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SASKATOON — The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) has suspended Eastern Region 2 representative Brent Digness for an indeterminate period following an ethics review related to recordings made public earlier this month.
In a statement released Jan. 20, the MN-S Provincial Métis Council said its ethics committee convened after recordings surfaced during the week of Jan. 12 that raised serious concerns about Digness’s conduct.
The council said the content of the recordings demonstrated an abuse of power and included harmful language directed toward Métis citizens, women and members of the broader Saskatchewan community.
According to MN-S, Digness has publicly acknowledged his actions.
At a special Eastern Region 2 (ERII) council meeting held Jan. 13, Hudson Bay Local 114 President Marilyn Ekert was appointed interim chair while Digness is on leave.
MN-S said ERII citizens may contact Ekert regarding all regional events and council matters during the interim period.
Before any consideration of reinstatement, the ethics committee will assess whether Digness has complied with all recommended corrective measures, including completion of a treatment and therapy plan approved by the committee.
Under the decision, Digness will not be eligible for reinstatement for a minimum of six months, the council said.
MN-S said the sanctions imposed are consistent with the maximum allowable penalty under the provincial Métis council’s code of conduct.
SaskToday reached out to Digness for comment. His office said he is not commenting, stating the matter is currently being handled by the MN-S government.
