Local845

TIMELINES LEADING UP TO DECISION TO CALL 21 DAY NOTICE OF MEETING TO PASS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE  REMOVAL OF JOE CHODZICKI AND TREVOR GLADUE FROM PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
INCLUDING BYLAWS REFERRED TO AND PROCESS OF GRASS ROOTS ACTIONS UNDER THOSE BYLAWS TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATION
April 19, 2007
MNA Region 3 Council Meeting : Regional council was informed of the conflict of interest with provincial board member Rick Boucher and the health initiative; Rick signed an agreement after voting unanimously with provincial council members to go for a bilateral agreement between the federal government and the MNAA.  Joe Chodzicki was in favor of health initiative and was sending out a binder to all of the locals, without direction of Regional Council or knowledge of President of Region 3, Marlene Lanz, (also Health Portfolio holder on MNA Provincial Council.)
 

Métis Matters
Propaganda  for Health Initiative shows Trevor Gladue in full support of Rick Boucher despite Conflict of Interest; Negative biased articles also appear in magazine against Mme. President Audrey Poitras

• April 2007:    “Métis Region One Leaders Sign Health Agreement with Métis               National Council”
• May 2007: “Métis Health Gets Stamp of Approval Support at Slave Lake
  Gathering”
• June 2007:  “MNBC joins MNC on Health Initiatives”; also local and national Health Campaign ads: Lorraine Deschambeau, Region 1, MNC.
• July 2007: Trevor Gladue Column “Working with You” – Métis Health Scholarships & Bursaries Available; also local and national Health Campaign ads: Lorraine Deschambeau, Region 1, MNC.
• August 2007: Métis Health Human Resources Initiative – full page ad.
• September 2007: “MNA Assembly Rife with Division and Confrontation” negative commentary from a frequent writer for Métis Matters – Terry Lusty.
• October 2007:  Front page with some recipients for Health Bursaries featured with Joe Chodzicki and Trevor Gladue; article by Lorraine Deschambeau; ads featuring bursary recipients with Ken Bourke, Rick Boucher, Ken/Lorraine, Tim Collins/Trevor Gladue, ; negative articles supporting MMF position against the four presidents (MNBC, MNO, MNA, SMF), the court actions, pro-David Chartrand articles start to surface.
• November 2007:  Negative articles from Region 5 – Bev New,  and, Trevor Gladue editorial; National Article against Mme. President Poitrras. 

Letter received via email from MNAA office of the president
May 9, 2007
To Members of the Métis Nation of Alberta

  RE: Update on Métis Health Programs and Services

Please accept the following as an update with respect to the Métis Nation of Alberta’s (MNA) recent challenges with the Métis National Council (MNC) with respect to the delivery of Métis health programs and services in this province.

In recent weeks, some of you may have heard about or have even attended regional health meetings that are being hosted by the Métis National Council (MNC), along with a consultant from Ottawa and select individuals who have been chosen by the MNC.  It is important for members to know that the MNA is not formally a part of these meetings and that the MNC has chosen to work around the MNA, as the democratically elected representative of Alberta Métis. 

In order to understand how this unfortunate situation came to pass, I want to provide you with some background on these health initiatives.  In September 2004, the federal government committed $700 million over five years for Aboriginal health. Based on a commitment from then Prime Minister Paul Martin, a historic Métis-specific allocation of this funding was secured.  The MNA, along with all of the MNC’s affiliates, were instrumental in realizing this breakthrough in Métis health. 

This $700 million is targeted in three areas: $100 million is designated for the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, that is, measures to increase the numbers of Aboriginal people in health careers or to retain health workers in Aboriginal communities, of which the MNC is receiving approximately $10 million; $200 million is being placed in the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, which is suppose to fund short-term projects to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system for Aboriginal people, of which the MNC is being allocated $4.3 million overall; and $400 million has been committed to existing health promotion and disease prevention programs, that is, programs designed to deal with prevention and life-style issues rather than primary care, of which the MNC is receiving an undisclosed but very minor amount. These amounts must be spent by March 31, 2010 – over the next three years – and there is no guarantee that programs will continue after that date.
Although these resources fall short of the health needs of Métis or what a fair distribution would demand, they are still an important breakthrough for the Métis Nation.  The real problems have arisen in how this funding is being used by the MNC.  More specifically, the challenges relate to how David Chartrand, who is the MNC Minister for Health, has chosen to conduct himself in a unilateral fashion that undermines accountability to the MNA. 

