Métis Voices Must Be Included in Tariff Response
Posted on: Mar 07, 2025
Edmonton, AB (March 7, 2025) — The Métis within Alberta have the inherent right to self-determination and economic sovereignty. The United States’ tariffs on Canadian goods, coupled with ongoing economic threats from President Donald Trump, pose a threat to these rights. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta have a responsibility to ensure Métis voices are both represented and included as Canada develops and implements its responses to the recent U.S. trade actions.
“The Métis have fought on the battlefield, in court, and with governments to have our rights recognized for generations,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “The economic threats levied by the United States don’t just impact Canada’s economy, they also threaten the ability for Métis businesses and communities to prosper and advance. Including Métis voices in discussions on tariff responses would not only leverage our economic contributions, but would also align with Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and self-determination.”
As provincial and federal governments move forward with responses to U.S. tariffs, including implementing “Canada First” procurement policies, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has formally called on the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Alberta to leverage the long-standing economic partnerships between the Métis and Canada. Many Métis businesses are well-positioned to contribute to Canadian government procurement and provide goods and services that could replace U.S. imports.
In addition to urging the federal government to work with the Métis and other Indigenous governments, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is also encouraging Albertans to buy local and support Métis-owned businesses. From mechanical and legal services to commercial and industrial companies, hundreds of Métis owned and operated businesses are ready to deliver high quality services and goods across Alberta. A full directory of Métis-owned businesses can be found at Alberta MétisWorks, an online business directory of Métis-owned and verified businesses.
“It’s no secret that tariffs will be difficult on communities across Alberta,” added Sandmaier. “However, it is times like this where we can all come together, demonstrate our collective strength, and support one another as Canada and the world continue to navigate uncertain political times.”
A true Team Canada approach requires Métis voices at the table. This is a unique moment in the country’s history, and Canada’s trade policies, along with any domestic responses, must reflect the economic partnerships that already exist between the Indigenous governments, Alberta and Canada, while also encouraging Canadian support for both local and Indigenous businesses.
Media contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
ktrenton@metis.org