How Does This Happen?

(June 3, 2026) The former President of Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) who was removed on April 9th incurred more than $15,000 in travel and accommodation expenses in just three months between January and March this year. How does this happen?

 

Walter Mineault was removed from his position in April by the MNBC Board of Directors for what they said was “breaching his fiduciary duty to MNBC and Métis Citizens” and now, based on an analysis of an MNBC Board and CEO expense report to the end of March 31st that had to be legally posted by June 1st, and comparing the numbers with an interim expense report to the end of December 2025 we learn that Mineault incurred more than $15,000 in travel and accommodation expenses between January 1st and March 31st. The analysis showed that the former President had incurred $23,954 in travel & accommodation costs between April 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2025, but then the final year-end report to the end of March 31st, 2026 shows a total of $39,115. That’s a difference of $15,161 between the end of December and the end of March. Where was he travelling, what was he attending and who approved the costs?

 

Remember Mineault was originally suspended last August by the Executive Committee and then re-instated in December through a motion moved by Region 3 Director Dean Gladue. That all happened before community president members of the Métis Nation Governing Assembly after reviewing a report on allegations against him voted overwhelmingly on March 1st to advise the Board to remove him.

 

Here are some other eye popping costs for the former President that show up in the final expenses report for the year ending March 31st:

 

• Salaries and Remuneration = $181,200

• Automotive Expenses = $9,352 (This appears to be on top of the $62,600 MNBC paid out for a brand-new SUV for Mineault in March of 2025)

• Per Diems = $10,892 (Per diems are tax free)

• Office, Office Equipment and Supplies = $6,103

 

For the full 12 member Board of Directors, total salaries and remuneration for the year ending March 31st were more than $1.1 million. At the same time, the CEO’s position was paid $290,710 in salary and reimbursement, plus $700 a month in vehicle allowance but the report does not indicate whether those amounts were paid to Colette Trudeau who went on leave in November, or were spread out to include the two individuals who have been appointed acting CEO’s in her absence.

 

Here’s another excessive expense that shows up in the latest report – MNBC spent $317,282 on Insurance, Legal and Professional fees for the year ending March 31st, 2026. Although it is not broken down, if Directors and Officers Liability insurance is about $50,000 or $60,000 per year, then that would mean at least $250,000 was spent on legal and professional fees. So how much did the legal work dealing with the Mineault issue actually cost MNBC? They don’t tell us!

 

Former MNBC President Clara Morin DalCol says, “At the end of the day, the entire Board of Directors is accountable for these costs, including the salaries and remuneration paid to the former President and to themselves, as well as to the person occupying the CEO’s position. I would encourage community presidents to ask questions and demand transparency at the upcoming MNGA this weekend, not only about the salaries, but also about the outrageous travel and accommodations costs incurred by the former President.”

 

Ms. Morin Dal Col also says, “Community presidents also need to ask the Board why they no longer post the full minutes of Board meetings, and are just posting a short summary of the final decisions. Why the lack of transparency?”

 

One of the first requirements of good governance is accountability, and that can only happen with full disclosure and transparency. When it comes to this MNBC Board, they get an “F”.

 

Métis Citizens in British Columbia deserve better representation from a Métis organization with elected directors residing right here in British Columbia. That organization is Red River Métis British Columbia.

 

Ms. Morin DalCol – the President of Red River Métis British Columbia invites true Métis to join our grassroots organization which is focused on improving the lives of our true Métis people in British Columbia. You can apply to join Red River Métis British Columbia even if you have a membership with another Métis organization.

 

Join Red River Métis - British Columbia today, by clicking on

https://www.presidentclara.com/get-involved

   

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For further information:

Contact Clara Morin DalCol

President – Red River Métis – British Columbia

Email: cmdalcol@gmail.com