Feds Explain Selection Of GDI To Replace METSI

Feds Explain Selection Of GDI To Replace METSI

Friday, January 12, 2007 at 13:16

 

 

The federal government is shedding more light on why it chose to replace the now-defunct Metis Employment and Training of Saskatchewan Incorporated (METSI) with the Gabriel Dumont Institute.

 

It was a little under a year ago that Ottawa chose not to renew funding to METSI.

 

Gerald Gosselin, the director of aboriginal services at Service Canada, says the move was made due to a history of financial irregularities and police investigations into METSI.

 

He says the government feels much more comfortable with GDI, due to its proven track record, its organizational structure, the transparency of its board selection process, and the controls and procedures that are in place for the hiring of staff.

 

GDI will have to go through the Saskatchewan government when it comes to selecting board members.

 

Adelle Crocker, a manager with Service Canada, explains that new board members must be screened by provincial minister in charge Pat Atkinson before they’re allowed to serve.

 

Crocker says the provision is in place to keep the GDI board as non-political as possible.

 

Crocker notes Ottawa considered four other applicants interested in taking over from METSI before deciding on GDI.

 

Gosselin says the department conducted a thorough examination of the other parties before handing out the contract, and GDI shone above the rest.