The Métis Nation of Ontario Announces New Provincial Secretary Appointments and Strategic Resolutions
Ottawa, ON — The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) continues to move ahead with Métis self-government. The MNO is pleased to announce the appointment of seven new Provincial Secretaries and the adoption of critical resolutions that will shape the future of the Métis government in Ontario.
The newly appointed Provincial Secretaries bring a wealth of experience and commitment to their roles, further bolstering the MNO’s governance framework. Their appointments will allow the MNO to further serve our citizens and advocate for their wellbeing and rights as we advance self-government. These leaders will play crucial roles in implementing citizen-driven resolutions and improving the lives of Métis citizens across Ontario.
The new appointments include:
- Sharon Cadeau, PCMNO Vice Chair, as Provincial Secretary for Housing and Infrastructure.
- Mitch Case, PCMNO Region 4 Regional Councillor, as co-Provincial Secretary for Métis Rights, Inter-Governmental Relations, and Communications.
- Margaret Froh, MNO President, as Provincial Secretary for Justice.
- Jacques Picotte, PCMNO Region 3 Regional Councillor, as Provincial Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Preparedness.
- Hank Rowlinson, PCMNO Chair, as Provincial Secretary for Health, Wellbeing, and Seniors.
- Theresa Stenlund, PCMNO Region 1 Regional Councillor, as co-Provincial Secretary for Métis Rights, Inter-Governmental Relations, and Communications.
- Joanne Young, as Provincial Secretary for Finance and Records.
Provincial Secretaries will be working with all levels of government as we continue to build a strong, vibrant, and self-sufficient Métis Government for Métis citizens and communities in Ontario. Now more than ever before, as the MNO moves forward with self-government, it remains dedicated to its mission of representing the interests and rights of over 28,000 Métis people in Ontario by fostering community and promoting the well-being of all its citizens.
Background
The Provincial Secretaries are all members of the democratically-elected Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) and report to the President and support the MNO’s management by providing leadership in their areas of responsibility and advocating for their portfolios to MNO management, MNO citizens, and outside agencies. Each Provincial Secretary has responsibility and authority over political decision-making in relation to their portfolios as outlined in their mandate letters, which are provided by the MNO President, approved by PCMNO, and publicly posted. They are required to adhere to MNO Bylaws, Community Council Charter Agreements, and Regional Consultation Protocols, and all MNO governance documents. With support from all of MNO, MNO senior management staff, and/or external legal counsel, they provide regular reports to the PCMNO on their activities and progress, seeking any required decisions from the PCMNO regarding their ministries.
The Annual General Assembly (AGA) is the cornerstone of the MNO’s governance. In 2023, the AGA highlighted the collective strength and unity of the Métis community. Delegates from across Ontario convened to pass key resolutions that will better address the needs of the community in the coming years.
Among these priorities is a focus on empowering our Métis communities through education and alliances while preserving their stories, histories, and cultural identity, which includes four pillars:
- Telling Our Stories and Histories
- Building an Ontario Métis Educational Institute
- Rekindling and Renewing Our Historic Alliances and Relationships with First Nations
- Defending Ontario Métis Youth, Families and Communities Against Misinformation
In line with the AGA’s resolutions, the MNO has set several priorities for the next four years:
- Implementing Métis Self-Government
- Developing and Passing our Constitution and Métis Self-Government Laws
- Advancing Métis Rights and Claims
- Advancing Education and Awareness of Métis Communities and Métis Rights in Ontario\
These strategic priorities, coupled with the robust governance demonstrated at the AGA, underscore the MNO’s commitment to its citizens.
About the MNO
In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and their communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific, democratic, province-wide governance structure. The MNO represents and advocates on behalf of its citizens who are rights-bearing members of Métis communities that collectively hold rights, interests, and outstanding claims protected by sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including, but not limited to, the right of self-government. Ontario is home to the 2003 Powley decision, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the existence of the Métis right to harvest for food that is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Powley was—and remains—the only Supreme Court of Canada decision affirming Métis rights protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Media Contact:
media@metisnation.org