What happened at PCMNO – October 13, 2026
The October 13 meeting of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) focused on housing, preserving Métis history, and advancing self-government. Members received updates on housing programs and developments, preparations for the 2027 Housing Census, the relocation of the historic Labatte House, and the next steps in developing the MNO Constitution.
The meeting opened with a prayer from Senator Donna Grenier.
President’s Update
President Margaret Froh opened by reflecting on a busy few months for the MNO, including the successful 2026 Annual General Assembly and September’s Powley Day celebrations. She spoke about attending the South West Rendez Vous at Guelph Lake on Powley Day and how the historic R. v. Powley decision continues to shape the MNO’s work and the rights of Métis citizens today.
She also highlighted recent meetings with Governor General Louise Arbour and Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Greg Rickford. Discussions included the MNO’s progress toward self-government, priorities for Métis communities in Ontario, and opportunities for continued collaboration.
President Froh also spoke about joining Métis leaders from across the Homeland for a national housing roundtable with federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson. She emphasized the importance of renewing the Canada–Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord to ensure Métis governments can continue delivering housing programs that meet the needs of their citizens.
New Métis Homes Almost Ready in Midland
Fourteen new affordable rental homes in Midland are nearing completion, with the first tenants expected to move in this fall. The development includes 12 semi-detached and two detached homes, giving Métis families more affordable housing options in their community.
PCMNO members received an update on construction, which is on track to be completed in fall 2026. The homes feature modern designs, energy-efficient construction, and high-quality finishes. Rental applications are now open, and the MNO has already received significant interest from prospective tenants.
The Midland development is the latest addition to the MNO’s growing affordable housing portfolio. All 26 rental units in the MNO’s Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Toronto Area developments are currently occupied, with strong demand and limited turnover demonstrating the continued need for affordable housing.
Meanwhile, plans for a new affordable housing development in Kenora are moving forward. The City has approved amendments to its Official Plan and zoning by-law, subject to a holding provision, and work continues on the studies and planning needed to advance the development.
Helping Métis Citizens Find and Keep Their Homes
A safe, stable place to live can make a difference in every part of life, from health and education to employment and family well-being. The MNO’s housing programs continue to help citizens find housing, remain in their homes, and work toward homeownership. Staff from the Housing and Infrastructure Branch provided PCMNO with an update.
Between April and June 2026, the Housing Stabilization Program supported 209 households across Ontario. That included helping 15 households avoid eviction and assisting 17 households in moving into stable housing. In total, the program recorded more than 4,000 service interactions during the three-month period.
For citizens hoping to purchase a home, the MNO’s Home Buyer Contribution Program is also making a difference. Since the program began, 101 Métis citizens have received assistance with a down payment toward purchasing their homes.
Helping Indigenous Youth Find a Path to Independent Living
The Thunder Bay Indigenous Youth Transition House is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, providing housing and support for street-involved Indigenous youth. Staff are expected to begin outfitting the facility in January 2027, with youth moving in once it is ready.
While construction continues, the MNO has been preparing for the program’s launch through outreach and life skills programming. So far, the team has recorded 641 outreach interactions and supported 117 participants through activities covering topics such as tenancy rights, car maintenance, and cold-water rescue.
Your Voice Matters in the 2027 Housing Census
MNO is launching its second Housing Census in January 2027. More than 8,000 households participated in the first census in 2022, providing valuable information about Métis housing conditions and needs across Ontario. This time, the MNO hopes to hear from 10,000 to 11,000 households. The information collected will help the MNO plan future housing programs, identify service gaps, and make a stronger case for housing investments when working with government partners.
Citizens can expect to hear more about the census in the coming months, with reminders and promotional materials planned ahead of the January launch. The census will run from January through June 2027, giving households plenty of time to participate.
A Historic Métis Home’s Journey Across Georgian Bay
The historic Labatte House is preparing for a remarkable journey across Georgian Bay as the MNO works to preserve the nearly 200-year-old home and create a place where future generations can learn about the history of the Georgian Bay Métis Community.
Provincial Secretary Kathleen Anderson shared an update on the relocation, which will see the house moved from Thunder Beach to a newly acquired 39-acre property on Balm Beach Road in Tiny Township. The move involves transporting the house by barge across Georgian Bay before carefully moving it along Balm Beach Road to its new location. The house will remain in its temporary location over the winter before being placed on its permanent site in spring 2027. The relocation is an important step in preserving Métis history and supports the MNO’s broader commitment to protecting and sharing the stories of Métis communities in Ontario.
Moving Forward on the MNO Constitution
Métis citizens will soon have another opportunity to help shape their government’s future. PCMNO members reviewed the latest draft of the MNO Constitution, building on years of discussions and citizen engagement about what self-government should look like. The MNO is planning to mail the draft Constitution to citizens in December 2026, ahead of a formal consultation process expected to begin in 2027.
The Constitution is an important part of the MNO’s journey toward self-government. It will establish the foundations for how the Métis government is structured, how decisions are made, and how citizens participate in their government. The next phase of consultation will give citizens an opportunity to review the draft, ask questions, and share their perspectives before the Constitution moves forward.
Community Council Updates
PCMNO received several updates, including Community Council bylaws, the electoral code, and charter changes, which were reported, discussed, and recorded. PCMNO appointed an election officer for Thunder Bay Metis Council, with the election to be completed before December 31, 2026.
Following Up on the 2026 AGA
The resolutions passed by citizens at the 2026 Annual General Assembly are now being put into action. PCMNO members heard that the resolutions have been distributed to MNO branches, where staff are reviewing the direction provided by citizens and identifying the steps needed to move the work forward. Further discussions with branch leadership are planned to coordinate implementation and ensure that the priorities identified at the AGA continue to guide the MNO’s work throughout the year.
Wrap Up
From helping Métis families find and keep their homes to preserving historic places and advancing self-government, the October 13 PCMNO meeting highlighted the MNO’s ongoing work to support citizens and strengthen Métis communities across Ontario.