CA-CHING$ CA-CHING$ CA-CHING$ - another good reason to sign the petition Canadian taxpayers!

Counselor Murray Norman ($The Happy, Wealthy Litigator$) Trachtenberg

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

Received yet another "package" from Counselor Trachtenberg. This is about the third or fourth time he has asked leave from the courts to amend his pathetic Plaintiffs' Statement of Claim against remaining Co-Defendants Terrance Paul Belhumeur and me.

Vanessa Everton was dropped after she signed a two page letter saying she was unaware of any MMF malfeasence. Huh? That's sure not what she told me in private conversation! I'd post it for the world to see but Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench Rules preclude its publication on the internet.

Counselor Trachtenberg is asking the court's permission to make several chicken .... changes to the Plaintiffs' Statement of Claim. When an SC is initially amended, the procedure is to underline the revisions. We're now up to double lines. Since you can't underline words and phrases when composing a post for a blog, we will highlight them in his favourite colour - GREEN! Here are the most important ones:

(a) Page 5 Paragraph 8:

The plaintiff Rita Cullen ("Cullen") resides in the City of Brandon and is a former director of the MMF for the Southwest Region of the MMF having been elected on March 26, 2003. Prior to the March 2003 election, Cullen had been a director of the southwest Region of the MMF for many years. Cullen ceased being a director of the MMF on June 29, 2006.

(b) Page 6 Paragraph 11:

The plaintiff William Flett ("Flett") resides in the City of Selkirk and is a former director of the MMF and the Vice-President of the Interlake Region of the MMF having been elected on March 26, 2003. Prior to the March 2003 election, Flett had been a director of the Interlake Region of the MMF for several years. Flett ceased being a director of the MMF on June 29, 2006.

(c) Page 6 Paragraph 15:

The plaintiff Joyce Langan ("Langan") resides in the Town of The Pas and is a former director of the MMF for The Pas Region of the MMF having been elected on March 26, 2003. Langan ceased being a director of the MMF on June 29, 2006.

(d) Page 7 Paragraph 19:

The plaintiff Darryl Montgomery ("Montgomery") resides in the City of Thompson and is a former director of the MMF and at the material time hereto was the Vice-President of the Thompson Region of the MMF having been elected on March 26, 2003. Prior to the March 2003 election, Montgomery has been a director the Thompson Region of the MMF for several years. Montgomery ceased being a director and vice-President of MMF on June 29, 2006.

So here's what we're going to do:

(1) For a very small application fee, anyone can request copies of documents under the Federal Government's Access to Information Act. We are going to request the MMF provide:

Copies of all invoices issued by Counselor Trachtenberg from the time he began billing the Canadian taxpayer funded Federation - that will go all the way back to when he first began holding minimum $250/hour meetings to discuss a lawsuit against www.CyberSmokeSignals.com (sometime in 2003)

(2) Manitoba also funds the MMF. They'll get the same question under our Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

(3) The name and salary of every public servant earning at least $50, 000 (including Premier Doer) is available in the "Blue Book" which can be viewed at the Provincial Archives Building. Why don't we know exactly how much David Chartrand earns? A few years ago I saw a document which clearly indicated it was over $104,000. What's it today?

(4) CyberSmokeBlog will assemble every page of documentation it has received since this retarded case first began (February 2004) so we can tell you exactly how many. Don't forget Counselor Trachtenberg had to do the same for Co-Defendants Belhumeur and Everton while she was a Defendant - CA-CHING! CA-CHING! CA-CHING!

(5) Next, we'll visit a Winnipeg attorney who charges at least $250/hour to ask how much would they have billed so far?

Stay tuned we'll publish the results shortly.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

P.S. Throughout this asinine, expensive taxpayer funded process Counselor Trachtenberg has been following, he has produced countless old www.CyerSmokeSignals.com postings ad nauseam in a feeble attempt to build a case which is like a house of cards built on a foundation of sand. Not once has he put on the table the dozens and dozens and dozens of examples where CSS.com published free announcements for MMF Locals having fundraisers for various worthwhile causes. Temporary lapse of memory learned friend?

We've all heard the old expression about trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. Well, that's exactly what solicitor Trachtenberg is doing. This is an abuse of the legal process - wonder how much longer he can stretch it out. Thank you Canadian taxpayers!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
POSNER & TRACHTENBERG
Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries Public
710-491 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E4
Fax: (204) 944-8878

Gerald S. Posner
Manitoba & Ontario Bars

Murray N. Trachtenberg, B.S., LL.B.
Direct Line: (204) 940-9602
___________________________________
November 28, 2007

Mr. Terry Belhumeur
2020 Burrows Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2R 0Y8

Mr. Clare L. Pieuk
2 - 371 Des Meurons Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2N6

Gentlemen:

Re: MMF et al vs. Terry Belhumeur et al
Queen's Bench File No. CI 05-01-41955
My File No. 2003-20

The plaintiffs intend to issue a Re-Amended Statement of Claim. Enclosed please find copies of the following:

1. Notice of Motion returnable Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

2. Consent and attached draft Re-Amended Statement of Claim.

The affidavit of Mr. Boulette will be sent to you as soon as it is available.

The double underlined portion of the Re-Amended Statement of Claim indicates the proposed new amendments. The amendments deal with the fact that notices of discontinuance have been filed with respect to Mr. Delaronde, Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Everton and that a number of plaintiffs are no longer directors of the MMF. As well, paragraph 70 now includes the words "thereby republishing same."

If you are prepared to consent to the Re-Amended Statement of Claim being issued, please sign the enclosed Consent form and return same to me prior to the hearing on December 12, 2007. If you do consent, there is of course no need for you to attend at the hearing, otherwise, you should attend to advise the Court as to your position with respect to this motion.

