Manitoba Métis Federation Refuses to Attend Meeting with Prime Minister Over Dispute
The Manitoba Métis Federation has decided not to attend a meeting with the Prime Minister, which was intended to discuss major projects legislation. The decision comes after the federation expressed concerns about the inclusion of another Métis group, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), in the discussions.
The federation, representing the Red River Métis, stated that inviting the MNO undermines the integrity of the meeting and could jeopardize the government’s plans for large-scale projects. The president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, David Chartrand, addressed reporters in Ottawa, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and trust between governments.
“Respect my government as you’re asking me to respect yours. Trust my government as you’re asking me to trust yours,” Chartrand said. He added that while the door is open for a government-to-government meeting, the federation would not engage if the Prime Minister were to insult them.
Other Métis groups and First Nations have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the MNO. They argue that the communities represented by the MNO do not have a valid claim to Métis heritage, and that both Ottawa and Ontario have no right to recognize them. The MNO, however, maintains that Métis people are not confined to the Red River region.
First Nations in Ontario have requested academic reviews of six new communities recognized by the MNO and Ontario in 2017, claiming they are not legitimate and infringe on their territories. Chartrand criticized the government for including the Métis National Council in the meeting, despite its dwindling number of provincial members due to conflicts with the MNO.
He accused the Prime Minister’s political advisers of lacking knowledge about Métis politics, suggesting that Carney would never have met with “fake banks” during his time as Governor of the Bank of Canada. Chartrand urged the Prime Minister not to meet with what he called a “fake group of people.”
The legislation in question allows the cabinet to bypass existing laws to quickly approve federal approvals for major industrial projects deemed to be in the national interest. While the Manitoba Métis Federation has generally supported the legislation, Chartrand warned that the government’s push for project approvals is at risk if it engages with “illegitimate bodies.”
Mitch Case, co-secretary for rights, intergovernmental relations, and communications with the MNO, responded to Chartrand’s remarks, stating that the MNO has the right to participate in discussions. He emphasized the importance of working with Canada to address economic and geopolitical challenges.
Case pointed to historical relationships between the Manitoba Métis Federation and the MNO, citing a 2003 Supreme Court of Canada case that recognized a Métis community in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and the support provided by Métis across the country, including Chartrand.
Margaret Froh, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario, highlighted the ongoing efforts to fight for Métis rights, even before formal recognition. She stressed the importance of preserving Métis history and culture, urging the MNO to develop its own identity rather than appropriating others’ heritage.
Chartrand acknowledged that two other provincial groups, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, were invited to the meeting, and he had no issue with their participation. However, the Métis Nation British Columbia declined to attend, as it was only invited as an online observer.
The Métis settlements in Alberta and the Northwest Territories were not invited to the meeting, raising concerns about the inclusivity of the process. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Métis leaders were informed about the meeting details, and that the government remains committed to working with Indigenous and Métis partners.
Despite these assurances, questions remain about the exclusion of certain groups and the legitimacy of the MNO’s involvement. As tensions continue to mount, the debate over Métis representation and governance remains a significant issue in Canadian politics.