MN-S elected directors excluded from swearing in ceremony

Ten days later, the provincial secretary and the ministers provided their own written complaints to the PMC alleging improper conduct on the part of Quintal.

According to the statement, the investigation was concluded on March 16, 2025, and found that the provincial secretary and the ministers acted inappropriately and in violation of the MN-S Respectful Workplace Policy and The Saskatchewan Employment Act, when they questioned Quintal’s Métis heritage in a public forum at the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (“MNLA”) on Nov. 2 and 3.

The investigation also determined that Quintal’s comments during the Jan. 21, 2025 PMC meeting did not amount to harassment, but were actions taken by him to request that the provincial secretary and the ministers stop the harassing conduct. The provincial secretary and ministers’ complaints against Quintal were determined to be unfounded.

The direction to the group was to provide a written apology to Quintal, and until they did so, would not be allowed to attend any PMC meeting.

Western Region 2 Director Sherry McLennan, who was elected to a third term, was among the directors banned from Tuesday’s ceremony and listed as absent. The ceremony was also bumped up from 1:30 p.m. to 1p.m.

“So, they obviously had it planned that we weren’t going to be there, but we did show up and we brought our families and we were denied entry,” she said.

Noting one of the people standing nearby recognized her as an elected official and that she even brought her certificate from the elections officer stating she was the winner of this region, McLennan said a senior MN-S staff member just kept pushing her back.

“I asked her why I wasn’t allowed in there, and she just kept pushing me out, pushing me out the door, and then shutting the doors, and security said you’re Sherry McClennan, you can’t come in.”

In addition to not being allowed at the PMC meetings, McClennan said her director’s email has also been blocked.

“I know our people in Western Region 2 are feeling very unheard, and they said why have an election if they’re not following the rules. So, there’s no way that anybody can stop me from working and doing my job for Western Region 2. We take our jobs very seriously,” she said.

With respect to the harassment allegation and the order to write an apology, McClennan stated it was still a pending legal matter but did say she was just asking questions.

“As leaders, we have to ask those because we’re responsible for the money that the Metis Nation gets.”

Also listed as absent from the ceremony was Western Region 3 Director Wendy Gervais who was under the impression the results of the election represented a reset.

“Our citizens in both of our regions voiced who they wanted as leadership, and then it was taken away,” she said.

Gervais noted usually if there’s a disciplinary action, it’s dealt with, and then it’s moved forward. The resolution, as far as she knows, did not state that this was going to be ongoing.

“So, I expected to show up, and I expected to be sworn in, although it is symbolic, it does not mean I can’t continue to do my job. I’ve been elected by my citizens for a four year mandate, and I will continue to do the job that I’ve been elected to, which is be their voice.”

During his address to the crowd on Tuesday, MN-S president Glen McCallum referenced people who spoke up in opposition.

“Don’t get discouraged. Isolate them, they don’t have your interests, but only theirs,” he said

Both McLennan and Gervais plan to attend a press conference in Prince Albert Thursday morning, where they will outline more of their concerns with MN-S Leadership.

The media conference will take place at 10 a.m. at East End Hall in Prince Albert.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

MN-S elected directors excluded from swearing in ceremony

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