Yours truly,
MURRAY N. TRACHTENBERG
MNT/lec
Encs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Queen's Bench
Winnipeg Centre

Between:

MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION INC., ANITA CAMPBELL, DAVID CHARTRAND, ELBERT CHARTRAND, RITA CULLEN, RICHARD DELARONDE, DARREL DESLAURIERS, JEAN DESROSIERS, WILLIAM FLETT, JOHN FLEURY, LAURA HYRICH, JULYDA LAGIMODIERE, JOYCE LANGAN, LEAH LAPLANTE, JUDY MAYER, BONNIE McINTYRE, ROSEMARIE McPHERSON, DARRYL MONTGOMERY, MARILEE NAULT, JACK PARK, CLAIRE RIDDLE, AND DENISE THOMAS

Plaintiffs

- and -

Defendants

Terry Belhumeur, Clare L. Pieuk and Vanessa Everton

UNCONTESTED NOTICE OF MOTION

TAKE NOTICE THAT the plaintiffs will make a motion before the Presiding Master on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. or as soon after that time as the motion can be heard at the Law Courts Building, 408 York Avenue, in the City of Winnipeg, in Manitoba.

THE MOTION IS FOR:

1. An order granting leave to issue a re-amended statement of claim;

2. Costs;

3. Such further and other relief as the nature of the case may require and this Honourable Court deem just.

THE GROUNDS FOR THE MOTION ARE:

1. Queen's Bench Rule 26.02(d);

2. Such further and other grounds as counsel may advise and this Honourable Court may allow.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE will be referred to at the hearing of this motion:

1. Affidavit of Oliver Boulette to be filed;

2. Such further and other documentary evidence as counsel may advise and this Honourable Court may allow.

November 28, 2007

POSNER & TRACHTENBERG
Barristers and solicitors
710 - 491 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E4

MURRAY N. TRACHTENBERG
counsel for the plaintiffs
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Counselor Trachtenberg:

What the hell you thinking or are you? You're asking me to sign a document before MMF Executive Director Oliver Boulette's affidavit has been filed with the courts? Nice try! Remember, you're not dealing with the Federation's current leadership you know.

Sure hope we draw Madam Justice Deborah McCawly of Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench. As you well known from our previous appearances before her, it's sure obvious My Lady doesn't think much of of your clients' case!

How much you figure it's costing Canadian taxpayers for this silly package of nonsense? Wonder what the Red Baron thinks of all this?

Oy Vey!
Clare L. Pieuk

P.S. HAPPY HANUKKAH MR. TRACHTENBERG! And thank you for helping this blog go green - green's big these days watch our visitor numbers go through the roof!

DISTRIBUTION LIST

bkaternick@mnbc
tonyb@metisnation.org

Media

cadler@cjob.com

boris.hrybinsky@freepress.mb.ca

david.kuxhaus@freepress.mb.ca
dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
colleen.simard@freepress.mb.ca
louise_charette@cbc.ca
terry_macleod@cbc.ca
brendan_o'hallarn@cbc.ca
staff@taiga-communications.com
publisher@grassrootsnews.mb.ca
publisher@thundervoice.ca
theverdict@ctv.ca
susantymofichuk@ctv.ca
cblatchford@globeandmail.com
pcheney@globeandmail.com
jibbitson@globeandmail.com
gmason@globeandmail.com
mwente@globeandmail.com
dwalton@globeandmail.com
dmartin@nationalpost.com
pgoodspeed@nationalpost.com

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial
Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minjus@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

Legal Community
bwilliams@pilc.mb.ca (Public Interest Law Centre)
licha@legalaid.mb.ca (Lionel R. R. Chartrand - Legal Aid Manitoba)
abruun@campbellmarr.com
nieder@shaw.ca
thefirm@fleurcom.on.ca
bamyot@heenan.ca
jgj@aikins.com
wonchulenko@ltgg.ca
tlw@lexisnexis.ca (The Lawyers Weekly)
admin@cba-mb.ca
media@scc-csc.gc.ca
law-droit@scc-csc.gc.ca
harvey_secter@umanitoba.ca
afineblit@lawsociety.mb.ca
mtrachtenberg@ptlaw.mb.ca

MMF to be audited next?

"I have it from a very reliable source the Federal Government will be closely examining all financial records from MNC to its governing members, affiliates and contractors to see from where the legal expenditures have been made. Don’t forget Ottawa cancelled the Court Challenges Program and does not expect publicly funded organizations to utilize Canadian taxpayers' dollars to pay for court pursuits.

Our sources have advised us that through all Departments, including the Health file there will be a scrutinizing which will disclose every Federal penny. We were also told that they will be held personally liable for the money."

MetisMama
www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com

Here's Meeqwetch coming right back at you Mr. President!

President David N. Chartrand

Message from the President-November 28, 2007

The Powley, Belhumeur, and Laviolette decisions have shown us how arbitrary and irrelevant provincial boundaries are to our hunting traditions. But some governments continue to argue these are limits with great significance. Unfortunately others have also bought into that idea. We say these borders are just lines on a map with no real substance and cannot be used to divide our People or deny our Rights.

At a time when we must stand together, there are forces trying to destroy our Nation. These forces are a real danger. This is evident in recent statements by President Bruce Dumont in which he infers the “Metis Nation British Columbia” is considering leaving the Metis National Council. He doesn’t say where he plans to go.

He says there are five Metis Nations. Does he really expect us to believe there are five separate, sovereign, and independent nations across our Homeland? If we truly respect the struggles of our ancestors, and sacrifices of our past leaders, there cannot be a separate Metis Nation for every province. There is only one Metis Nation.

This dangerous and divisive state of mind has led to the mistaken belief that some Presidents can ignore our national constitution and reinterpret our national governance to support their own provincial agendas. Some have ignored our national definition and have gone far beyond our national territory to stake claim to so-called members, communities and lands not truly our own. This is not right.

The declaration of our New Nation, the raising of our Infinity Flag, and our legal, political, and military battles are the historic foundations upon which we will build our future. Nationhood has always been very important to our community. Together we will continue to lead the charge to protect the dignity, integrity, and unity of our Metis Nation.

Believe in Yourself – Believe in Metis.
Meeqwetch
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. President:

Our Readers would like to know since the Metis National Council is no longer receiving new funding from the Federal Government, where are you and former MNC President Chem Chartier getting the money to pay for a lawyer(s) to challenge the other Metis National Council Governors - as you well know, they don't come cheaply! Are you using your own money?

