Canada, Ontario and Métis Nation of Ontario sign Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation

OTTAWA, Dec. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario are committed to working together to foster reconciliation and build stronger relationships through a co-operative and respectful dialogue.

The parties have achieved a major milestone in their important joint work today with the signing of a historic Framework Agreement. Under the Framework Agreement, Canada, Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario will begin negotiations toward shared and balanced solutions that advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Ontario citizens.

The Framework Agreement will establish a process for discussions about developing a government-to-government relationship between the Crown and the Métis Nation of Ontario. It also identifies areas of mutual interest and key topics for future negotiations, such as Métis self-government, health, housing, education, and a tripartite consultation protocol.

Quotes
"Today we are taking a key step forward, along with the Ontario government, in our shared journey toward reconciliation with the Métis Nation of Ontario. We are setting the stage to renew the government-to-government relationship through a co-operative dialogue that will help end the status quo and build a brighter future for the Métis people of Ontario."

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

"Today, Ontario joined Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario in signing a tripartite Framework Agreement that will become a building block for how we work together. Ontario welcomes federal leadership in advancing reconciliation with Métis and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the Métis Nation of Ontario."

David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Ontario

"As the home of the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision on Métis rights in R. v. Powley, the signing of this Framework Agreement has special significance for the Métis Nation of Ontario.  This agreement sets out a new path forward where Métis self-government, rights and outstanding claims can be addressed through negotiations—not just through the courts. This is truly an exciting day for our citizens and Métis communities here in Ontario."   

Margaret Froh
President, Métis Nation of Ontario

"The signing of today's tripartite Framework Agreement is an exciting step in advancing reconciliation with the Métis Nation of Ontario. Ontario looks forward to building an even stronger relationship with the Métis Nation of Ontario and working together with the federal government."

Sophie Kiwala, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Ontario

Quick Facts

• On February 3, 2017, Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation.
• This set the stage for exploratory discussions with a view to identifying a mutually acceptable path to advance reconciliation between the Crown and Métis in Ontario as represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario, in which the Government of Ontario was invited to participate. These discussions led to today's signing of the Framework Agreement by the three parties.
• In 2016-17, the Métis Nation of Ontario undertook province-wide consultations with its citizens and communities through the Commission on Métis Rights and Self-Government that will inform the negotiations.
• The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiations.

Associated Links

Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation

Métis Nation of Ontario

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Antoine Tedesco, Minister Zimmer's Office, [email protected], 416-314-2617; Flavia Mussio, Media Contact, [email protected], 416-314-9455; Mike Fedyk, Director of Communications, Métis Nation of Ontario, 613-798-1488