The Métis Voyageur Development Fund

Since its creation, the MNO has identified economic development as a priority in order to support Métis entrepreneurs, businesses and communities.  Specifically, the MNO’s Statement of Prime Purpose identifies Métis “prosperity and economic self-sufficiency” as a key objective for the Métis Nation.

Unfortunately, unlike the Métis governments in western Canada, since its creation, the MNO has not had the benefit of a Métis capital corporation to assist Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in Ontario.  Addressing this gap in economic development supports for Ontario Métis has been a longstanding priority for the MNO.

Based on the MNO’s Economic Development Strategy that was approved by the 2009 MNO Annual General Assembly, the MNO’s current leadership began discussions with both the provincial and federal governments in order to begin to build the MNO’s capacity in the economic development sector as well as to establish a Métis capital corporation. Flowing from these discussions, the MNO has had some recent breakthroughs in the area of Métis economic development, which are outlined below.

The Métis Voyageur Development Fund

In June 2011, the MNO created the Métis Voyageur Development Fund (“MVDF”), as its economic development support arm for Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in the province.  The MVDF is an arms-length, for-profit corporation with an independent board of directors.  The MNO is the sole shareholder of the MVDF.  Click here to view a copy of the MVDF’s bylaws.

The MVDF’s overall objective is to: “promote and stimulate Métis economic development throughout Ontario by accessing and leveraging financial resources from Ontario, Canada, the private sector and other sources in order to make strategic investments in Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in Ontario, which will positively contribute to Métis individuals, families and communities as well as to Ontario’s overall economy.”

In order to achieve this objective, the MVDF will work towards providing a full complement of economic development supports for Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in Ontario, including:

  1. business planning, start up and advisory supports;
  2. equity and capital investments for business start ups and expansions;
  3. facilitating partnerships and joint ventures between Métis entrepreneurs, Métis businesses and the private sector;
  4. networking opportunities for Métis entrepreneurs and businesses with the private sector and other relevant stakeholders;
  5. research and data collection on Métis entrepreneurship and business development in Ontario in order to identify needs, trends and opportunities; and
  6. other innovative initiatives to support Métis entrepreneurship and business development in Ontario.

While the MVDF will likely not be able to provide all of these support services immediately to Métis entrepreneurs and businesses, its long-term goal, based on negotiations with governments and the private sector, is that a full suite of programs and services can be provided to Métis throughout the province.

Ontario Government’s Commitment to the MVDF

On June 20, 2011, MNO President Gary Lipinski and the Honourable Chris Bentley, Ontario Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Métis Economic Development.  Click here to view a copy of the MOU. At the same time, it was also announced the provincial government would commit up to $3 million a year for 10 years (approximately $30 million in total) to the MVDF in order to support Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in the resource sector.

Specifically, with these funds from Ontario, the MVDF will be able to provide financial support to Métis entrepreneurs and businesses for the following purposes:

  1. Métis Business Development – an equity contribution  to support business development by funding planning, start-up and advisory supports for a resource sector business.
  2. Métis Business Supports – an equity contribution to support skills development, upgrading, training or education for Métis people in a resource sector business.
  3. Métis Networking Opportunities – an equity contribution to promote facilitation of partnerships and joint ventures between Métis entrepreneurs and Métis businesses and the private sector in resource-based development opportunities.
  4. Métis Business Investment – an equity contribution, a loan, or, a combination of an equity contribution and loan to a Métis business, where there is a demonstrated expectation of profit and commercial viability for a resource sector business.

In order to be eligible for this funding, an applicant must be a Métis entrepreneur or a Métis business.  A “Métis entrepreneur” is someone who is a MNO citizen or who self-identifies as Métis and is resident in Ontario.  A “Métis business” is an Ontario-based resource sector business that is at least 50% owned by one of more of the following: a Métis entrepreneur, all MNO related entities (i.e., the MNO Development Corporation, all MNO Chartered Community Councils and their respective Development Corporations, MNO-owned businesses, etc.), or, an Ontario-based group or organization composed of self-identifying Métis.

The current fiscal year (2011-2012) is a developmental one for MVDF.  It is likely that a formal call for Métis entrepreneurs and businesses to apply for this funding from the Ontario Government will not take place until the Winter 2011-2012.  Funding will likely not be provided until 2012.  Please check this site regularly for updates.

Federal Government’s Commitment to the MVDF

Currently, the federal government has not made a financial commitment to the MVDF, but the MNO, the MVDF and the Ontario Government continue to engage with the federal Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs on this issue.  It is ultimately hoped that Canada will make a commitment to the MVDF under the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, which works with Aboriginal groups and provincial governments in order to strengthen Aboriginal entrepreneurship as well as forge new and effective partnerships to maximize Aboriginal economic development opportunities.

Status Report on MVDF

An initial three-person Interim Board of Directors incorporated the MVDF pursuant to the authorization of the MNO.  Click here to view a listing and biographies of the current Interim Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the MVDF’s bylaws, the MVDF Interim Board of Directors has now issued a call for additional Directors to the MVDF Board.  These additional directors will be selected based on skill and ability to contribute to the objective and goals of the MVDF, regardless of whether they are Métis, non-Aboriginal or citizens of the MNO.  The deadline for applications is September 14th, 2011.  Click here to view a copy of the posting. Click here to view a copy of the MVDF policy that will be used to assess applicants.

Based on this open call, in the Fall of 2011, the Interim Board of Directors will make recommendations to the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (“PCMNO”) for the appointment of the MVDF Permanent Board of Directors.  The PCMNO has the ultimate responsibility to ratify the MVDF’s Permanent Board of Directors.

Following these appointments and the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer for the MVDF, it is anticipated that the MVDF will be in a position to begin accepting applications from Métis entrepreneurs and business starting in the Winter 2011-2012.  This website will continue to be updated about the activities of the MVDF, so, please check back in the future for more information.

Resource Documents

MNO-Ontario MOU on Economic Development

MVDF Bylaws

Listing of MVDF Interim Board of Directors

Posting for MVDF Directors

MVDF Policy for Director Selection – July 18, 2011