Framework agreement between province, MNO strengthened

(From left) Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer, MNO Chair France Picotte and MNO President Gary Lipinski at the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement signing event on April 17.

The framework agreement renewed by the province and Métis Nation Ontario builds on a 2008 agreement and includes an increased focus on Métis rights through “advancing reconciliation between the Crown and the Métis people” and providing “a framework for meeting Ontario’s constitutional obligations towards the Métis people consistent with the honour of the Crown and decisions of the courts.” It also makes a new commitment on the part of the MNO and Ontario to “advance initiatives that support Métis children and youth to be the best that they can be.” This enhanced youth-oriented commitment reflects the MNO’s ongoing commitment to building a stronger Métis Nation and Ontario. “The message is clear from the courts:  the federal government cannot continue its complete exclusion of Métis from specific and comprehensive claims processes that are open to the two other constitutionally recognized Aboriginal peoples.  The jurisdictional football the Métis are subjected to with respect to their rights, claims and needs must end,” said MNO President Gary Lipinski, in a news release.