Appointment of Ministerial Special Representative Indicates Renewed Commitment to Consultation, Métis Rights in Parliament
Posted on: Jun 04, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
The MNA is optimistic for a renewed commitment to consultation on the Federal Government’s behalf. Aboriginal Rights Lawyer Tom Issac was appointed to the position of Ministerial Special Representative in June. Issac will work alongside the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, to develop a renewed dialogue on Section 35 Métis Rights with Métis governing bodies including Métis Nation of British Columbia, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis National Council.
MNA President Audrey Poitras met with Tom Issac and the Honourable Bernard Valcourt at the Métis National Council’s Annual General Assembly. President Poitras is eager to begin discussions on moving forward with Section 35 Métis Rights and noted that “the MNA welcomes this opportunity to work with Mr. Issac to address Métis Rights. The Métis Nation and the Canadian Government have not always seen eye to eye, but we are hopeful that these negotiations will open up a new forum of mutual understanding and initiate a shared commitment to furthering Métis Rights.”