(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation continues to receive media attention regarding the ongoing issues surfacing in the public media this week. Yesterday the Canadian Press released a story entitled Rival Métis Groups from BC Take Feud to Human Rights Commission. The media coverage outlines the recent decision by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) supporting the position of the BC Métis Federation that the claim is not frivolous and the CHRC has the authority to review the matter.
In various submissions now available on the BC Métis Federation website Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) has gone to lengths to characterize the situation as a matter of political indifference. However the BC Métis Federation case centers on the role of the BC Métis Federation in relation to policy and access to programs and services for the Métis constituents served by the BC Métis Federation. Therefore the AANDC position is one of necessity to protect their policy approach the Government of Canada has taken as it relates to Métis people in British Columbia, and arguably across Canada. This position is to recognize only one Métis organization in each Province. Meanwhile this is contradicted by organizations such as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and others who also claim to represent Métis constituents and receive Government of Canada support each year.
BC Métis Federation President Henry stated; “The media coverage is important but we continue to make statements to clarify our objectives in this matter. We will continue to fight for our rightful place and correct the years of Métis program mismanagement by ensuring objective and non-political motivated access for all Métis people in British Columbia. There is a real impact to what is happening in British Columbia and Métis people and communities are losing millions in program support and access to important services.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “It is not unusual to read the statements by Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) President Dumont that he has perpetuated for years. These statements are old and tired. Meanwhile under his leadership MNBC has lost millions, proven to outright deceive Métis people year after year in inaccurate public statements and written press releases, and we are reviewing the actual backup documentation regarding the Hallux Audit completed in August 2012 that was never disclosed to the Métis public in British Columbia. The Hallux Audit of the Métis National Council (MNC) and MNBC has provided clear and tangible evidence of millions misspent and Mr. Dumont is clearly part of ineligible expenses. No different when MNBC used programs to fund his wife for employment and training programs in 2012. A situation which questioned her access and allegations of her not being Métis as well as questionable rationale based on her financial need considering the wages and expenses Mr. Dumont has been provided by MNBC for years which are in excess of $100,000. Our board is meeting next week to consider next steps to further address the MNBC and MNC abuse of public funding. This week former Liberal MP Joe Fanata resigned over misuse of $1700.00 and this story was considered significant to the Canadian public. Therefore our position is how can anyone expect Métis people to stand by when millions have been improperly spent? There is clear evidence and we will be moving this issue forward in the near future to the proper authorities as we believe the specific issues of misspending should be examined independently and charges laid if necessary to send a message to Métis politicians who misuse and misspent such public funds. I can assure people that my role and that of the BC Métis Federation is not based on personal attacks but facts. We demand full public disclosure and accountability to bring those to justice that have abused government funding meant for Métis people for their personal gain and not in the best interest of all Métis people in British Columbia and Canada. If this is an issue with MNBC, MNC or anyone else, so be it.”
For more information about BC Métis Federation check out the website @ www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry, President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-June-17th-2014-Media-Coverage.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
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