Métis leaders left a meeting on Thursday with Prime Minister Mark Carney, sure they will be included in the discussions on major projects that Ottawa hopes to set up to stimulate the economy in the face of the trade war with the United States.
“When things really matter, Métis governments come together and do what is needed,” said Margaret Froh, president of the Métis Nation de l’Ontario.
“There were many people around the table today who share the same goals and who wish to advance our Métis governments and Canada. It was a great day, “reported Andrea Sandmaier, president of the Alberta Métis Nation.
At the start of Thursday’s meeting, Carney asked Métis leaders to help increase the resilience of the economy in the face of an increasingly unstable commercial relationship with the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.
“We have the opportunity to work together on transformative projects that can help change the economic trajectory of our country to everyone,” Carney told Métis de l’Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories gathered for Reunion. “We build a new Canada and build it in partnership with Aboriginal peoples, and that is why we are here today. »»
The meeting was summoned to discuss the law on major projects of the Carney government, which allows the cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for major industrial projects which it deems of national interest by bypassing environmental protections and other laws.
Although the law was adopted rapidly in June with the support of the conservatives of the opposition, it was largely condemned by Aboriginal leaders, who declared that their rights had not been respected when it was drafted. They also said they feared that their rights are not respected when the projects approved and that they are not adequately consulted.
Thursday’s meeting with the Métis leaders is the last in a series of meetings promised by the Prime Minister after the adoption of the bill. Mark Carney and his cabinet have already met First Nations and Inuit leaders.
The Métis Federation of Manitoba (FMM), which represents the Métis of the Red River, declined the invitation to participate in Reunion on Wednesday, claiming that the invitation of the Métis Nation de l’Otisse de l’Ontario was involved in the integrity of the rally and jeopardized the government’s plans for major projects.
The FMM said that the Métis Nation of Ontario had no reason to be and did not represent the Métis – a point of view shared by certain Métis and First Nations, which the Métis Nation of Ontario rejected.
The Métis Nation of British Columbia said that it would not assist in Reunion, because it was not invited as online observers.
A first step
The Minister of Aboriginal Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, and the Minister of Couronne-Aombone Relations, Rebecca Alty, said that this meeting was a first step and that other discussions with Métis leaders will take place later.
“This government is responsible for dialogue with everyone, Ms. Gull-Masty. Many tools are being put in place. »»
Mark Carney was accompanied for this summit of several of his ministers, including the Minister of Services to Aboriginal people, Mandy Gull-Masty, the Minister of Couronne-Autochtones, Rebecca Alty, and the Minister of Commerce Canada-United States, Dominic Leblanc.
After the Prime Minister’s speech, the media were escorted outside the room before the Métis leaders pronounce their opening declarations.
“We are a solid and prosperous partner and we are there to work with you,” said Margaret Froh, president of the Métis Nation de l’Ontario, according to a written copy of her opening speech transmitted to the Canadian press.
“Ontario Métis communities will continue to fight for Canada, while protecting the land and waters on which our communities depend for their survival as a distinct indigenous communities. »»
“To materialize major projects, we must be present at the negotiating table, not after decision -making, but from the start, as partners,” said Sandmaier in a prepared speech.
“This includes a clear and respectful consultation with the federal government and the province of Alberta. »»
In a statement to the media, the president of the Métis Nation of the Saskatchewan, Glen McCallum, said he informed Mr. Carney that the rights of the Métis were not negotiable.
“Our nation will always support projects with economic growth, provided that they are developed in a responsible manner and in close collaboration with our citizens,” he said in the press release.
“Although the absence of consultation surrounding the deposit and adoption of this bill remains worrying, the summit of today allows me to hope with a cautious optimism that Canada will actively participate in discussions with us, as the only representative of the Métis nation in Saskatchewan. »»
Ms. Gull-Masty said after the summit that she had appreciated meeting First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders to discuss the government’s program.
“Each of its heights has given leaders the opportunity to contribute to our actions, to define our mandate, within reach and at the next steps in the selection of people who will sit on the Aboriginal Advisory Council,” she added.