Facts & Questions

There is a lot of misinformation circulating — rumours, unsubstantiated allegations, and outright falsehoods.

It can be difficult at times to know what, or who, to believe. The best remedy is facts — facts you can independently confirm. Below are some key points to consider:

FACTS

We can afford to complete our Cultural Centre

This project is absolutely achievable — and within our reach.

Here’s why:

McMurray Métis (MMM) proudly owns Infinity Métis Corp (IMC) — our Nation’s economic engine. IMC is a proven success story, generating tens of millions of dollars each year through strong partnerships with industry. Along with the substantial grants already secured, IMC’s ongoing revenues ensure we have the strength, stability, and capacity to complete our Cultural Centre — a place that will stand proudly for generations to come.

During Bill’s Leadership, we raised Record Fundraising

McMurray Métis raised $39,346,120 in grants and donations for the Cultural Centre and secured the transfer of the 8.4-acre site on MacDonald Island, valued at $3.4 million:

  • Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program Grant $16 500 000

  • RMWB Capital Grant $13 100 000

  • Heritage Alberta Cultural Spaces Grant $5 000 000

  • Smart Sustainability Resilient Infrastructure Alberta $496 120

  • Emissions Reductions Alberta $550 000

  • Donations $300 000

  • Assessed Value of the 8.4 acre site transfer by RMWB $3 400 000

Strong Reporting Protocols

Bill established regular reporting to funding agencies, ensuring the steady flow of grant dollars to the project.

Provincial Funding Secured: Thanks to these reports and invoices, $5.3M was released from the Province of Alberta through the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) during Bill’s tenure.

A Balanced Funding Vision

Bill’s funding model called for equal contributions from the Province, Municipality, Federal Government, Industry, and McMurray Métis. Having secured commitments from the Province and Municipality, he had already begun outreach to Industry and Ottawa before his departure.

Open-Book Finances

During Bill’s leadership, the finances of both McMurray Métis Local and Infinity Métis Corp were transparent. Members could request and review financials at any time.

Elders at the Table

Elders played an important role in guiding the community and were present at all board meetings.

Clean Books

When Bill left office in March 2022, the annual audit confirmed the books were in order, with a healthy operating surplus and money in the bank.

Cultural Centre Project Record

The Project Record, including all the minutes and presentations, demonstrates that during the design and construction of the Cultural Centre, all decisions were made by the Board after receiving regular updates from the Design and Construction Teams.

Accountability Standards

Bill was on the Transition Committee that helped establish the Code of Ethics at Métis Nation of Alberta to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure governments and corporations had confidence in engaging with the community.

Rooted in the Past, building our Future

When we complete our Cultural Centre, this community hub will provide a seat our Government, a service hub and safe gathering space for our community,  high quality Métis jobs and meaningful work experience for our youths.

QUESTIONS

  • In April 2023, the New Cultural Centre Project Director announced a 12-month construction pause to “determine a responsible and sustainable path forward.” Thirty months later, has construction truly restarted on the building?

  • A “Construction Restart” was publicly announced for Spring 2025 (Fort McMurray Today). What has been achieved since then?

  • What is the status of the high-profile Project Leadership Team, announced in 2022 with such fanfare?

  • How much money has been spent on this team so far?

  • What results were achieved?

  • How much funding did they actually raise?

  • Since Bill’s departure in March 2022, how much money has been raised for the Cultural Centre?

  • There are many grant programs available for Indigenous cultural buildings. How many grant applications have been submitted since March 2022? How many have been approved?

  • Under Bill’s leadership, ICIP reporting delivered $5.3M in provincial funds. After the new Project Manager was appointed, the remaining $11.2M was withheld. Why?

  • At the AGM, the New Project Manager claimed to have a letter from Minister Panda addressed to Bill stating the Province would not support over-budget projects. Bill never received such a letter. Where is this letter? Why has it not been shared with the Membership or Bill Loutitt?

  • Is anyone being paid from Infinity Métis Corporation or McMurray Métis that is also being paid from McMurray Métis Cultural Centre, if so, who?

  • Why have Members not received regular reports on the Cultural Centre’s finances and progress?

  • Were Members meaningfully consulted on changes to the Centre’s vision?

  • Why are the offices of McMurray Métis Local still in portables, and IMC offices housed in a rental building owned by McMurray Métis Vice President?

  • Why has the Cultural Centre vision shifted from a community hub to what appears to be just another spec office building?

  • How much money has been committed by industry since March 2022?

  • Why was the Donor Wall and Naming Rights Program abandoned, when these could have raised at least $10M from industry?

  • How much has Infinity Métis Corp itself contributed to the Cultural Centre?

  • Why has Infinity Metis Corp. not taken a lead role in financing the Centre, when it is wholly owned by McMurray Métis Local?

Members deserve real answers!

BOTTOM LINE

Since Bill has left, the project has stalled, funding has been halted and transparency evaporated…

During Bill Loutitt’s leadership:

  1. The Cultural Centre land was secured

  2. Over $39 M was raised for the Cultural Centre

  3. Proven Clean Financials

  4. Clear funding strategy

  5. Ongoing Community Engagement

The choice is CLEAR!