MNO President Lipinski with the Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Training,
Colleges and Universities on May 30.
On May 30, 2013, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski had a cordial and productive meeting with the Honourable Brad Duguid, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in the government of Premier Kathleen Wynne.
Minister Duguid is very familiar with the MNO having previously served as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and during his tenure in that position he signed the historic MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement was signed in 2008 and Minister Duguid indicated that the government is committed to renewing the agreement and continuing the positive working relationship with the MNO that was established with the Agreement.
In the meeting, President Lipinski updated Minister Duguid on the strength of the MNO’s current employment and training delivery structure and the MNO’s success in delivering job training that is having positive impacts on both Métis people and the overall Ontario economy. President Lipinski stressed that in light of statistics that show that the Métis population in the province is continuing to grow, it is increasingly important the MNO receive funds and support to build on its successes.
President Lipinski also explained the MNO’s children and youth priority that has been a major focus of MNO efforts since the 2012 Annual General Assembly. “It is very important,” stated President Lipinski, “that we provide every opportunity for young Métis to become all they can be.”