Yet another reason why Canadian taxpayers should support the petition currently circulating calling for greater public dissclosure and financial accountability of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Stop pointing your finger at us or we'll find a lawyer to sue you and your Provincial Board of Directors for defamation. We're sure we could find a solicitor to take the case.

Or if we're really hard up there's always you know who!

Too bad he can't lawyer like he curls!

Meeqwetch,

Clare L. Pieuk

Canadian taxpayers - please vote!

INTRODUCTION

Many Manitoba Metis are NOT members of the MMF yet it receives approximately $25 million annually in public money - over 95% from the federal government the rest provincially.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

We the undersigned believe the following changes must be implemented before the publicly funded MMF can better serve ALL Manitoba Metis citizens and Canadian taxpayers:

(1) Greater financial accountability, public disclosure and transparency for public monies spent be required by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba:Therefore, we request a joint Federal/Provincial forensic audit be undertaken immediately.(2) Elections Manitoba be empowered to oversee MMF elections to ensure:

(i) Voters lists are accurate, complete and do not contain the names of individuals who have relinquished their Metis status by virtue of applying and receiving C-31 status from the Government of Canada

(ii) Enumeration and other procedures be properly followed to ensure fair and equitable elections

(iii) All voter complaints prior to, during and after elections be thorouthly investigated and reported(iv) Candidates running for elected office adhere to pre-determined campaign spending limits. Complaints by eligible voters be investigated and a written public report prepared

(v) Before being eligible to run for elected office, all candidates must agree to a criminal record check and submit written proof (genealogy search) of their Metis heritageTherefore, we request Elections Manitoba be empowered to oversee Manitoba Metis Federation elections.

(2) The Manitoba Metis Federation be prohibited from using taxpayer dollars to sue private citizens:Therefore, we request no public money be spent by elected Manitoba Metis Federation officials to sue private citizens

(3) All advertising contracts be open to public tender and scrutiny:Therefore, we request all advertising contracts awarded by the Manitoba Metis Federation be subject to public scrutiny upon demand

INSTRUCTIONS

To register your vote, the following information is required:
1. Full Name
2. Canadian Taxpayer (Yes/No)
3. Complete address (please include postal code)
4. Telephone (area code if outside Manitoba)
5. E-mail Address (if available)
6. Metis Citizen (Yes/No - Optional)
7. Manitoba Metis Federation Member (Yes/No - Optional)

HOW TO REGISTER YOUR VOTE

ALL CANADIAN TAXPAYERS are eligible regardless of residency. You may register in one of two ways:

A. Online

If you see this petition on any website or blog simply e-mail the information requested above to: concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com

B. Offline

To be a volunteer enumerator, contact: concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com and a data collection sheet (Microsoft Word tabular format) will be e-mailed.Please ensure every voter signs and prints their name so all signatures can be identified.Send your completed data sheets to:

Post Office Box 63
Inwood, Manitoba R0C 1P0

ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED IS STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. It will only be used to compile a master list hard copies of which will be delivered to:

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial

Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

This website has agreed to post periodic updates on numbers of signatures collected as provided by CTPOC. NO PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION WILL BE PUBLISHED.

Thank You!
The Canadian Taxpayers' Petition Committee

Just got a lot harder for Manitoba Metis Federation taxpayer funded plaintiffs and counselor Trachtenberg!

JOURNALISM AND THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH
_________________________________________
Landmark Ruling Establishes Principle Of Public Interest
By Kirk Makin Justice Reporter
The Globe And Mail
November 14, 2007
Page A1

The Ontario Court of Appeal made a landmark ruling that frees the news media to publish contentious allegations that benefit the public interest.

In a 3-0 ruling, the court yesterday said that it is high time for Canada to join other Commonwealth countries in recognizing that an indivudual's reputation cannot trump the public right to know - provided journalism is practised responsibly.

"The defence rests upon the broad principle that where a media defendant can show that it acted in accordance with the standards of responsible journalism in publishing a story that the public was entitled to hear, it has a defence even if it got some of its facts wrong," Mr Justice Robert Sharpe said.

The test case involved an Ontario Provincial Police officer, Danno Cusson, whose exploits in New York on the day of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were held up to question by The Ottawa Citizen in an article that suggested Constable Cusson acted as an unauthorized "renegade" rather than heroic figure.

Several media lawyers urged the court to create a public-interest defence that would bring an end to a chronic newsroom apprehension that has killed many a potentially important article over the years.

'Threat of litigation discourages free and open debate'

"This is a very important decision in terms of getting facts to the public," said Globe and Mail lawyer Peter Jacobsen, who helped argue the case.

He said that the decision ranks alongside a major freedom of expression case known as Dagenais, which established the importance of press freedom under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "This is going to allow editors to be much more confident that, once they have jumped through all the hoops, they can publish," Mr. Jacobsen said.

The 1994 Dagenais ruling of the Supreme Court said that, in weighing the need for a publication ban, judges would have to balance the prospect of tainting the jury pool against free expression guaranteed under the Charter. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Antonio Lamer said a ban should be ordered only when it is necessary to prevent a "real and substantial risk" that the trial might not be fair and there are no reasonable alternatives to mitigate that risk.

In the Cusson case, Judge Sharpe, writing on behalf of Madam Justice Karen Weiler and Mr. Justice Robert Blair, noted that the defamation law was designed to ba a warning to those who are inclined to make a statement that could affect an individual's reputation.

"A newspaper that has properly investigated the story and has every reason to believe it to be true still walks on thin ice," he said.

"The fear or risk of being unable to prove the truth of controversial matters in bound to discourage the publication of information the public has a legitimate interest in hearing."

The court said that the problem the press has faced is that proving a matter in court can be extremely difficult even when it honestly and reasonably believes a well-researched story to be true.

"The threat of litigation under a legal regime that leaves no margin for error, even where the speaker took all reasonable steps to verify the facts, discourages free and open debate on matters of public importance," Judge Sharpe said.

"I recognize that adopting this defence shifts the focus of defamation law away from the truth and toward the conduct of the defendant. In my view, this is an acceptable price to pay for free and open discussion."

Mr. Jacobsen said the ruling means that those targeted in a tough news article will no longer be able to effectively "kill" its publication simply by refusing to comment on allegations.

