Alberta Métis Applaud Federal Budget for the Métis Nation

Edmonton, AB. (March 20, 2019) On behalf of the Métis Nation within Alberta, MNA President Audrey Poitras applauds Federal Budget 2019, which includes significant Métis Nation specific investments in the areas of health, education, and economic development, as well as important commitments to Métis self-government, land claims, truth and reconciliation, preservation of the Michif language, and to Métis veterans.

“Federal Budget 2019 demonstrates that the trust we placed in Prime Minister Trudeau and his new government four years ago was well placed. Over the last four years, we have worked in partnership with the federal government and have seen transformational budgets that have set a new course for our people in Alberta. Federal Budget 2019 did not disappoint,” said MNA President Poitras.

President Poitras added, “The MNA has always believed that education is key to our people’s success both individually and collectively. This Federal Budget includes a precedent-setting dedicated and ongoing investment in Métis Nation education. These investments will allow our young people to have opportunities their parents and grandparents never had; benefitting the Métis Nation for generations to come.”

In addition, Federal Budget 2019 includes a commitment of $50 million to enhance the Métis Nation’s existing capital corporations to increase Métis entrepreneurship in Alberta. “Our capital corporation—Apeetogosan—is a leader in funding assistance for Métis businesses that create jobs in this province. We are so pleased. This investment will allow our capital corporation to increase funding during this challenging economic time in Alberta.”

Federal Budget 2019 also included the following commitments benefitting Métis children, families, and communities in Alberta:

• $516 million over ten years to support Métis Nation priorities.
• $248.6 million over three years to continue to support access to mental health and emotional support services for Indian residential school survivors and their families.
• $362 million over ten years committed to education funding for Métis citizens.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Federal Budget 2019 also allocates funds to support some of the Calls to Action brought forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission including:

• $126.5 million in 2020-21 for the establishment and operation of a National Council for Reconciliation.
• $33.8 million to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register.
• $10 million over two years to support communities to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools on the proposed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“Personally, I am also very gratified to see the long overdue commitment of $30 million in Federal Budget 2019 to finally address the need to recognize our Métis veterans in a respectful manner.  This is a testament to the hard work of many who have always wanted our Métis veterans who have served this country with distinction, to be honoured,” concluded Poitras.

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For more information about the Metis Nation of Alberta, please visit:

albertametis.com

Media contact:

Rolando Inzunza
Director of Communications & Citizen Engagement
780-455-2200 ext. 395
rinzunza@metis.org

NT5