Métis Nation British Columbia has removed its president, Walter Mineault, following serious allegations of misconduct and breach of fiduciary duty.
Independent Investigation Launched
The organization commissioned Wally Oppal, a former judge and politician, to oversee an independent assessment. Lawyer Robyn Gervais conducted the probe and determined that Mineault repeatedly used his position to prioritize familial interests over those of the Nation.
Key Instances of Alleged Misconduct
In one case, Mineault negotiated an inflated performance fee for his brother’s band and pressured staff to approve the hiring. When the CEO declined due to the conflict of interest, Mineault engaged in a 40-minute phone call, yelling at, abusing, and intimidating her while threatening to publicly accuse her of bias against his family, according to Oppal’s report.
On another occasion, Mineault supported a resolution that provided direct financial benefits to property partially owned by his third cousin. He failed to disclose the familial connection to the board and applied undue pressure on directors who raised concerns.
Gervais also documented Mineault directing a misogynistic slur at a female director and threatening to block her future travel approvals, a violation of the B.C. Human Rights Code.
Pattern of Controlling Behavior
The investigation revealed a pattern where Mineault wielded his authority to control, punish, and silence dissent. He attempted to oust the treasurer for questioning his expenses and arbitrarily denied travel approvals to dissenting board members.
Further findings included sustained hostility, such as berating staff, swearing at directors over the phone, publicly criticizing them in meetings, and breaching confidentiality by sharing in-camera discussions about a rent supplement program on his personal Facebook page.
Mineault chose not to respond to the allegations. Métis Nation British Columbia plans to hold an election soon to select a replacement.
