MNC Taking Hands-Off Approach To MNS Scandal

MNC Taking Hands-Off Approach To MNS Scandal

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 14:15

The president of the Metis National Council won’t intervene in the election scandal facing the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan.

Nine people face charges in connection to last year’s vote. Two of them are high-ranking MNS officials — provincial secretary Ralph Kennedy and area director Henry Cummings.

However, MNC president Clem Chartier says protocols and conventions between his group and provincial Metis organizations prevent the national council from getting involved.

He says the MNC could help the MNS resolve the situation, but it would have to be at the request of the MNS executive.

Chartier admits being dismayed at the latest developments, but is refusing to rush into judgment.

However, Chartier confirms Kennedy and Cummings have had their MNC delegate status revoked — a decision he says was made this past weekend by the MNS caucus.