Men of the North was founded in 2020 and it became a leading force for change in the tri-communities. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

governance issues

Men Of The North still closed after nearly a year

Sep 24, 2026 | 1:33 PM

An operational pause at Men of the North (MOTN) is still ongoing after nearly a year.

Programming at the La Ronge-based organization came to a sudden halt after its executive director and founder Christopher Merasty was placed on paid leave by the board around this time last year and then ultimately fired. Back in November 2025, chairperson Dr. Sean Groves told larongeNOW the board would like to restart programming as soon as possible, but that still hasn’t occurred.

“We have identified an executive director, but given issues with our former director failing to submit financial statements for the 2024-25 financial year, we are now having to re-establish our non-profit corporation status with Information Services Corporation,” he wrote in a statement.

“The appropriate documents have been submitted for this, and once this has been sorted out, we are planning to begin getting more formal MOTN operations off the ground.”

The board had also hired an independent accounting firm to investigate unexpected bank account charges which occurred last summer. They are still awaiting the formal financial audit covering the period from June 1 to Sept. 30, 2025.

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Men Of The North still closed after nearly a year

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“We have started supporting some minor stuff (men’s workout group at the facility through the summer, as well as plans to set up the Haunted Trail this year, assuming there is sufficient volunteer support),” Groves noted.

larongeNOW reached out to Northpine Foundation to inquire whether there were any concerns from them about the extended operational pause or finances. Northpine awarded Men of the North a major $820,000 three-year grant in 2023.

“Northpine Foundation has no concerns regarding our investment with Men of the North,” a statement from their communications lead reads.

“The investment was administered through a trustee who oversaw all reporting and compliance, ensuring funds were used as intended. All outcomes tied to our investment were fulfilled. We continue to monitor the situation and support the organization’s leadership efforts toward resuming operations.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Men Of The North still closed after nearly a year

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