the RNM blames the MMF and to Mr. Chartrand for setting up a scheme to promote the MMF to the detriment of RNMwhich would have caused damage of several million dollars to the latter.
In a video posted on social media in January, the president of the RNMCassidy Caron, explained that he conducted an investigation with the board of directors, the conclusion of which would have been to initiate this lawsuit before a superior court in Ontario.
We deserve the truth, we deserve the justice
she said in the video.
The Métis National Council is an organization that brings together and represents the Métis governments of Canada, namely the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
The Manitoba Metis Federation left the organization on September 29, 2021.
The MMF deny everything
In a written statement, the President of the MMFDavid Chartrand, indicated on Thursday that the allegations contained in the main application are outrageous, vexatious, baseless and intended to discredit the MMF, former Metis National Council staff and myself
.
David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation (archives)
Photo: Radio Canada
In their 49-page long defence, the MMF and Mr. Chartrand state that the pursuit of RNM is a clear attempt by the new board to delegitimize and discredit the MMF and its president, David Chartrand in order to preserve and increase their influence
.
According to the document, the RNM would disagree with the MMF concerning the definition of a mixed race person
. This disagreement over the definition and determination of the criteria for adherence to Métis citizenship was extremely disturbing to the citizens of the MMF
says the defense.
It is alleged by the MMF that the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) would have refused to apply the national definition of a Métis person adopted by the RNM in 2002. The MMF would have claimed, in 2019, that the NMO cease to be a member of RNM because of this refusal.
Last September, the MMF maintained that he was became clear that the NMO would continue to be a member of the RNM
. The MMF therefore left the RNM September 29, 2021.
The new president of RNMCassidy Caron, elected on September 30 last year, would then have adopted the broader definition of mixed race person
, or that advanced by the NMO
is it stated in the defense.
The MMF also denounces the publication of the video, last January, of Ms. Caron.
the RNM uses the civil justice system as political theater
is it written.
Defense (New window) (in English) also denies the allegations of a scheme to economically harm the RNM.
The MMF and Mr. Chartrand say in particular that they did not illegally transfer funds from the Métis Veterans Fund or that they were in a conflict of interest when entering into a lease agreement in Ottawa.
David Chartrand is asking in return for a statement from the RNM asserting that he acted in good faith. He is also asking for various indemnities and the reimbursement of the costs he has paid to respond to the legal recourse of the RNM.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca