Troubled Métis Nation of Saskatchewan divided
There was plenty of controversy at the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan legislative assembly in Saskatoon over the weekend.
Vice President Gerald Morin and his supporters — many of whom are also members of the Provincial Métis Council —served President Robert Doucette with a court injunction, trying to stop the Legislative Assembly meeting from going forward.
There are allegations of misspending, and the group is working with lawyers.
"Mr. Doucette has done a lot of wrong since 2007. Since he took over as president, there has been tremendous problems in terms of executive compensation and travel, there has been double billing," said Morin.
The injunction seeks the following until trial and final judgment:
- That there be a Provincial Metis Council meeting as soon as practically possible and that the Respondent not attempt to block such a meeting;
- That the Metis Nation Legislative Assembly illegally called by the Respondent for September 7 and 8, 2013, be canceled and void if held;
- That the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan cabinet portfolios as approved by the PMC on October 29 and 30, 2012 in Watrous, Saskatchewan be declared valid and duly formed; and
- That the Respondent provides disclosure to the Applicants on the following issues: I. The unauthorized sale of MN-S assets worth $1,190,829.00;
President Robert Doucette tells CBC News he has been transparent.
"Auditors, or people that have come in there, there is nothing wrong with these audits," Doucette said.
"There are some financial management issues that have to be dealt with, but overall we are very pleased with how the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is running."
Doucette maintains a recent audit report has been public since its completion in 2011, and that accusations against him are unfounded.