OTTAWA (May 31, 2005) --- The Metis Nation Framework Agreement to be signed today at the federal Cabinet Retreat will be of great significance in Ontario, said Tony Belcourt, President of the Metis Nation of Ontario.

Tony Belcourt, President, Metis Nation of Ontario

"I've waited for this day ever since I came to Ottawa as an elected Metis representative 34 years ago", Mr. Belcourt said. "This agreement is the sign of a fundamental reorientation of federal policy towards the Metis and it will bring about a huge difference in the way we deal with Ottawa in the future. For example, the agreement refers to developing negotiation processes to address Metis specific Aboriginal and Treaty rights, including our inherent right of self-government. This will be the first step to lead towards Metis governance for our people in Ontario," Mr. Belcourt added.

In addition the agreement will address many other matters including implementation of the Powleydecision, providing support for our electoral and governance capacity, options for expanding the MNO's scholarship and bursary programs, support for the MNO Registry, options for economic development and the provision of ongoing, predictable governance financing.

 "This is truly a great milestone in the history of Canada, not just for the Metis Nation. Our very existence as a people was denied in Ontario ever since the days of the bounty of $5,000 on the head of Louis Riel in 1872 by the Legislature of Ontario. In its decision in R v. Powley in 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada made it abundantly clear that the Metis have Constitutional rights. This Agreement will finally mean we can begin to negotiate the rightful place of the Metis Nation within Canada, including within the Province of Ontario," Mr. Belcourt concluded.