Voting for the Red River Métis National Election began June 13 and continues through June 23. Red River Métis citizens are electing a new Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) Cabinet, including a president, regional vice-presidents and regional executive officers from each of the MMF’s seven regions. In the Interlake Region, voters will elect one vice-president and two regional executive officers to represent the region at the MMF Cabinet table and provide leadership and support to local communities.
The following Interlake candidates were invited to participate in this Q&A and answer three questions about their priorities, experience and vision for the region.
Vice-President for the Interlake Region:
• Alfred “Buck” Anderson
• John (Jack) Park
• Carl Chartrand
Regional Executive Officer for the Interlake Region:
• Mona Buors
• Keith Ginther
• Clint Webb
All candidates were asked the following questions:
1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Red River Métis citizens today, and what specific actions would you take to address it if elected?
2. How would you work to ensure the voices and priorities of citizens in this region are heard and represented within the Manitoba Métis Federation?
3. Why are you seeking elected office, and what skills, experience or perspective would you bring to the role that would benefit Red River Métis citizens?
Editor’s note: Responses have been published as submitted and have been edited only for minor spelling, punctuation and style.
Alfred “Buck” Anderson
1. Being recognized. Acknowledged rights. Raise awareness of our Métis culture and heritage, which would be through our music and dance, our history, and our language. Bring it into the schools, including dance, music, and flags.
2. Attend local and town hall meetings. Listen to the people and bring forward their ideas and concerns. Help guide them through programs that the MMF offers, such as housing, pharmacy, HELP (Home Enhancement Loan Program), post-secondary education, sports, and small businesses.
I encourage our locals to partner with each other, as well as schools and RMs.
3. To make a difference and continue to enhance the lives of the people. I have many skills that pertain to the role, including organizing events, access to several Métis entertainers, and being confident and comfortable with public speaking. I served two terms as Selkirk Local vice-chair and four terms (16 years) as Interlake vice-president. I also organized National Indigenous Peoples Day for 19 years and created the Métis Music Van during COVID-19.
John (Jack) Park
1. Knowing where we sit within the Constitution of this great country of Canada. Our President, Cabinet, and Senior Officials have worked hard at getting the Métis Treaty passed at the highest level of the country, and we are at the second reading stage at this time. Once that treaty has passed all the necessary stages of approval, we will be in the position of governing ourselves accordingly, at the direction of the citizens that we represent. Lastly, we have achieved that recognition through our province with the recognition of Louis Riel as the First Premier and Founding Father of Manitoba.
2. By continually updating our communication processes and ensuring that we reiterate those positions regularly with updates at Local Meetings, Regional Meetings, Annual General Assemblies, as well as through social and mainstream media.
3. Serving Métis citizens is in my blood. I have been the Regional Administrator for 16 years, at the request of the current Vice President and Regional Executive member. In my role as Chairman of Métis N4 Construction, I have worked to ensure the Interlake region remains a strong Métis community with sustainable economic growth in the areas of Energy and Infrastructure and Construction Management. Lastly, with the Team Interlake approach, I will be able to mentor our Regional Executive in being ready to take over the role when I retire. Our Elders have told us that mentorship is critical in preparing our youth for the future.
Carl Chartrand
1. I believe one of the most important issues facing Red River Métis citizens is the rising cost of living. If elected, I would advocate for an action plan that explores practical ways to provide meaningful benefits through the Métis citizen card, including potential tax relief opportunities such as discounts on fuel, hydro, and other essential costs. The goal is to ensure the citizen card delivers real value that supports citizens in their everyday lives.
2. I would ensure the voices of Interlake citizens are heard by shifting toward more direct, accessible engagement through one-on-one meetings and small group gatherings. This approach makes it easier for Elders, youth, and families to participate without barriers. I would ensure feedback from these sessions is documented, tracked, and brought forward to the Manitoba Métis Federation, so citizen priorities are acted on and not overlooked.
3. I am seeking elected office to better represent citizens in the Interlake Region. I bring 14 years of leadership experience focused on communication, engagement, and community support. I understand the importance of listening to citizens and ensuring their voices are heard. If elected, I will work to strengthen participation, improve representation, and ensure that decisions made within the Manitoba Métis Federation reflect the priorities of the people I serve.
Mona Buors
1. The most important issue facing our citizens is ensuring that every Red River Métis person, regardless of where they live, feels connected, supported, and able to access the programs, services, and opportunities available to them. If elected, I will focus on strengthening communication, increasing outreach to communities throughout the Interlake, and advocating for equitable access to housing, education, health, and economic opportunities so no citizen feels left behind.
2. Representation begins with listening. I will be accessible, visible, and committed to regular engagement with citizens across the Interlake through community meetings, local events, and open communication. I will bring citizens’ concerns, ideas, and priorities directly to the MMF leadership table and advocate for decisions that reflect the diverse needs of our families, Elders, youth, and communities throughout the region.
3. I am seeking this role because I care deeply about our people, our culture, and our future. My experience working with communities, building partnerships, and advocating for citizens has taught me the importance of collaboration, respect, and accountability. I bring a strong commitment to service, a willingness to listen, and a passion for ensuring every Red River Métis citizen in the Interlake feels valued, represented, and heard.
Keith Ginther
1. I believe that our citizens deserve clear and open transparency across all areas of governance. This is essential to building a shared trust and ensuring we are moving forward together with a unified vision.
To achieve this, we must be willing to engage in honest and sometimes difficult discussions at the cabinet level. These conversations will allow us to present information to our citizens in a timely, understandable, and respectful manner.
2. I would ensure that I am accessible to constituents in person and through all available forms of communication. In our rural communities, effective communication requires using a variety of platforms and methods to reach everyone.
It is then our responsibility to bring those concerns forward to Cabinet and advocate strongly on behalf of our region, ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard and that their priorities remain at the forefront of decision-making.
3. I strongly believe it is time for change. We need fresh ideas, new energy, and a renewed perspective while continuing to build on the many successes already achieved by the MMF. There are excellent programs and initiatives that should remain in place and continue to grow. However, it is important that grassroots citizens have a stronger voice in shaping our future. By combining community input with the wisdom and guidance of our Elders, we can build a stronger and more united Métis Nation.
Clint Webb
1. One of the most important issues facing Red River Métis citizens today is ensuring equitable access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment opportunities. If elected, I would advocate for continued and increased investment in community services, support partnerships that improve access to these essential programs, and work to ensure Métis voices are represented in decision-making. Strong communication, accountability, and engagement with citizens would guide my approach to addressing these priorities.
2. I would ensure citizens’ voices are heard by being accessible, responsive, and actively engaged with the community. This includes holding regular meetings, attending local events, seeking input from Elders, youth, and families, and maintaining open communication channels. I would bring local concerns and priorities to the Manitoba Métis Federation, provide regular updates on decisions and initiatives, and advocate for solutions that reflect our region’s needs.
3. I am seeking elected office to give back to my community and ensure local voices are represented in decisions that affect Red River Métis citizens. Through my experience in community involvement, leadership, and advocacy, I have developed strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. I understand the challenges facing rural communities and would bring a practical, collaborative approach focused on transparency, accountability, and achieving positive outcomes for citizens.
