Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation Celebrate Key Milestone on Road to Reconciliation

Signing of historic Framework Agreement sets stage for negotiations

OTTAWA, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to advancing long-term reconciliation and renewing our nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship with the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation signed a historic Framework Agreement that marks an important step to advancing reconciliation and charting a path together toward a shared prosperous future.

The jointly developed Framework Agreement sets out a process to begin formal reconciliation negotiations. These talks are about working together to address the outstanding issues raised in the 2013 Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. v. Canada decision of the Supreme Court of Canada.

While the Framework Agreement is a key milestone, much work remains to be done. Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation will work together in partnership to develop solutions that respect the rights of all concerned and promote a lasting and meaningful reconciliation for the benefit of the Manitoba Métis Community and all Canadians.

Quotes
"We are coming together at the negotiating table in a spirit of renewal. This is a truly historic undertaking and we are firmly committed to working in partnership to reach a balanced solution that advances reconciliation for everyone's benefit."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"This is a very exciting moment for Manitoba's Métis – Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of Manitoba. After many long years of struggle, our partner has returned to the negotiating table to settle the long outstanding claim of Manitoba's Métis in a spirit of renewal and reconciliation. We are pleased our new federal government and the Prime Minister are keeping the promises made to settle this claim and are expediting the process through the signing of this historic Framework Agreement that will lead to a modern day treaty between Canada and the Manitoba Métis. We are now bringing this home on November 16th and presenting this to our Métis Citizens as part of our commemoration activities honouring the life and legacy of Louis Riel."

President David Chartrand
Manitoba Metis Federation                                                     

Quick Facts

• The 2013 Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. v. Canada decision of the Supreme Court of Canada relates to an outstanding constitutional grievance of the Manitoba Métis Community dating back to the 1870s.
• The Court found that delays in how Canada delivered Métis land grants under section 31 of the Manitoba Act, 1870 were inconsistent with the honour of the Crown.
• The Framework Agreement is the result of exploratory talks held under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2016.
• The Manitoba Metis Federation engaged with the Manitoba Métis Community over the summer to get their input. This important dialogue will continue.
• The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiations.

Associated Links
Manitoba Metis Federation
Manitoba Metis Federation et al. v. Canada 

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SOURCE Government of Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Jonathan Hamel, Director of Communications, Manitoba Metis Federation , Phone: [phone] ext. 324, Cell: 204-806-4752, E-mail: [email protected]