Question Period Note: Métis Self-Government in Saskatchewan

• Métis are one of the three recognized Indigenous peoples in Canada and they have always sought recognition from the Crown as distinct rights-bearing collectivities.
• Building on earlier progress, on February 24, 2023, Canada signed a self-government agreement with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan to promote reconciliation and advance their vision for self-determination.
• The agreement focuses on internal matters such as citizenship, leadership selection and internal operations.

N/A

If pressed on Bill C-53
• Bill C-53 affirms and recognizes the Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Métis Nation of Ontario as Indigenous Governments, and as the representative Governments for the section 35 rights of their respective Métis collectivities.
• The Act provides a legislative framework to give legal force and effect to future core governance treaties.
• In April 2024, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan announced its withdrawal of support for Bill C-53. We respect the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan’s decision and look forward to moving forward with them in a manner that meets their needs and vision.
If pressed on Treaty negotiations
• The self-government agreement signed with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan in 2023 commits the parties to negotiate a future core-governance Treaty.
• Canada remains steadfastly committed to negotiating a self governance Treaty with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and to advancing their vision of self-determination.
If pressed on reconciliation
• The February 2023 Agreement signed with the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is the culmination of over seven years of collaboration, co-development and negotiations.
• The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing and affirming the rights of all Indigenous peoples in Canada in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and full partnership.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with all Indigenous partners to advance reconciliation and their vision for self-determination.
If pressed on September 19, 2024 announcement by MN-S to withdraw from the Metis National Council
• The Government of Canada will continue working with all Métis partners to advance their visions of self-determination, promote reconciliation and build renewed government-to-government relationships.
• Our government is aware of the public statement issued on September 19, 2024 by Métis Nation-Saskatchewan.
• Our government will be keeping the lines of communications open with all our Métis partners.
• Further questions on their decision are best addressed to the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan at this time.