Métis Nation suspends president over breach of policies

The Métis Nation of B.C. says its board of directors has voted to suspended its elected president, alleging there has been a breach of its policies and procedures.

Its board of directors says in a statement that Clara Morin Dal Col, who was re-elected to the role in September, was suspended with pay last week.

In a statement on its website, the board also alleges there was a contravention of the president's oath of office. The board says it made the decision after being left “with no other option,” offering no further explanation of what led to the suspension.

Dal Col had no comment when reached by phone, saying she'll be releasing a statement later.

Vice-president Lissa Smith is stepping in to fill the position on an acting basis.

The Métis National Council and Manitoba Métis Federation criticized the decision to suspend Dal Col, calling it a “shocking coup” in a statement. David Chartrand, the Manitoba federation president and national council spokesman, says in the statement that the organizations do not recognize Smith as B.C.'s new president.

“This is a black eye for democracy,” national council president Clement Chartier added in the statement.

Métis Nation of B.C. CEO Daniel Fontaine was not available for comment, but the organization responded to the Métis National Council in an open letter signed by Smith on behalf of the board of directors. The letter posted to its website questions the accuracy of the national council's statement.