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Similarities of two cultures shown at Høstfest - MinotDailyNews.com | News, sports, business, jobs - Minot Daily News

Official count in on MNA website

Well yesterday at about 4:00 pm an email was sent to me notifying me that the count would be at 8:30 am Wednesday.

So this morning I went and was expecting the poll boxes for Lac La Biche to be in the board room ready to be opened and counted and to have an explanation of some kind.
The  board room was empty of any election materials.  Sheila came in with her two staff carrying a poll box.
She showed the poll box with the ballots was still locked.  She opened it and showed the ballots were still in it.

She said they looked in all the envelopes and stuff and found all the information they needed.  She made up a dummy poll book and discovered they had all the information.  She said she pieced it all together and it matches. We were shown nothing.  Just given this information, then she declared the official count  - it was the same as what was arrived at last week.

I was shocked.  I don't personally feel this is right.  I didn't say anything because there didn't seem to be any point as she has always had the attitude to get this done without incident no matter what. I don't know how she could come to that conclusion when it seemed there were about 50 ballots missing from the Lac La Biche poll boxes - those for provincial president.

This was the official count.  Anyone can call for a recount according to the bylaws.  I don't agree with some of the decisions already made by Sheila Genaille e.g. allowing 36 ballots when only 34 names are on the poll book.  There were some inconsistencies as well.

This is a brief report from my perspective.  If you want more details from me, ask.  I don't feel like typing anymore right now.

Better still, ask the chief electoral officer - in writing.  Send your request in writing so it should come back in writing.  Also, consider writing a request to the provincial council asking the CEO to include in her report the numbers from each poll of those people who had a card and were not on the list - they signed a paper and were allowed to vote.  I haven't checked the bylaws about that.

You might also want to ask to have included on her report the numbers from each poll of those who had no card but were on the list - they showed 2 pieces of ID and were allowed to vote.  This information can be useful.

Not sure if I'll write anymore about this unless there is an interest.  Thanks for listening.  I will be writing something about the campaign later.

MNA count - still waiting

Tansi,
Patience is a virtue.  For many of you the poll results will not change your life at all.  For some, perhaps a fraction of a fraction.  For others their whole life will be directed - the candidates obviously.

Since the election was called I've sent five communications to the chief electoral officer, Sheila Genaille and received only one reply.

Last night the candidates for president for region one were to have been informed about the Lac La Biche polls in case a conclusion was reached.   Friday the 16th there was a possibility the verdict would be in on Tuesday the 19th  and if they wanted to come to Edmonton to personally view the findings they would need to know the night before.  I inquired and was told to contact her via email as she doesn't do voice mail. She said, 'Oh I forgot you guys will want to come too.' Indicating three people including myself who were there to witness the official count.

Well I received no communication, the website hasn't been updated since one or two days after the election - Whitecourt is still listed as locked poll box.  I sent an email as requested.  If any members know any more than that please let the rest of us know.  As I am still the vice president of region four I feel it is my responsibility to keep informed about all this and pass it onto you.

Thanks for listening.

MNA elections - its not over.. still counting.. . also comment about PC candidates forum last night

To those faithful few who are subscribed and regularly check this blog, this update is for you.  I am tired and would rather go to bed early but know you want to know so here it is. 

Today was day three of what I thought was a re-count of votes.  That was my assumption because several days passed since I made my request and thought an official count had been done of what was available.  (Whitecourt locked poll box was still locked). I had sent an email plus left a voice mail for the chief electoral officer which were never replied to. 

Monday I received a notice that I posted about a recount.  After hearing comments from the chief electoral officer and her staff, these three days have actually been the official count.  That discrepancy will be addressed at another time.  For now, it seems the only issue for the chief electoral officer is Lac La Biche polls.  Because the issue will be worked on during the weekend I will avoid details (they’ll come later if necessary).  The chief electoral office is convinced that comparing paper work – poll books with ballot stubs and numbers will resolve the dilemma of the missing ballots.  I think some of it may be resolved but not all of it.  For now, she will do what she thinks needs to be done and she will inform the interested people Monday night about when region 1 Lac La Biche polls will be resolved.  I asked about an official announcement and she said Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.   

One of several issues I noted are a few polls having more ballots that names on the poll book.   To refresh your memory, when a voter goes to the poll their name is recorded in the poll book, they are handed ballots which then go into the ballot box.  The number of ballots is supposed to equal the number of names in the poll book.  If there are more ballots in the box than names recorded, from where did those ballots come? 

