l-r: Métis Elder Oliver Boulette, MNO President Margaret Froh, MNA President Audrey Poitras, MNC President Clément Chartier, MNBC President Clara Morin-Dal Col, MMF President David Chartrand, MN-S Vice President Gerald Morin
December 9, 2016 Ottawa, ON: In keeping with their nation-to-nation relationship, Canada and the Métis Nation have arrived at an agreed upon mechanism to address climate change at a meeting of First Ministers and the three National Indigenous leaders today in Ottawa. The implementation plan for the Pan-Canadian Framework enables the full inclusion of all the Métis Nation governments to participate effectively. Through senior level officials tables and appropriate working group efforts, the Métis Nation has designed a respectful and effective mechanism to address climate change impacts at the regional and community levels while advancing Métis Nation engagement in the changing Canadian economy.
“The Métis Nation continues to focus its efforts to maintain a healthy Métis Nation and to protect our traditional territories. The Pan-Canadian Framework, along with the Process for Ongoing Engagement with the Métis Nation, represent the plan and the means to achieve this plan”, said MNC President Clément Chartier. “I appreciate the Prime Minister’s involvement of the Métis Nation and look forward to implementing this plan in partnership with the Government of Canada on a Nation-to-Nation basis.”
President Chartier and fellow members of the MNC Board of Governors have been working with the Government of Canada to develop the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Process for Ongoing Engagement of the Métis Nation.
“This is a significant step in moving forward on addressing the issues of climate change and I am very pleased with the inclusion of the Métis Nation in this framework,” said Métis Nation British Columbia President Clara Morin Dal Col. “In British Columbia, the state of the environment and the impacts of climate change are very important to Métis people, and this framework lays out a plan to ensure our interests and concerns are addressed, and that Métis people are involved in the process.”
“This framework is an historic and important step in solidifying the government to government – Nation to Nation relationship between the Métis Nation and Canada,” said Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras. “The Métis Nation of Alberta is looking forward to working with Canada and Alberta to ensure that the impact of climate change can be appropriately addressed.”
“I applaud the Prime Minister in the inclusion of ensuring the Métis Nation will not only be included by name but will have a chance to participate in the greatest challenge that this country and the world faces” said Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Vice-President Gerald Morin. “We want to do our part as the Métis Nation in achieving and setting that goal.”
“I am pleased with the emphasis this Prime Minister is placing on the importance of balancing the effects of climate change with the need for sound economic development strategy,” said MNC Vice-President and MMF President David Chartrand. “The planet is sending us a message and a challenge that we as leaders must meet. The actions we take now are not only for today, but will also form all our tomorrows. We cannot change what has been done, but we can set a better path for the future. The Métis Nation is ready to be a part of a cleaner, healthier environment. We are ready to walk with the Prime Minister and the rest of Canada towards this goal.”
According to Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh:“For Ontario Métis, the lands and waters of our Homelands are the heart, soul and lifeblood of our communities, identity and culture. Climate change puts at risk the living systems that nurture and sustain the health and well-being of all peoples and it transcends political, geographic, societal, and biological divides. The Métis Nation of Ontario welcomes this historic Framework agreement, and looks forward to working on a nation-to-nation basis with all those with which we share these lands to address the challenge before us. We will work with a view of forging collaborations and partnerships, consistent with our traditional alliances and the aspirations set out in the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose. We will also work with our Métis youth, women, veterans, Elders, Captains of the Hunt, knowledge holders, elected leadership, and all interested MNO citizens toward areas of common concern on land and water protection issues, including climate change.”
Today’s First Ministers Meeting with the Indigenous Leaders is part of the follow up to the commitments made by Canada on climate change in Paris last year. According to Prime Minister Trudeau: “Meaningful engagement and partnership with the Metis Nation to support the implementation of this historic Framework is another step toward reconciliation and will result in a cleaner and more sustainable environment today, tomorrow and for future generations.”
Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Click to download PDF Framework
Joint Statement by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the President of the Métis National Council, Clément Chartier
Click to Download PDF statement
Process Document for Ongoing Engagement on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Click to Download PDF Process Document
-30-
For all media requests or for more information, please contact:
Ke Ning
Métis National Council
c: (613) 297-5193
e: ken@metisnation.ca
The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation’s homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into the contiguous parts of British Columbia, Ontario, the Northwest Territories and the United States. There are approximately 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.