The Provisional Council of the Metis Nation of Ontario meeting in Toronto last month.
The Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) met in downtown Toronto from February 29 to March 1, 2020.
Much of the late February session featured updates from both Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) branches and committees, including proposed next steps in an engagement plan with communities on Métis Child and Family Services. The PCMNO also heard updates from Regional Councilors in the form of committee/councilor reports. There was discussion on the development of a draft MNO Code of Conduct and movement toward establishing a culturally-based Mediation and Dispute Resolutions process. Further input will be sought from MNO community members with another update being brought to the next PCMNO meeting.
Following these discussions, a comprehensive update was provided on the MNO-Canada Negotiations Committee’s work that is focused on advancing the MNO-Canada-Ontario Framework Agreement as well as the Métis Government Recognition and Self Government Agreement (MGRSA). The PCMNO reviewed a draft “terms of reference” regarding how MNO could organize to negotiate the MGRSA in a way that ensures accountability, transparency and effective reporting to all communities represented by MNO.
Also discussed were timelines surrounding the upcoming MNO election. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Paul Devillers who was appointed to this important role at the last PCMNO meeting. Paul has been actively working on preparing for the election in accordance with the MNO Electoral Code. The CEO will be working with OneFeather, an election services company that specializes in web-based and telephone voting. In Election 2020 all electors will have the opportunity to vote online or by telephone. As well, there will be at least one polling station in every MNO region where electors will be able to vote in person. All were reminded the importance of having citizens update their contact information.
Staff from Mercer Human Resources Consulting were in attendance for a presentation and update on developing and make recommendations on MNO’s Compensation Framework. This work includes a focus on the cost of governance at the provincial, regional and local level which would build on the staff compensation framework that was implemented in late 2019.
Following the PCMNO meeting a Telephone Town Hall discussion was held on Wednesday March 4 at 7 pm EST with all MNO Council Presidents to provide updates about the meeting and address any questions. The PCMNO is planning to hold another full PCMNO meeting however the intention is to hold the next meeting utilizing technology such as zoom.
Another telephone town hall meeting has been scheduled with all MNO Council leadership for March 18, 2020 at 7 pm EST. The Town Hall will be chaired by MNO Chair France Picotte and Vice Chair Sharon Cadeau. MNO President Margaret Froh will provide an update regarding MNO’s response to the COVID-19 situation, continuity of programs and services and other updates as required.
Posted: March 18, 2020