Canada and Saskatchewan Renew Commitment to a Fair Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Election

News Release

Regina (March 27, 2007) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced that they have renewed their support for the Independent Oversight Committee's proposal to hold a fair and democratic election for the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS).
The Independent Oversight Committee was appointed by 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 Metis Nation Legislative Assembly/Annual General Meeting in April to consider holding an election a few months later. However, the required support for the proposal from the acting Provincial Métis Council was lacking and that resulted 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 Metis community to show support for the Independent Oversight Committee by approving the election proposal which will be presented at an April 2007 Metis Nation Legislative Assembly/Annual General Meeting, " said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians
"I am really pleased that work towards a new MNS election is back on track," said Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag. "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."
For further information contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002
Alethea Foster
Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations
(307) 787 5701
INAC Media Relations
(819) 953-1160

Search for related information by keyword

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Government and Politics

Page details

2016-12-15

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

Canada and Saskatchewan Renew Commitment to a Fair Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Election

News Release

Page details