GOVERNMENT RECEIVES REPORT ON MÉTIS ELECTORAL REFORM

A detailed report on the views and visions of Métis people on Métis electoral and democratic reform has been presented to the provincial government.

The Métis Electoral Consultation Panel presented the report to First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag in a meeting in Regina today.

The report is detailed and comprehensive and focuses on two key areas; the need for another Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS) election and the need for reforms to the MNS electoral, citizenship and governance systems. The report reflects the views and recommendations of Métis people who attended public meetings held by the panel across the province this spring.

"I would like to thank the members of the panel for their efforts in producing this report, as well as the many Métis people who took the time to express their views to the panel," Sonntag said. "The report contains many thoughtful recommendations, which we plan to study carefully before providing an official response."

The Métis Electoral Panel was established by Minister Sonntag in December 2004 to consult with Métis people on electoral and democratic reform, after the department accepted the findings of an independent report by Keith Lampard about the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan May 2004 election. That independent report found many irregularities in the electoral procedures and concluded that the election had been neither democratic nor fair. In response, the Government of Saskatchewan froze funding to, and ceased relations with, the organization.

The panel visited 24 communities and heard from more than 1,000 people. Copies of its report are available at www.fnmr.gov.sk.ca or by contacting the Department. People are also invited to forward any comments they may have on the report to:

Alethea Foster
Department of First Nations and Métis Relations
2nd Floor - 1855 Victoria Ave.
Regina SK S4P 3V7
or
afoster@fnmr.gov.sk.ca

The government's official response to the report is expected by the end of the summer.

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For More Information, Contact:

Alethea Foster First Nations and Metis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5701