The Harper government has announced it is halting all transfer payments to the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan effective next month if the organization does not hold a legislative assembly meeting.

Reasons for the transfer cut are outlined in a letter sent from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt to MN-S President Robert Doucette.

The letter says the MNS is in violation its funding agreement for failing to hold a legislative assembly by September 30th.

Doucette and members of the Provincial Metis Council have been engaged in a battle since last year over who has the ultimate right to call a legislative assembly.

The MN-S receives roughly $400,000 in funding from the federal government per year.