Question Period Note: Métis Self-Government in Ontario

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• 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.
• On February 23, 2023, Canada signed a Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement with the Métis Nation of Ontario to promote reconciliation and advance their vision for self-determination.
• The Agreement does not address harvesting or land-related matters, but focuses on internal matters such as citizenship, leadership selection, and internal operations.
• We are committed to continuing to work with the Métis in partnership.

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• The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed section 35 Métis rights and established a legal test to determine Métis identity for the purposes of claiming these rights in the 2003 Powley decision.
• Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario are advancing reconciliation in a manner consistent with the direction of the Supreme Court of Canada in Powley.
• The Agreement does not address harvesting or land-related matters or rights.
• When Parliament prorogued on January 6, 2025, Bill C-53 died on the Order Paper.
• Canada remains committed to recognizing the Métis Nation of Ontario in law and will work with them on a preferred path forward.
• The Wabun Tribal Council filed an application for judicial review with respect of the February 2023 Agreement reached between Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario.
• The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing and affirming the rights of all Indigenous peoples in Canada founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and full partnership.
• As this matter is currently before the Court, the Government is not in a position to comment further at this time.
• The February 2023 Agreement signed with the Métis Nation of Ontario 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 founded on 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.
• The Government of Canada acknowledges the work of Métis National Council's Expert Panel and the release of their final report.