Canada and the Métis Nation move forward on Canada-Métis Nation Accord
OTTAWA, March 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with key federal Ministers responsible for priorities identified in the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, met with the leadership of the Métis Nation for the second ministerial meeting held under the permanent bilateral process. Announced by the Prime Minister in December 2016, this process establishes regular meetings between the Crown and the Métis Nation to co-develop policy on shared priorities and monitor our progress going forward.
Today's meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers and Métis Nation Presidents to discuss the implementation of the investments in Budget 2018 which will advance key Métis Nation priorities set out in the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. Ministers and Métis Nation leaders also actioned further work on accords to implement Budget commitments in relation to housing, early learning and child care and Indigenous skills employment and training.
All parties participated in meaningful discussions and agreed to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship, all of which are priority areas set out for the second year of the Accord.
These regular Ministerial meetings, together with the implementation of Budget 2018 investments in Métis Nation priorities, reflect the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to support the Métis Nation's vision of self-determination and a prosperous future for Métis.
Quotes
"Today's important discussions as part of the Permanent Bilateral Arrangement with the Métis National Council truly represent significant progress on our relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. I am looking forward this upcoming year to continue this joint work with the Métis Nation to make further progress on the Accord and to implement the historic Budget 2018 investments for the Métis nation."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
"We are making steady progress with the Prime Minister and his Ministers on issues of critical importance to the well-being of Métis Nation citizens. Today's meeting and the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, of which it is a part, work to ensure that results are achieved."
Clément Chartier
President, Métis National Council
Quick Facts
- The Métis Nation is represented by the Métis National Council and its Governing Members: the Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Metis Federation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Nation British Columbia.
- As outlined in Budget 2018, the Government of Canada proposes $516 million to support the Métis Nation's housing strategy, Métis Nation post-secondary education and to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy.
- Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
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Announcement of the Canada-Métis Nation accord
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
Media may contact: James Fitz-Morris, Director of Communications and Issues Management, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
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