Former MNO President Gary Lipinski awarded Honorary Doctorate by Wilfrid Laurier University

Former MNO President Gary Lipinski and wife Dianne
Former MNO President Gary Lipinski and wife Dianne.

WATERLOO, ON – Gary Lipinski, former president of the Métis Nation of Ontario, was among five accomplished Canadians receiving honorary degrees at Wilfrid Laurier University’s 2023 spring convocation ceremonies.

“Gary Lipinski made a transformational impact on Ontario-Métis relations by successfully negotiating the MNO–Ontario Framework Agreement,” said Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “We are delighted that Wilfrid Laurier University chose to present former President Lipinski with an honorary degree. Gary dedicated his tremendous career to advancing Métis rights and improving the quality of life for all Métis citizens. His visionary leadership and achievements have helped create a brighter future.”

Lipinski retired in 2016 after more than two decades as an elected representative within the MNO including two successful terms as MNO President. He left a legacy of advocacy that improved the quality of life of Ontario Métis children, youth, families, and communities. A former teacher, Lipinski hails from Fort Frances, Ontario, from a long line of Métis commercial fishermen and traditional resource users.

In stark contrast to generations of government policy that denied the very existence of Ontario Métis, the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement achieved under his leadership recognizes the unique identity, history, culture, and rights of Ontario Métis communities. This success led to similar agreements with other government ministries, agencies, and post-secondary institutions.

“I am honoured to receive this honorary degree from Wilfrid Laurier University,” said Lipinski. “I take great pride in the successes and results we have achieved at MNO over the years, including efforts made in ensuring Métis youth can reach their greatest potential.”

Lipinski received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on June 6, 2023, in a convocation ceremony at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford, ON.

“The increased successes and participation of our young people—at all levels of the MNO and within society as a whole—shows the power of education. I hope this recognition helps inspire our next generation Métis citizens. I look forward to celebrating the tremendous achievements of Laurier’s graduating class and the power of an excellent education to transform communities for the better,” Lipinski added.

Please find a link to Wilfrid Laurier University’s press release here.

Examples of MNO achievements under President Gary Lipinski:
  • The signing and renewal of the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement in 2008 and 2014, along with related Memorandums of Understanding with other Ontario Ministries, which has ushered in a new, respectful era of Crown-Métis Nation relations in Ontario based on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation.
  • Advancing Métis rights through intervening in significant court cases, including, Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada, Keewatin v. Ontario, Daniels v. Canada, securing an increase in the number of Harvester Cards eligible under the 2004 MNO-Ontario Harvesting Agreement.
  • The establishment of a unique Crown-Métis Nation consultation model, along with the creation of the new MNO Lands, Resources and Consultation Branch, to protect Métis lands, rights and the environment as well as ensure that Métis fully participate in resource development in their territories.
  • Increasing the MNO’s financial accountability, transparency and credibility which led to its annual budgets increasing from $12 million to over $30 million, including, MNO affiliated corporations, along with the expansion of the MNO’s province-wide delivery structure to 21 offices and over 175 employees during President Lipinski’s tenure.
  • Building a strong and credible Métis public service through significant investments in staff training, the creation of an MNO pension plan and maintaining and separating MNO politics from its administrative operations.
  • Increasing the profile and knowledge of Ontario Métis through initiatives such as the publication of a Métis Educational Toolkit for Ontario schools, Métis-specific curriculum development, the Métis Canoe Expedition and Infinite Reach Program, participation in events such as the Pan Am Games and securing the declaration of 2010 as the Year of the Métis by the Ontario legislature.
  • Overseeing the significant expansion of MNO programs and services in economic development (the $30 million Métis Voyageur Development Fund), training, education, and health, including, ground-breaking Métis-specific studies on the state of Métis health in Ontario.
  • Passage of the MNO’s first law—the Economic Prosperity and Self-Sufficiency Act—which mandated the creation of Infinity Investments LP as the MNO’s business arm as well as developing MNO-Brightroof Solar LP—a partnership that owns 50+ solar projects throughout Ontario that will produce stable, own source revenue for the MNO.