Metis president suspended

Page 8

Harley Desjarlais, the president of the Metis Provincial Council of British Columbia (MPCBC), has been suspended by the organization's board of directors, though the reasons for the suspension are not clear. A notice appeared on the MPCBC Web site several days before the MNC was scheduled to attend a special session with the first ministers on Health in Ottawa. As president of the MPCBC, Desjarlais was also a member of the five-person Metis National Council (MNC) board of governors. At the national level he held the health portfolio for the MNC.

"The MPCBC president has been officially suspended as per MPCBC board motion on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 at approximately 6 p.m. at a special meeting of the MPCBC board," the notice stated, adding the decision was unanimous.

Desjarlais was suspended without pay, effective immediately. The board asked for his resignation before the organization's annual general meeting, which was scheduled to start Sept. 23. They also noted that if he did not resign, a motion would be introduced at the meeting to officially remove him. The board noted it would "forward all documentation outlining the serious issues to the proper authorities" but no further explanation was provided.

"The MPCBC board of directors has chosen to take the necessary, but very difficult steps to manage this unfortunate situation. All property currently in possession of the MPCBC president has been cancelled or must be returned immediately," the Web site notice read.

"The MPCBC board of directors wants to reassure the Metis community that the issues will be addressed diligently and by the proper authorities. The MPCBC board of directors has developed an action plan based on strong financial controls and effective management processes. The MPCBC board and staff have identified the issues and as a result had to take necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the organization. The MPCBC board of directors does not endorse unethical behavior and is adamant that accountability is key to the future direction of the Metis Provincial Council."

Neither Desjarlais nor the MPCBC could be reached for comment.