For example, in the past, whenever the MNC has secured such funding from the federal government, it has always respected the primary role of its provincial affiliates, which are its Governing Members, in managing funds and in designing and delivering programs. The MNC was not created to deliver programs and services from Ottawa.  That is the role of its Governing Members.  However, this time, the MNC negotiated a deal with Health Canada that not only transfers all funding to the MNC but that gives it the power to administer these funds more or less as it pleases.

The MNA was not involved in negotiating the contribution agreements the MNC concluded with Health Canada. We were not even kept informed of the proposals submitted to Health Canada by the MNC or on the progress of negotiations. Instead, copies of agreements were provided to us only after they had been signed. The MNA was simply expected to accept what the MNC had done – and if we did not do so, the current leadership of the MNC could simply by-pass the MNA and other Governing Members by entering into agreements with virtually anyone it wished to deliver Métis health initiatives at the provincial level.

The MNA was also concerned about the accountability challenges this type of national agreement creates.  In all other programs we operate, the MNA has a direct contribution agreement with the federal department that provides funding. This ensures that the MNA alone is accountable for the funds for which it is responsible.  In the arrangement the MNC negotiated, funding targeted at Alberta Métis must flow though the MNC, and if either the MNC or another MNC affiliate miss one of their reporting requirements, then Health Canada has the right to stop payments under the agreement as a whole.  The MNA would therefore be placed in a position, through no fault of its own, of having its funding depend on actions of others.  We have learned from past experiences that these types of umbrella funding agreements create real problems for the MNC and its Governing Members.  That is why from Urban Multi-Purpose Youth Centres funding to Powley funding, each Governing Member negotiates and enters into its own bilateral contribution agreement with the federal government.  In the past, the MNC Board of Governors have all taken strong stands on this principle.  However, in this situation, the Minister responsible for Health pushed forward on a national umbrella agreement without the support of the MNA or other Governing Members.

Based on these realities, with the full consent of MNA Provincial Council, a motion was passed in February 2007 to withdraw from these MNC-led initiatives and seek a direct agreement with Health Canada in order to resolve the MNA’s concerns.

Unfortunately, instead of respecting the MNA’s decision and allowing the situation to work itself out, David Chartrand began to bilaterally approach select individuals and groups in Alberta to deliver these Métis health programs and services for the MNC in Alberta.  His actions clearly undermined the principle of respecting each MNC provincial affiliate’s respective jurisdiction.  Further, his actions set back our agenda to have our own Métis governments respected by others.  How can we expect others to respect our governments if the MNC itself will not respect the jurisdiction of its own regional governments?

The result of Mr. Chartrand’s efforts was signing an agreement with Metco Ventures Inc., a private company owned by the Vice-President of Region 1 and a select few, to deliver MNC/Health Canada initiatives in Alberta.  This Metco agreement was not brought forward to the MNA Provincial Council before it was signed.  In fact, the MNA only recently received a copy of this agreement.  Since it is readily apparent to other MNA Provincial Council members and I that the Vice-President of Region 1 is now in a conflict of interest, we have asked the MNA Judiciary Council to review this matter prior to taking any further steps at the MNA Provincial Council level.  Unfortunately, while this is taking place, the few who are beneficiaries to this Metco agreement are traveling the province and “consulting” with select individuals, rather than the MNA engaging all MNA regions and citizens.

In organizing regional sessions in Alberta, the MNC through its consultant claims to be acting in the interest of Métis students and the Métis people of Alberta – yet it has consistently shown that it is not prepared to involve the MNA in any meaningful way in the development of these initiatives. The MNA is accountable to the Métis people of Alberta, not a consultant from Ottawa, a private company or a hand-picked few who agree with the positions of David Chartrand.

