Accountability, pro-life resolutions not issues for MNA

A special resolution calling for more accountability from the Métis Nation of Alberta’s provincial council didn’t make it on to the floor at the MNA’s annual general assembly held at Wabasca on Aug. 7.

The six-member resolution committee, with one member appointed from each region, ruled the resolution unacceptable on the advice of corporate lawyer Terry Antonello.

“What needs to be changed, what sections need to be changed isn’t clear. We don’t know what vote of non-confidence means,” said Antonello.

Dean Lindsay, from Kinuso, who put the motion forward, was not surprised at the ruling.

“The lawyer used whatever legal jargon he could. They were looking for anything to say it wasn’t acceptable. I’m still fighting for accountability,” said Lindsay.

The resolution called for the addition of a point under 23.1 of the bylaws. The section outlines when a member of the provincial council “automatically cease(s) to be a provincial council member.” Lindsay’s motion proposed the addition of a seventh point: “a provincial council member can be removed by a vote of non confidence at an annual general meeting of the Métis Nation of Alberta.”

Lindsay also proposed that regional council members be open to removal by votes of non confidence.

Lindsay held that transparency within the provincial council is not being practiced, pointing to the MNA judiciary council’s pending ruling on citizenship.

“I don’t know what that’s about. Transparency? (The provincial council) doesn’t practice that,” said Lindsay.
However, in MNA President Audrey Poitras’ report, Poitras said transparency is important.

“The first goal of the MNA business plan is effective, accountable governance.”

She noted that she has been forthcoming with information regarding MNA’s financial situation although it hasn’t been flattering, with the provincial body forced to sell shares in order to cover costs for both litigation and operation.

A second special resolution was turned down by the resolution committee but introduced on the floor as an ordinary resolution by Sharon Pasula. Although not specifically referring to an anti-abortion stance, the resolution stated, “Therefore be it resolved that Métis people value life in all stages.”

Pasula said the resolution “reminds us we’re a nation of people with values. This is a value statement.”

However, a number of members took the floor saying they saw the statement as a pro-life push and were uncomfortable with the organization taking that stand. Also expressed was concern about passing judgment over people who did not share the same values.
The motion was defeated.