He said that the sort of stories that will appear more frequently in light of the ruling are those involving government figures who may be guilty of ineptitute or malfeasance.

"I'll bet that story would have moved a lot faster," Mr. Jacobsen said, in a reference to an issue currently raging based on allegations against former prime minister Brian Mulroney.

At trial, a jury found that the defendants had established the truth of some, but not all the defamatory statements contained in the articles. It awarded Constable Cusson a total of $125,000 in general damages, but found that there was no actual malice on the part of any of the defendants and rejected the claims for special, aggravated and punitive damages.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Journalists Granted New Libel Defence
_________________
APPEAL COURT RULE
_________________
Must Prove Acted Responsibly In Reporting Story
The National Post
November 15, 2007
Page A13

OTTAWA - Journalists accused of libel have a new defence, after a ruling handed down this week by the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Under the unanimous ruling written by Justice Robert Sharpe, journalists who write a story dealing with matters of public interest can be protected against libel suits, as long as they can prove they acted responsibly in researching and writing the story.

The ruling represents a significant shift away from the traditional common law, under which journalists being sued for libel had to prove the truth of the facts they reported.

The court ruled that obliging journalists to prove facts to the high standard of truth expected in courts of law puts too much of a muzzle on freedom of expression and debate.

"Where a media defendant can show that it acted in accordance with the standards of responsible journalism in publishing a story that the public was entitled to hear, it has a defence even if it got some of the facts wrong," the court ruled.

"Debate on matters of public interest will often be heated and criticism will often carry a sting and yet open discussion is the lifeblood of our democracy."

But the lawyer for the man whose libel lawsuit led to the ruling said the new defence is bad news for private citizens trying to protect their reputations from negative media reports.

"Now they need to prove not only that it's defamatory, but that the standard of responsible journalism ... was not met. That's an additional burden of proof," said Ronald Caza.

"I think the consequences are not good for the community at large and the rights of private citizens."

The ruling comes as a result of a libel suit brought by former Ontario Provincial Police officer Danno Cusson against the Ottawa Citizen and three of its reporters Doug Quan, Don Campbell and Kelly Egan.

'Open discussion is the lifeblood of our democracy'

Mr. Cusson sued for libel after the Citizen published reports about his activities at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New Yourk. The paper reported Mr. Cusson misrepresented himself and his dog as a trained RCMP sniffer-dog unit when in fact he was not an RCMP officer and his dog had no formal certification in search and rescue.

In deciding the libel suit, the jury ruled much of the information contained in the newspaper was true and was not libellous.

However, the jury ruled parts of the stories libellous and ordered the paper to pay Mr. Cusson $100,000.

The newspaper argued a defence of "qualified priviledge," saying that because the stories were in the public interest, the paper had the duty to publish in the circumstances that existed following the attacks. The trial judge allowed this defence for only one of the three reporters, but the newspaper appealed, leading to the present ruling.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal agreed that "qualified provilege" does not apply, because a newspaper does not have an absolute right to publish stories on matters of public interest, without regard to their truth or falsehood.

However, the court said that a different defence, the "public interest defence for responsible journalism" could apply.

Despite opening the door to a "responsible journalism" defence the court ruled the new defence does not reverse the libel decision in the original case brought by Mr. Cusson against the Citizen.

Since the paper did nto try to argue a defence of responsible journalism during the trial, it cannot now make that argument on appeal, the court held.

The Citizen's lawyer Richard Dearden, said that while the court's rejection of the "qualified privilege" defence was disappointing, he is elated by the creation of the new "responsible journalism" defence. "It's definitely a landmark ruling," he said. "Now the media have the leeway to be wrong on stories of public interest if those stories are published responsibly."

CanWest News Service

He's back!

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mr. Murray N. Trachtenberg, LL.B.
Posner & Trachtenberg
710 – 491 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E4
Direct Line: (204) 940-9602
mtrachtenberg@ptlaw.mb.ca

Dear Counselor Trachtenberg:

Re: MMF et al vs. Clare L. Pieuk et al Queen’s Bench File No. CI 05-01-41955
Your File No. 2003-20

Pursuant to Undertaking 6:

Advise if the date Mr. Pieuk became the webmaster of CyberSmokeSignals.com was a date other than June 29, 2001.

From your Examination for Discovery held September 18, 2007, please be advised I have conferred with my former attorney of record Mr. Jeffrey J. Niederhoffer. Neither of us are able to recall the derivation of said date. However, we would suggest you directly contact Co-defendant Terry Paul Belhumeur who was and still is the exclusive registered owner of www.CyberSmokeSignals.com.

We are indeed confident with his laser-like memory Mr. Belhumeur will no doubt be able to recall the exact time, place and date he provided the user name and password thereby allowing internal access to his site. Good Luck!

Please govern yourself accordingly!

Yours truly,
Clare L. Pieuk

Distribution List

Federal

The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial

Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minjus@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

Red Baron says .....

Red Baron has left a new comment on your post "Red Baron's back!"

Word to the wise - get in touch with the British Columbia and Ontario Metis Nations - send them a few posts if you have to. You'll be interested by the responses I think you will receive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Red Baron:

Apparently a copy of the petition has already been sent to The Metis Nation of British Columbia and one is on its way to their Ontario counterparts. None of the postings on this site are copyrighted so everyone is free to re-produce and transmit them - wherever.








Bruce Dumont
President
Metis Nation of British Columbia
www.mpcbc.bc.ca/contact/contact.html
bkaternick@mnbc
Telephone: 1-800-940-1150
Facsimile: (604) 801-5097








Tony Belcourt
President
Metis Nation of Ontario
www.metisnation.org
tonyb@metisnation.org

Where to begin?

Hey Clare,

I've scanned the petition and there's some stuff I definitely would support and other I would need a little background on first before getting behind it.

It's been awhile since I was up to date on the issues in MMF politics so can you give me a little background on it? I'll take a look at the links as well. I'm likely to help you out but as a rule I want to know what I'm supporting?

Have a good one.

