Sinclair steps down in favor of Desmeules

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In a surprise move, moments before the close of the Metis Association assembly, Paul Sinclair pulled out of the presidential race over what he calls the disrespectful treatment accorded to president, Sam Sinclair, and his fear that candidate Jo-Ann Daniels would win the presidency.

In an interview after the final day of the two-day assembly, Sinclair said because he feared his candidacy would split the vote allowing Daniels to walk away with the presidency, he had decided to stand down and throw his support behind Larry Desmeules.

"I have never played dirty politics, but I cannot see Jo-Ann Daniel's leadership affect Zone 5. I care about Zone 5. I talked to my supporters about stepping down and supporting Larry, and all of them said it was a good choice. Larry is a good choice. I have worked with him for many years, and know he is a good leader," said Sinclair.

However, Daniels said she felt Sinclair is stepping down for other reasons as he had been aware of her candidacy for some time.

"I don't think it has anything to do with me, but it is completely up to them what they do or how they do it. I don't attack them (Paul Sinclair and Larry Desmeules). I don't go after them and I have never done that," said Daniels.

However, Daniels did agree with Sinclair's assertion that she could well become the next, and the first woman, president.

"He should be scared," she said. "Because I am going to win this one. If it's decided that Larry Desmeules is going to look after them, then great. I have worked in Zone 5 and I have never treated anybody differently. I have a lot of support in Zone 5."

Sinclair also said he was upset and "hurt" over the attack upon president Sam Sinclair during the severence pay debate.

"My feelings toward Sam's treatment by the people helped me decide. What if I got in for twenty years and got dumped. I could not stand that treatment from the people," said (Paul) Sinclair.

Sinclair says he believes his chances of winning the election were good, and that his decision to run was spurred by his regard for the Metis people.

"I didn't enter the race for me. I have a business but I was willing to sacrifice a few years. My chances were probably insured of getting in, but I don't take chances when it comes to the Metis people," he said.

Sinclair is currently Zone 5 vice-president. He has never run for the leadership of the association before.