MEDIA RELEASE

October 25, 2023, OTTAWA – Federal legislation to finally recognize self-government for Métis governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario is reconciliation in action and must be passed by the House of Commons, say Métis leaders.

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs is beginning hearings on Bill C-53, the Recognition of Certain Métis Governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Métis Self-Government Act, on October 26th. In advance, the Presidents of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Ontario spoke in support of the legislation that provides a framework for the implementation of treaties entered into by those Métis governments and the Government of Canada. They are also urging MPs to do the right thing and pass Bill C-53.

The federal government has enacted nearly 30 similar pieces of self-government legislation for Indigenous governments across the country, but this is the first for Métis governments.
“We have heard apologies for historic wrongs, and we have heard the Calls to Action from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said Margaret Froh, President of the MNO. “We know that reconciliation with all of Canada’s Indigenous peoples is Parliament’s goal.

“Passing this legislation is reconciliation.”

Bill C-53 is a historic piece of legislation that sets out an approach to address generations of neglect and disadvantage Métis people have suffered at the hands of the Canadian state. In implementing Canada’s recognition of self-government for the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the legislation focuses exclusively on matters internal to Métis governments in Canada, like citizenship, leadership selection, the structure of government and how Métis communities care for Métis children and families.

“Self-government means that we decide for ourselves how to best support Métis in Alberta,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the MNA. “We decide what our housing and health programs look like. We decide how to help prepare our young people with world-class education and training. We decide how to support our elders as they age.

“And we decide how to move forward, together. Only through self-government will the voices of Métis people be truly heard.”

By design, Bill C-53 does not — and cannot — impact any Indigenous group other than the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Bill C-53 will be a step forward for all Indigenous peoples in Canada, marking another step in the advancement of Indigenous self-determination and self-government.

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For more information, please contact:

Kalvin Reid
Director of Public Relations, Enterprise Canada
Mobile: 289-241-7936
Email: kreid@enterprisecanada.com