Federal funding restored to Métis Nation-Saskatchewan after election held

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has had its federal funding reinstated a few days after holding a general assembly and election.

Vice-president Gerald Morin says he learned Wednesday the core funding for the organization for this year will be around $3.5 million.

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Federal funding was stopped in 2014 because the group's constitution requires that two legislative assemblies be held each year and it hadn't held one in the previous five years.

But this past weekend's election, coming on the heels of a general assembly in February, helped clinch the restoration of the funding, said Morin.

"We essentially have met all the conditions," he said. "This was the final condition. I was very happy to hear that news, although not altogether surprised."

'More freedom and flexibility' 

Glen Hector McCallum, who lives in Pinehouse, Sask., was elected president in the May 27 election and general assembly.

Twelve regional representatives were also elected.

Morin says the reinstatement of funding and having stability on the executive council is positive for the group.

"This gives us more freedom and flexibility and will allow us to be more efficient to represent the interests of our people in this province," he said.

Morin said the core funding will help pay for staff, lawyers, consultants and the cost to hold general and legislative assemblies.

He said the new executive council has yet to hold its first meeting.