Metis Election Back On

Metis Election Back On

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 17:51

 

 

The federal and provincial governments have given the green light to stage a new Metis Nation of Saskatchewan election — just weeks after pulling out of the process.

 

Both governments say they’re satisfied by a new plan created by an independent oversight committee examining the process.

 

The plan also appears to have the blessing of the Provincial Metis Council. Tough talk from the P.M.C. earlier this year prompted the province and Ottawa to temporarily step away from the negotiations.

 

I.O.C. member Ron Lemabbe says a Metis Nation Legislative Assembly has been set for the morning of April 21st at the Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon.

 

He explains certain procedures have been set in place to verify who will be recognized as legitimate Metis local presidents at the event.

 

He adds the presidents will be required to ratify a one-time change in the MNS Constitution to hold this particular vote.

 

The change will then be passed on to a general assembly of Metis citizens that afternoon, at which point 75 per cent of the members will have to accept it, as well.

 

He adds the only thing on the agenda of either meeting will be electoral reform.

 

Lemabbe says $500,000 has been freed up by the two levels of government for the election, as well as for the creation of a voter registry.

 

Lemabbe adds if everything goes well, an election will be held in June.