Question Period Note: Métis Nation

• The Government of Canada is working with the Métis to advance reconciliation and build a renewed Nation-to-Nation, government-to-government relationship.
• Métis identity and Métis internal matters are for the Métis to determine. The Government of Canada will continue working with Métis leadership, as elected by the Métis people.
• We are committed to building on these relationships, and continuing our shared path towards reconciliation.

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If pressed on reconciliation
• Reconciliation is not only an Indigenous priority – it is a Canadian imperative and one that will involve all of us.
• We are committed to respecting the rights of Métis to choose which organizations speak on their behalf.
• Guided by the principles set out in the Canada-Métis Nation Accord as well as our self-government recognition agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation, Métis Nation of Ontario, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, we will work in close collaboration in order to meaningfully advance reconciliation.

If pressed on collaboration with the Métis National Council
• Canada is committed to continue working with the Métis National Council, who remain an important partner for Canada in reconciliation.
• We would like to congratulate Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron on her election.
• We look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the Métis National Council.

If pressed on the Manitoba Metis Federation
• The government of Canada is working together with the Manitoba Metis Federation to advance reconciliation and build a renewed government-to-government relationship.
• The Manitoba Metis Federation and Canada have signed an agreement to advance the right of self-government for Manitoba Métis. The Agreement recognizes the Manitoba Metis Federation’s jurisdiction over citizenship, leadership selection, elections and the operations of their government on behalf of the Manitoba Métis.
• The Manitoba Metis Federation has announced its withdrawal from the Métis National Council to represent the Manitoba Métis independently. Canada will continue working with Manitoba Metis Federation leadership, as elected by the Métis people, to meaningfully advance reconciliation.
• The Supreme Court of Canada in the Powley decision affirmed section 35 Métis Aboriginal rights and established a test for verifying section 35 Métis rights.
• Consistent with the direction of the Supreme Court of Canada, we are implementing an approach with the Métis Nation, to provide support in areas of federal responsibility.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to working with Métis leadership, elected by the Métis citizens, on our shared journey towards reconciliation.

If pressed on the Supreme Court of Canada’s Decision on Daniels
• The Government of Canada recognizes the important milestone of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Daniels in April 2016.
• That decision led to the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, which has guided Canada’s relationship with the Métis Nation, including historic federal investments in support of Métis priorities.
• We are committed to continuing to work with Métis Nation partners and other recognized s. 35 Métis communities as part of our broader commitment to reconciliation.

If pressed on Métis of the Northwest Territories
• Canada has been engaged in negotiations with Métis of the Northwest Territories for over 40 years.
• Currently, Canada is engaged in multiple negotiations which include Métis of the Northwest Territories, including the Northwest Territory Métis Nation which represents Métis who identify as being Indigenous in the Northwest Territories.
• Canada respects that Indigenous groups have the right to self-identify.

If pressed on Northwest Territory Métis Nation Self Government Framework Agreement and disputed Territory
• On May 19, 2021, Canada, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and Government of Northwest Territories signed a trilateral Self Government Framework Agreement.
• The Framework Agreement outlines the process for self-government negotiations, including subject matter to be addressed, primarily internal governance.
• Canada continues to encourage and support Indigenous groups to find solutions to overlapping issues amongst themselves.