Métis Nation – Saskatchewan delays general election due to unforeseen circumstances

Métis Nation Legislative Assembly and General Assembly set for February 18-19, 2017

(Saskatoon, 31 December 2016) Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) Provincial Métis Council voted yesterday to delay the general election and call a meeting of the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA) and General Assembly for February 18-19, 2017 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Fred Payton, who was appointed by the MN-S as Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to administer the Provincial Métis Council general election, resigned from his position on December 15, 2016 due to serious health concerns. The general election was originally scheduled for February 4, 2017.

In order to hold a successful and legitimate election, Lorne Gibson, the Provincial Métis Council election consultant, has recommended more time to find a replacement CEO and make the necessary arrangements ahead of the election. Following this advice, the MNLA Members will set a new date for the general election at the February MNLA. They will also decide on the best plan of action moving forward. The Provincial Métis Council recommends that the province-wide election be held on May 27, 2017.

MN-S’ thoughts are with Fred Payton and his family at this difficult time and thanks him for his hard work and dedication while serving as CEO. The Provincial Métis Council looks forward to holding a successful election as soon as possible to build on its considerable progress to date. MN-S will continue working for Métis people in their quest for equitable, socio-economic development in the province of Saskatchewan.

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About the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) represents Métis citizens living in Saskatchewan. As such, the MN-S strives for the political, legal and constitutional recognition and guarantee of the rights of its People, including the right to a land and resource base, self-government and self-government institutions.

The MN-S exists in part to represent and work for Métis people in their quest for equitable, socio-economic development within the province of Saskatchewan. The role of Métis citizens in governance is to establish, amend and enforce the Constitution of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, to organize Métis citizens in their respective communities, and to participate in nation building in a good way.

For further information:

Please contact Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Vice President, Gerald Morin, at 306 220 0071; your respective Regional Representative; or visit the official website at https://metisnationsk.com/