“Proposed Changes of the Modernization of the Métis Settlements Act”
November 27, 2020
Members of the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
RE: Proposed Changes of the Modernization of the Métis Settlements Act
As some of you may be aware the Government of Alberta is proposing amendments to modernize the Métis Settlements Act and is planning on introducing legislation into the Spring 2021 sitting of the Legislature. The challenge for us has been the pandemic and inability to fully engage our members on this topic and the deadline is quickly approaching for feedback, our most recent public meeting on this topic was cancelled.
The Minister of Indigenous Relations has just issued a letter to all council members and MSGC Executive outlining those intentions, with the addition of new provisions for a reduction of governance and increasing member contributions; which I am attaching for your review.
The Minister contacted me earlier this week to discuss his intent prior to the letter being issued. I personally support a per diem and a reduction of council as the current structure is not sustainable with the Long Term Agreement ending in the near future. The Minister is also asking that members contribute more in ways such as levies and fees to help with community sustainability.
I would like to propose the following questions to you for your feedback as this is what the Minister has specifically highlighted in his letter:
– Reducing the role of the Minister’s veto from Financial Allocation Policies
– Increasing community sustainability and setting settlements up for success through increased council accountability for having members contribute to the costs of Settlement operations and governance
– Reducing governance costs by decreasing the size of councils and the Métis Settlements General Council Executive, and exploring options for full or part time service on council and
– Amendments to remove outdated provisions
We have reiterated to the Minister the inability to engage our members during a pandemic; however, it appears the changes will still be moving forward.
Please complete the google survey and if you have questions please feel free to call or email me. As we look forward as a community, we must look at sustainability and balancing community needs.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Telford, Chairperson
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
Take survey here by December 1st https://forms.gle/p6TnFpYECERUUc7K9
