Internal Dispute Closes METSI Office

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at 13:09

 

 

A Metis leader in Saskatoon says she believes political motivation is behind a recent decision to suspend Robert Doucette as manager of the city’s METSI office.

 

Early this morning, a news release issued out of the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan head office in Saskatoon stated that MNS presidential candidate Robert Doucette had been suspended from his job.

 

Henry Cummings, the man recently awarded the status of area director for MNS Western Region 2A by the Metis Elections Commission, took responsibility for the move

saying it was done because Doucette was under investigation.

 

However, just a short time ago, Doucette issued a public statement saying any allegations against him are likely untrue and he is currently examining his legal options.

 

Meanwhile, Victoria Polsfut, a candidate against Cummings in this spring’s election, says nobody is winning by the decision to suspend Doucette.

 

She feels the move is politically motivated and has nothing to do with what’s best for the Metis Employment and Training office.

 

She says the office is currently closed due to the conflict and that has existing staff worried.

 

Polsfut also challenges Cummings’ authority to suspend anyone, saying it is not within the constitution of either MNS or METSI.

 

She says she’s not sure how the situation will be resolved.

 

Cummings has been unavailable for comment.