Question Period Note: Crown-Indigenous Relations: Métis Nation Concerns

• Our government is working together with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and build a renewed Nation-to-Nation, government to government relationship.

• Métis identity and Métis internal matters are for the Métis Nation to determine. The Government of Canada looks forward to continue working with Metis Nation leadership, as elected by the Metis people.

• We are committed to building on these relationships, and continuing our shared journey towards reconciliation.

BACKGROUND

1) MNO’s Suspension from the Métis National Council
• On January 20, 2020, the President of the MNC wrote to the President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) advising that due to MNO’s failure to meet the conditions to lift its temporary suspension, that MNO has been suspended from the Métis National Council. President Chartier notes that this means MNO is no longer eligible to participate in the governance of the Métis National Council, including meetings of the Board of Governors or General Assembly.
• The resolution placing MNO on probation appears to require that the “the General Assembly will revisit this matter at the conclusion of the probation period and decide on further action.” Based on our current understanding, this has not yet occurred.
• Currently, the status of MNO within the MNC is unclear.

2) Resolution from MNO, MN-S, and MNA on Tri-Council:
• At a tri-government meeting on January 16, 2020, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Alberta issued a Declaration and Resolution. Below are some of the bullets from the Resolution that could impact the PBM structure/CIRNA’s relationship with the Métis Nation.
o Change the structure of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, following Budget 2020;
o Request all program and service funding including coordination funding for Metis citizens go directly to the Governing Members, without allocations for the MNC;
o Establish a working group to discuss potential reform of the MNC or the creation of a new national structure to better represent the interests of Métis governments at the national level; and,
o Re-negotiate the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to better reflect the new realities of the MGRSAs.
• The resolution and declaration indicate a desire from MNO, MNA, and MN-S to continue participating in the PBM in its current form until release of Budget 2020. However, this declaration was issued prior to the MNC President Chartier declaring MNO’s membership suspended.

1. Audit of the Métis National Council

• On July 11, 2018, the Assessment and Investigation Services Branch (AISB) retained Ernst & Young LLP to perform a financial review of the Métis National Council. Ernst & Young LLP’s mandate for this financial review was to look at the Department’s contribution agreement with the Métis National Council. Through contribution agreements, the Government of Canada provides funding that must be spent according to agreed upon conditions. Spending is monitored and reviewed to ensure that these conditions are met.
• On April 24th, the MNC put out a press release regarding the review’s findings: https://www2.metisnation.ca/news/federal-financial-review-clears-metis-national-council-of-baseless-allegations/
• Ernst & Young LLP’s final report was delivered to departmental officials on March 11, 2020. Based on the work completed, the audit did not identify any evidence that substantiates the allegations brought to the Department, or any transactions that require financial adjustments or a recovery of funds. However, recommendations that could improve MNC’s internal controls were identified by the review.
• The Government of Canada continues to engage with the Métis National Council through a variety of mechanisms independent of this process.

If pressed:
• No relationship is more important to Canada than that with Indigenous Peoples and we are making progress on renewing that relationship and advancing self-determination.
• The Government of Canada’s position has long been to respect the rights of Métis to choose which organizations speak on their behalf and represent their rights.
• Guided by the principles set out in the Canada-Métis Nation Accord as well as our self-government recognition agreements with the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, we will be working in close collaboration with the Métis Nation, in order to meaningfully advance the work of reconciliation.

If pressed on the Audit of the Métis National Council
• The Government of Canada provides financial supports to the Métis National Council and other Indigenous organizations as part of its commitment to advancing reconciliation and to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples.
• The Department has a process in place to ensure any allegations and complaints brought forward are examined properly, and that appropriate action is taken when required.
• While the report to departmental officials included recommendations to improve MNC’s internal controls, there were no transactions that require a recovery of funds.