Metis Nation insists voters be registered

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The Senate of the Metis Nation of Alberta has ordered a temporary decree suspending the voting privileges of people not holding a specially registered membership card.

The decree comes in the wake of rumors that some candidates were planning to use unregistered Metis Nation of Alberta cards to garner support from non-Metis during the Sept. 7 election.

"We want to make sure that only Metis will be allowed to vote and determine who will represent them," Senate co-chair Thelma Chalifoux said in a prepared statement.

The 13-member Senate ruled at a meeting in Edmonton June 18 that associate and Metis local membership cards would not be recognized during the MNA election for president, six vice-presidents and six regional board members.

The Metis Senate believes people who hold these cards, if allowed to vote, may undermine the legitimate interests and rights of lifetime Metis members, Chalifoux said.

The valid, enumerated cards are easily recognized, bearing the holder's birth date, social insurance number and MNA president's signature.

The Senate is not overstepping its authority in suspending the voting privileges of associate and Metis local card holders, Chalifoux said. Article VI(2) of the MNA by-law gives the Senate power to suspend or expel any member for conduct or an act the Senate believes could be "gravely detrimental to the Metis Nation."

The Senate's decision has also the support of previous MNA assemblies that introduced the new membership cards and enumeration processes to control voting, she said. Some 3,500 Metis have obtained the cards since the program's introduction two years ago.

There has been little opposition to the Senate's ruling by members of the Metis community.

"You've always had to have a card," said Metis Women's Council of Edmonton general manager Francis Hegedus.

"The same thing happens with the Indian Association. You have to have proof, and have to be registered with Indian Affairs."

Administrators at several of the MNA's regional offices throughout the province also reported little opposition to the move, although no one would go on record during this "political year."

Nominations for the fall election will not be accepted until July 5.

Candidates for the 13 positions will have until Aug. 6 to submit nomination papers with the chief electoral officer.