The incumbent president of the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan is being accused of creating a culture of “apathy.”
Ray Laliberte is one of five people challenging Robert Doucette for the right to lead the MN-S.
Laliberte says he is worried Doucette’s leadership is one of the main reasons why seven area director’s positions will not be contested in next month’s Metis election.
Laliberte notes five of the candidates were acclaimed, while two positions didn’t see any contestants at all.
“No other goverment can acclaim those positions without any activity. I mean, we have to certainly review that”.
Laliberte is worried that will translate into voter apathy:
“That’s a major concern. And I think, generally speaking from my perspective, the concern is that there is going to be a low turnout.”
But Doucette isn’t buying Laliberte’s reasoning.
Doucette says if the lack of candidates was really all his fault, then no one would have likely turned out for the recent Metis Nation Legislative Assembly:
“If there was no interest, we would have had a problem at the MNLA with our presidents not showing up. But the fact of the matter is the majority showed up.”
Doucette also notes there is strong interest in some of the other positions up for grabs:
“If there is no interest in this election — and in my job, in particular — why do five other people want my job?”
Doucette says he feels enthusiasm when he visits Metis residents in the province, and he’s confident this year’s vote will see a high turnout.