Released on June 30, 2006
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced the creation of an Independent Oversight Committee to assist in the holding of a new and fair democratic election for the leadership of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS). The announcement comes as the next step forward in efforts to facilitate a process that leads to a democratically elected MNS Provincial Council.Rita Bouvier, Ronald George James Lamabe and Marilyn Poitras have been named to the Committee. In addition, David Hamilton will be the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
"The establishment of this committee is in the best interests of all parties," said Rod Bruinooge for Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians Jim Prentice. "We have worked together in moving forward on this challenging situation, and acknowledge the constructive participation of the Métis National Council. We believe that this independent process will lead to a fair election and ensure greater accountability."
"Each member of the committee is a highly-regarded member of the Métis community with a keen interest in ensuring that the next MNS election is fair, accountable and responsive to the needs of Métis people," Saskatchewan's First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "This announcement represents a significant step forward in arriving at a fair and democratic election for the Métis people of Saskatchewan."
"We see today's announcement as a positive step forward in resolving the current electoral issues the MNS and the Métis people in Saskatchewan face," Métis National Council Vice-President Audrey Poitras added. "We have confidence in the selected men and women and their collective abilities to work with the MNS and Saskatchewan Métis in order to arrive at a democratic and fair election."
The Independent Oversight Committee will oversee the implementation and management of all aspects of the next MNS election. The Committee will operate under the principles of transparency and accountability and will communicate with the Métis community on the election process.
Together, the Committee and CEO will develop a timeline, work plan and budget for the election and establish a verifiable voter's list for the election. It is expected that the MNS will work with the Independent Oversight Committee to enable an early election to be held in accordance with the MNS Constitution.
Upon completion of the election process and the tabling of a final report to the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the new elected MNS Provincial Council, the Committee will dissolve.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Alethea Foster First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5701 Email: afoster@fnmr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306) 533-2168 | Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations Quebec Phone: (819) 953-1160 |
Robert MacDonald Métis National Council Phone: (613) 232-3216 |