It should also be noted that both the Presidents of the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) do not agree with what the MNC has done. In order to resolve this issue internally, I have asked the MNC President to call a meeting of the MNC Board of Governors.  Unfortunately, because of how the MNC’s bylaws are structured, the MNC President, combined with President Chartrand, can stop that meeting from happening at this time.  I will continue to push for a meeting of the MNC Board of Governors; however, while I am continuing to resolve this internally, the MNA is also bilaterally engaging the federal government to see how this situation can be addressed.
Finally, I want to stress that the MNA has always been and will continue to be a strong supporter of the Métis Nation.  We are a Founding Member of the MNC.  Our frustration does not lie with the Métis Nation as a whole.  Our frustration lies with the actions of specific individuals in positions of power who have decided that they know better than the democratically elected leadership of Alberta Métis. As I outlined above, we are not alone in our frustration.  Both the MNBC and MNO are fully supportive of the MNA’s position on this matter. 

Over ten years ago, I was elected on a platform of increasing transparency and accountability within the MNA.  I believe over the last decade, we have built a stronger MNA together.  Our efforts have been recognized by governments and others from across the country.  As such, I do not believe we should compromise what we have built in Alberta to appease the MNC, David Chartrand or the self-interests of Ottawa consultants. 

I will continue to seek an agreement with Health Canada in respect of these health initiatives and I believe we will ultimately be successful.   The individuals who have benefited for short-term gains and politics will be held to account for their actions.  The struggle will be difficult, but the issue is critically important for the future of the MNA and the Métis Nation.  I believe it would be a grave error on our part to allow the arrangement the MNC has negotiated with Health Canada to set a precedent for other federal departments to follow. If we show solidarity, I am confident that we will achieve our goal.

Sincerely,
Métis Nation of Alberta

Audrey Poitras
President

May 2007

Conflict of Interest Charges against Rick Boucher sent to Métis Judicial Council.

August 17-19, 2007

MNAA Region 3 Council Meeting:  motion to suspend Joe Chodzicki salary following his actions in using Region 3 Letter head to state a negative position against Mme. President Audrey Poitras and airing it live on APTN.

APTN news excerpt was watched by those present. It pertained to the letter written by Joe Chodzicki asking for Madame President Audrey Poitras’ resignation; the letter was written on Region 3’s letter head

Each person present was asked to speak stating their opinion as to what had taken
place.  All agreed that what Joe Chodzicki had done was not right as it was not in the
best interest or the voice of Region 3 Regional Council or the Members of the Metis Nation in Region 3.

Motion # 1

Whereas: The MNA Region 3 Regional Council, does not support or endorse the
personal opinions and views of Region 3 Vice President Joe Chodzicki’s as stated
publicly and on national television in a letter dated August 7, 2007, requesting the resignation of Provincial President Audrey Poitras;

Whereas: Region 3 Vice President Joe Chodzicki did not have the permission and/or
support of the entire membership of Region 3 to issue the letter dated August 7, 2007;

Whereas: Region 3 Vice President Joe Chodzicki took an oath of office to uphold the
 laws of the land and the Metis Nation, and to represent the Metis people in a
manner that does not embarrass or cause detrimental harm to the Metis Nation or
 it’s people, until such time as he is no longer an elected official of the Metis Nation;

Whereas: Region 3 Vice President Joe Chodzicki has been reprimanded on 2 previous occasions for actions not befitting a representative of MNA Region 3;

Whereas: The current actions by Region 3 Vice President Joe Chodzicki, not only
undermine the work and decisions made by this MNA Region 3 Regional Council,
they also show disrespect to the Métis Nation, its leaders and the Métis people of
Alberta;

Whereas: The MNA Region 3 Regional Council is governed by the Metis Nation of
Alberta bylaws;

Therefore be it resolved: That effective immediately, the MNA Region 3 Regional
Council set Region 3 Vice President and Provincial Council representative of Region 3, Joe Chodzicki’s salary to zero, as per Metis Nation of Alberta Bylaws, Article 46 –
SALARIES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL  46.1 Each Regional Council shall decide the
salary of their Provincial Council representatives.

Moved ,Seconded  Motion Carried.

Motion: # 2

That if Joe Chodzicki apologizes publicly to Madame President Audrey Poitras and
Region 3 Regional Council - Regional Council would consider negotiating on
reinstating his salary.

Moved, Seconded, Motion Carried.

Motion: # 3

Regardless of the outcome of the two previous motions, Region 3 Regional Council
directs Marlene Lanz to make a public statement that neither she nor Region 3
Regional Council supported Joe Chodzicki’s request that Madame President Audrey
Poitras resign her position.

