Released on March 27, 2007
Today the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan announced that they have renewed their support for the Independent Oversight Committee’s proposal to hold a fair and democratic election for the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS).
The Independent Oversight Committee was appointed by both the federal and provincial governments in June of 2006 to oversee a new MNS election after it was determined that due to various irregularities the results of the 2004 MNS election could not be relied upon.
The Committee released a comprehensive election strategy earlier this year. The strategy included a proposal for a Métis Nation Legislative Assembly/Annual General Meeting in April to consider holding an election a few months later. The required support for the proposal, from the acting Provincial Métis Council was lacking thus resulting in the termination of the joint federal/provincial support in February 2007.
Based on recent discussions with the Independent Oversight Committee, the two governments have recognized that circumstances have changed and the conditions are now in place for the Committee to facilitate a fair and democratic election.
“I wish to reaffirm the support of the Government of Canada for the work of the Independent Oversight Committee. It will be important for Saskatchewan’s Métis community to show support for the Independent Oversight Committee by approving the election proposal, which will be presented at an April 2007 Métis Nation Legislative Assembly/Annual General Meeting,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
“I am really pleased that work toward a new MNS election is back on track,” Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. “Métis people of Saskatchewan have indicated they want an open, fair and democratic election, and I urge all Métis people and organizations to support the work of the Independent Oversight Committee.”
-30-
For more information, contact:
Alethea Foster
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: afoster@fnmr.gov.sk.ca
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Ottawa
Phone: 819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 819-953-1160