The Votes Are In!
- COVID-19 pandemic prompts total transition to online and telephone voting
- Margaret Froh re-elected as MNO President
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic the 2020 Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) election still experienced solid citizen voter participation in the election of Métis leaders at the regional and provincial levels. Click here to view the 2020 MNO election results.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought extraordinary challenges to this election process and the MNO Chief Electoral Officer Paul Devillers had to make the difficult decision to cancel in-person voting.
Fortunately, the MNO had already been working to introduce new technologies including the use of telephone and online voting options for the 2020 MNO election. The Chief Electoral Officer worked with OneFeather, an Indigenous election services company that specializes in web-based and telephone voting, to ensure that all MNO electors had the opportunity to vote online or by telephone.
Once all votes were in, Margaret Froh, was re-elected as MNO President.
“The safety and security of MNO citizens, families, and communities in this difficult time is our single most important priority,” stated President Froh. “So, I want to thank all the candidates, our electoral officials and staff, and the volunteers who assisted the various campaigns for their determination and unwavering belief in our democratic process.”
During her first term MNO President Froh was signatory to the ground-breaking Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement that sets a new government-to-government relationship between Canada and Ontario Métis.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this second mandate. While a lot has been achieved over the last many years there is so much more work ahead. I want to extend my congratulations to the newly elected and returning members of the PCMNO and to everyone that ran for office in this election.” stated President Froh.
“To those PCMNO members that will not be returning, the MNO thanks you for your years of service. You have helped us all along the path to self-government, a remarkable achievement – we would not be here without you!” stated President Froh. “Now, we must all come together to advance the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose and keep moving forward for our future generations.”
Click here to view the 2020 MNO Election results.
Posted June 1, 2020