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The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) says its board of directors have voted to remove president Walter Mineault, alleging he breached his fiduciary duty.
In an April 9 press release, MNBC said an election will be held to replace Mineault, with vice president Melanie Allard appointed as its interim president.
“We reached this decision after careful consideration of an independent review into president Mineault’s conduct and advice and counsel given to us by our Métis Nation Governing Assembly,” the press release said.
“We wish Mr. Mineault best in his future endeavours.”
Mineault lives in Dawson Creek, B.C., and had previously been suspended from his role as president in August 2025, but reinstated last December.
A recommendation on Mineault’s alleged misconduct was linked in the press release, an independent assessment by Wally Oppal.
Oppal is a former judge, lawyer, and the previous Attorney General for B.C.
He was requested by MNBC to review the findings of an independent investigation by lawyer Robyn Gervais.
Oppal says Gervais recommended Mineault be dismissed for several allegations, including breaches of fiduciary duty and conflict of interest.
It’s alleged Mineault used his position to advance familial interests over the interests of MNBC.
One example noted in the assessment alleges Mineault attempted to pressure MNBC staff to hire his brother’s band.
“When the CEO properly declined due to the conflict, President Mineault engaged in a 40-minute phone call where he yelled at, abused, and intimidated the CEO, threatening to publicly accuse her of bias against his family,” the assessment document states.
It’s also alleged Mineault advocated for a resolution that would have provided “a direct material benefit to property partially owned by his third cousin” and further alleges Mineault failed to disclose the familial relationship to the board.
Another allegation claims Mineault “directed a misogynistic slur at a female director” and “explicitly threatened to ensure her travel would never be approved again in the future.”
“He engaged in a sustained pattern of hostility, which included berating staff, swearing at directors over the phone, and publicly criticizing directors during meetings to the point of causing physiological stress responses,” alleges the assessment.
It’s further alleged Mineault refused to approve board travel as a way to punish directors who participated in the complaint process against him.
The assessment document also states alleged financial overreach, claiming Mineault committed $10,000 in funding to the Prince George Métis Community Association without board approval.
Another allegation claims Mineault disclosed confidential in-camera board deliberations on his personal Faceboook page regarding a rent supplement program.
The document notes that an independent recommendation of the alleged misconduct is intended to preserve the board’s integrity.
“Because most current directors are either complainants or victims of his misconduct, the board faces a clear inherent conflict of interest in adjudicating this matter directly,” it states.
The assessment says a summary of the allegations and the independent investigation was presented to Mineault on Feb. 28 and March 1 during an in-camera session of the Métis Nation Governing Assembly.
“I have no difficulty concluding that the board ought to dismiss resident Mineault from his position,” wrote Oppal of Gervais’ investigation.
“It is regrettable that president Mineault chose not to respond to the allegations, which were presented to him clearly and fairly.”
Mineault declined an immediate interview with CBC News, and said he needs to consult with his legal counsel first.
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