Luc
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Luc,

Thank you for writing. There is so much wrong with the current operation of the taxpayer funded Manitoba Metis Federation it's hard to know where to begin. However, we have been advised by The Canadian Taxpayers Petition Organizing Committee it has been told by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation it will be displaying it on the Manitoba Link of its national website (www.taxpayer.com) - that speaks volumes!

We have a couple suggestions:

(1) Contact CTPOC (concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com) and ask why it has organized the petition. No doubt you'll get a polite earful or two

(2) Scan the postings on this site - a ton has already been written

(3) If you still have specific questions, please contact CyberSmokeBlog and we'll do our best to try to answer them

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

The real Red Baron!

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (May 2, 1892 - April 21, 1918) was a German fighter pilot known as "The Red Baron." He was the most successful flying ace of World War I and was credited with 80 confirmed air combat victories. Around his neck he wears the Pour le Merite, the "Blue Max," Prussia's highest military order.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Red Baron's back!

Red Baron has left a new comment on your post, "Metis Nation of British Columbia speaks out!

Clare,

It's been a long time but I've been watching you and in my own way have also been tracking the progress of this foolish lawsuit against you.

I also like what you and your friends have done with your new petition. If I could add my name I would. Should this suit go ahead to trial, I want you to know you have allies you don't even know about - I'm thinking of the MNC Governors.

By now it's obvious to everyone they don't like Chartrand but I have some insider information for you -part of their hard feelings have to do with Chartrand's lawsuit against you. Don't ask me how I know, I just know. They see Chartrand as abusing his power, they know how important this case is to him and how humiliating it would be for him to lose.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Red Baron:

Indeed it has been a while! We always arrpeciated your comments because they were so reasoned, insightful, very well written and, therefore, credible.

We've wondered if David Chartrand has some kind of pathological political death wish. Look at the Ste. Rita, Manitoba sign fiasco where the removal of one word ("government") would have resolved the issue - he wouldn't do it? Then there's suing Canada's first Metis Lieutenant Governor The Honourable W. Yvon Dumont after which the unfavourable decision is now being appealed - all at taxpayers' expense!

The CyberSmokeSignals.com lititation has several huge holes each of which is big enough to drive a semi through yet Counselor Trachtenberg continues to pursue this beyond assinine lawsuit at $250/hour minimum using our hard earned taxpayers' money! Rest assured if the MMF leadership is foolish enough to force it to trial there will be Manitoba and National coverage - guaranteed! Wonder what federal and politicians would think? Minister Strahl has already cutoff new funding to the Metis National Council could the Federation be next?

Red Baron, yes you can vote for the latest petition - remember it's open to ALL Canadians as long as they pay taxes. Simply send the required information to concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com. Please help them bring about much needed change. Our prediction? David Chartrand will not make it to the next MMF election and ,like Murray Trachtenberg, both will be gone because of the mess they've created. Don't think for a moment each doesn't see it coming.

At my September 18, 2000 Examination For Discovery, held in Counselor Trachtenberg's office, I advised him the first order of business for the next MMF President will be to drop the hughly embarrassing and ridiculous CSS.com lawsuit then he'd be next! A strange expression came over Mr. Trachtenberg's face but he didn't say anything - first time I'm seen him at a loss for words. Interestingly, shortly thereafter he prematurely adjourned the EFD.

Hope you don't mind Red Baron but since no one knows your identity a copy of this has been sent to everyone on the petition's distribution list - the politicians in Ottawa and at the Manitoba Legislature - who will eventually receive a confidential master list of the names of all those who voted. So please help by registering. Only thing is you won't be able to use your Red Baron pseudonym.

Unfortunately, Manitoba Court of Bench Rules prevent us from posting a verbatim record of Mr. Trachtenberg recent silly cross-examination otherwise it would be displayed in its entirety for the world to see! Suffice it to say it was pathetic! And don't forget, defamation cases in Canada are public proceedings held before a Justice and 12 jurors. Can you imagine the MMF dirty laundry which will come out in open court for everyone in the media and on the internet to see?

It's nice to know the MNC is against the CyberSmokeSignals lawsuit. Rest assured several Winnipeg lawyers are closely monitoring this ridiculous case chomping at the bit to get involved. They're waiting for the right moment - Murray Trachtenberg acting for the plaintiffs forces it to trial.

Conclusion: Clearly David Chartrand and Murray Trachtenberg are in BIG, BIG POLITICAL TROUBLE! Both know they will not survive the current turmoil for which they are largely responsible!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Distribution List

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial
Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minjus@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

Winnipeg's legal community - CyberSmokeSignals.com lawsuit big joke!

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

Had a call the other day from a Winnipeg lawyer who, in turn, had been contacted by a senior well plugged in colleague. Apparently, the latter had received an e-mail from a northern Ontario solicitor who thought the postings about the www.CyberSmokeSignals.com lawsuit were a joke until they did some research. Yes there is indeed a Murray Norman Trachtenberg; and the MMF has sued CSS com, etc.

Apparently, on the Winnkipeg legal community's cocktail circuit, if you mention the Federation's lawsuit against CyberSmokeSignals, lawyers roll their eyes and scratch their heads. Oy vey!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

FANTASTIC - Canadian Taxpayers Federation supports petition!

Adrienne Batra
Regional Director - Manitoba
Canadian Taxpayers Federation
abatra@shawbiz.ca
Cellular: (204) 227-5561
www.taxpayer.com







Hi everyone!

Thank you so very much CyberSmokeBlog for the opportunity to directly address your readership.

On behalf of The Canadian Taxpayers Petition Organizing Committee we'd like to thank our many Metis Brothers and Sisters, as well as, ALL Canadians across this great land for their overwhelming support. Shortly we'll give CSB some numbers to post so you'll see for yourselves.

Recently, the Manitoba Office of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation advised us shortly it will be posting our petition on the Manitoba link of it's national website. Needless to say we're totally overwhelmed!

Thank you so very much CTF and this site for helping us get the word out!

CTPOC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear CTPOC:

FANTASTIC! Your are indeed welcome. We're really behind in responding to our e-mail but what we've received so for is solidly behind you.

As soon as we have a chance we'll start displaying as many of the comments as we can. In the meantime, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT news the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has agreed to post your petition on its Manitoba site. GOOD LUCK! - it's about time someone finally held the MMF President and his Provincial Board of Directors accountable for our taxpayers' dollars it spends.

