Question Period Note: MÉTIS VETERANS

• The Government of Canada recognizes the sacrifices and achievements of all Métis Veterans in the protection and defence of Canada and is committed to ensuring the needs of Indigenous Veterans, including Métis, are being met.

• Métis across Canada proudly participated, and continue to participate, in military service. Their courage and contributions are a source of honor to their families, communities and all Canadians.

• Métis Veterans are identified as a key priority area in the Canada-Métis Nation Accord.

• Collaboration with the Métis Nation has resulted in the co-development of the $30 million Métis Veterans Recognition Payment.

• The Payment provides a $20,000 recognition payment to a Métis Veteran or survivor and supports commemorative initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of Métis Veterans’ sacrifices and contributions.

• The Métis Veterans Recognition Payment established in June 2019 was provided to the Métis National Council for administration and distribution in the spirit of self-determination and furthering Métis self-government.

BACKGROUND – MÉTIS VETERANS

• Métis are one of three recognized Indigenous peoples in Canada, along with First Nations and Inuit. According to Statistic Canada’s 2016 Census, 587,545 Canadians self-identified as Métis.

• Métis Veterans were excluded from the 2002 First Nations ex-gratia payments as previous research conducted by the Department found no evidence that Métis Veterans had not received the demobilization benefits to which they were entitled.

• On March 21, 2017, in an open letter to the Prime Minister and members of the Senate and House of Commons, President of the Métis National Council, President Chartier highlighted that issues related to redress for Métis Veterans have gone unaddressed.

• On April 13, 2017, the Canada-Métis Nation Accord was signed as part of the established permanent bilateral mechanisms. Métis Veterans were included as a priority area.

• On July 21, 2017, David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation and Vice President of the Métis National Council met with representatives of Veterans Affairs Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to discuss issues related to Métis Veterans. Subsequently, VAC conducted research and analysis on the experiences of Second World War Métis Veterans.

• While the research suggested that Métis Veterans and their dependents received the benefits they were entitled to after the Second World War, it could be concluded that the disadvantages Second World War Métis Veterans faced prior to and after the War could have negatively impacted the success of their demobilization compared to other Canadian Veterans.

• Budget 2019 provided $30 million to Veterans Affairs Canada to recognize the contribution of Métis Veterans to the country’s Second World War efforts and to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of all Métis Veterans.

• On June 13, 2019, the Canada-Métis Nation Métis Veterans Recognition Payment Agreement in the amount of $30,000,000 was signed. This will be used by the Métis National Council to recognize Second World War Métis Veterans for their pre- and post-war experiences, and support commemorative initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of Métis Veterans’ sacrifices and contributions.

• On September 10, 2019, The Minister of Veterans Affairs delivered a statement during an event in Regina, Saskatchewan. The statement was to recognize the contributions of Métis Veterans of the Second World War.

• Veterans Affairs Canada has provided the funding to the Métis National Council to administer the contribution agreement. Any questions from individuals related to the agreement should be directed to the Métis National Council.

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