Manitoba Métis Federation says it wont attend prime ministers summit in Ottawa

The head of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) says he will not be taking part in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s summit to discuss Bill C-5, a federal law called the One Canadian Economy Act that was passed in June. “As the only Métis modern treaty government and initially a leading and vocal supporter of Bill C-5, we believed our participation in the August 7 meeting would contribute to a positive outcome of the Summit,” said President David Chartrand in a statement. “We understood from the Prime Minister Carney’s initial statement on the Summits that he would be engaging with rights holders. This appears not to be the case with the inclusion of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and its parent body, the Métis National Council (MNC). Chartrand said that participation by the MNO and MNC “undermines the integrity of the Summit but also puts into jeopardy the path forward for projects of national interest.” Over the past few weeks, Carney has met with First Nation and Inuit leaders about the law which was written to help push projects that are of national interest through the regulatory process. It can also sidestep several laws currently on the books – mainly ones that project the environment and animals. The MMF accuses the MNO of being built on “Indigenous identity fraud.” It partnered with chiefs in Ontario to denounce the organization that they say, has no “historical or cultural connection to the Red River Métis.” “Canada cannot ask us as the National Government of the Red River Métis to sit in a room with a non-rightsholder like the MNC, a body that has no legitimate path forward under its own bylaws, having lost all but two of its members – one of which is MNO,” the MMF statement said. “We cannot be asked to sit and give perceived legitimacy to a body that has persisted in pursuing a malicious and unwarranted court case with a clear vendetta against the Red River Métis, despite MNC’s lack of legal capacity to undertake this action. The MNO released a statement stating that it plans on attending the event. “The summit marks an important opportunity to advance shared priorities between the MNO and the Government of Canada,” the statement said. “This includes discussions around advancing distinctions-based approaches to economic reconciliation, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening Métis self-government in Ontario so Métis families and communities can thrive.” APTN News reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for comment but has not heard back. More to come. Continue Reading