Sincerely.
Clare L. Pieuk

Distribution List

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial
Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minjus@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

So we liked the other ones did we - you'll love this!

Daniel Fedor has left a new comment on your post, "Why you should support the petition! Good use of your taxpayer dollars?"

Why was Terry Belhumeur there? Did he have questions for you too? If so, why wasn't Vanessa Everton also present? Keep up your great work! My friends and I love what you're doing in terms of publicizing this lawsuit!

DF
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Daniel:

Thank you for writing and the kind words.

Yes, Mr. Belhumeur was present although I was given no prior indication he would be. Counselor Trachtenberg had advised earlier in writing he was scheduled to be cross-examined before me (without checking my records for the exact date I believe it was September 6, 2007).

No. Terry Belhumeur was not allowed to ask any questions or make comment. One co-defendant can attend another's cross-examination but does not have intevenor status (can't ask questions/make comment).

He simply sat there taking notes while struggling very hard to look intelligent. So I asked Counselor Trachtenberg for a copy of Mr. Belhumeur's transcript from his earlier cross-examination. He mumbled something about there had been a change of which I'd be advised - still waiting. Notice there hasn't been a new posting on his website (www.CyberSmokeSignals.com - oakhammockmarsh@yahoo.com) since mid-July this year. Wonder why?










Terry Belhumeur

Vanessa Everton is no longer a co-defendant. Suffice it to say a letter of apology was written to the MMF a copy of which Counselor Trachtenberg was obliged to provide upon request which is exactly what I did during my cross-examination. As much as I'd love to post it on this site for the world to see, I've been advised such would contravene Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench Rules. Sorry!

Don't forget to vote for the petition and ask your friends to do the same - ALL Canadian taxpayers are eligible. Only with thousands of signatures sent to Federal and Manitoba politicians will significant pressure be brought to bear on the MMF leadership to clean up its act. In the meantime, Counselor Trachtenberg is getting rich on our hard earned public money.



Murray Norman ($The Happy Litigator$) Trachtenberg

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

It's the principle not the individual!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Will the real Ron Chartrand please stand up!"

I knew the family very well. I am going to do some digging to see if there is a blood line there.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for writing. The real issue goes beyond any single individual to the principle, should persons who are non-Metis be allow to vote in MMF elections or hold public office?

For example, when Yvon Dumont lost the leadership by 20 votes in 2000, how may ballots were cast by C-31s? Had they been disqualified would someone other than David Chartrand be President today? Probably.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Some leaders just don't get it!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Metis Nation of British Columbia speaks out!"

David's lack of response on the issue is nothing different than what we in St Rita, Manitoba dealt with. It seems this is just the way he goes about things like a cry baby - "either my way or I dont want to talk to you." David grow up and stop the schoolyard tactics!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Kind of reminds you of the young boy in the schoolyard who's losing and threatens to take his ball and go home unless you play by his rules. Only difference is we're talking a lot of taxpayer dollars!

Metis Nation of British Columbia speaks out!

Press Release - Saturday, November 3, 2007

Vancouver, British Columbia – Four of the Five Métis National Council (MNC) Board of Governors met this past week at the Delta Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario. The four MNC Board of Governors represented the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Ontario, and Metis Nation British Columbia.

The informal meeting was held on October 31st and provided the opportunity to discuss current MNC challenges in relation to national governance. The court ordered MNC General Assembly did not meet the requirements in October and this situation has left the MNC without a National President or the ability for the MNC Board of Governors to hold meetings. Furthermore, the existing court order filed by Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand and former MNC President Clem Chartier against the MNC Board of Governors still exists in the Ontario Superior Court. The court order required that the election for the MNC President was to be completed and many questions remain due to the failed MNC General Assembly.

The four Board of Governors continue to assess the situation. The four MNC Board of Governors made attempts to invite the remaining Governor, MMF President Chartrand, to discuss the situation on October 31st in spite of the current legal challenges. MMF President Chartrand sent a letter to the four Board of Governors dated October 30th stating that “I am prepared to meet if the purpose and object of that meeting is to give effect to the requirements of the Federal Government, that is, to get the issue before the court as quickly as possible…” MMF President Chartrand further stated in the correspondence that, “in light of the financial circumstances of the MNC, the five members of the BOG take place by telephone…”

MNBC President Dumont stated, “The MNC continues to face very serious challenges. I believe the MNC Board of Governors could have begun to discuss issues. MMF President Chartrand continues to seek court solutions and refuses to make any concessions or meet in person. Requests were made for the MMF President to attend the recent discussion on October 31st, 2007. He sent a response late, in fact, I did not receive until the day after the October 31st meeting, and then makes statements in his letter referencing financial circumstances for the reason to hold this meeting by conference call. The four MNC Board of Governors all made sacrifices to attend due to the seriousness of this situation. More confusing is his claim regarding MNC finances given the fact that the MMF President continues to assert court action that has already cost the Métis Nation over $90 000. I for one will not waste any more resources on a process that blatantly goes against our aspirations for Métis Nation self-governance. I also do not understand how the MMF President can continue to spend resources to support his action?”

President Dumont added, “The Métis National Council office has essentially closed operations and several of the MNC staff were laid off as a result of this entire situation on November 2nd. The October 31st discussion was an important opportunity for the MNC Board of Governors. Once again MMF President Chartrand continued to put his interests ahead of the families of the MNC employees and Métis communities throughout the Métis Nation Homeland.There simply are no resources to continue court battles and at this point the Métis National Council is non-operational.”

President Dumont concluded with, “MMF President Chartrand continues to address media as his method of presenting a misleading picture to Métis citizens. In fact an MMF Press Release dated November 2nd stated that our recent October 31st meeting invitation was insincere and a smokescreen. There could be nothing further from the truth. This was an emergency discussion and all MNC Board of Governors should have attended. I believe that the current situation is not only based on governance but also further developed due to financial questions. Métis Nation British Columbia demands accountability and transparency and will ensure that our concerns are addressed, our people deserve no less."

