What was said - for the record!

Sheila Fraser, FCA
Auditor General of Canada















Pat Martin
Member of Parliament
New Democratic Party
Winnipeg Centre

From: Clare Pieuk pieuk@shaw.ca
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2005 7:24 p.m.
To: Martin.Pd@parl.gc.ca
cc: laytoj@parl.gc.ca

Thursday, June 9, 2005

Sheila Fraser, FCA
Auditor General of Canada
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G6

Telephone: (613) 995-3708
Facsimile: (613) 957-0474
E-mail: communications@oag-bvg.gc.ca

Subject: Joint Federal/Provincial Audit - Manitoba Metis Federation

Dear Ms. Fraser:

By way of background, for more than five years a colleague and I have operated a not-for-profit, independent, non funded Metis specific website dedicated to improving the governance, financial accountability and transparency of the MMF. During this time, over 219,000 individuals from throughout Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have visited us.

To date, I have had meetings with staff from Manitoba's Provincial Auditor's Office, a Member of the RCMP's Commercial Crime Section (Winnipeg), The Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Minister responsible for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs (Special Assistant), as well as, Mr. Pat Martin, MP (Winnipeg Centre) her Majesty's Loyal Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs (New Democratic Party). With the exception of Mr. Martin, each has been shown substantial written documentation which we believe may indicate a significant misappropriation of taxpayer dollars has taken place over several years. At no time have any of the parties suggested we not continue to pursue the matter.

I discussed the situation with the NDP Critic as recently as last Saturday (telephone, approximately a half-hour). Unfortunately, he was not prepared to peruse the documentation and consider contacting you (Hardly a labour intensive activity!) instead citing a heavy workload, limited resources and a desire to focus on the positive achievements of Aborighinal organizations. Sadly, the gentleman fails to comprehend if due diligence and financial accountability are not practiced, much of the good work on which he is focusing could indeed be undone, compromised or overshadowed. It is for this reason, therefore, I have had to take the unusual step of addressing you directly.

The authorities with whom I have been corresponding were advised I will be e-mailing you requesting a joint federal-provincial audit on the basis that the vast preponderance of funding given the MMF represents taxpayer dollars. By late Fall 2005, if I have still not been advised whether further astion is underway, I will write our Provincial Auditor Mr. Jon Singleton asking for a definitive answer. It is my understanding the gentleman is obliged to provide such. Failing that, I will file a formal information request pursuant to Manitoba's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in an attempt to force compliance. Hopefully, this will be unnecessary.

Should all previous initiatives prove unsuccessful, then and only then will I approach the media, as well as, begin publicly discussing the matter on CyberSmokeSignals.com.

In the meantime, I remain ready to meet with an auditor(s) from your Office. Below for your edification are copies of correspondence which have been sent to date. Hopefully, it will provide you and your staff with an appreciation of what has transpired.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
Web Master, CyberSmokeSignals.com

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