Moved Seconded Motion Carried.

October 5, 2007

MNA Region 3 Council Meeting:  Joe Chodzicki unapologetic to Mme. President Audrey Poitras on the letter he sent out and APTN broadcast; Very supportive of Health Initiative and his actions he felt were justified; Trevor Gladue attended meeting

Discussion moved to Letter written by Joe requesting the resignation of Provincial President Audrey Poitras dated August 7, 2007 was discussed. Joe has right to own opinion but should not have used Region 3 letterhead. 
Discussion followed regarding the letter reaching the media and Region 3 being implicated.
      
Motion to accept August 17, 2007 minutes as presented.
Moved Seconded  Carried.
 
 Motion 5
      Motion to rescind Motion 2 of August 17/07 meeting.
       Moved, Seconded Carried.
  
 Motion 6
Motion “We acknowledge that each member of the Métis Nation is entitled to their own opinion and that if Joe Chodzicki apologizes publicly and to Region 3 Council and members for using Region 3 letterhead to express a personal opinion, we will reinstate his salary retroactive to Aug 17/07.
 Seconded, Carried

October  13/14, 2007

MNC Annual Assembly:  attended by Provincial Council and Local presidents and Board members.  Disagreements regarding Health Initiative Funding, now awaiting Judiciary Council hearing, therefore not able to be Public, cause strife and interference during course of Assembly.  MNA United on Response to Harvesting Issue.

October 16, 2007

Trevor Gladue Press Release sent via email from Métis Matters: negative press release against Mme. President Audrey Poitras and list of delegates 

November 8, 2007
APTN Broadcast – Joe Chodzicki- Biased publicity re Salary Issue

November 24/25, 2007

Rick Boucher - Judicial Council Hearing : held in Edmonton, attended by Local members from Region3 as Observers

November 26, 2007
Métis Nation Local ‘8’ Board Meeting Medicine Hat, Alberta
Judicial Council Hearing Update at Local8 Board Meeting– four board members attended Judicial Council hearing in Edmonton; information presented on conflict of interest against Rick Boucher; verdict pending.
 
Motion to send letter to Mme. President Audrey Poitras requesting MNAA take any action, including legal action, against all MNAA Provincial Council members involved in a conflict of interest from the MNC Health Initiative and bring them before the Métis Judicial Council; and further to investigate the delivery of the MNC Health initiative in Alberta and recommend criminal charges be laid against anyone found to be involved in fraudulent acts; and further to inform the respective government departments of such acts; in addition, request a forensic audit be initiated by the federal government on the delivery and expenditures of MNC Health initiative in Alberta and at the Métis National Council,   Seconded    Carried Unanimously.

November 27, 2007

Trevor Gladue Press Release; condemning the Métis Judicial Council chair and supporting Rick Boucher; calling into question the integrity of the Métis Judicial council.  It is apparent that Joes shares the same opinion of the Judiciary council decision re Metco Ventures/Rick Boucher/Health Initiative

November 29, 2007

METIS NATION OF ALBERTA Region 3
REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
CONFERENCE CALL
       
– Framework/Funding Agreement
                
       Whereas due to the serious conflict of interest at the Provincial Council table and;
      
       Whereas the Framework and Funding agreement for 2007/08 have not been concluded and/or
       executed and;
      
       Whereas the Framework funding agreement is imperative to the day to day operations of the
       Metis nation of Alberta Region 3 office and;
      
       Whereas …
      
       Therefore be it resolved that Region 3 Regional Council approves and accepts the interim
       funding agreement 
       
       Motion 2 
       Moved to accept Framework/Funding agreement. Seconded, Carried Unanimously

       
       Item - Joe Chodzicki – Vice President Region 3

Motion 4
Moved to RESCIND Motion 6 of October 5/07 Meeting

Background:Motion 6 (Oct 5/07) read: “We acknowledge that each member of the Métis Nation is entitled to their own opinion and that if Joe Chodzicki apologizes publicly and to Region 3 Council and members for using Region 3 letterhead to express a personal opinion, we will reinstate his salary retroactive to August 17, 2007”.
 
Seconded, Carried Unanimously.

    
Discussion followed: 
Joe has had time to act on the apology and has the resources to utilize the Media for the Public apology requested by Regional Council.  The Region 3 Council members have not heard a public apology from Joe Chodzicki only a short letter of apology for using Region 3 letterhead.

