Letter from Minister Valcourt to the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
- Honourable Bernard Valcourt | October 02, 2014
Letter to Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
Mr.
Robert Doucette
President
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
231 Robin Crescent
SASKATOON SK S7L 6M8
Dear President Doucette:
As you know, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is currently operating within a multi-year Basic Organizational Capacity Agreement in which the organization receives funding for core operations. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in which the organization explicitly acknowledges that “it will be in default of this agreement if it has not held a properly and duly called Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly by September 30, 2014.”
It is my understanding that as of September 30, 2014, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has not been able to hold a properly and duly called Legislative Assembly due to ongoing internal governance issues, and as a result is in default of its funding agreement as of October 1, 2014. Therefore, the federal government is holding Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to the terms and conditions of their Basic Organizational Capacity agreement and halting all payments to Métis Nation-Saskatchewan as of November 1, 2014.
It is my hope that Métis Nation-Saskatchewan finds a way to effectively and efficiently give the Métis people of Saskatchewan the governance that they deserve – one which is transparent, accountable and democratic. I also firmly believe that taxpayer dollars are to be used wisely and for the benefit of all Canadians.
Our government remains committed to working with our Métis partners to create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Métis in Canada. Departmental officials will follow up with you to answer any questions you may have.
In the spirit of transparency, I am copying all known members of the executive of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan.
Sincerely,
Bernard
Valcourt, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development