Tom Thompson Jr.
On September 28, 2012, the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) announced the resignation of JoAnne Wass as Region 6 Councillor on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO).
The PCMNO indicated its intention to follow Section 10 of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Bylaws, which defines the subsequent action to be taken:
“If any vacancy occurs the PCMNO may appoint as a replacement, a citizen of the MNO, and that person shall hold office until the next election.”
A complete copy of the MNO Bylaws can be viewed here >
Accordingly, the PCMNO also announced that MNO citizens living in Region 6, interested in holding the position until the next election should make their intentions known to the MNO Chief Operating Officer and provide him with information about their qualifications and a statement explaining their interest in the position.
Six MNO citizens expressed interest in the position by the designated deadline.
The information each individual provided was shared with the PCMNO at their meeting held October 14, 2012, in Toronto. At the meeting the PCMNO voted by secret ballot and elected Tom Thompson Jr. to serve as Region 6 Councillor. Thompson was elected with 80% of the vote. For the last several years Thompson has served as President of the MNO High Land Waters Métis Council.
“The PCMNO selected Tom from a strong field of candidates,” stated MNO President Gary Lipinski, “and we are very pleased there was so much interest in the position.” He added: “Tom brings many wonderful traits to the PCMNO including great experience and dedication to the Métis cause. He will be an excellent representative for Region 6 and everyone on the PCMNO is looking forward to working with him.”