Participants in MNO-Ontario meeting on November 28 (L-R) MNO
Chief Operating Officer Doug Wilson, MNO President Gary Lipinski,
Premier Kathleen Wynne, MNO Chair France Picotte, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer and Deputy Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs David DeLaunay.
On November 28 at Queen’s Park in Toronto, an MNO delegation led by President Gary Lipinski and including MNO Chair France Picotte and MNO Chief Operating Officer Doug Wilson met with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer and Deputy Aboriginal Affairs Minister David DeLaunay.
These annual MNO-Ontario meetings traditionally take place in November and provide both governments the opportunity to review past successes, ongoing cooperation and discuss upcoming areas of common interest. “The positive tone of this meeting, like those of the past, underscores the benefits of working together,” commented President Lipinski.
Key discussion points included a review of the objectives of the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement that had been renewed earlier this year for another five years. “The Framework Agreement,” stated President Lipinski, “continues to be the foundation of our strong relationship with Ontario. It outlines clearly where our two governments will collaborate for the benefit of Métis people, families and communities.”
“As these meetings take place at the highest level,” explained President Lipinski, “they provide the direction necessary to ensure continued progress on a whole range of issues important to Métis in this province. We are very pleased that Ontario continues to recognize the role of the MNO as representing Métis interests in this province.”