Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government’s new federal cabinet on Wednesday, November 20. The new cabinet includes 36 ministers, half of which are women.
As promised by the Liberal government, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples remains a priority, which will include working closely with the Métis peoples to address critical issues affecting their communities.
Recognizing this relationship, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Margaret Froh stated: “In recent years, the MNO has worked alongside the Liberal government and has made incredible and long-awaited advances towards recognition and respect for Métis Rights, including our inherent right of self-determination and self-government.”The new cabinet includes the reappointment of Minister Carolyn Bennett, who will continues as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. Minister Bennett was signatory to the history-making Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement signed on June 27 of this year. The first agreement of its kind in Canada, the Agreement provides the MNO with long-sought-after federal recognition and a clear path forward towards realizing full recognition as a government.
The MNO expects to maintain close and productive working relationship with Minister Bennett and to continue to work together to address the needs of Métis communities and citizens.
The MNO also welcomes the appointment of Quebec MP Marc Miller, who will be joining cabinet as the new Minister of Indigenous Services.
The MNO looks forward to working with Ministers Bennett and Miller. “We have worked hard to secure investments from Canada that will bring measurable benefits to MNO citizens and communities throughout Ontario. We look forward to working with these ministers and all of cabinet on key priority areas that will make real change for our citizens and communities,” said MNO President Froh.
Posted November 21, 2019