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!