MNBC continues to review the situation in lieu of new developments from the October 31st and will be sending copies of correspondences this next week to the thirty-seven (37) Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia."

Media Contact:

Keith Henry

Chief Executive Officer

Métis Nation British Columbia

Telephone: (604) 801-5853

www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news9.pdf

Why you should support the petition! Good use of your taxpayer dollars?

POSNER & TRACHTENBERG
Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries Public
710-491 Portage Aveue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E4
Fax: (204) 944-8878

Gerald S. Posner
Manitoba & Ontario Bars

Murray N. Trachtenberg
B.A., LL.B.
Direct Line: (204) 940-9602
e-mail: mtrachtenberg@ptlaw.mb.ca
____________________________________________________________
November 2, 2007

Mr. Clare L. Pieuk
2 - 371 Des Meurons Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2N6

Dear Mr. Pieuk:

Re: MMF et al vs. Clare L. Pieuk et al
Queen's Bench File No. CI 05-01-41955
My File No. 2003-20

Further to your examination for discovery held September 18, 2007, I enclose copies of the following:

1. Reporter's List of Undertakings; and
2. Extract from the Transcript consisting of the following pages:
(a) 53 - 55;
(b) 71 - 72;
(c) 120 - 122;
(d) 161 - 162

Please provide me with the responses to the Undertakings at your earliest convenience.

As well, please reconsider Undertaking no. 4 which you refused to give and advise if you are willing to provide the information requested.

Finally, as I have advised you previously, you have not complied with your obligation to provide a sworn affidavit of documents. Please provide the appropriate affidavit in the very near future.

Yours truly,
MURRAY N. TRACHTRENBERG
MNT/lec
Encs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tansi/Good Day Folks:

On Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Counselor Murray Norman Trachtenberg cross-examined me in his office from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Co-Defendant Terry Paul Belhumeur, the registered owner of www.CyberSmokeSignals.com (oakhammock@yahoo.com) was present but said not a word.

Unfortunately, Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench rules prohibit displaying that portion of the transcripts which Counselor Trachtenberg attached to his letter otherwise they'd be posted so all Canadian taxpayers could read just how ridiculous this litigation really is.

After the examination, the Court Reporter estimated a complete set would likely cost over $700 - Mr. Trachtenberg invoiced this cost to the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Then there is his pre-examination preparation time plus actual questioning. At a minimum $250/hour, an educated guess is his legal bill is in excess of $10,000 for this one event in a case which dates back to February 9, 2004 when Winnipeg Metis lawyer Lionel Chartrand (served as CSS.com's General Legal Council at the time) and Terry Belhumeur received defamation warning letters from Counselor Trachtenberg.

If you can believe it, Lionel R.R. Chartrand wrote the petition (January, 2004) which was then posted with his permission verbatim on www.CyberSmokeSignals.com. The MMF is now alleging it was defamatory. Lionel Chartrand, who has done paid legal work for the Manitoba Metis Federation in the past has not been named as a Co-Defendant?

During the cross-examination I could not believe the stack of CSS.com postings Counselor Trachtenberg had before him. At $250/hour (minimum) you had to wonder how much he charged the MMF for downloading. Talk about a waste of your hard earned taxpayer dollars!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Distribution List

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial
Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minjus@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

The petition - please vote!

INTRODUCTION

Many Manitoba Metis are NOT members of the MMF yet it receives approximately $25 million annually in public money - over 95% from the federal government the rest provincially.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

We the undersigned believe the following changes must be implemented before the publicly funded MMF can better serve ALL Manitoba Metis citizens and Canadian taxpayers.

(1) Greater financial accountability, public disclosure and transparency for public monies spent be required by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba:

Therefore, we request a joint Federal/Provincial forensic audit be undertaken immediately.

(2) Elections Manitoba be empowered to oversee MMF elections to ensure:

(i) Voters lists are accurate, complete and do not contain the names of individuals who have relinquished their Metis status by virtue of applying and receiving C-31 status from the Government of Canada

(ii) Enumeration and other procedures be properly followed to ensure fair and equitable elections

(iii) All voter complaints prior to, during and after elections be thorouthly investigated and reported

(iv) Candidates running for elected office adhere to pre-determined campaign spending limits. Complaints by eligible voters be investigated and a written public report prepared

(v) Before being eligible to run for elected office, all candidates must agree to a criminal record check and submit written proof (genealogy search) of their Metis heritage

Therefore, we request Elections Manitoba be empowered to oversee Manitoba Metis Federation elections.

(3) The Manitoba Metis Federation be prohibited from using taxpayer dollars to sue private citizens:

Therefore, we request no public money be spent by elected Manitoba Metis Federation officials to sue private citizens.

(4) All advertising contracts be open to public tender and scrutiny:

Therefore, we request all advertising contracts awarded by the Manitoba Metis Federation be subject to public scrutiny upon demand.

INSTRUCTIONS

To register your vote, the following information is required:

1. Full Name
2. Canadian Taxpayer (Yes/No)
3. Complete address (please include postal code)
4. Telephone (area code if outside Manitoba)
5. E-mail Address (if available)
6. Metis Citizen (Yes/No - Optional)
7. Manitoba Metis Federation Member (Yes/No - Optional)

HOW TO REGISTER YOUR VOTE

ALL CANADIAN TAXPAYERS are eligible regardless of residency. You may register in one of two ways:

A. Online

If you see this petition on any website or blog simply e-mail the information requested above to: concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com

B. Offline

To be a volunteer enumerator, contact: concerned.taxpayers@hotmail.com and a data collection sheet (Microsoft Word tabular format) will be e-mailed.

Please ensure every voter signs and prints their name so all signatures can be identified.Send your completed data sheets to:

Post Office Box 63
Inwood, Manitoba
R0C 1P0

ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED IS STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. It will only be used to compile a master list hard copies of which will be delivered to:

Federal
The Prime Minister (Harper.S@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Indian And Northern Affairs Canada (Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Finance (Flaherty.J@parl.gc.ca)
President, Treasury Board of Canada (Toews.V@parl.gc.ca)
Minister of Justice (Nicholson.R@parl.gc.ca)
Rod Bruinooge (Bruinooge.R@parl.gc.ca)
Auditor General of Canada (petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - National (jwilliamson@taxpayer.com)

Provincial
Premier, Manitoba (premier@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Finance (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Minister of Justice (minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca)
Auditor General of Manitoba (contact@oag.mb.ca)
Canadian Taxpayers Federation - Manitoba (abatra@shawbiz.ca)

This website has agreed to post periodic updates on numbers of signatures collected as provided by CTPOC. NO PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION WILL BE PUBLISHED.

