Metis Leader Slams METSI Replacement

Metis Leader Slams METSI Replacement

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 13:23

 

 

The provincial government’s handling of post-secondary funding for Metis students is not sitting well with at least one northern Metis leader.

 

MNS area director Philip Chartier doesn’t think the Advanced Education department can offer the same level of service that METSI offered, before Ottawa terminated its funding in April.

 

Chartier says now that METSI offices have been closed across the province, Metis students have to apply at Can-Sask Career and Employment offices — which are much fewer in number.

 

But Chartier says only a few northern communities have a Can-Sask office — and staff in those offices are being stretched to the limit to accomodate the new clients.

 

Chartier says now that METSI offices have closed all over the province, it’s also more difficult to identify local training needs.

 

Chartier also isn’t pleased with the eligibility criteria the province plans on using.

 

According to provincial officials, funding applicants need only to self-declare they are Metis to qualify.

 

Chartier says METSI at least made sure applicants were registered with a Metis local.

 

Over 750 students obtained funding from METSI last year for programs ranging from power engineering to advanced education.

 

A permanent replacement for METSI is expected to be named this fall, and will take over the program early next year.