Greetings, Métis Nation Saskatchewan. I’m Naz Chalifoux, and I’m on the 2025 MN-S Election ballot. I thank my wife, Sam, and daughters, Harmony Faith and Melody Joy, for their support.  I’m honored to stand for the people and address overlooked issues. After five years in northern Saskatchewan’s political scene, I’m ready for greater responsibility.

My presidential platform charts a bold path for MN-S. Unity is our strength to face future challenges. Opportunities for change are slipping away, and division threatens our nation. If elected, I’ll work to keep MN-S united. We must honor the sacrifices of those who built this nation, striving for unity and freedom.

   As a public servant, I will uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and communication with constituents. As an elected official, I will act in the community's best interests, exceeding the call of duty. I will attend official ceremonies and critical appearances as required as president of MN-S. All decisions will represent the majority of constituents and aim to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts for future generations. 

 The MN-S provincial council must be accountable and transparent, prioritizing the nation's interests and addressing people's needs. Many families and communities face disappointments due to claw backs or strict application requirements. The current MN-S government has not effectively tackled the mental health crisis or provided sufficient programs for those with disabilities and serious health issues, leaving many without support. This election will shape our future direction. If elected president of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, I will ensure reparations and support for all citizens, leaving no one behind. 

   If MN-S elections lack transparency and accountability, how can our government have them? Oversight failures cause inequality and exclusion. Incumbents dodge debates, and candidates face no financial record-keeping rules. This gives rise to corruption, especially in the executive council. If elected MN-S president, I will propose electoral reforms to ensure fair elections. 

Why are we leaving so many behind? Is it MN-S's responsibility to help those in desperate need? Should MN-S provide a safety net to prevent people from falling into or further into mental illness or addiction? Honoring Métis Nation citizens with support for a good standard of living and well-being is what we expect from our MN-S government. The MN-S council has resources to address these issues but is not acting. If elected president, I will propose increased funding for:

- Community initiatives to reduce poverty and homelessness.

- Employment programs for people with disabilities.

- Mental health and addiction services.

- Sustainable economic development.

- Programs for youth aged 13–24, who are at higher risk.

- A supplementary health plan covering physical and mental health treatments and caregiver support.

Northern Saskatchewan, despite its rich natural resources and profitable mining, is one of Canada's poorest regions, with most residents living at or below the poverty line. Child poverty, homelessness, and limited opportunities must end. As a 2021 federal election candidate for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, I identified poverty as a key issue. Poverty cycles hinder success in health, food, transportation, and communication, straining relationships and mental health. My goal in politics is to alleviate this crisis by fostering sustainable, responsible economic development for widespread benefit.

I propose additional assistance and benefits to help families on low or fixed incomes maintain a better standard of living. Financial struggles and inability to afford nutritious food, a substantial phone plan, or internet access negatively impact productivity and competitiveness. This support can help families with limited finances cover the high costs of basic necessities.

 You may have heard MN-S discussing post-secondary education. Their exclusive program overlooks many marginalized individuals seeking education. We must seize the opportunity created by the incumbent council's failure to ratify the sacred document, allowing us to amend for more concessions, particularly in post-secondary education. If elected president, I will prioritize this initiative. 

I want to raise an issue ignored by other presidential candidates in this MN-S election: the provincial government has positioned this province for potential severance from the dominion of Canada. What is MN-S's stance on this, and how will it impact Métis nation?

The right to be recognized as a free nation is what 

the Métis have been striving  towards for 

generations.  

  What is self-determination? Have we already 

been granted self-determination in some 

limited form. We have a government that can 

hold elections but what good is it when... 

Over reach into 

governmental affairs corrupt the process. The 

MN-S government is no exception to this type 

of interference. We have to decide when and 

where to draw the line on interference and 

corruption in order to maintain the highest 

level of integrity that people of MN-S expect.   

If elected to be the president of Métis nation 

Saskatchewan, I will endeavor to ensure that 

we honor our affirmation for self

determination, guided only by the terms and 

conditions of the people of Métis nation 

Saskatchewan. 

 Over recent years, we've made great strides in realizing self-determination for our people is within reach. Many before us, including Louis Riel and others, sacrificed much in their fight for freedom. We must continue their spirit of self-determination.

The issues with the National council need to be resolved. Unity over pride for a stronger MN-S

 As I speak, climate change and wildfires are threatening health, safety, and livelihoods in Northern Saskatchewan, impacting Métis and all communities. Canada and Saskatchewan have spent millions on external wildfire resources. I propose MN-S collaborate with federal and provincial governments on wildfire mitigation services to create jobs and protect vulnerable areas.

The Three Islands, comprising Fort-à-la-Corne, Nisbet, Canwood, and Torch River provincial forests, span 226,000 hectares. These forests have been used for generations for hunting, foraging, and medicine. Deforestation of these ancient ecosystems concerns many, including my family, who rely on their natural wealth and healing properties.

Clear-cutting and modern forestry practices are destructively altering the landscape, critically reducing biodiversity. Currently, no government programs effectively restore the degraded land, with only a fraction rejuvenating.

Saskatchewan’s plan to allow harvesting of up to 64% of the Islands’ forests within 20 years threatens those dependent on them, wildlife, and future generations’ ability to utilize their full value.

With such profits, how much is enough in the destruction of our Boreal forest? Where do we draw the line on this assault on our environment?
If elected MN-S president, I will hold the government accountable for addressing the environmental concerns of Saskatchewan’s Métis people. See more on the environment on my official MN-S election platform @ nasserdeanchalifoux.com 

A supplemental health plan is a program initiative that should be further developed by MN-S, so we can ensure that the citizens receive the essential healthcare they deserve.



 

We must build our nations economy fairly and sustainably. We must review and improve the transparency and fairness of Métis business registration processes and support oversight to ensure all Métis entrepreneurs, not just those with connections, can access economic programs. 

 Art is a universal language that transcends barriers, uniting us in appreciation. We celebrate the unique character of Métis culture, past and present, which distinguishes our artists in the art world. To preserve and rejuvenate our nation, we must support those pursuing visual or performing arts. 

 Many areas remain underserved. Critical infrastructure and security are essential for safer, more prosperous communities. The current government's strategy fails to meet community needs. If elected MN-S president, I will support all community-driven infrastructure modernization requests.  

We all want peace of mind knowing our communities are safe for families. However, ongoing issues raise concerns. The drug and violence crisis demands immediate action.  

Serious discussions about deploying community police officers in Northern Saskatchewan’s remote areas, where crime rates are rising, are underway. I support proposals to train and implement community-based policing. Young people must take responsibility for their communities, recognizing it as an honor and another step toward self-determination.

 I was taken by social services at age three and became a ward of the government until eighteen. After surviving foster care, I attended college, majoring in music, then worked as a courier before starting a successful sole proprietorship. I married in spring 2005, moved in 2008 to 24 acres of off-grid land northeast of Prince Albert, and built a modest home to raise two children. In 2020, I joined the Green Party of Canada, ran as a candidate in the 2021 federal election for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, and sought the party leadership in 2022. Now, in 2024, I seek your support to represent the people of Métis nation, drawing on five years of political experience, while growing as a husband, mentor to my children, and positive community influence.