March 18, 2010 — One of the most rewarding relationships the Métis Nation Ontario (MNO) enjoys is with the Ontario Ministry of Education. On Monday, March 15, 2010 the recently appointed Minister of Education Leona Dombrowsky dropped by the MNO head office in Ottawa to express her desire to continue to build on the positive relationship that had blossomed under former Minister Kathleen Wynne.
“The Métis in Ontario have benefitted greatly from engagement in a collaborative process that will result in an inclusive education system that addresses the needs of all learners including Métis, Inuit and First Nations,” Métis Nation of Ontario President Gary LIpinksi said. “I am confident that, under Minister Dombrowsky’s leadership, the MNO and the Ministry of Education can work together to ensure the vision articulated in the MOU signed last summer is realized.”
Last year, Education became the first Ontario government Ministry to sign on to the 2008 MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement.
MNO Chair France Picotte says “by signing the MOU the Ministry of Education demonstrated its confidence in the ability of the Métis to contribute, not only to an education system that serves all learners, but to the overall quality of life in the province.”
Monday’s meeting concluded with a commitment by both the MNO and the Ministry of Education to complete the 2010 Work Plan and to continue efforts to identify potential partnership opportunities.
For more information, contact Jennifer St. Germain, Director Education and Training, 613-798-1488.