If you have any concerns about voting – you saw something or feel that something was not right, please feel free to email me.

Thanks for listening and continue to pray that the truth will be revealed.

Have a great weekend and if you have a PC membership get out and vote tomorrow, Saturday.   ANYONE BUT MORTON.   I went to the final leadership forum in Edmonton last night and it was worth the effort.  About 1000 people showed up.  It was a good experience.  As you know I voted for Gary Mar.  Hearing his reply about what he would do about homelessness confirmed my decision.  He talked about Aboriginal people having a disproportionate higher rate of homelessness than nonaboriginal people.   He quoted the stats and said we need to address the disparity and mentioned that the Aboriginal population is growing faster than the national average and that the average age of Aboriginal people is younger as well.  I felt it was an informed, sincere and passionate response.  Let me know what you think J

MNA recount update

Well there is the agenda and then there is reality.  It was an ambitious agenda I thought but nothing wrong with ambition as long as  it doesn't distort reality.

As you would guess region one was the first to be recounted.  Serious issues here that will be revisited today.  Region one has not been completed.  Lac La Biche polls are in question.
Region two went quickly with having only 84 votes to count. It appeared there were no irregularities but one which was accounted for.
Region three was started. Three polls were done.
Have a great day.

Other election info, PC leadership advance voting poll is TODAY

FYI  If you are interested in provincial politics here is some of the latest.

Personally, I am interested in the whole person, not just what their views are on Aboriginal issues.  When someone is mocked for their faith that is disrespectful at least and disciminatory at worst.  I know two people who NOT to vote for. (if you guessed Ted Morton you were right)

The Advance Polls   TODAY!!!!

Advance voting for the first ballot takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept 13) from 9 am to 7 pm, so if you can't make it on Election Day, please go to the advance polls. You can see advance poll locations across the province at:http://www.albertapc.ab.ca/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId=10031. For Edmonton, advance polling takes place in the Kingsway Ramada Ballroom on 11834 Kingsway Ave. NW. For Calgary, visit the BMO Centre on the Stampede Grounds, 20 Roundup Way SE, in Palomino Rooms E-H. Alberta's future is in your hands.

The Big Day   Saturday, September 17 is the date of the first ballot and polls will be open from 9 am - 7 pm. Over six months of amazing work from our dedicated team of volunteers and staff have led up to this day. Please make time to go the polls and encourage everyone you know to do the same; it's a small commitment with a very big payoff. This is your chance to help build a better Alberta. For info on where to vote, please see http://www.albertapc.ab.ca.   PC Alberta Leadership 2011 – Important Dates Election Day(s)   Primary Election Dates (first ballot and second ballot if required)                           Saturday, September 17, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (First Ballot)                           Saturday, October 1, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (Second Ballot – if required) Advance Poll(s)  Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (First Ballot)                            Tuesday, September 27, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (Second Ballot – if required) Last All Candidate Forums   Thursday, September 15, 2011 - Edmonton, Radisson Hotel South, 4440 Gateway Blvd 7:00 pm I think. Some candidates will be having a meet and greet before hand.

MNA elections - its not over. Official recount notice

From:	"Chief El. Officer" <elections@metis.org>
Subject:	Official Recount
Date:	Mon, September 12, 2011 3:04 pm
To:	spasula@softhome.net
Métis Nation of Alberta, Chief Electoral Office Suite 202   11738 Kingsway Avenue, EDMONTON, ALBERTA    T5G 0X5 , TELEPHONE:  (780) 453-0294  or 1-800-252-7553  ex. 212, FAX:  (780) 453-0276, email:  elections@metis.org September 12, 2011  This is to inform you that the official recount will take place at the Métis Nation of Alberta main boardroom as follows:              Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:00 am          Region 1 10:30 am         Region 2 11:30 am         Region 3 1:15 pm          Region 3 (continued) 3:00 pm          Region 4              Thursday, September 15, 2011 9:00 am          Region 5 10:30 am         Region 6  Métis Nation of Alberta – Election By-Laws  44.2     No person may be allowed in the room where the recount is being conducted except:  (a)  the Chief Electoral Officer, (b)  the Returning Officer, (c)  the Deputy Returning Officer; (d)  Poll Clerk; (e)  the candidates or an elector appointed in writing to be present on behalf of the candidate.  Dr. Sheila D. Genaille, LL.D., Chief Electoral Officer, 1-800-252-7553, (780) 453-0294

FYI Request for a recount

Friday I sent a formal request for a recount of the votes.  With a close count of 37 plus the variance of 77 votes - the difference in count between those who voted for president and those who voted for vice president, it is a good call.  Will keep you posted.  Keep me in your loop as well.

