MNC Asserts Accountability and Transparency in Trial with MMF
Ottawa, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today marks the first day of a nine-week trial related to litigation filed by the Métis National Council (MNC). At its heart, this necessary litigation is about ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance within the Métis Nation.
The claim, filed against former MNC officials, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and others, arises from findings uncovered during an internal review conducted following the election of former MNC President Cassidy Caron in September 2021. This election itself followed years of political gridlock born from previous MNC leadership's open refusal to hold meetings or set an election date for a new MNC President as required under the MNC bylaws.
To protect ethical governance at the MNC, in 2021, four of the MNC's five Governing Members-the Métis Nation of Alberta (now Otipemisiwak Métis Government), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Métis Nation British Columbia-sought, and ultimately obtained, a court order directing an election be held.
Following the court-ordered election and Manitoba Métis Federation's withdrawal from the MNC, the remaining four MNC Governing Members ordered an internal review of financial and human resources practices during the disputed pre-election period.
The internal review found that funding and other assets meant to serve the entire Métis Nation's needs-including the Métis Veterans Legacy Program and Métis Archival Database-were allegedly mismanaged and diverted for the benefit of select individuals and Métis Governments, through inappropriate processes that contravened MNC's bylaws.
This compelled the Métis National Council's leadership to act decisively to protect and safeguard the interests of Métis citizens, including Métis Veterans, and the integrity of the Métis Nation's governance, and ensure that such mismanagement is not repeated.
AdvertisementWhy This Trial Matters
In 2021, the MNC's Board of Governors-comprised of the presidents of the Métis Nation of Alberta (now Otipemisiwak Métis Government), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Métis Nation British Columbia-unanimously voted to