MMF: Budget Continues Trudeau’s Commitment to Reconciliation with the Métis Nation

March 20, 2019

Winnipeg, MB—Finance Minister Bill Morneau presented his fourth budget in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The budget reconfirms Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s commitment to reconciliation with the Métis Nation. This budget reaffirms the direct funding initiatives of the previous budget and commits an additional $442 million in direct support to the Métis Nation.

“This budget is unprecedented and shows respect for our People and for the forward movement and success being attained by your Métis Self-Government in Manitoba,” explained Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand. “The Métis are hardworking tax-payers, yet many of our People are among the working poor. This budget continues the good work done by the federal government to provide policy and financial tools that increase the financial health of all Métis families. Today, the hard-working People of the Métis Nation will see a return on their tax investments. This budget is reconciliation in action.

“Consider the Métis Veterans file,” continued Chartrand. “Métis Veterans were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Canada. They were sought after, recruited for their bravery and their skills on the battlefield. Yet when they returned home, the country they served abandoned them.”

The Federal Budget 2019 sets aside $30 million to recognize the contribution of Me%u0301tis Veterans to the country’s Second World War efforts and to commemorate the service, the sacrifices, and the achievements of Me%u0301tis Veterans.

“Today our Métis Veterans attained a victory in the battle for respect. We have fought for over 20 years. We have advanced the claims of our Métis Veterans,” said President Chartrand. “In the coming months we will be able to consult with our Métis Veterans and their families on how best to support them with this funding.”

Along with the support for Métis Veterans, this federal budget also sees a significant investment of $50 million in economic development, specifically for Métis Capital Corporations, over the next five years. The federal budget also continues support for Métis housing, early learning and childcare. The MMF will also see federal government investments in distinctions-based youth initiatives and commitments to support Métis seniors in health and housing.

“I want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and his government for taking the steps to take care of our seniors ensuring that, each month, they have enough to eat, are able to pay for their medications, and to heat their home,” said Chartrand.

These investments into Métis-specific programs and service supports are matched to governance support, specifically for the MMF. “On a special note of pride and satisfaction for a job well done, for the first time ever, the Manitoba Metis Federation was referred to in the work we are doing in advancing our right of self-determination,” said President Chartrand.

According to Morneau’s Budget, “Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation have committed to work together to reach a self-government agreement that implements the Manitoba Métis community’s vision of self-determination.”

“This Budget shows Canada’s continued partnership with the Métis Nation and the Manitoba Métis to carve out our place in Confederation,” said Chartrand. “Together Canada and the Métis Nation are renewing our partnership and building a stronger economy for the benefit of all Canadians.”

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation’s Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada’s Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For media information, please contact:

Communications Department
Manitoba Metis Federation
Office: 204-586-8474 x227
Cell: 204-797-5327
Email: communications@mmf.mb.ca
www.mmf.mb.ca

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