December 13, 2007

Joe Chodzicki called into question the legitimacy of the November 29, 2007 meeting because of the 21 day clause in our bylaws, so a new meeting date with 21 day notice was called.

Press Release from MNAA
December 19, 2007

Métis Nation of Alberta   
 
MNA Judiciary Council Finds Region One Vice-President
Violated Métis Nation’s Conflict of Interest Prohibitions
 
Rick Boucher Reprimanded and Suspended Until 2010
 
Edmonton, AB (December 19, 2007) – Yesterday, the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA)
Judiciary Council issued a decision in a conflict of interest complaint filed against Rick Boucher, Vice President for MNA Region 1.  
 
The complaint was brought forward by MNA President Audrey Poitras on behalf of
seven members of the MNA Provincial Council, including the Presidents of four of the six MNA Regions.  
 
“Now that this process is complete, I look forward to the MNA Provincial Council
coming together to work on other issues that are really important to Métis people such as health, housing, harvesting and career development,” President Poitras said. “This decision reinforces the need for people to respect Métis government and work together to advance Métis government for the good of Métis people.”
 
The complaint flows from the Provincial Council passing a unanimous motion (that was seconded by Boucher) in February 2007 that the MNA pursue a bilateral agreement with Health Canada for the delivery of the Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative (AHHRI), rather than entering into a sub-agreement with the Métis National Council
(MNC) for the delivery of this federal program due to concerns raised by the MNA’s
Minister of Family and Wellness with respect to accountability issues to MNA members.
 
In March 2007, unbeknownst to the MNA President, the MNA Minister for Family and Wellness, the Provincial Council as a whole or the MNA Region One Regional Council, Boucher entered into an agreement with the MNC for the delivery of the AHHRI through Metco Ventures Inc., a private company he 100% owned as of the date of signing the agreement.  The agreement provided that Metco would now deliver health programs to Métis in Alberta, rather than through the MNA.  
 
“It is unfortunate that instead of working with and respecting his colleagues who are elected to serve all Métis people across the province, Mr. Boucher decided to pursue his own objectives,” Marlene Lanz, Region 3 President and Minister for Family and Wellness said. “With this decision, I hope that the MNA can now finalize the bilateral agreement with Health Canada that was contemplated back in February 2007 in order to increase the number of Métis health professionals in this province and improve Métis health in Alberta.”
 
Press Release
Attention News Editors Métis Nation of Alberta   2
“It is a very sad day when elected officials put their own self interests above the Metis people with no regard for the future of our  Nation,” Sylvia Johnson, President of Region 6 said. “As leaders, we all have the responsibility to ensure that we are accountable and not have a hand in disgracing and embarrassing the Metis Nation publicly.”
 
The MNA Judiciary Council found that Boucher “made a decision to use a company he controlled to take an agreement away from the MNA”, that Boucher “owed a duty to the MNA” and that “he had no right to act on his own contrary to the motion” passed by the MNA Provincial Council in February 2007.  
 
The MNA Judiciary Council also wrote,
 
The MNA could not operate if every Councillor felt entitled to take
information obtained through the MNA and then act on their own through
other companies preventing the MNA from proceeding with negotiating
agreements when the Provincial Council had authorized the negotiation of
such agreements. … 
 
Provincial Council members do not have the right to act on their own
because they disagree with the MNA Executives or the MNA Provincial
Council. … 
 
People in the position of Mr. Boucher as a member of the Provincial
Council harm the integrity and credibility of the entire Métis Nation of
Alberta by ignoring the process for Governing affairs of the Provincial
Council.
 
In conclusion, the Judiciary Council found Boucher’s actions were “a clear breach of the Conflict of Interest prohibitions under Article 22.1 and 22.2 of the Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws.”  The Judiciary Council reprimanded and immediately suspended
Boucher from the Provincial Council and from holding specific positions in the MNA
until December 18th, 2010.
 
“This process shows that the MNA’s self-government is strong and that Métis leaders should be held to the same high standards we expect from federal and provincial Cabinet Minister and MLAs when it comes to avoiding conflicts of interests.  MNA Provincial Council members are here to strengthen the Métis Nation and serve all Métis people, not use information obtained through Métis government to advance their own agendas,” Cecil Bellrose, Region 4 President said.
 
