Ontario and Métis Nation Renew Framework Agreement

Bulletin
April 17, 2014

Working Together to Improve the Quality of Life for Métis People

Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) have renewed a Framework Agreement that sets out how they will work together over the next five years to improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communities.

The original Framework Agreement was signed in November 2008. An independent review, conducted last year, demonstrated the agreement’s effectiveness in reaching its stated goals and objectives, including:

• Building consultation capacity within the MNO to participate in discussions with government and industry through the New Relationship Fund

• Supporting Métis economic development initiatives, including the creation of the $30-million Métis Voyageur Development Fund

• Fostering collaboration between the province and the MNO, including the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between the MNO and the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to improve education outcomes for Métis students, and

• Increasing awareness of Métis history, identity and culture.

The renewed agreement will continue to facilitate the recognition and advancement of Métis people in Ontario, as well as provide a forum for discussion on matters of mutual concern. A co-ordinating committee will identify priority activities on an annual basis to support the goals and objectives of the new agreement.

Supporting Aboriginal people and communities is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow and focuses on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

Quick Facts

• The initial Framework Agreement was signed on Nov. 17, 2008.
• Minister Zimmer, MNO President Gary Lipinski and MNO Chair France Picotte signed the renewed five-year agreement today in Toronto.
• There are over 86,000 Métis people in Ontario, which represents approximately 28 per cent of the total Aboriginal population in Ontario.
• The Métis Nation of Ontario maintains a centralized registry of Métis citizens recognized by the Métis Nation of Ontario who are represented at the local, regional and provincial levels through Chartered Community Councils and the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
• Métis Nation of Ontario volunteers were recognized with the 2014 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for more than 67,000 volunteer hours supporting Métis people last year.

Quotes

“Today’s signing of a renewed Framework Agreement will build on the 2008 agreement which helped develop important consultation capacity within the Métis Nation of Ontario, supported economic development initiatives and led to improved outcomes for Metis students. I am confident the renewed agreement will further advance the well-being of Métis people in Ontario.”

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

“We are pleased with the progress that has been made since our initial agreement, particularly in the areas of increased Métis access to decision making tables within government, and advancing Métis rights and improving the lives of Métis children and families across Ontario. We look forward to working with the Ontario Government in writing the next chapter in our people’s history in this province and in advancing reconciliation between the Crown and the Métis Nation.”

Gary Lipinski

President of the Métis Nation of Ontario

Media Contacts

• Scott Cavan
  Minister’s Office
  scott.cavan@ontario.ca
  416-314-6212

• Flavia Mussio
  Media Contact
  Flavia.Mussio@ontario.ca
  416-314-9455

NT5