Wednesday, March 5, 2008

TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA – THANK YOU!

I have received copy of the Métis National Council audit that was not approved by the delegates at the February Assembly. There actually was three audits – because there had not been an Annual Assembly in the past three years. There are some interesting things of note in the audits. More questions but no answers. Now truthfully, the Chief Administrative Officer – who had signing authority – resigned some months back. The Finance Director – resigned the day before the last assembly. Sound like rats jumping off the sinking ship – maybe.

There are many things that beg scrutiny. Bernie Shore, Auditor both of MMF and MNC had the most bizarre behavior for an Auditor – no questions answered – no facts presented – just unprofessional attitude and drama were available for the delegates at the past MNC Assembly. The Management Letter coming from Mr. Shore did not address concerns that were submitted from government in relation to ineligible expenditures, exorbitant contracts with no measurable and overpayments. There were many questionable issues like the Auditor on several occasions changing the figures on the draft audit – as he audited and adjusted the figures of the Manitoba Métis Federation audit.

In the audit there is recorded numbers of staff being paid wages and benefits in the range of $1,545,000 for the 2007 fiscal year while consultants fees are $1,384,000. When you consider the number of staff and only a few consultants – it begins to look like overpaid consultants suck up a large percentage of the budget. In fact consulting fees took up 15% of the overall budget for the year. We were advised that the Board of Governors advised that they thought a list of contractors should be made available in the audit. Mr. Shore did not agree. (Don’t want to name the friends of Clem and David – hmmm?)

Another 15% ($1,113,475) was used in travel and accommodations. Rent for 2007 on the MNC offices is recorded at just under a quarter of a million dollars. That works out to more then $20,000 per month. Now I know that things are costly in Ottawa – but these figures surely beg someone raising their eyebrows. The Auditor indicates that we have paid over $32,000 in interest on our debts and bank charges. These are just a few of the issues that begin to come forward – I haven’t even begun with the a perusal of the infamous health dollars.

But there is no need for us to carry on at this moment because as I titled this Thank You to the Government of Canada – I was advised that the Board of Governors recieved a letter from the government indicating that there is going to be a complete forensic audit that will finally bring forward the truth. Speculation and innuendos of improprieties will be no more. Government is sometimes slow in reaction but now there will be complete disclosure of the issues plaguing the national organization. Those responsible for the improprieties will be held accountable.

For a couple of our political leaders – the noose is tightening. O’ by the way, this will extend to the dollars transferred from MNC the provincial level (In 2007 this was better then 30% of the overall budget) and it is important to note that ignoring your responsibility as a Board will probably not absolve you of your liability. For those Board members in Manitoba – someone better start paying attention soon!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Metis Nation of BC just announced the Intention to Withdrawal from the Metis National Council.

Finally. Metis Nation of BC has gotten some sense in them. Why do we need another level of government, by the time the funds get down to the grassroots level after administration it is GONE!

Anonymous said...

HI METIS MAMA
Where do Bruce Dumont think.s
he is . Fir
st i Vyeu Mechif say
Yes the mnc needs restucturing.
But i woulds sure hope in hell
that member,s of a community and members of M N BC. we should have a vote on it.it took us 150yrs to have a voice in Ottawa.And handful can do away with it in 5 min.
Bruce Dumont seems to forget
election is coming up in Sept
and he sure as hell dont have
my vote

Vyeu mechif

Anonymous said...

You mentioned you received a copy of the audit, could you post it or portions of it?

With thanks for all of the updates!!

MetisMama said...

The March 31, 2007 Audit is 73 Pages long including the management letter that indicates no checks and balances are evident including the bank reconcilliations.

The March 31, 2006 Audit is 71 Pages big.

and

The March 31, 2005 Audit is 62 Pages big.

It is important to note that the management letter for the three audits are almost a duplicate of each other. I am willing to try and put part of it on file to post on the blog - but it will take us a bit of time to ensure it is readable.

Anonymous said...

Vyeu Mechif

WE have a VOICE in OTTAWA! ALREADY with the MNBC.. this is not 1885 like you said in one of your posts. Why do we need Duplication with another level of Government?????????

Lets see Government funds are released, and by the time they come through the MNC (Metis nation council) and then the MNBC (Metis Nation BC) to the Grassroots, what is left? Top heavy administration is what we have, it is ok if your an employee, 60,000 a year sounds pretty good! No squeaks... and we have No wheels...

Get rid of the MNC, they have outlived their usefulness, that is apparent by the Land case that MMF filed. MNC should of took that on behalf of all Red River Decendants across canada, but left it in the hands of the MMF and a few people, this is an international issue.

The audit would be nice to see, Upload it on to a server, and give us the link

Anonymous said...

Hi metis Mama

Vyeu Mechif says with all the sheagans??More Gov the Better
And i for one hope funfing Remain cut off they shoud cut off community,s to till all B S is
settled

Anonymous said...

DOES ONTAIRO HAVE A BLOG OR NOT???

...O...

MetisMama said...

Just yesterday - we seen a sight for Metis youth blog in Ontario. The Link is on the list of links.