Liberals commit to working with Metis people

October 5, 2015. The Liberals have announced that should they form the next government, they will prioritize reconciliation with the Métis Nation, by working closely with the Métis people, provinces, and territories.  Liberal candidate for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Kyle Harrietha, who also serves as general manager for McMurray Métis, applauded the announcement.
“I'm fully aware that after a decade of Conservative failure,
reconciliation with Métis communities – here in Fort McMurray-Cold Lake, and right across the country – is long overdue and cannot be delayed any further,” he said. Among the steps the Liberals will take include establishing a federal claims process that recognizes Métis self-government and resolves outstanding claims; convert current year-to-year funding, made available for identification and registration, to a permanent initiative; work with Métis communities and existing Métis financial institutions to develop a Métis economic development strategy; and fulfil the commitment in the Kelowna Accord to enhance existing post-secondary scholarships and bursaries available to Métis students.

“We must innovate and establish real partnerships in order to improve Métis quality of life, and under a Liberal government, we can and will do that,” said Harrietha.