The MNBC Treasurer gets a big “F” for his report

(June 22, 2025) The Treasurer for Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) finally tabled his Treasurer’s Report prior to the summer Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA) but it raises more questions than it answers.

 

So while the Treasurer Patrick Harriott reports that MNBC received $114.7 million in funding for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 primarily from the federal and provincial governments, he doesn’t provide the specifics on how the bulk of the $114.7 million was spent. He references what he calls $15.9 in infrastructure investments and $44.8 million in social investments broken down by region but the report provides almost no details on what those investments were. Nor does the report reveal what they spent the bulk of the balance of the $114.7 million on which totals about $54 million.

 

A proper annual treasurer’s report should at least include the following key elements:

 

• All sources of revenue by agreement

• All expenditures by program and activity

• The cost of property acquisitions

• The projected cost of constructing new buildings on those properties

• The cost of staff, how many staff are employed (400?) and in what positions

 

His report contained none of the above.

 

Given the lack of details in the report, it makes a mockery of a statement in the opening section of the report that states “…this report reflects MNBC’s commitment to transparency and accountability through clear accessible financial reporting.” Try and read that line with a straight face.

 

And here’s the irony of that statement – at the MNGA one single President out of more than thirty present, asked a simple question about a $16.3 million figure that shows up in the report under “social investments” in the Lower Mainland. The Community President wanted to know what made up that figure. He asked the Treasurer but the Treasurer didn’t know, and deferred to the non-profit organization’s chief financial officer. She didn’t know either because she didn’t have that information with her.

 

The former President of MNBC Clara Morin DalCol says, “And this group claims to be a government. No government would ever issue a report like this. Who do they think they are kidding? And then more than 30 community Presidents, except one, sit on their hands and fail to ask a single question about any details of how and what they spent $114 million on.”

 

Ms. Morin DalCol says, “I think most MNBC citizens who would take the time to read this report would give the Treasurer a big “F” for presenting a report that is woefully inadequate in addressing $114.7 million in revenue and expenditures. These are public dollars from government intended for the betterment of life for Métis people. So where’s the transparency?”

 

Ms. Morin DalCol, who is now the President of Red River Métis – British Columbia, says, “MNBC Citizens who are tired and frustrated with the way that MNBC operates and their lack of transparency need to consider joining a grass-roots Métis organization that is 100% committed to making a difference for Métis people in British Columbia through issue work and advocacy with the provincial and federal governments.”

 

You are invited to join Red River Métis British Columbia – a real grass-roots organization for true Métis. Any true Métis residing in British Columbia who meets our criteria, including the national definition of Métis can apply to join as a member of our Métis organization. We are based right here in British Columbia and advocate only for Métis in British Columbia. You can apply to join us 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