“This very serious decision of the Judiciary Council absolutely reinforces the belief of the Metis people in our government, our internal processes and the fundamental principle of good government and accountability,” Karen Collins, President of Region 2 added. “The elders, youth and membership have anxiously waited for this decision.  Now that it has been made, we can move on as the strong Metis Nation that we are.”
 Métis Nation of Alberta   3
The complaint was initially filed in May 2007.  An initial hearing date for the matter was set for July 20th, 2007.  Boucher requested and was granted two adjournments: one to July 30th, 2007 and a second adjournment to September 20th to 21st, 2007. In September 2007, evidence was heard and the matter was adjourned a third time to November 24th and 25th, 2007.  The Judiciary Council rendered its formal decision on December 18th, 2007.  A copy of the full decision may be viewed at Metis Nation of Alberta
 
December 21, 2007  Trevor Gladue Press Release: “Court Orders Halt to Poitras Abuse of Métis Judiciary Council”;Disrespectful of Judiciary Council Decision, Factual misrepresentation
January 3, 2008  Reminder from Region 3 re Regional Council meeting. The two agenda items are Framework funding, and Métis research funding. Regional Council is informed Vice President Joe Chodzicki, acting independantly contacted International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations informing IIAR, he didn’t think that Region 3 should get any Framework funding.   This action was taken by Mr Chodzicki after the notice of Conference Call Meeting was provided to Regional Council.

January 3, 2008

 Mr. Chodzicki has not regularly attended the office or special events and community functions.  His attendance at the Regional Office from August 27, 2007 to Jan 2008 total some 112 hours (one hundred twelve hours).  This time is less than 20% of the 616 hours (six hundred and sixteen hours) which make up the normal work weeks during this period..

By following the direction provided by Regional Council in its original motion, Mr. Chodzicki could have avoided the situation which has arisen.
 

January 4, 2008
METIS NATION OF ALBERTA Region 3
REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
CONFERENCE CALL
JANUARY 4, 2008

Region 3 Council Members requested that it be noted in the minutes:

Marlene Lanz had the Region 3 Office Secretary contact Joe Chodzicki by phone to include him in the January 4, 2008 conference call, when secretary called Joe’s home phone number and cell number the voice mail came on. Secretary left messages on both phone numbers.
Office Secretary also tried to contact one other absent Council member and there was no answer.

Motion 1
Moved to accept motions 2, 3, and 4 made from November 29, 2007 Meeting be inserted into January 4, 2008 minutes.
Seconded CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Discussion followed on Joe Chodzicki’s appearance on APTN Jan 2, 2008 and that Joe has not been signing cheques or been into the Region 3 office.

President of Region 3 talked to an APTN representative from Edmonton and this representative would like to speak to any one of the Region 3 Council Members regarding Joe’s comments.  It was decided that President Marlene Lanz would be the spokesperson on behalf of Regional Council.

Discussion moved to Health Funding administrated by Medco  Of the $537,000, $243,000.00 went to Scholarships and bursaries and the remainder went to for administration @ Medco.

Audrey Poitras has requested an audit through Health Canada.

January 14, 2008

Joe Chodzicki sent email to watch APTN News:  News featured Rick Boucher of Region 1 declaring that he would not respect the decision of the Judiciary Council, and that he is still the representative of the people in his Region.  Trevor Gladue present at press time.

It should be noted that Region 1 does not hold Regional Council Meetings in accordance with the bylaws.

January 18, 2008
Provincial Council Meeting in Edmonton:  attended by observers from Region 3.

Agenda items: 
1.  MNA-AB Government Framework Agreement
2. Funding Agreements, 2007/2008 Framework and all other agreements

Trevor Gladue, Joe Chodzicki and others refused to accept the agenda; Due to interference with regard to Agenda and process, no vote was taken on the Important items of Agreements and MNA funding.  After an alternate Agenda was presented and adopted, a friendly ammendment to deal with the funding issues was defeated by members of Provincial Council including Joe Chodzicki and Trevor Gladue.  Meeting adjourned prior to motions with regard to funding.

.
January 19, 2008

Press Release from Trevor Gladue via Metis Matters claiming Mme. President Audrey Poitras stormed out of the meeting refusing to deal with funding agreements.  In fact, observers from Region 3 and others witnessed those on Provincial Council acting with only discreditation of MNA government on their agenda. 

