New board defies assembly decision

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Zone 4 former vice-president and director, Ben Courtrille and Ron LaRocque were removed as members of the Metis Association of Alberta during the first board meeting after the general election Sept. 12.

According to president Larry Desmeules the unsuccessful candidates were removed from the membership list after alleged "financial" irregularities in the records of the Zone 4 office were discovered by newly elected vice-president, Dan Martell.

"They were not removed as Metis people, they will always be Metis, but memberships in the MAA is a privilege," said Desmeules, who added that the board decision was unanimous.

A motion to remove LaRocque and Courtrille along with other members of the association was soundly defeated at the recent MAA assembly held near Peace River Aug 15 and 16, however, Desmeules says he does not feel he is reversing the decision of the people.

"The people were not informed of the true picture," he said, adding he felt confident the membership would support the decision.

Contacted in his Zone 4 office, Martell refused to disclose details of the alleged discrepancies, but added that an investigation is currently being conducted.

LaRocque, however, says he is not surprised at the decision of the newly elected board and added that he would be fully vindicated when a true financial picture was presented.

"They weren't working with all the information, only cheque stubs. When they look at all the financial records they will see the zone was not left in a financial mess," he said.

However, Jo-Ann Daniels, an unsuccessful presidential candidate who lodged a protest against the recent general election said she was disgusted with the board decision.

"If Ben (Courtrille) and Ron (LaRocque) are removed, who is next?" she complained. "No one is safe. Larry (Desmeules) has gone against the will of the assembly," she said.