Federal Ministers and Métis Nation Leaders Move Ahead under Canada-Métis Nation Accord

March 20, 2018

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.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Honourable Carolyn Bennett said:“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.”

President Chartier stated, “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.”

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