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CBC
17 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Suspended regional directors defiant in fight against Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
A pair of suspended Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) regional directors are not backing down from their fight with the organization. On Tuesday, Sherry McLennan and Wendy Gervais were barred from the room at the Dakota Dunes conference centre south of Saskatoon where newly elected members of the MN-S government were being sworn in. They arrived to find the agenda already listed them as "not in attendance." The two regional directors were both re-elected in the MN-S election on May 24 — McLennan in Western Region 2 and Gervais in Western Region 3. McLennan and Gervais were barred from attending meetings of the Provincial Métis Council (PMC) after a harassment complaint against them and two other people. The two regional directors said they are limited in what they can publicly share about the process, but that they didn't receive due process and the PMC has no right to bar them from their governance roles. "The constitution of the Métis-Nation Saskatchewan is very clear," Gervais said Thursday, standing beside McLennan at a news conference in Prince Albert that was packed with about 100 supporters. "Regional representatives hold constitutionally protected roles, and there is no mechanism that allows for our removal without due process. "Further, as our legal counsel has noted, any attempt to remove us must originate from the citizens of our regions, not from political actors behind closed doors." MN-S responded with a statement. "The complaint was the culmination of the ongoing harassment of the PMC's sole employee, MN–S Chief Executive Officer Richard Quintal, by McLennan, Gervais, and two other previously elected individuals," the statement said. "In response to the CEO's complaint, the four individuals filed counter complaints against the CEO." MN-S said an investigation into the complaints sided with Quintal and that his human rights had been violated. The investigator also said the four counter-claims were unfounded and "they will not be permitted to attend any PMC meetings until such apology is provided." At the time, McLennan, Gervais and the other two people accused of harassment said in a statement that they were "unilaterally sanctioned" and that the harassment investigation was "improperly conducted." On Thursday, McLennan laid some actions they want MN-S leadership to commit to: Acknowledge procedural failings in the handling of the complaint. Commit to an approach that respects the rights and dignity of all complainants, especially women. Ensure that the harassment complaints are taking seriously and reinvestigated through a fair, independent and respectful process. Guarantee that all future investigations adhere strictly to the policy, including mutual agreement on a third-party investigator and timelines that allow for safe and supported participation. Reaffirm a commitment to the safety and inclusion of Métis women within all levels of the MN-S. Restore McLennan and Gervais's seats at the table immediately and allow them to take their oaths of office. Gervais said this controversy is bigger than the suspension. "This is about the integrity of our governance, about the right of elected representatives to do their job they were chosen to do, about ensuring that Métis women are no longer silenced for speaking up, and that internal grievances, however valid they are, are handled through fair and culturally respectful processes, not through political punishment." McLennan said the suspensions are an attempt to stifle their voices. "I believe my voice has been shut out because I'm a woman and I really support my Western Region 2 and I bring their voices to the table," McLennan said. The MN-S response statement said the sanctions against the women will remain in effect until they publicly apologize. MN–S president Glen McCallum said it is a human rights issue. "One of our staff was harassed in a very public forum and our government prides itself on being able to provide a safe work environment, free of that kind of treatment by elected [officials] or otherwise, and have taken the necessary steps to address the situation," he said.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
More voters, more excitement for Métis Nation-Sask. election, prof says
Métis citizens in the province will head to the polls this weekend for what could be one of the most exciting Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) leadership elections in recent memory, according to an expert in Métis governance and politics. Citizens are voting for four executive leadership and 12 regional director positions that make up the Provincial Métis Council. Advance voting is over, leaving election day on May 24 as the last chance to vote. "In the last 10 years, we've seen a practice of good governance and clean elections, and I think there's a lot of citizens that are ready to participate in this government and moving this government forward," said Kurtis Boyer, a University of Saskatchewan assistant professor and the Research Chair in Métis governance and policy at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. "I think we'll see an increase in votes being cast in this election … and on the minds of the citizens will be just simply the things that have brought them to citizenship: programs and services, the movement toward self government and the practice of good governance." There are almost 28,000 eligible voters this election, up from about 16,000 in the 2021 election, said Gwen LaFond, the MN-S chief electoral officer. "We are fully staffed and expecting a good voter turnout," LaFond said. "It is the last opportunity for Métis citizens to cast their vote and we're excited to see the turnout." There are five candidates for MN-S president: Naz Chalifoux, Kevin Henry, Bonnie Grace Marwood, incumbent Glen McCallum and Lisa McCallum. Citizens can also vote for vice-president, treasurer and secretary in addition to voting for one of 12 regional directors. One of the big tasks for the new MN-S administration is negotiating a modern treaty and self-government agreement with Ottawa, a process that began several years ago with a goal of finishing this year. "There's a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure that path continues and I think that's what voters are looking for in leadership today," Boyer said, adding that relationship-building with other governments will be key to a successful administration. LaFond said the elections office changed a few policies to help inform voters and encourage turnout, such as adding candidate profiles and platforms to the election website instead of just a list of names. The elections team also focused on getting more youth involved and hired some to work at polling stations. "We can use the polls to teach them about democracy … to grow them as Métis youth citizens, but also to help them understand the election process," LaFond said. Boyer said he's seen more Métis youth on campus interested in politics and governance in recent years. "They're informed and they know that their vote matters now.… So I think it's just a wonderful and exciting opportunity for young people to come and be involved in the nation building," Boyer said. How to Vote Election day is May 24 and polls are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST. Unofficial results will be available on the MN-S website later that night. Eligible voters include Métis citizens who are at least 16 years old on May 24, 2025, and have lived in Saskatchewan for at least six months before election day. For regional representatives, voters must live in the region in which the candidates are running. Citizens can register to vote at polling stations and will have to show a valid Métis citizenship card or a letter from the registrar showing eligibility for citizenship. Voters also need to show ID from an approved list and a Saskatchewan health card. Voters must cast a ballot in the region where they reside. See the full list of polling stations in the province to find out where to vote.
