetings or schedule the election of a new MNC president as required by the MNC bylaws.

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To protect ethical governance at the MNC, in 2021, four of the five ruling members of the MNC – the Métis Nation of Alberta (now the Otipemisiwak Métis Government), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Métis Nation of British Columbia – sought an order from The court ruled that the election be held, and he eventually obtained it.

Following the court-ordered election and the withdrawal of the Manitoba Métis Federation from the MNC, the MNC’s four remaining members ordered an internal review of financial and human resources practices during the disputed pre-election period.

The internal review concluded that funding and other assets intended to serve the needs of the entire Métis people – including the Veterans Heritage Program and the Métis Archive Database – were allegedly mismanaged and diverted to benefit selected individuals and Métis governments, through inappropriate processes inconsistent with multiple corporate policies Nationalities. Regulations.

This has compelled the leadership of the Métis National Council to act decisively to protect and safeguard the interests of Métis citizens, including Métis veterans, and the integrity of the governance of the Métis Nation, and to ensure that such mismanagement is not repeated.

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Why is this trial important?
In 2021, the MNC’s Board of Governors — composed of the chiefs of the Métis Nation of Alberta (now the Otipemisiwak Métis Government), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Métis Nation of British Columbia — voted unanimously to pursue litigation, recognizing their responsibility to confront mismanagement Which was discovered during the internal audit of financial and human resources.

The Board of Governors was clear: accountability and good governance are non-negotiable. This trial is about doing the right thing for the Métis Nation. Dead citizens deserve no less.

The Métis Nation deserves full transparency and accountability on this matter and a full understanding of the history of multinational corporate governance. Addressing these issues is critical to continuing to rebuild the MNC as an ethical institution that works for the benefit of Métis governments and citizens.

Since filing the lawsuit, the MNC has prioritized rebuilding trust, strengthening governance structures, and ensuring resources are directed to their intended purposes for the benefit of the entire Métis Nation – not select individuals or Métis governments.

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Move forward together
Despite the challenges posed by these legal proceedings, the MNC has continued to provide services to Métis citizens, advocate on Métis issues, secure funding for important programs, provide support to Métis veterans, and represent Métis interests at both the national and international stages.

MNC remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability and serving Métis governments and their citizens to their fullest potential. As the experience evolves, the MNC will continue to focus on the work that matters most, which is achieving meaningful results for Métis people and advancing the aspirations of the Métis Nation at the national and international levels.

The MNC has continued to provide services to Métis governments and the citizens they represent, advocating for a stronger, more united Métis Nation built on trust, respect and integrity.

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Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through the Métis Nation-Canada Compact, the MNC advocates on behalf of its governing members for the promotion of Métis rights and interests within their jurisdictions, including implementing the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency in its operations and in its relationships with the governing members of the MNC.

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