Question Period Note: Métis Self-Government in Ontario

About

Reference number:
CIR-2024-QP-2810
Date received:
Jun 19, 2024
Organization:
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Name of Minister:
Anandasangaree, Gary (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Suggested Response:

• 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.
• The February 2023 Agreement signed with the Métis Nation of Ontario does not address harvesting or land-related matters, but focuses on internal matters such as citizenship, leadership selection and internal operations.
• Métis identity and Métis internal governance matters are for the Métis to determine.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with all Indigenous partners to advance reconciliation and their vision for self-determination.

Background:

N/A

Additional Information:

If pressed on the historical existence of distinct ‘Métis communities’ in the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory

• The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed section 35 Métis rights and established a test for verifying 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.
• Should other self-government arrangements or areas of jurisdiction be negotiated, there will be consultations with First Nations who may have an interest in such matters.
If pressed on reconciliation

• 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 in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and full partnership.
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 February 2024, Bill C-53 was adopted with amendments by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, but has not yet proceeded to third reading in the House. If pressed on the judicial review filed by the Wabun Tribal Council

• 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 in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and full partnership.
• As this matter is currently before the Court, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.