Statement from the MNO on fraud and theft charges against former members of the Highland Water Métis Council
The Lennox & Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged three people with fraud and theft-related offences in relation to an investigation of misuse of funds.
In July of 2022, an investigation commenced after the police were contacted by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) about the misuse of funds by former members of the Highland Water Métis Council in Northbrook, Ontario. As has been reported, the investigation by the L&A County Crime Unit revealed that nearly $90,000 had been fraudulently used. The L&A County Crime Unit Charges have since been laid charges against three individuals. The three individuals charged are no longer involved in any capacity with Highland Waters Métis Council or the MNO.
The MNO and the Highland Water Métis Council are cooperating with the investigation. “We take our fiduciary responsibilities seriously, and we are cooperating fully and provided all information to the police to help them with their investigation,” said Jo Anne Young, Secretary-Treasurer of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “As soon as we became aware of irregularities, we contacted the OPP. The limited resources and funds are meant to better the lives of Métis citizens and communities, they are not meant for personal gain.”
As this is now a police matter, at this time the MNO and the Highland Water Métis Council will not be making further statements or comment on this subject.