BY LEN KRUZENGA

While Yvon Dumont held the lieutenant governor's post and David Chartrand comfortably ensconced in his president's chair at the MMF it appeared as if everything was coming up roses for the image of the Metis.

A new and highly visible headquarters for the MMF on Henry Street, a couple of major agreements in principle with the province and feds and a growing public profile for Metis issues locally, regionally and nationally had finally placed the Manitoba Metis on an equal footing with their aboriginal counterparts

Even after Dumont's term expired the duo were a regular part of the Metis political and social circuit, often appearing at public events together.

But with both men announcing their intention to run for the presidency of the MMF at the March 26 general election, it appears the honeymoon has finally ended as both men have accused the other of employing dirty politics.

Chartrand says that Dumont's former role as governor with the Metis National Council precludes him from running for elected office.

But Dumont countered that he was never sworn in as governor and as a result he's free to run for the MMF presidency.

"This shows a lack of respect for the Metis people," said Chartrand, who also challenged Dumont to repay the $40,000 he received as governor if he wanted to use a loophole to run in the MMF elections.

Dumont quickly responded that because his bid for the post has garnered massive support Chartrand is running scared.

"We should be debating real issues and not small technicalities," chided the former Manitoba Lt. Governor, who said if the MNC wanted to sue him for his salary they could "go ahead."
Meanwhile Chartrand says he's content to let the people decide the issue at the election, underling that his track record as president for the last two terms saw him wipe out the operating deficit he inherited in 1997 as well as get Metis issues on the public agenda in the province.

"I don't want this issue ending up in the courts, the people will decide."