MNO Statement on Bill C-39: A strong Canada respects Métis rights

As Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, proceeds through Parliament, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) stands ready to help build Canada strong and share in its prosperity, but it remains clear that a strong Canada must be built with Métis governments, not around them, and never at the expense of Métis rights.

The MNO is concerned that the engagement process leading to Bill C-39’s introduction was not adequate for legislative reforms of this scale. To fully understand the impacts on Métis rights in Ontario, the MNO is calling for meaningful government-to-government engagement, and more intense consultation and cooperation, including co-development of the proposed legislative reforms.

“Métis in Ontario are ready to build with Canada,” said Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario, “We are ready to create jobs, strengthen economies and build the infrastructure our communities and country need. But our rights will never be the price of partnership. During the War of 1812, Métis fought as allies for the possibility of a future where distinct peoples could coexist, work, and prosper together. Today, that means building a Canada where Métis rights, Métis governments and Métis economic participation are seen as part of Canada’s strong future, not obstacles to it. We can move forward quickly. We can build together. And we can do both while respecting Métis rights.”

As the federally recognized Métis government representing Métis citizens, as well as Métis communities throughout what is now northern Ontario and areas surrounding the Upper Great Lakes that hold Aboriginal rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 (“Section 35”), the MNO must play a meaningful role in shaping legislation that charts such an ambitious path across the very territories on which these Métis communities exercise rights.

Ontario is home to R. v. Powley, the landmark 2003 Supreme Court of Canada decision that affirmed Métis rights protected by Section 35. In its decision, the Court recognized the Métis right to hunt as part of the “special aboriginal relationship to the land.” While economic development can create new opportunities for Métis Citizens and communities, those opportunities must advance alongside respect for Métis rights.

Métis in the Upper Great Lakes and what is now Northern Ontario have helped build and defend Canada since before Confederation. During the War of 1812, Métis fought alongside the Crown to defend what would eventually become Canada, a contribution later formally recognized by the Government of Canada. Today, the MNO is ready to continue that partnership as Canada builds the next generation of infrastructure and strengthens its economy.

Working in partnership with MNO on Bill C-39 and its implementation will help Canada achieve its goals. Protecting Métis rights and exploring innovative approaches to economic reconciliation can create meaningful opportunities for Métis communities to participate in nation-building developments, while helping major developments succeed and deliver shared prosperity for Canadians and Métis Citizens and communities.

By working closely with MNO on Bill C-39, Canada will also be honouring its statutory obligation under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to take all measures necessary to ensure the proposed legislation is consistent with the UN Declaration. Article 19 of the Declaration calls for governments to consult and cooperate in good faith with Indigenous peoples through their own representative institutions on legislative measures that may affect them. For constitutionally protected Métis rights-holders in Ontario, that representative government is the MNO.