Thank You!
The Canadian Taxpayers' Petition Committee

Why throw more good taxpayer money after bad?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Oy vey - 'Poor' Murray!"

Good Day CyberSmokeBlog:

I do agree the situation will have Murray Trachtenberg in despair but that was before the funding was cut.

A reason David Chartrand is fighting so hard is the Board of Governors did not support appealing the case Yvon Dumont won. He didn't like the fact the MNC did not want to pursue it. While Clem was playing the sleeping President and not having Board meetings over the past year, King David reinitiated the lawsuit.

One of the first issues the MNC Board raised - including the financial (............. .... ..... .. ........ .... ) was to stop the court challenge. If the truth be told the Governors were reluctant to continue a case they had lost - never mind carry on suing their own people - especially one of our past leaders. If we follow David's example - he must be next!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Sorry we had to delete a few words although what you said comes as no surprise.

After sitting through the five day trial, our overriding impression was talk about an ill-advised, ill-conceived lawsuit not to mention the waste of our hard earned taxpayer dollars! Lead defence lawyer Anders Brunn, capably assisted by Jeff Niederhoffer, was quoted in the Winnipeg Free Press as saying, "..... the decision is virtually unappealable." Perhaps the Governors saw his comments and finally came to their senses save for one.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Elders' Christmas Dinner

Dear Friends,

We're having an organizing meeting for the Elders' Christmas Dinner.

The Dumont MMF Local is arranging a get together Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Winnipeg Regional Office's Board Room on McGregor Street.

Please attend if you're interested in joining an active Local. The Dinner will be Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the Metis Club.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Thank You!

Kathy Frisk
Dumont Local

Will the real Ron Chartrand please stand up!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Badly needed election reform - please support the petition!"

Can anyone tell me if Ron Chartrand is a blood relitive of David's? Is he the Vice-President of the MMF? Just curious because back in the days I dated Ron's son for many years and the family is proud Treaty not Metis!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Anonynous:

Thank you for writing. As you know, "Chartrand" is a very common surname in Manitoba - 158 including 11 Ds and 14 Rs in the Winnipeg Telephone Directory alone.

No doubt the "real" Mr. Ron Chartrand or someone in the MMF's Winnipeg Regional Office will see this and can answer your question.

Although we've never met the Ron Chartrand to whom you refer, he was the only Federation Provincial Board of Director out of the 23 who had the wisdom, brains, common sense and foresight not to sign on to the beyond asinine defamation lawsuit against www.CyberSmokeSignals.com from the get go - for which we thank him! Somehow CSS.com managed to allegedly defame all of them but him - huh?

Is it A, B or C? Will the real Ron Chartrand please stand up.

A










B







C

You have to go back a lot of years but there was an old black and white television show called, This Is Your Life. In it 3-4 people would be sitting on stage before a live audience while an unseen voice of friends, relatives and acquaintances could be heard revealing details from the past of one. You had to guess the mystery person. Host Ralph Edwards would then say, "Would the real Mr. John Smith please stand up."

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Is Your Life
www.wikipedia.org

Ralph Edwards

This Is Your Life was a television documentary series hosted by its producer, Ralph Edwards. It originally aired in the United States from 1952 to 1961, and again in 1972 on NBC. It began as a radio show airing from 1948 to 1952 on NBC Radio. A version of it has been on air in the United Kingdom since 1955, and another version is still running in Australia. It has also been broadcast from time to time in New Zealand.

The Concept

The format of the show was simple: the host would surprise someone (usually a celebrity or public figure, occasionally an ordinary citizen) and, consulting his "red book," conduct a biography of the subject in a television studio. The subject would be presented with family members and old friends, reunited with old acquaintances, and often shed a tear when a personal tragedy was recounted.

The 1950s edition of the show was aired live before a theater audience. The celebrity guests were ambushed by Ralph Edwards and confronted by the microphone and cameras. They made their way to the studio during the first commercial break. Most of the honorees quickly got over their initial shock and enjoyed meeting bygone friends again. Pioneer movie producer Mack Sennett's response was typical: he hated being caught off-guard, but as the tribute progressed he relaxed, and by the end of the show he was quite pleased with the experience.

Advance planning for the broadcast meant that, inevitably, certain celebrities would know in advance about the surprise. Carl Reiner later admitted that he knew beforehand about his appearance.

Some celebrities were unpleasantly surprised. Angie Dickinson refused to appear, and Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy was angered by being "tricked" into what would be the team's only American television appearance on December 1, 1954. The meticulous Laurel later said, "Oliver Hardy and I were always planning to do something on TV. But we never dreamed that we would make our television debut on an unrehearsed network program... I was damned if I was going to put on a free show for them," although he mellowed in later years when so many viewers told him how much they enjoyed the show. Lowell Thomas was probably the most hostile and annoyed on-air guest. When host Ralph Edwards tried to assure him that he would enjoy what was to come, Thomas replied, "I doubt that very much."

Attempted Revivals

Edwards would revive the series twice in syndication, the first one with Edwards again as host and in 1983 with Joseph Campanella. Both failed to capture the magic of the original series, mostly due to the series being filmed or taped and in the case of the '71-'72 version some stations that aired it gave away the surprise elements in ads and promos for the show.

In November 2005, ABC announced that it was developing a new version of the show, to be hosted by Regis Phibin. Coincidentally, the show's creator, Ralph Edwards, died not long after the announcement was made. In August 2006, Philbin decided not to renew his contract with the show (he was committed to hosting America's Got Talent on NBC), and ABC is considering moving forward with another host.

In May 2007, on the popular television series American Idol, Sir Trevor McDonald presented Simon Cowell with the infamous red book. The full version of the revived show was broadcast on Saturday June 2nd on British television.