The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) acknowledges the respect shown to the Métis Nation and Métis Nation governments from Ontario –Westward through the specific investments outlined in the 2018 federal budget. The MNO welcomes the progressive commitments to a gender-based budget approach and the much needed investments in Indigenous children and youth.

Distinction-based investment strategies, that address many of the areas our citizens see as priorities are identified in Budget 2018. The Budget committed the Federal Government to enhanced investments in one of MNO’s most successful and longstanding initiatives; the Aboriginal Skills and Development Strategy (ASETS) as well as new investments in health, housing and post-secondary education.

Specifically the budget proposes to invest $516 million over 10 years in Métis Nation priorities, including $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.

The MNO looks forward to working with our government partners to address Métis Nation priorities and enhance the well-being of MNO citizens through the recently signed MNO/Canada/Ontario Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation.

Posted: March 1, 2018