Supreme Court of Canada to Release Manitoba Métis Land Claim Case on Friday

Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court of Canada will announce its decision on the “MMF Case” this Friday

The Supreme Court of Canada has announced that it will release its decision concerning Manitoba Metis Federation v. Canada (the “MMF case”) at 9:45 am EST on Friday, March 8, 2013.

This MMF case has taken over 30 years to reach the Supreme Court, and is based on the claim that Canada breached its fiduciary and constitutional obligations owing to the Manitoba Metis by failing to fulfill the lands and benefit they were promised as aboriginal negotiating partners in confederation. These promises are embedded within sections 31 and 32 of the Manitoba Act, 1870, which are a part of Canada’s constitution.

At the Supreme Court hearing in December 2011, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) obtained intervener status in order to offer its support and to ensure that the voice of Ontario Métis was heard in this important case. As a show of ongoing support, MNO President Gary Lipinski will be attending the release of the decision at the Supreme Court of Canada on Friday.

“We offer our support and stand united with the Manitoba Metis Federation on this important case for the entire Metis Nation. Similar to our long, hunt for justice in the landmark Powley case, we are optimistic that the Supreme Court will once again provide justice for the Métis people,” said MNO President Gary Lipinski.

Once the Supreme Court decision is announced, the MNO will release a statement concerning its implications in particular to Ontario Métis. For additional information about the case and upcoming media events visit www.mmf.mb.ca.

For more information on the this case, click on the link below: /news–media/news/mmf-scc-case