Métis Nation and Ontario Government move forward on implementing Ipperwash Inquiry’s Recommendations

OTTAWA --- Today, the leadership of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) announced upcoming province-wide community consultations on the government’s duty to consult and accommodate Métis rights with a view to increasing Métis input and involvement in Ontario’s forestry, energy and mining sectors as well as developing an Ontario Métis Consultation Framework.

Developing a Métis Consultation Framework by Gary Lipinski, MNO Chair and portfolio holder for natural resources and consultation

The consultations are a response to a series of Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario court decisions on Aboriginal rights as well as Justice Linden’s recommendations in the recently released Ipperwash Inquiry report. A backgrounder on some of these cases is provided.

The main focus of the consultations will be to provide information to Métis citizens on the Supreme Court of Canada’s new legal framework – the duty to consult and accommodate – which requires governments to consult and accommodate Métis communities when the Crown contemplates actions that may affect Métis rights, interest and way of life. Specifically, the MNO will be consulting its communities on the development of an Ontario Métis Consultation Framework, as a means to ensure Métis rights and interests are protected, while also increasing Métis involvement in the forestry, mining and energy sectors.

Tony Belcourt, MNO President stated, “For the first time in over a decade, the Métis people are not in court with the Ontario Government. As a result, we now have the opportunity to work with the province on ensuring Métis rights and interests are respected and accommodated in natural resources development in Ontario."

“These consultations are an example of the Ontario Government putting Justice Linden’s recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry into action. Instead of confrontation and litigation when it comes to natural resource development in this province, the MNO and the Ontario Government are working together to ensure Métis rights and interests are recognized and respected,” added Belcourt.

Gary Lipinski, MNO Chair, and, MNO Portfolio Holder for Natural Resources said, “For years our people have been wanting to increase Métis involvement in the forestry, energy and mining sectors in this province. These consultations will be a catalyst to make sure that happens.” Lipinski concluded, “The support for these consultations, by both the Ontario Government and the Government of Canada, reflects a new era in Métis rights in this province. An era based on recognition and respect for Métis rights. We are encouraging all Métis citizens to come out to these meetings so we can hear their thoughts and priorities as we set out a new and ambitious rights-based agenda.”

The consultations are set to begin on February 9th in Port Elgin with the Grey Owen Sound Métis Council and the Saguingue Métis Council hosting the first meeting. The consultations will continue through until the end of March and include meetings in Midland, Toronto, Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa, Kirkland Lake, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances, Parry Sound, Windsor, Hamilton and Welland. Additional information on the consultations and the meeting locations are available here or by contacting the MNO Head Office in Ottawa.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, with an ancestral Homeland that centres around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and extends into the Northwest Territories and the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.

CONTACT:
Katelin Peltier
MNO Communications Branch
T: 613.798.1488
TF: 800.263.4889
E: katelinp@metisnation.org