Looking for people who have news and want to share it

Hi,

A reporter from APTN is looking to cover the MNA election.   
Info re: disputed votes, locked poll boxes, people not told where poll locations were, advance polls not available, etc.

The reporter is also looking for feedback about comments Ted Morton made about Metis and private land ownership and the Metis settlements

Please call Naomi at cell 780.886.8405  Office 780.5159 or email  nlopinto@aptn.ca.

MNA elections - its not over.

I'm waiting to hear back what will happen to those locked poll boxes;  will they be opened and counte an dif so, should be done with RCMP present which the MNA will have to pay for as it is not a public election.
 Will keep you posted.

To my knowledge the MNA has no formal historical record of its existence.  Why isn't there a book, at least a newsletter style documenting the activities and major events of the MNA.  For example John Weinstein's book Quiet Revolution is a political history of the Metis Nation nationally.
I'm saying this because apparently there was a re-election once in the history of the MNA.  Before Larry Desmeules time I was told.  Does anyone know the details of that?  Who were the candidates involved and if a court challenge was made who did it - one of the candidates I'm guessing.
Please send me whatever info you know about that event.
Thanks.
On the Metis trail...

MNA elections - its not over.

Well, the unofficial results are on the MNA website.
 It appears no change in sight, unless the locked poll boxes will make a difference - if they get counted.
Two polls in region 4 were locked poll boxes which means they were tampered with.  Some are calling for a re-election because of it.  What do you think?

The Chief Electoral Officer has ten days to declare official results.  Until then everything stays the same.

Back to school. Card from grade four children after doing a presentation. Very touching for me.

Rupertsland Institute inquiry and response

 I’ve been asked about the Rupertsland Institute.   Attached are the cards of the four board members and those eight who work in an office tower downtown (as far as I know there are eight).  Note the names and positions of the board members.   
I've also included the staff members, that I know of, who work at the Metis employment office which also has empty offices, to my knowledge.

Simply stated,

The LMD – Labour Market Development unit that was housed at the MNA head office and which brought in significant revenue (e.g. rent, etc.) became the Rupertsland Institute.  At the decision of Lorne Gladue, Chief Executive Officer who was appointed by President Poitras, he moved the LMD/ Rupertsland downtown saying he thought it would be better to be downtown.   There was no consideration given to the impact of this on the operations of the head office or the MNA generally.  Once the move was made and the impact of the huge revenue loss felt, it was slash and cut, basically devastating to the whole organization.   Many offices on the main floor have been empty for several years – loss of revenue and no activity, then the LMD offices gone upstairs, more empty offices that have never recovered revenue.  I’m guessing the building is 35% full, or 65% empty whichever way you look at it.  I think the Rupertsland Institute is a great idea that should have stayed housed at the head office at least for a transition period. 

What do you think?  Vote with your answer on September 6, 2011.

Tansi everyone,

I trust you have been enjoying the weather this last long weekend of the ‘summer’.   I have as well as being on the campaign trail.

 I received a call this AM that the last letter I posted on the blog about Mr. Lyle Donald not submitting a criminal record check in order to represent region 4 at the Métis Urban Housing board, is personal and as such would I remove it in order to avoid possible legal repercussions.  Of Course I will, I said.  Thank you was the response.

It is personal, not just to the people named in the letter, but it is personal to the Metis Nation especially when the person in question is running for office.   We see these kinds of things in mainstream politics all the time, the 'skeletons' old and new, come out.  Metis people in region 4 voted for me in 2008 because they wanted to know what is going on and they expected me to do the right thing.  For this I have been persecuted and took many hits.   It is time now for you to decide once again who will represent you at the regional level - someone who keeps you locked out of your own regional office, some one who refuses to get a criminal record check to sit on an MNA board or someone who feels its time for change and is willing to do something about it.    

Interestingly, there had been a motion at one time for candidates to have a mandatory criminal record check but lawyers said it violated some rights and could not be enforced.  However, provincial council were encouraged to submit one voluntarily.  I have had a current criminal record check for decades – doing volunteer work and employment of various kinds which required it.

Thought, whenever you see something interesting on the internet, you should copy it and keep it in your own records in case it gets subsequently removed from the internet. 

What would Louis Riel do?  

Thanks for listening and call me if you need a ride to the poll tomorrow :)