CONSULTATIONS WITH MÉTIS COMMUNITY SET TO BEGIN

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag has appointed six people to conduct public meetings to consult with the Métis community on electoral and democratic reform.

"We have six outstanding individuals making up the consultation panel," Sonntag said. "I am confident the panel will represent the interests of Métis people when they report back."

The consultation panel, consisting of Maria Campbell (chair), Joe Daigneault, Ron Rivard, Donna Heimbecker, Roger Maaka and Joe Garcea, will begin its consultations early in the new year. Specific dates will be announced when they are determined.

The appointment of the panel follows Minister Sonntag's acceptance of the findings in the report into the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS) May 2004 election by Keith Lampard last month. Lampard found many irregularities in voters' lists and at polling stations and concluded the election had been neither fair or democratic.

The panel will hold approximately 15 public meetings, one in each of the MNS regions as well as Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The meetings will act as a forum where Métis people can speak to the findings and recommendations of the Lampard Report and propose ways to move forward.

The panel is expected to provide a public report to government, based on the findings from the consultation, on what government's role could be in assisting Métis people in developing an independent Métis Registry and achieving electoral and democratic reform.

The public report is expected by the end of April.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-8008