Metis Still Waiting for Probe into Elder Abuse

Metis Still Waiting for Probe into Elder Abuse

Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 15:11

 

 

An official with the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan says there’s been no word yet of any discipline being handed down to an RCMP officer accused of mistreating a Metis elder late last month.

 

Al Rivard says 67-year-old Jacob Lavallee of Montreal Lake deserves at least an apology from the officer in

question.

 

Rivard claims the elder was physically mishandled.

 

The MNS has raised the issue with the RCMP, but Rivard says he hasn’t heard of any progress thus far.

 

Rivard describes Lavallee as a gentle, well-respected member of the Montreal Lake community, and he says it seems rather odd that an officer would feel the need to grab him in the course of an investigation.

 

Rivard says the two officers were apparently trying to locate Lavallee’s nephew when they physically restrained him and loaded him into the back of their cruiser.

 

Rivard says the case is in the hands of the MNS and he hopes a thorough inquiry is held for the benefit of everyone.