Province-wide Ratification Vote
Posted on: Aug 29, 2022
The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is proud to announce, after two and a half years of extensive community engagement across the province, that the MNA Constitution Commission tabled the draft Constitution at the MNA’s 94th Annual General Assembly (AGA). On August 6th, 2022, in Calgary Alberta, MNA Citizens at the Annual General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking the draft Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution to a province-wide ratification vote.
On August 24th, 2022, the MNA Provincial Council met to create a plan to implement the decision of the 94th Annual General Assembly, and to ensure that as many MNA Citizens as possible have the opportunity to be heard in this province-wide ratification vote. This ratification vote will give every MNA citizen the opportunity to have their voice heard and decide whether the MNA adopts the proposed Constitution and takes one of the final steps towards true self-government.
Chief Electoral Officer
The ratification vote will require a Chief Electoral Officer, therefore the MNA will post for a Chief Electoral Officer on its website with a closing date of September 9th, 2022. On September 13th, 2022, Provincial Council will convene to select a Chief Electoral Officer as well as review and approve rules for the conduct of the vote. The outcomes of this meeting will be publicly posted by the end of September 2022.
View the Chief Electoral Officer job posting.
Citizen Information Campaign
The MNA will undertake an extensive province-wide information campaign to ensure all MNA Citizens of voting age (16 years and above) have the information they need to participate in the vote.
Press Conference
The MNA will hold a press conference to announce the beginning of the information campaign prior to the end of September.
Information Sessions
From September to October, the Constitution Commission will present the draft Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution at both online and in person information sessions held province-wide. Additional information on the vote will be provided at these sessions.
Community-based Events
The MNA will work with Regional Councils and Locals, as well as Youth, Women, and Elders groups to organize further informative events across the province. The MNA will establish a proposal process so groups may access funding for these events and activities.
Media & Communications Strategy
In addition to the above, the MNA will undertake an extensive province-wide media and communications strategy to inform as many MNA Citizens as possible about how and when to vote.
Province-wide Ratification Vote
Voting will take place from November 1st, 2022 to November 30th, 2022. The month-long voting period is intended to be as accessible to all voting age Citizens as possible. Voting may be extended if necessary or as determined by the Chief Electoral Officer.
Read the full MNA Provincial Council resolution.