Sask. Métis representative under fire for vulgar voicemails

A Métis Nation-Saskatchewan elected representative is facing backlash as vulgar and threatening voicemails circulate on social media. Stacey Hein reports.

An elected official with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is facing backlash after vulgar and threatening voicemails he’s accused of leaving circulated on social media.

Family members of MN-S Eastern Region II representative Brent Digness say he left them abusive messages, some of which have been shared on Facebook, drawing public outrage.

Digness later confirmed in a Facebook post that he did leave the messages.

“You’re an ignorant [expletive] [expletive]. You will never, ever, ever get help from the Métis Nation as long as I’m around,” one of the messages said.

His brother, Clinton Digness, says he hasn’t had contact with Brent Digness in years, citing a long-running dispute over their late father’s will.

Clinton Digness said he recently received messages from Brent Digness. One read: “I’m going to get your [expletive] [expletive], and I’m going to tear your [expletive] limb to limb.”

“It’s very disturbing and it’s upsetting for me, and I definitely don’t feel safe,” Clinton Digness said in an interview with CTV News.

Wesley Black, Brent Digness’ brother-in-law, said he contacted the RCMP after receiving repeated calls from Digness on Saturday. He said police told him there was not enough to press charges or issue a protection order.

“We do not confirm or deny an individual is the subject of an investigation until charges are laid, if they are laid,” the RCMP said in a statement to CTV News. “This is to be mindful of our privacy obligations.”

Clinton Digness said he hopes police will intervene.

“I haven’t been sleeping, I’ve been up all night watching to see if he’s going to show up in the middle of the night,” he said.

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

In a statement, MN-S said Brent Digness has been removed from his leadership roles, including economic development, tourism and sports, and chair of the Clarence Campeau Development. MN-S president Glen McCallum has assumed those responsibilities in the meantime.

“This matter has been referred to our MN–S Government’s ethics committee,” the statement read.

“While this situation is serious, it will not distract us from the important work ahead.”

CTV News reached out to Brent Digness but did not hear back. He has issued an apology on Facebook, saying he regrets his words, tone, and profanity.

“It was inappropriate, unacceptable, and does not reflect the standards I hold for myself as a public servant or as a human being,” his post read.