MNS Area Director Charged With Election Forgery
Monday, July 11, 2005 at 14:45
The RCMP have released the name of the man charged with forgery in connection to last year’s Metis Nation of Saskatchewan election — and it’s a big name in Metis politics.
Henry Cummings is currently the area director for the organization’s Saskatoon region.
He’s also the husband of MNS senator and former Senate chair Nora Ritchie-Cummings.
Cummings made a court appearance in North Battleford this morning.
Eyewitnesses to the proceedings say some cheering erupted from the gallery when the charge against Cummings was read out loud, prompting the judge hearing the matter to issue a warning about unruly behaviour.
MNS president Dwayne Roth says he was surprised to learn it is Cummings that has been charged, saying the allegations he is facing are out of character for him.
Roth says he has asked Cummings to take a leave of absence until this matter has been resolved.
The Crown has decided to proceed by indictment, which means they are likely looking for jail time.
The matter has been adjourned until August 22nd to give both the Crown and defense time to review the evidence against Cummings.
Cummings has secured the services of high-profile lawyer Morris Bodnar as his legal counsel.