Canada and Métis National Council Sign Economic Development Accord

Government of Canada Continues to Support Métis Economic Development

WINNIPEG, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and President of the Métis National Council, Clément Chartier, today signed an Economic Development Accord at the third Métis Economic Development Symposium (MEDS).

Each symposium brings together Métis organizations, governments and industry leaders to build new relationships that will enable Métis to fully share in economic development opportunities across Canada.

The signing of the Accord during this Symposium reflects the success of these relationships, which are leading to measurable gains in both Métis employment and business development. It enables us to further improve employment and business prospects for Métis people and communities throughout Canada, in partnership with provinces and industry.

Quick Facts

• The meetings of Ministers and Métis leaders stems in part from the Métis Nation Protocol, signed in 2008 between AANDC and the Métis National Council (MNC) to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Metis people in Canada. It was renewed in 2013.
• Under the Program Delivery Partnership Initiative, three Métis Aboriginal financial Institutions (Louis Riel Capital Corporation, SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation, and Apeetogosan Métis Development Inc) have been involved in providing non-repayable contributions to support Métis business projects.

Quotes

"Our government is delivering results for all Canadians by pursuing an initiative that leads to jobs and economic development opportunities. The signing of the Economic Development Accord is a clear demonstration of our determination to pursue our work in partnership with Métis leaders to move the Métis economic development agenda forward."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The Accord centres on the priorities of Métis business development, participation in major economic and resource development projects, labour force development and strengthening the role of Métis institutions to advance economic development. These priorities are of critical importance to the Métis Nation and we look forward to pursuing them with Canada, the provinces and industry."

Clément Chartier
President of the Métis National Council

Associated Links

Métis National Council
Renewed Métis Nation Protocol

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

For further information: Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160