Statement on C-53
Posted on: Dec 20, 2024
Statement on C-53
Last week, Canada’s Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, informed a parliamentary committee that Bill C-53, which aimed to support Métis self-government in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, is unlikely to “continue in its current form.”
Following these comments, President Sandmaier met with Minister Anandasangaree to discuss the future of this bill and the ongoing efforts to strengthen our Government-to-Government relationship with Canada. During the conversation, the Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with our government to advance self-determination and self-government.
The Minister also emphasized that Canada is committed to upholding the promises made to the Métis Nation in Alberta through our legally binding Self-Government Agreements. These agreements are not just symbolic—they are the foundation for securing a brighter future for our Citizens, grounded in our inherent and s.35 rights as Métis, including the right to self-governance.
Our self-government journey is not tied to the outcome of any single piece of legislation and we will continue to move forward with the formal recognition of our inherent rights to self-determination and self-government through our own modern-day treaty.