January 25, 2008
MNA Region 3 Council Meeting;  no minutes yet.

Joe Chodzicki declared that he did not think it is Regional Council’s place to approve funding for our region which is in direct conflict with our bylaws under Article 14 that states that each Regional Council shall govern the affairs of the Region and approve all budgetary requirements for their Region;  therefore it is our responsibility to approve funding for our region.  He also felt that he only took his direction from the voters; but according to our bylaws it states “The Vice-President shall perform such duties as may be determined by the Regional Council”. 

January 26, 2008
MNA Region 3 AGM:  Calgary, Alberta

Local ‘8’ Medicine Hat report:   Local 8 President Jeannette Hansen clarified Local ‘8’ support of Mme. President Audrey Poitras actions re Rick Boucher-Judiciary Council-Conflict of Interest; and further requesting President Poitras to investigate the actions of other board members involved in the Health Initiative and possible fraudulent acts.  Notice was also given to the room that a non-confidence vote and removal  from  office for Trevor Gladue and Joe Chodzicki was going to be presented to the local community of Medicine Hat.

Regarding removal of Joe Chodzicki from office of Region 3 Vice-President

Excerpt from Bylaws Metis Nation of Alberta:

23.3    A Provincial Council member other than the President or Vice-President may be removed from office through the following process:

(a)  A minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of a Local Community Meeting to approve an ordinary resolution demanding the removal of their Provincial council member must be given to members of the Local Community; and
(b) A written resolution demanding the removal of the Provincial Council Member must be approved by seventy-five (75%) percent of the Local Councils in the Region who have held meetings and given their members a minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of the meeting; and
(c) The written resolution approved and signed by seventy-five (75%)percent of the Local Councils in the Region shall be sent to the Regional Council; and
(d) Upon receipt of the written resolution from the Local Councils the Secretary of the Regional Council Shall give a minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of meeting to the members of the Regional Council to vote on the written resolution; and
(e) A meeting of the Regional Council shall be held and if seventy-five (75%) percent of the members of the Regional Council vote to remove their Provincial Council member then a written resolution demanding the removal of the Provincial Council member shall be sent to the Provincial Council; and
(f) Within twenty-one (21) days of the receipt of a written resolution from the Regional Council signed by seventy-five (75%) percent of the members of Regional Council the Provincial Council shall remove the Provincial Council member and the position shall be declared vacant.

Regarding removal of Trevor Gladue from office of Provincial Vice-President
Excerpt from BYLAWS Metis Nation of ALberta
23.2    A President or Vice-President may be removed from office through the following process:

(g)  A minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of a Local Community Meeting to approve an ordinary resolution demanding the removal of the President or Vice-President must be a given to all Local Communities in Alberta; and
(h) A written resolution demanding the removal of the President or Vice-President must be approved by seventy-five (75%) percent of all Local Councils in Alberta who have held meetings and given their members a minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of the meeting; and
(i) The written resolution approved and signed by seventy-five (75%)percent of all Local Communities in Alberta shall be sent to their Regional Council; and
(j) Upon receipt of the written resolution from the Local Council the Secretary of each Regional Council shall give a minimum of twenty-one (21) days notice of meeting to the members of the Regional Council to vote on the written resolution; and
(k) A meeting of each Regional Council shall be held and if seventy-five (75%) percent of the members of the Regional Council vote to remove the President or Vice-President then each Regional Council shall send a written resolution demanding the removal of the President or Vice-President to the Provincial Council; and
(l) Within twenty-one (21) days of the receipt of a written resolution from seventy-five (75%) percent of the Regional Councils signed by seventy-five (75%) percent of the members of each Regional Council the Provincial Council shall remove the President or Vice-President and the position shall be declared vacant.

Under the above bylaws and with Respect for the MNAA and the Métis Nation of Alberta Judiciary Council….
Independent Actions of Other Locals in the Region,  Public Meeting Scheduled in Local Chinook 1880, Local 8 Medicine Hat & Local 845 Rocky Mountain House.
Based on the performance, behavior of Region 3 Vice President, Joe Chodzicki and
Based on the performance, behavior of Vice President MNA Trevor Gladue.