Métis groups will trudge on toward self-government as bill faces another setback

By The Canadian Press on April 18, 2024.

Metis organizations in Ontario and Alberta say they'll keep on the path toward self-government as a Saskatchewan Metis group withdraws support for a belaboured bill set to do just that. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations speaks with Metis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum as they wait for a meeting to begin Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in Ottawa.  THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA – Métis organizations in Ontario and Alberta say they’ll keep on the path toward self-government, but the future of a contentious bill set to do just that is now uncertain.

The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan was included in a piece of federal legislation set to recognize Métis governments in that province, Alberta and Ontario, but withdrew support Wednesday.

The Métis Nations of Alberta and Ontario say they respect the choice of Métis governments to choose their own pathways, and wish the Saskatchewan group well as it steers its own ship.

Bill C-53 has been through a lengthy House of Commons committee process and been the topic of heated public debate.

The Alberta and Ontario groups say the lengthy process to make the bill law has been unfair, delayed, disrespectful and demoralizing, and that it has encouraged division between their groups and other Métis and First Nations communities.

But given the support they have from their communities, however, the Métis Nations of Alberta and Ontario say they’ll continue to work with the federal government and ensure their self-government is respected and upheld.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2024.