Staff
The Métis Nation of Ontario saw a record turnout for its election yesterday, with results to be announced May 12.
Across the province, the average increase in voter turnout was nearly 50 percent.
In addition to the votes cast yesterday, regions from across Ontario mailed in ballots to the Ottawa office of the MNO.
These ballots will be counted early next week.
Margaret Froh of Barrie and Hank Rowlinson of Sudbury are running for MNO president.
As reported last month, current MNO president Gary Lipinski of Fort Frances did not seek re-election and is retiring from Métis politics.
Richard Meilleur, France Picotte, and Kevin Muloin are running for MNO chair while Marc Laurin and Sharon McBride are running for MNO vice-chair.
Maurice Sarrazin, Lawrence (Larry) O’Connor, Tim Pile, and Heidi Kimberley are running for MNO secretary-treasurer.
There was no election for Region 1 councillor (Fort Frances, Dryden, Kenora, and Atikokan) on the Provisional Council of the MNO.
Incumbent Theresa Stenlund of Kenora was acclaimed.
“Now that voting is finished, it is time for us to prepare to get behind the new leadership that will be elected on May 12,” Lipinski said in a press release.
“This is an exciting time for the MNO and the whole Métis nation,” he added.
“Regardless of the final result, it has never been so important that we are united and moving in the same direction,” Lipinski stressed.
“So I ask all MNO citizens to join me now in thanking all who participated in the electoral process, and after May 12 in getting behind the new leaders of the MNO,” he said.
