Manitoba Métis Federation has yet to file defence against Métis National Council lawsuit
CBC
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has yet to file a statement of defence in a multi-million dollar lawsuit in which the Métis National Council (MNC) alleges the MMF caused it serious financial harm.
The lawsuit filed on Jan. 27 in Ontario Superior Court, alleges that in the lead-up to the MMF's departure from the MNC just before the MNC election last fall, the defendants "embarked upon a scorched earth policy to intentionally cause financial harm and other injury to MNC, recognizing that MNC and MMF would now be competing to be the legitimate or recognized authority and voice of the Métis Nation going forward."
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
The statement of claim alleges:
The MNC is seeking $15 million in damages, and another $1 million in punitive damages, as well as other forms of restitution, according to the statement of claim.
The defendants had 40 days to file a statement of defence after being served, unless an intent to defend was filed, which then allows an extra 10 days to submit a full statement of defence.
All but one of the 16 defendants — which includes individuals and companies — filed an intent to defend notice between Feb. 28 and March 31. Former MNC executive director Wenda Watteyne was the only defendant who did not.
The MNC has not yet filed the documents to start the process of a default judgment, meaning defendants would have no further time to file their statements of defence. In a default judgment, the defendants would by default admit the allegations.
Neither the MNC nor the MMF would comment, saying the matter is still before the courts.
Watteyne could not be reached for comment.
When people who are overweight and obese stopped taking their weight-loss medications they regained weight faster than those who stopped a diet or exercise program, a new review has found.
Amid concerns that businesses are profiting from Indigenous culture without always gaining the consent of the nation from which it originated, it raises the question of how to protect Indigenous intellectual property.
A spider with extra-long genitalia (for a good reason); a carnivorous caterpillar that wears its prey's body parts; and a tiny, mountain-dwelling opossum are among the cool new species described by science in 2025.
It’s like Amazon for hard drugs: cocaine, heroin and ecstasy, paid for with credit cards and e-transfers, delivered by Canada Post.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has added several Peace by Chocolate and NuttyHero products to its ongoing recall of pistachios possibly contaminated with salmonella.
Two Cree fashion designers who are inspired by family took the chance by leaving their home communities and are following their dreams.
When Eduardo Mercado first heard a humpback whale sing, he was fascinated by their rhythmic, moaning, haunting sounds.
The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed its first case of measles in the region since an alarming rise in the spread of the disease began across the province and country — even leading to temporary outbreak status in Ontario.