Statement from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on the Resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Posted on: Jan 07, 2025
Statement from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on the Resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
January 6, 2024
Edmonton, AB/ The Otipemisiwak Métis Government acknowledges the announcement of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. During his tenure, Prime Minister Trudeau championed a number of initiatives aimed at advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including the signing of the Métis Nation within Alberta Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement in 2023. This agreement marked a significant milestone in affirming the inherent rights of the Métis Nation within Alberta and laying a foundation for self-determination.
In light of the Prime Minister’s decision to prorogue Parliament, we must also recognize that much of that work remains unfinished. Canada’s obligations under this historic agreement have yet to be fully implemented. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government continues to face challenges in realizing the promises of this partnership, and progress on reconciliation must be accelerated. Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation comes at a time when Canada still bears significant responsibilities to fulfill its commitments to the Métis Nation within Alberta, including the formal recognition of our inherent rights to self-determination through our own modern-day treaty.
Furthermore, we urge the next government, whoever forms it, to prioritize addressing outstanding claims stemming from the historic fraud of the Scrip system—a system that was systematically used to dispossess Métis people of their land and deny them their rightful place within the fabric of this nation. True reconciliation requires not only words but tangible actions to redress these past injustices and ensure a future founded on equity and respect.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government remains steadfast in its commitment to working with all levels of government to advance the rights, interests, and well-being of more than 72,000 rights-bearing Métis Citizens in Alberta. As we look toward the future, we call on Canada’s leaders to prioritize reconciliation and work collaboratively with our government to achieve justice and self-determination for our communities.
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