Virtual MNO Telephone Town Hall
October 7, 2020
The latest of regular MNO Telephone Town Halls took place October 7, 2020. The Town Halls provide MNO leadership with updates on the MNO’s key priorities, decisions made by the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO), and an opportunity for questions and discussions
Wednesday night’s Telephone Town Hall kicked off with a recap from MNO President Margret Froh of the latest meeting of the PCMNO on October 3-4, 2020. President Froh also provided an overview of feedback received from Citizens regarding both the MNO’s Covid-19 supports and the MNO Electoral Process, and announced that the waiving of fees for MNO Citizenship and Harvesting applications, a practice introduced during Covid-19, will now be made permanent.
The most recent PCMNO weekend‘s meeting included key updates on finance reports from MNO Community Councils and updates on MNO financial policies and procedures. New draft documents were discussed, including a draft Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) Best Practices document for review and a draft Statement on Investment Policies and Guidelines. Also addressed were the MNO Prosperity Trust, Trust performance, and a review of the MNO audited Financial Statements for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which will be ratified by Citizens at the approaching 2020 AGA.
Registration for the virtual AGA is officially open and organizers shared that, as of October 7, more than 255 Citizens have registered. The President also noted upcoming technology testing sessions for staff and citizens. Citizens may also participate in the virtual AGA by telephone and will receive materials in the mail. As in previous years, opening ceremonies will take place the night before the AGA in the form of a virtual “Kitchen Party.” Vendors interested in participating in the AGA virtual trade show should contact Russell Ott at russello@metisnation.org.
Elections that traditionally take place at the AGA will be moving online this year and will take place November 8. Information is on the MNO website . The elections include:
- MNO Women’s Council
- PCMNO Senators
- Vacancies on Veterans and Youth Councils have already been filled
The Telephone Town Hall acknowledged the recent swearing in ceremony for newly elected PCMNO members, sworn in by Honourable Todd Ducharme on October 3. A recording of the ceremony is available at on the MNO website.
Developments were also shared on the Métis Rules of Order Revitalization Project and Métis Meeting Procedures; the New Relationship Fund; draft policies such as the MNO Code of Conduct; and finally updates from legal counsel on Self-Government and the implementation process.
Additionally, a briefing was shared on the very short window being offered by the Government of Canada to provide input into the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) legislation. The MNO is engaged with Canada in order to ensure there will be feedback provided that includes priorities of MNO Communities. More information will be provided on the MNO website.
Key Updates on MNO Supports and Programs:
- Métis Housing Stabilization Program
- Legal (and Paralegal) and Financial Counseling
- Toll free line and Covid-19 Supports
- Emergency Rent Relief
- Food Security Fund
- Family Support Program; Technology Fund for Children; Special Needs Support; Childcare Support Program; Learning at Home Kits; Back to School Kits
- Covid Care Kits
- Self-Government (self.government@metisnation.org)