MNO and Public Health Ontario sign Agreement to advance Métis health priorities

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Public Health Ontario (PHO) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and improve health outcomes for Métis citizens and communities across the province.

 

The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to building culturally informed and community-driven public health initiatives that recognize the unique needs and priorities of Métis people.

 

Together, the MNO and PHO will work to improve access to public health resources, strengthen emergency preparedness, support Métis-led research, and create more opportunities for training, knowledge sharing, and community engagement.

The partnership will also establish a Joint PHO-MNO Working Table to identify emerging priorities and guide future work.

 

“This partnership is about making sure Métis voices are part of the conversation when it comes to public health,” said Andy Dufrane, Provincial Secretary for Health at the Métis Nation of Ontario. “By working together, we can build stronger, healthier communities and ensure Métis citizens have access to supports that reflect their needs and experiences.”

 

Key areas of collaboration include culturally informed public health programs and services, Métis-centred research and data governance, training and professional development, emergency preparedness and response planning, and community engagement and information sharing.

 

The memorandum also reinforces a shared commitment to reconciliation, Métis self-determination, and ensuring public health initiatives are guided by Métis-defined priorities and community knowledge.

 

The agreement takes effect June 24, 2026, and will help create a stronger foundation for future collaboration in support of Métis health and wellness across Ontario.