(Vancouver, BC) – BC Métis Federation is issuing a statement today regarding one of the latest situations regarding Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the financial administration of their programs and services. MNBC continues to administer the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) on behalf of the Métis people in British Columbia despite years of concerns brought forward through evidence to the Federal Government and this department of Service Canada.
This past week another community member reached out to seek assistance as her daughter was approved for funding roughly eight (8) months ago. Her daughter was approved for tuition support and despite the fact that the course is now over and the school is calling for payment, MNBC has not paid and will not return emails or phone calls to explain the situation.
BC Métis Federation has taken steps to address and provided advice to the family where they can write complaints to the Federal Government and regional Service Canada staff.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “This situation is not new, it is predictable and the fact that MNBC is allowed to carry on such clear mismanagement each year makes the Federal officials who oversee these agreements just as responsible. The ASETS funding is often advanced so why is this happening? Our accurate information about the insolvency of MNBC hurts these programs each day and to allow the stress and public embarrassment to carry on is shameful. We know MNBC has not released their 2012-2013 financial statements although their last fiscal year ended March 31st that we expect will reveal an increased debt for the fifth straight year”
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry further added; “Our human rights case has been built, in part, through these examples of outright MNBC mismanagement. This is yet another sorry situation and MNBC once again dismisses their responsibility to explain themselves to their clients. I am tired of MNBC people who pretend all is okay. I heard MNBC Vice President Annette Maurice state at a recent public forum that she goes to bed each night with a clear conscience about their work. Really can she say this as students that have committed to protect and support financially are being impacted each day and pay the price for years of MNBC mismanagement and outright Métis public deception? Ultimately we hope this family will not be left with a tuition bill for programs set up to assist them. I cannot believe this carries on which is why thousands are moving to the BC Métis Federation each day.”
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry concluded; “We are going to fight each day to correct the MNBC and Federal Government wrong doings. Today Métis in BC are being subjected to unnecessary embarrassment and we know the large majority of Métis do not support MNBC or the Federal Government protect such dysfunction. It is time for all of us to be strong and demand that something is done before, these families and students depend on us.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please review the website at 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
Encl.
Email message last week (please note names have been removed to protect the privacy and Service Canada has been provided all information.)
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-August-13th-2013-MNBC-Mismanagement-1.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Message-sent-via-email-to-Nova-Metis-Heritage-Association.pdf” style=”download”]Message sent via email to Nova Metis Heritage Association[/ilink]
