What happened at PCMNO – January 21, 2026
Métis leadership from across Ontario gathered on January 21 for a regular meeting of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO). From youth leadership to housing to climate action, the day was packed with updates, decisions, and important conversations about how the MNO can continue to improve the lives of Métis citizens and communities.
The meeting opened with a prayer from Senator Cecile Coutu. President Margaret Froh welcomed everyone and thanked PCMNO members for the time and energy they bring to their roles. She also took a moment to honour the lives of three respected women who recently passed away—Heather Garratt, Marg Raynor, and Elder Angie Mercredi-Crerar. Each made a lasting difference in their communities and will be deeply missed.
National and Provincial Updates
President Froh shared updates on national and provincial work, including efforts to make sure Métis programs and services are supported with stable, long-term funding. She noted that some housing agreements are set to expire next year, and the MNO is already working to secure renewed support.
She also spoke about national work on critical minerals and MNO participation in provincial conferences like ROMA, where staff and leadership continue building partnerships with municipalities. President Froh addressed recent public commentary about Métis identity and reminded PCMNO that Métis citizens and communities know exactly who they are, and that recognition is grounded in law, lived experience, and community history.
New Leadership Roles
The MNO has undergone leadership restructuring to better support the work ahead. President Froh introduced Brian Black as the new Chief Operating Officer and welcomed Paul Robitaille as Chief Strategy Officer. Jen St. Germain is now serving as Deputy CEO and Chief of Staff. New roles also include Elizabeth Robertson as Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Meredith Caplan Jamieson as Senior Director of Strategy. These changes are designed to strengthen the MNO’s ability to lead and grow as a Métis government.
Youth Council Pushing Forward with Conference Planning
Evan Accettola, Youth Representative on PCMNO, brought an honest and hopeful update about this year’s Métis Youth Leadership Conference. Planning is behind schedule due to recent federal budget cuts affecting urban Indigenous youth programs.
Even so, the Métis Youth Council is determined to host a successful conference. They’re exploring lower-cost venues and catering options and actively looking for funding to bring youth together in August. PCMNO members expressed strong support for the conference and offered to help in any way they could.
New Child Care Centres on the Way
Staff shared an update on the MNO’s Early Learning and Child Care work, including a new child care centre in Penetanguishene and renovations in Thunder Bay. These centres will offer care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
PCMNO learned about three different ways these centres could be operated:
- Run directly by the MNO
- Run by an outside child care organization
- Run by a separate Métis-led corporation
Staff recommended exploring the third option—setting up an incorporated centre that could still reflect Métis values while offering greater flexibility. PCMNO asked for more details to be brought back at a future meeting.
Cultural Camp Progressing
Work on the MNO’s Cultural Camp is still moving forward, though the project is behind schedule. The camp is now expected to open in fall 2026. A draft business and operations plan has been completed and is still under review. The camp will serve as a children’s camp for part of the year and will be used for other community purposes the rest of the time.
Big Changes for Infinity Property Services (IPS)
COO Brian Black shared that a major funding agreement for Infinity Property Services (IPS) will end on March 31, 2026. The MNO will fulfill its commitments under the agreement, but the change will, unfortunately, result in some staff losses. Human Resources is supporting staff through the transition, and the MNO is working closely with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OHAS), which may be hiring some of the affected staff. CEO Dale LeClair and COO Brian Black will join the OHAS Board to help maintain a strong relationship.
Powley Institute Board Update
Provincial Secretary Mitch Case reported that work is underway to appoint a Board of Directors for the Powley Institute. The plan is to start small and build up over time, with Board members selected based on their skills and where they’re from. Legal work is underway to support this process.
Taking Action on Climate Change
PCMNO received a presentation introducing the MNO’s new Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy. This important document outlines how climate change is already affecting Métis families and communities in Ontario, from flooding to rising temperatures, and offers a plan to respond in a Métis-specific way. This area falls under the mandate of Provincial Secretary Jacques Picotte.
Good Governance Matters
In-house legal counsel Emily Ellis wrapped up the meeting with a review of key governance policies, including confidentiality and conflict-of-interest rules. PCMNO also approved new signing authorities, allowing designated leaders to officially sign documents on behalf of the MNO. A decision was also made to make an allocation of governance funds to councils.
Wrap Up
From youth gatherings to child care, housing, climate change, and cultural spaces, the January 21, 2026, PCMNO meeting reflected the wide range of work happening across the Métis Nation of Ontario. PCMNO continues to work together to make sure this work is grounded in community needs and focused on making a real difference for Métis citizens today and for future generations.